Yarra Park

Yarra Park sits on Marathon Way in East Melbourne, the expansive parkland surrounding the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), just east of the CBD. A large, much-loved parkland, it's a green focal point of the sporting precinct — combining sweeping lawns, mature trees, walking paths and open space, and serving as the gateway and gathering point for the millions who attend events at the 'G.

The appeal is that combination of expansive green space and a great location by Melbourne's most famous sporting venue: room to walk, picnic and relax among the gracious old trees, with the MCG, the sporting precinct and the city close by. It's a popular spot for a stroll, a pre-game picnic or simply some time outdoors near the heart of Melbourne's sporting life.

With a 4.5 rating from nearly 1,000 reviews, it's a much-loved parkland. The park is free and open year-round, but it gets very busy on event days at the MCG, and facilities vary, so it's worth checking what's on before a visit — though for a stroll, a picnic or some time outdoors near the 'G, you can generally just turn up and enjoy Yarra Park.