Royal Park extends from Parkville to Carlton and is home to a plethora of vegetation and wildlife. Linked ponds and wetlands exist among sweeping plains of open grass with views of the city; a native garden; tall gums; sports grounds and gardens. It’s a wonderful area to spend a good portion of the day for a free adventure!

It’s the largest park in the inner city and while you may know it for the amazing Royal Park ‘Nature Play’ Playground, a trip here just for the natural wonderland nearby to the playground is well worth it.

Gravel paths spout off from the bitumen grassland circle. These meander further into the bushland, cross tram tracks and lead to lots of great pockets of the park.

Water fountains and park benches are dotted around the park, and there are toilets available near the Australian Native Garden, Tennis Courts and Playground.

On the grassland circle you’ll see lots of runners and riders so make sure you’re sticking to the left! The tracks in Royal Park are used as a thoroughfare for commuters. The tracks are pram, wheelchair, bike and scooter friendly but some areas of the gravel paths can be a bit loose, making wheeling a challenge.

the nitty gritty

Royal Park, Parkville

Mamma started our adventure at the Australian Native Garden, there are a couple of carparks there, but there is lots of parking on the surrounding streets

toilets - pagoda - park benches - dog off leash areas - barbecues - drinking fountains

Mamma’s special mentions: