Catani Gardens

Catani Gardens stretch along Beaconsfield Parade on the St Kilda foreshore, a lovely palm-lined parkland right by the beach in one of Melbourne's most famous seaside suburbs. With its grand Canary Island palms, open lawns and bay views, it's a much-loved spot to relax, picnic or stroll with the water right there.

The appeal is that combination of a beautiful beachfront setting and relaxed open space, perfect for soaking up the St Kilda atmosphere away from the busier parts of the foreshore. With the beach, the pier and the buzz of St Kilda all close by, the gardens make a peaceful, scenic spot to unwind by the bay.

With a 4.5 rating from more than 2,200 reviews, it's a well-loved green space. The gardens are free and open year-round, but facilities and any events vary, and they get busy on warm weekends and over summer, so it's worth checking the surrounds before a special trip — though for a picnic, a stroll among the palms or a relaxed afternoon by the bay, you can generally just turn up and enjoy it.