Como Park North

Como Park North is a spacious riverside park in South Yarra, extending across Alexandra Avenue beside the Yarra River and near historic Como House. It is known for broad, sloping lawns and scenic views, with enough room for a relaxed walk, informal recreation or a picnic-style outing. The park also sits next to Kanteen cafe on the river bank, giving visitors a nearby stopping point without making the park itself a dining venue.

The facilities cover a wide range of everyday outdoor activities. Como Oval is used for football and cricket, with two turf cricket wickets, three practice wickets and floodlights. Elsewhere, visitors will find a BBQ area, basketball half court, playground, outdoor exercise equipment, paved bike paths, walking trails, drinking fountains, public toilets and shaded areas. The grassed sports areas and open lawns make it suitable for families, casual exercise and groups using the park for active recreation. The Como Park Pavilion supports the sporting grounds, which are associated with Old Geelong Football Club and South Yarra Cricket Club.

Dog owners have a dedicated option nearby at Thomas Oval Dog Park, Stonnington’s first dedicated dog park. It is accessed from the boardwalk beside Alexandra Avenue and is fully fenced, with separate areas for large and smaller dogs. The park includes a broad lawn, features intended to keep dogs occupied, and seating positioned around the space so owners can watch their pets. Dogs must remain on lead in Como Park North itself; off-leash access applies at Thomas Oval Dog Park.

There is also a layer of local history and established planting to explore. The land was purchased by Prahran Council in 1921 after the area’s former lake had become a swamp, and the site was drained and reshaped before opening as a public park in 1934. Its name traces back to Sir Edward Williams, who named the area after Lake Como in Italy. Significant trees include flooded and river red gums, a bunya pine, cork and pin oaks, a weeping fig and other mature specimens. With its river setting, sports infrastructure, playground and dog facilities, Como Park North suits families, walkers, runners, dog owners and anyone looking for an open-air break close to central Melbourne.