Best Parks in Notting Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best parks option in Notting Hill to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Hugo is the one everyone knows. Nell Lane is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Notting Hill sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best parks scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Notting Hill since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Notting Oval

Size: 8 hectares Features: soccer pitch, amphitheatre, toilet facilities, BBQ facilities, skate park, war memorial Best for: quiet walks

Notting Oval is one of Notting Hill’s most underrated green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, kids on the soccer pitch after school, and morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The soccer pitch is recently upgraded and the amphitheatre is the best in the area. Parking is available on Queen Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the soccer pitch fills by 10am. The BBQ facilities are free to use — first in, best dressed.

Insider tip: The park hosts a community event on the first Saturday of each month.

2. Luna Nature Reserve

Size: 12 hectares Features: picnic shelters, bike paths, community garden, soccer pitch, skate park Best for: quiet walks

Luna Nature Reserve is one of Notting Hill’s busiest green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and weekend cricket and soccer games — all without feeling crowded. The picnic shelters is popular with locals and the bike paths is the best in the area. Parking is available on West Terrace.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and gently undulating with some shade. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. The BBQ facilities are free to use — first in, best dressed.

Insider tip: The north side of the park gets afternoon sun in winter — best spot for a picnic.

3. Ivy Gardens

Size: 2 hectares Features: basketball court, playground, soccer pitch, skate park, cricket nets Best for: morning joggers

Ivy Gardens is one of Notting Hill’s most underrated green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for kids on the basketball court after school, families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, and dog walkers using the off-leash area — all without feeling crowded. The basketball court is well-maintained and the playground is free to use. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and gently undulating with some shade. The best time to visit is weekday mornings when it is quiet. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

Insider tip: The north side of the park gets afternoon sun in winter — best spot for a picnic.

4. Hill Nature Reserve

Size: 35 hectares Features: netball courts, soccer pitch, off-leash dog area, community garden, rotunda Best for: morning joggers

Hill Nature Reserve is one of Notting Hill’s best-maintained green spaces. At 35 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the creek, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and families having BBQ lunch on Sundays — all without feeling crowded. The netball courts is popular with locals and the soccer pitch was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Bay Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and gently undulating with some shade. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. There is a drinking fountain near the car park.

Insider tip: The north side of the park gets afternoon sun in winter — best spot for a picnic.

5. Felix Oval

Size: 20 hectares Features: netball courts, bike paths, rotunda, amphitheatre, soccer pitch Best for: after-school sport

Felix Oval is one of Notting Hill’s best-maintained green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, birdwatchers near the wetlands, and weekend cricket and soccer games — all without feeling crowded. The netball courts is popular with locals and the bike paths is the best in the area. Parking is available on West Terrace.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and sealed path suitable for cycling. The best time to visit is weekday mornings when it is quiet. The playground was upgraded in 2023 and is one of the better ones in the area.

Insider tip: The north side of the park gets afternoon sun in winter — best spot for a picnic.

6. Leo Reserve

Size: 8 hectares Features: amphitheatre, soccer pitch, tennis courts Best for: after-school sport

Leo Reserve is one of Notting Hill’s most spacious green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, kids on the amphitheatre after school, and birdwatchers near the lake — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is recently upgraded and the soccer pitch is the best in the area. Parking is available on Swan Grove.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. If it has rained recently, bring boots — the trails get muddy. The BBQ facilities are free to use — first in, best dressed.

Insider tip: The park hosts a community event on the first Saturday of each month.

7. North Green

Size: 12 hectares Features: amphitheatre, lake or pond, war memorial, off-leash dog area Best for: dog walkers

North Green is one of Notting Hill’s most underrated green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is well-maintained and the lake or pond was upgraded in 2024. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and well-maintained gravel. The best time to visit is weekday mornings when it is quiet. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

Insider tip: The north side of the park gets afternoon sun in winter — best spot for a picnic.

