Princes Park

Princes Park stretches along Royal Parade in Carlton North, just north of the Melbourne CBD. A large and much-loved inner-city park, it's a green hub for the surrounding suburbs — combining sweeping open space, sporting ovals, a famous tree-lined running and walking loop, and the historic Princes Park sporting ground, long associated with the Carlton Football Club.

The appeal is that combination of expansive open space and great amenity: the popular circuit that draws runners and walkers, room to picnic, play sport or relax, and the leafy, gracious feel of an established Melbourne park. It's a beloved spot for active locals and families, close to the city yet spacious and green.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 1,200 reviews, it's a firm favourite. The park is free and open year-round, but facilities, the sporting grounds and any events vary, so it's worth checking the surrounds before a special trip — though for a run around the loop, a kick of the footy, a picnic or a relaxed afternoon, you can generally just turn up and enjoy one of Carlton's great open spaces.