Best Parks in Upwey Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best parks option in Upwey to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Common Lane is the one everyone knows. Works is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey sits in the Outer East corridor, 35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best parks scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Upwey since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Hill Green

Size: 2 hectares Features: basketball court, BBQ facilities, picnic shelters, bike paths, cricket nets, toilet facilities Best for: quiet walks

Hill Green is one of Upwey’s best-maintained green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for weekend cricket and soccer games, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The basketball court is excellent and the BBQ facilities was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Main Lane.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. 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: The park hosts a community event on the first Saturday of each month.

2. Otto Oval

Size: 12 hectares Features: community garden, soccer pitch, picnic shelters, walking trails, fitness equipment Best for: weekend picnics

Otto Oval is one of Upwey’s most popular green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the native garden, weekend cricket and soccer games, and kids on the community garden after school — all without feeling crowded. The community garden is popular with locals and the soccer pitch is free to use. Parking is available on Church Drive.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the community garden 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 Upwey.

3. Upwey Green

Size: 3 hectares Features: walking trails, lake or pond, skate park, community garden, soccer pitch, playground Best for: quiet walks

Upwey Green is one of Upwey’s most popular green spaces. At 3 hectares, it has enough room for dog walkers using the off-leash area, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and birdwatchers near the creek — all without feeling crowded. The walking trails is excellent and the lake or pond is the best in the area. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Come early on weekends — the walking trails fills by 10am. The playground was upgraded in 2023 and is one of the better ones in the area.

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

4. Margaret Park

Size: 3 hectares Features: BBQ facilities, playground, community garden, amphitheatre, fitness equipment Best for: after-school sport

Margaret Park is one of Upwey’s best-maintained green spaces. At 3 hectares, it has enough room for weekend cricket and soccer games, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The BBQ facilities is popular with locals and the playground was upgraded in 2024. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and well-maintained gravel. Come early on weekends — the BBQ facilities fills by 10am. 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 Upwey.

5. Upwey Nature Reserve

Size: 20 hectares Features: rotunda, tennis courts, free parking, cricket nets Best for: dog walkers

Upwey Nature Reserve is one of Upwey’s busiest green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, weekend cricket and soccer games, and kids on the rotunda after school — all without feeling crowded. The rotunda is excellent and the tennis courts is the best in the area. There is a car park at the main entrance.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. 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 Main Lane side is less crowded than the main entrance.

6. Oak Reserve

Size: 8 hectares Features: lake or pond, amphitheatre, soccer pitch Best for: families with kids

Oak Reserve is one of Upwey’s most popular green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for weekend cricket and soccer games, kids on the lake or pond after school, and dog walkers using the off-leash area — all without feeling crowded. The lake or pond is excellent 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 1.2km and gently undulating with some shade. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. 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 Upwey.

What Nobody Tells You About Upwey

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. The best parks options here reflect Upwey’s character. For Upwey locals and anyone in the area, 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. Collins Nature Reserve

Size: 35 hectares Features: community garden, free parking, skate park, off-leash dog area Best for: dog walkers

Collins Nature Reserve is one of Upwey’s most underrated green spaces. At 35 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, birdwatchers near the lake, and kids on the community garden after school — all without feeling crowded. The community garden is popular with locals and the free parking is the best in the area. There is a car park at the main entrance.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is roughly 800 metres and gently undulating with some shade. Come early on weekends — the community garden fills by 10am. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

8. James Oval

Size: 15 hectares Features: community garden, fitness equipment, toilet facilities Best for: weekend picnics

James Oval is one of Upwey’s most spacious green spaces. At 15 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and kids on the community garden after school — all without feeling crowded. The community garden is recently upgraded and the fitness equipment 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. Come early on weekends — the community garden fills by 10am. 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.

9. Oliver Green

Size: 8 hectares Features: amphitheatre, BBQ facilities, rotunda, tennis courts, lake or pond, walking trails Best for: after-school sport

Oliver Green is one of Upwey’s most underrated green spaces. At 8 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 excellent and the BBQ facilities was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Main Lane.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the amphitheatre 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 Upwey.

10. Ash Gardens

Size: 5 hectares Features: fitness equipment, picnic shelters, skate park, basketball court, BBQ facilities Best for: weekend picnics

Ash Gardens is one of Upwey’s most spacious green spaces. At 5 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, birdwatchers near the native garden, and kids on the fitness equipment after school — all without feeling crowded. The fitness equipment is excellent and the picnic shelters was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Church Drive.

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. 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.

11. Vera Bush Reserve

Size: 12 hectares Features: cricket nets, off-leash dog area, soccer pitch, picnic shelters Best for: weekend picnics

Vera Bush Reserve is one of Upwey’s most underrated green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, kids on the cricket nets after school, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The cricket nets is well-maintained and the off-leash dog area is free to use. Parking is available on Cecil Parade.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and sealed path suitable for cycling. 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.

12. Ash Gardens

Size: 35 hectares Features: off-leash dog area, bike paths, rotunda, basketball court Best for: families with kids

Ash Gardens is one of Upwey’s most popular green spaces. At 35 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and weekend cricket and soccer games — all without feeling crowded. The off-leash dog area is popular with locals and the bike paths is free to use. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. There is a drinking fountain near the car park.

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

13. Upwey Recreation Reserve

Size: 20 hectares Features: amphitheatre, free parking, cricket nets Best for: quiet walks

Upwey Recreation Reserve is one of Upwey’s best-maintained green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and kids on the amphitheatre after school — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is popular with locals and the free parking was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Cecil Parade.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. 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.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best parks options in Upwey?

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

Is Upwey good for best parks?

Yes. Upwey has 13+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Upwey known for?

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?

Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Upwey is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026