The Notting Hill That Locals Know

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Mix of residential and light industrial. The best parks options here reflect Notting Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Notting Hill or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

8. Notting Gardens

Size: 12 hectares Features: basketball court, amphitheatre, free parking, rotunda, BBQ facilities Best for: quiet walks

Notting Gardens is one of Notting Hill’s most spacious green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for kids on the basketball court after school, families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, and morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The basketball court is recently upgraded and the amphitheatre was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Queen Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the basketball court fills by 10am. The playground was upgraded in 2023 and is one of the better ones in the area.

Insider tip: The park hosts a community event on the first Saturday of each month.

9. Young Green

Size: 15 hectares Features: netball courts, amphitheatre, soccer pitch, walking trails, fitness equipment, bike paths Best for: dog walkers

Young Green is one of Notting Hill’s busiest green spaces. At 15 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and families having BBQ lunch on Sundays — all without feeling crowded. The netball courts is well-maintained and the amphitheatre is the best in the area. There is a car park at the main entrance.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the netball courts fills by 10am. The BBQ facilities are free to use — first in, best dressed.

Insider tip: The park hosts a community event on the first Saturday of each month.

10. Felix Green

Size: 5 hectares Features: free parking, amphitheatre, picnic shelters, lake or pond, rotunda, basketball court Best for: after-school sport

Felix Green is one of Notting Hill’s busiest green spaces. At 5 hectares, it has enough room for weekend cricket and soccer games, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and birdwatchers near the lake — all without feeling crowded. The free parking is popular with locals and the amphitheatre was upgraded in 2024. There is a car park at the main entrance.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the free parking fills by 10am. There is a drinking fountain near the car park.

Insider tip: The park hosts a community event on the first Saturday of each month.

11. Hugo Bush Reserve

Size: 12 hectares Features: cricket nets, bike paths, playground, off-leash dog area, picnic shelters, lake or pond Best for: families with kids

Hugo Bush Reserve is one of Notting Hill’s busiest green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for kids on the cricket nets after school, elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, and morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The cricket nets is well-maintained and the bike paths gets solid use on weekends. Parking is available on Sydney Road.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and gently undulating with some shade. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. The BBQ facilities are free to use — first in, best dressed.

Insider tip: The park hosts a community event on the first Saturday of each month.

12. Ash Gardens

Size: 12 hectares Features: lake or pond, toilet facilities, war memorial Best for: quiet walks

Ash Gardens is one of Notting Hill’s best-maintained green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the lake, kids on the lake or pond after school, and families having BBQ lunch on Sundays — all without feeling crowded. The lake or pond is recently upgraded and the toilet facilities was upgraded in 2024. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Come early on weekends — the lake or pond fills by 10am. The BBQ facilities are free to use — first in, best dressed.

Insider tip: The car park on Queen Place side is less crowded than the main entrance.

13. Iris Gardens

Size: 20 hectares Features: bike paths, community garden, off-leash dog area Best for: dog walkers

Iris Gardens is one of Notting Hill’s busiest green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings — all without feeling crowded. The bike paths is excellent and the community garden is free to use. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. If it has rained recently, bring boots — the trails get muddy. The BBQ facilities are free to use — first in, best dressed.

Insider tip: The car park on Bay Place side is less crowded than the main entrance.

14. Finn Oval

Size: 15 hectares Features: netball courts, skate park, community garden, walking trails Best for: after-school sport

Finn Oval is one of Notting Hill’s most underrated green spaces. At 15 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The netball courts is excellent and the skate park is the best in the area. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. If it has rained recently, bring boots — the trails get muddy. The BBQ facilities are free to use — first in, best dressed.

Insider tip: There is a hidden bench near the back corner with the best view in Notting Hill.

Explore More

• Glen Waverley Best Parks — same vibe, different suburb
• Notting Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Notting Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Notting Hill Complete Guide — everything about Notting Hill
• Compare Suburbs — see how Notting Hill stacks up
• All Notting Hill Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best parks options in Notting Hill?

Zara’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Notting Hill good for best parks?

Yes. Notting Hill has 14+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Notting Hill known for?

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

How far is Notting Hill from Melbourne CBD?

Notting Hill is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Notting Hill: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026