Best Parks in Preston Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best parks scene in Preston is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Room, then check out Ash Table. High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Located 8km from the CBD, Preston is part of Melbourne’s Middle North region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Preston locals actually recommend.

1. Preston Oval

Size: 12 hectares Features: soccer pitch, basketball court, amphitheatre, netball courts Best for: quiet walks

Preston Oval is one of Preston’s most spacious green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and kids on the soccer pitch after school — all without feeling crowded. The soccer pitch is recently upgraded and the basketball court is free to use. There is a car park at the main entrance.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. The playground was upgraded in 2023 and is one of the better ones in the area.

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

2. Preston Park

Size: 5 hectares Features: tennis courts, soccer pitch, netball courts, amphitheatre Best for: weekend picnics

Preston Park is one of Preston’s most popular green spaces. At 5 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings — all without feeling crowded. The tennis courts is well-maintained and the soccer pitch was upgraded in 2024. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the tennis courts fills by 10am. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

3. Gus Reserve

Size: 20 hectares Features: free parking, soccer pitch, walking trails, war memorial Best for: families with kids

Gus Reserve is one of Preston’s most underrated green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, and kids on the free parking after school — all without feeling crowded. The free parking is excellent and the soccer pitch was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Oak Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and well-maintained gravel. 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.

4. Church Bush Reserve

Size: 8 hectares Features: skate park, off-leash dog area, fitness equipment, community garden, walking trails, cricket nets Best for: after-school sport

Church Bush Reserve is one of Preston’s most popular green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for kids on the skate park after school, birdwatchers near the lake, and fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings — all without feeling crowded. The skate park is well-maintained and the off-leash dog area is the best in the area. Parking is available on Ash Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. 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 Preston.

5. Hazel Park

Size: 2 hectares Features: lake or pond, skate park, basketball court, BBQ facilities, playground, free parking Best for: after-school sport

Hazel Park is one of Preston’s most popular green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the wetlands, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and kids on the lake or pond after school — all without feeling crowded. The lake or pond is well-maintained and the skate park is free to use. Parking is available on East Avenue.

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 Preston.

6. Vera Park

Size: 8 hectares Features: playground, rotunda, soccer pitch Best for: families with kids

Vera Park is one of Preston’s busiest green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the wetlands, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The playground is popular with locals and the rotunda is free to use. Parking is available on Oak Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

The Preston That Locals Know

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Rapidly gentrifying with cafes and bars opening monthly. The best parks options here reflect Preston’s character. Whether you’re based in Preston 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.

7. Market Park

Size: 35 hectares Features: tennis courts, amphitheatre, BBQ facilities Best for: weekend picnics

Market Park is one of Preston’s busiest green spaces. At 35 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and families having BBQ lunch on Sundays — all without feeling crowded. The tennis courts is well-maintained and the amphitheatre gets solid use on weekends. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and well-maintained gravel. If it has rained recently, bring boots — the trails get muddy. The playground was upgraded in 2023 and is one of the better ones in the area.

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

8. Stella Nature Reserve

Size: 3 hectares Features: amphitheatre, playground, walking trails Best for: weekend picnics

Stella Nature Reserve is one of Preston’s best-maintained green spaces. At 3 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, kids on the amphitheatre after school, and morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is popular with locals and the playground is free to use. Parking is available on Ash Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. 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.

9. Otto Recreation Reserve

Size: 5 hectares Features: picnic shelters, skate park, community garden, amphitheatre, walking trails Best for: dog walkers

Otto Recreation Reserve is one of Preston’s most popular green spaces. At 5 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the lake, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings — all without feeling crowded. The picnic shelters is popular with locals and the skate park is free to use. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and well-maintained gravel. 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.

10. Rowan Bush Reserve

Size: 15 hectares Features: off-leash dog area, rotunda, free parking, soccer pitch Best for: after-school sport

Rowan Bush Reserve is one of Preston’s most underrated green spaces. At 15 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the native garden, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and kids on the off-leash dog area after school — all without feeling crowded. The off-leash dog area is recently upgraded and the rotunda was upgraded in 2024. There is a car park at the main entrance.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the off-leash dog area fills by 10am. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

11. Luna Bush Reserve

Size: 8 hectares Features: off-leash dog area, fitness equipment, community garden, lake or pond, skate park, rotunda Best for: families with kids

Luna Bush Reserve is one of Preston’s most popular green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for dog walkers using the off-leash area, weekend cricket and soccer games, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The off-leash dog area is popular with locals and the fitness equipment was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Oak Place.

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.

12. Theo Bush Reserve

Size: 20 hectares Features: picnic shelters, amphitheatre, off-leash dog area, community garden Best for: families with kids

Theo Bush Reserve is one of Preston’s busiest green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, and kids on the picnic shelters after school — all without feeling crowded. The picnic shelters is well-maintained and the amphitheatre gets solid use on weekends. Parking is available on Oak Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Come early on weekends — the picnic shelters 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.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best parks options in Preston?

Gus Post is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Preston good for best parks?

Yes. Preston has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Preston known for?

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips.

How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?

Preston is 8km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Preston isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026