Best Parks in Templestowe Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best parks option in Templestowe to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. New Commons is the one everyone knows. Hugo’s is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Templestowe 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 Templestowe since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Templestowe Nature Reserve

Size: 20 hectares Features: bike paths, tennis courts, war memorial, netball courts, free parking Best for: after-school sport

Templestowe Nature Reserve is one of Templestowe’s most spacious green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, and kids on the bike paths after school — all without feeling crowded. The bike paths is well-maintained and the tennis courts gets solid use on weekends. Parking is available on Bell Road.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the bike paths fills by 10am. 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.

2. Rosa Park

Size: 12 hectares Features: toilet facilities, basketball court, off-leash dog area, walking trails, cricket nets, netball courts Best for: morning joggers

Rosa Park is one of Templestowe’s busiest green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, birdwatchers near the native garden, and kids on the toilet facilities after school — all without feeling crowded. The toilet facilities is excellent and the basketball court was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Willow Lane.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and sealed path suitable for cycling. If it has rained recently, bring boots — the trails get muddy. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

3. Kai Oval

Size: 5 hectares Features: picnic shelters, amphitheatre, war memorial, rotunda, community garden Best for: weekend picnics

Kai Oval is one of Templestowe’s most spacious green spaces. At 5 hectares, it has enough room for weekend cricket and soccer games, birdwatchers near the creek, and kids on the picnic shelters after school — all without feeling crowded. The picnic shelters is recently upgraded and the amphitheatre is the best in the area. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and sealed path suitable for cycling. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

4. High Bush Reserve

Size: 12 hectares Features: amphitheatre, BBQ facilities, basketball court, bike paths, toilet facilities Best for: after-school sport

High Bush Reserve is one of Templestowe’s busiest green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, birdwatchers near the lake, and kids on the amphitheatre after school — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is recently upgraded and the BBQ facilities is free to use. Parking is available on West Lane.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 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 car park on West Lane side is less crowded than the main entrance.

5. Blake Recreation Reserve

Size: 20 hectares Features: amphitheatre, skate park, netball courts Best for: dog walkers

Blake Recreation Reserve is one of Templestowe’s busiest green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for dog walkers using the off-leash area, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and families having BBQ lunch on Sundays — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is well-maintained and the skate park is the best in the area. There is a car park at the main entrance.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and sealed path suitable for cycling. 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.

6. Leo Gardens

Size: 2 hectares Features: netball courts, fitness equipment, community garden, BBQ facilities, rotunda, off-leash dog area Best for: after-school sport

Leo Gardens is one of Templestowe’s busiest green spaces. At 2 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 netball courts is well-maintained and the fitness equipment is free to use. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and gently undulating with some shade. Come early on weekends — the netball courts fills by 10am. There is a drinking fountain near the car park.

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

Why Templestowe Is Worth Knowing

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Tikalara Park and Westerfolds Park. The best parks options here reflect Templestowe’s character. Whether you’re based in Templestowe 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. Sydney Oval

Size: 2 hectares Features: soccer pitch, fitness equipment, BBQ facilities, amphitheatre, toilet facilities, picnic shelters Best for: dog walkers

Sydney Oval is one of Templestowe’s most popular green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the native garden, kids on the soccer pitch after school, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The soccer pitch is popular with locals and the fitness equipment gets solid use on weekends. There is a car park at the main entrance.

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: There is a hidden bench near the back corner with the best view in Templestowe.

8. Bourke Green

Size: 8 hectares Features: skate park, walking trails, cricket nets Best for: morning joggers

Bourke Green is one of Templestowe’s best-maintained green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for dog walkers using the off-leash area, weekend cricket and soccer games, and families having BBQ lunch on Sundays — all without feeling crowded. The skate park is popular with locals and the walking trails is free to use. Parking is available on West Lane.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

9. Templestowe Parklands

Size: 35 hectares Features: war memorial, amphitheatre, skate park, cricket nets, lake or pond, netball courts Best for: after-school sport

Templestowe Parklands is one of Templestowe’s best-maintained green spaces. At 35 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 war memorial is popular with locals and the amphitheatre is free to use. 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. There is a drinking fountain near the car park.

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

10. Templestowe Common

Size: 2 hectares Features: netball courts, fitness equipment, BBQ facilities, rotunda, skate park, soccer pitch Best for: morning joggers

Templestowe Common is one of Templestowe’s best-maintained green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and kids on the netball courts after school — all without feeling crowded. The netball courts is well-maintained and the fitness equipment gets solid use on weekends. There is a car park at the main entrance.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and well-maintained gravel. Come early on weekends — the netball courts fills by 10am. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

11. Bourke Parklands

Size: 3 hectares Features: community garden, fitness equipment, toilet facilities, basketball court, tennis courts Best for: quiet walks

Bourke Parklands is one of Templestowe’s most underrated green spaces. At 3 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and weekend cricket and soccer games — all without feeling crowded. The community garden is popular with locals and the fitness equipment gets solid use on weekends. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and sealed path suitable for cycling. If it has rained recently, bring boots — the trails get muddy. There is a drinking fountain near the car park.

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

12. Henry Wetlands

Size: 15 hectares Features: picnic shelters, off-leash dog area, rotunda, lake or pond, basketball court Best for: families with kids

Henry Wetlands is one of Templestowe’s most spacious green spaces. At 15 hectares, it has enough room for kids on the picnic shelters after school, families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The picnic shelters is recently upgraded and the off-leash dog area gets solid use on weekends. Parking is available on Sydney Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and well-maintained gravel. If it has rained recently, bring boots — the trails get muddy. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best parks options in Templestowe?

The White Works is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Templestowe good for best parks?

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

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

How far is Templestowe from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Templestowe won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026