Union Street Gardens

Union Street Gardens is a spacious public reserve with plenty to do for families, active visitors and anyone seeking an easy outdoor break in Prahran, Melbourne. Its established gardens include broad lawns, shaded areas, picnic tables and a playground with accessible equipment, including basket swings set over rubber matting. A basketball half court and paved sports area add options for older children and casual play, while toilets are listed among the park’s facilities.

The gardens are also home to the Malvern Tennis Centre and a cafe, giving the reserve a mix of recreation and everyday community use. It suits families looking for a playground and open space, groups planning a picnic, and solo visitors wanting a simple place to sit among greenery. Dogs can be off-leash between 5pm and 9am, subject to the park’s stated rules.

There is a long local history behind the reserve. The land was originally a dairy farm and orchard, operating from 1859, before Malvern Council acquired it in stages. Following a petition from ratepayers, adjoining land was secured in 1908 to form a public reserve. The playground opened in 1925 alongside the first tennis courts, with more courts and a pavilion added the following year.

The park is at the corner of Union Street and Orchard Street. Public transport options listed by the City of Stonnington include tram route 6 along High Street and Armadale railway station on the Pakenham, Cranbourne and Frankston lines.