Gardens, Picnics & Playgrounds

Nature takes centre stage throughout the region. Take the time to be in the outdoors and feel the difference. Explore the magnificent private gardens open to the public such as Alowyn Gardens or the memorable Coombe – The Melba Estate, the former home to world famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. Picnics can be the ultimate in a family day out or an intimate day for two to reconnect and wash the worries of the week away. Wander the grounds of Maroondah Dam park and enjoy the roses, rest in an historic rotunda or find yourself on a rug under the branches of a magnificent sprawling tree. Fresh air, stunning views, amazing wildlife and spectacular gardens all make for an entirely wonderful adventure.

Kalatha Giant

The Kalatha Giant has survived several major fires in its lifetime, as well as escaping the logging that took many of the trees surrounding it. The immediate area is now protected and is a popular tourist attraction. Take an easy stroll along the boardwalk to learn more about the forest ecosystem and the giants within. The Kalatha Giant is located at Kalatha Creek in the Toolangi State Forest and is approximately 65 metres tall.

Kellybrook produces a range of award-winning wines, including Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay. Be sure to try their renowned ciders as well.

Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.

A tranquil and relaxing destination incorporating the native plant nursery, gift shop and Paperbark Café

Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest.

Lillydale Lake is open at all times and has a range of facilities and activities to suit everyone, including an all-abilities playground, outdoor fitness station, walking tracks, fishing jetties, BBQs, picnic shelters, sandy beach areas and public toilets.

The Lubra Bend landscape features a glorious Guilford-Bell House set amongst an established garden of camellias, magnolias, oaks and a Phillip Johnson designed dry garden, cascading 600m to the Yarra River.

Maroondah features gardens with stands of native and exotic trees, native animals and birds and walking tracks. Its playground, lawns and cool summer shade make it a popular picnic destination in warmer months.

Set in the picturesque Mystic Mountains of Marysville, it is a place where you can catch a trout or salmon, eat it here or take away. Everything is here to have a fun time for the whole family. A small entry fee and rods & equipment to fish and cook are free.

Experience YesterYear with a Tour of the Historic property. After your tour you can enjoy great tea and coffee with traditional fare in a warm and stylish atmosphere at Montys Tea-room. An excellent destination for a day trip only an hour’s drive from Melbourne.

"Large recreation space with sporting ovals, open space and bushland area and playground."

Located in Morrison Reserve, the landscaped, “farmyard” themed playground has great views of the Yarra Valley.

At an elevation of 1245 metres, the summit features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It is also a popular picnic area and starting point for walks on the mountain.

Street style skate park that transitions between a top and bottom level, offering varied skate experiences for the novice and more experienced skaters and riders. The skate park is located next to Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.

The O'Shannassy Aqueduct trail is a 30 kilometre walking and bike riding trail from East Warburton to Don Valley in the Upper Yarra Valley.

Seven bushland reserves in the Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek area are collectively known as the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System.

The Queens Park Playspace features new playground equipment, landscaping and paths to create formal and informal seating and play areas and equipment and areas for families and people of all ages.

Rayner's Stonefruit Orchard grows and sells over 450 varieties of fruit all year round!

Located next to the Mooroolbark Community Centre, this playground has basket swings, spinning disks and spiral slide. Part of the larger Red Earth Community Park with lots of open space including a sports oval.

Ruffey Lake Park

Loved by locals and visitors and flaunted as the park that ‘has it all’, Ruffey Lake Park is popular for social gatherings and family reunions.

Gardens, Picnics & Playgrounds

Kalatha Giant

Kellybrook Winery

Kinglake National Park

Kuranga Native Nursery

Lake Eildon National Park

Lillydale Lake & Playground

Lubra Bend Garden

Maroondah Reservoir Park

Marysville Trout and Salmon Ponds

Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead

Montrose Community Playground

Morrison Reserve West Playground

Mt Donna Buang

Mt Evelyn Skate Park

O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail

Panton Hill Bushland Reserve

Queens Park Playspace

Rayners Orchard

Red Earth Community Park

Ruffey Lake Park

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