Top Rated Parks to Visit in Melbourne

"Visit the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens for somewhere unique in Melbourne – it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest existing exhibition buildings in the world. The building hosts various exhibitions and events in all areas of interest, of which price for each will vary so check out what’s on before visiting. Regardless, a simple walk around the outside provides a moment to admire the restoration work on this wonderful building!"

"If you are planning a visit to the Melbourne Museum which is located in the historic Royal Exhibition Building then you can’t walk past the wonderful Carlton Gardens. These gardens are world heritage listed and are well worth a visit in any season. Make sure you check out the ornamental lakes and the fountains (kids love water in action)."

"Firstly you don’t need a permit (yay!) and even if there are lots of visitors in the gardens, there is still lots of space. Our fave spots are the hedge wall and gazebo near the rose garden. Even the public toilets have a great stone wall!"

"Birrarung Marr is a three terraced park that connects the central business district in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and the Yarra River. Strewn with grassy knolls, river promenades, this garden adds up immensely to the beauty of Melbourne. The central attraction of this garden is the middle terrace that you can take up the scenic route to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) via the ‘talk...Read more"

"Birrarung Marr Park with its weird sculptures is perfect for children that love to escape to fantastical places. The installation celebrates the diversity of Victoria’s indigenous culture by interpreting stories through public artworks. A winding pathway acknowledges the significance of the eel as a traditional food source."

"If you’re a Melbournian, you would’ve set foot inside Birrarung Marr at some stage for a concert or some kind of foodie or cultural event. It would be completely un-Melbournian of you if you haven’t. The city would probably disown you."

"Part of Woodlea, Frontier Park has quality equipment, with three big tree house structures to climb between, a sandpit, water play and some nature play space. There is also a small skate park perfect for scooting on and a basketball court. It's one of the most versatile childrens parks in the west."

"One of the best Melbourne playgrounds that has been recently constructed, Pipemakers Park is set in an area of Melbourne's Inner West with industrial history and a rich indigenous history. The playground is split into sections, each with a totem/wayfinding sign that explains the Aboriginal name of the country and it's meaning. There is a sandpit, water play, space for imaginative play and a large climbing fort."

"Part of the Saltwater Coast residential development, Crocodile Park is open to everyone with a playground, boardwalk and barbecue area. The playground includes a play structure, and a water play area with a large crocodile at the centre, and a stream running into a wading pool and water jets. Crocodile Park, Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook"

"For peace and quiet away from the busy city there’s nowhere better than Kings Domain. A completely free activity just south of the CBD, you can easily walk to the park."

"Chooks, organic groceries, playspaces and a cafe – what more could you want?. CERES is a green oasis that's a wonderful place in the inner city for a parents group meetup. CERES, Cnr Roberts & Stewart Sts, Brunswick East"

"The carts roll hard and fast at the Golf Leaf, dispensing everything from the crowd-pleasing dumpling staples to adventurous experiments dripping in XO sauce that’ll keep you on your toes. A stalwart example of the classic speedy and noisy, hustle and bustle Yum Cha experience, the Gold Leaf is the ideal midweek lunch; crack a few baskets, knock back some tea and back to work you go. Address: 10-11 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008Phone: +61 3 9670 1128Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm, Sat 11:30am-3:30pm & 6pm-10pm, Sun 11am-3pm & 6pm-10pm"

"Have the best Chinese in Melbourne at one of the oldest Asian Restaurants in Melbourne by booking a special Gold Leaf dinner. The banquets featured are excellent for groups 4 to 10 and come with Penfolds Bin 8 Shiraz bottles with a sautéed lobster or mud crab consisting of ginger, shallots, and noodles. These people are clearly aware of their audience."

"Named after a traditional Chinese dance, Flower Drum was established by Gilbert Lau, who wanted to create a fine-dining experience where Australians could taste true Cantonese cuisine. Originally opened on Little Bourke Street in 1975, Flower Drum now sits on Market Lane and features a sprawling dining room as well as private rooms ideal for functions. The highly distinguished restaurant is now led by Executive Chef Anthony Lui, who skillfully executes the 13-page menu, ensuring that every guest leaves with their palate abuzz."

"With its perfectly unreconstructed décor and a cohort of staff as polished as the lustrous timber-work, the Drum could be mistaken for something frozen in time. But don’t be fooled. You can set your watch by the quality of its Cantonese classics – superb crisp-skinned chicken, Peking duck served with care and outstanding crab."

"Apart from their amazing take on Cantonese cuisine, flower drum is known for their impeccable cuisine. You won’t find moody or arrogant workers here. Believe me, the incredible service itself qualifies the restaurant’s place on this list."

"Melburnians seeking hot pot fare in trendy surrounds of marble, metallics and neon blue, head along Elizabeth Street to find Chef David. This cheeky baby sibling of David's Hot Pot restaurants already..."

"Parlour Diner would be best suited to be the proverbial poster child for what an authentic American Burger joint should look like. With classics that contain influences from international cuisines, you may just find the best burger in Melbourne here. The crispy fried chicken and brioche bun combination are revered by locals and burger lovers who travel from further afield for one of the best burger shops in Melbourne."