Wallen Road Reserve and Fairview Park & Playground

Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world for public parks. The gems that are Wallen Road Reserve and Fairview Park definitely rank among some of the most beautiful that Melbourne’s East have to offer. Just under 10kms from Melbourne, you can find three lush sections of green space, copious bird life, variety of trees and room to run free are all there for the whole family to enjoy.

Wallen Road Reserve and Fairview Park

The easiest way to enter is off Wallen Road where there is plenty of free parking behind Leonda By The Yarra. A path comes directly to the parking lot that is perfect to walk, bike, scoot or push a pram through the whole park. This is also a wonderful place to bring your four legged friends as the whole reserve is off lead.

Wallen Reserve

Wallen Reserve is a beautiful wide-open space right along the Yarra River. An ideal place to try and fly a kite or rest on one of the benches and watch magpies or rainbow lorikeets in the gum trees.

There’s a small bridge over an attractive creek lined with agapanthus that connects Wallen Reserve to Fairview Park.

Fairview Park

Fairview has two main sections. The first has a delightful picnic area with a free BBQ that is a perfect spot for a get together with friends or a family birthday celebration.  

The space is filled with a collection of gorgeous trees that are large enough to play under. They provide shade in the summer and many of the deciduous variety change to brilliant colours in the autumn. The changing leaves also provide piles of leaves to jump in and play.

After a big rain there are usually some pretty fantastic muddy puddles along the path so definitely wear gum boots. These puddles are just too good not to jump in.

There is a fully enclosed playground in the middle section so if your kids aren’t super keen on the dogs they have a place to play where the dogs are not allowed.

Some kids say that even better than the playground are the giant hills that are absolutely perfect to roll down.

The largest section of Fairview is another beautiful wide open space perfect to throw the dog his favourite ball, kick the footy or have a family game of cricket.

There are more benches situated right next to the Yarra where the kids love to watch some of the more intrepid dogs have a swim and the crew boats go by on the weekends.

Park Facilities:

• Off-lead dog area
• Water fountains for people and dogs
• Playground
• Sportsground
• Seating and tables

Park Extras

• Picnic Areas: There is a great picnic area with seating, and a free BBQ.
• Shaded Areas: There is a gorgeous collection trees that provide shade
• Toilets: Public toilets located in the carpark for Wallen Reserve.
• Café: There isn’t a café onsite so make sure to pack water bottles and some food for a lovely picnic or BBQ.
• Parking: Parking available at Wallen Reserve, Limited street parking available on Fairview Street.

Details:

Where:
8 Wallen Road, Hawthorn, VIC
Open:
Always
Cost:
Free

Guest contributor: Clara Batton Smith, Melbourne

Parks in Melbourne

Wallen Road Reserve and Fairview Park are great outdoor spaces for families if you are looking for somewhere to spend the day close to Melbourne. Make sure to check out our list of Parks and Playgrounds in Melbourne for more options.

Looking for more kids activities in Melbourne? Make sure to follow Mum’s Little Explorers on Facebook and join our Facebook community group.