Best Parks in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best parks scene in Vermont South is genuinely worth exploring. Start at The Common Standard, then check out The Old Union. The Glen shopping centre nearby. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Vermont South is part of Melbourne’s Outer East 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 Vermont South locals actually recommend.

1. Bourke Lake

Size: 12 hectares Features: lake or pond, skate park, toilet facilities, community garden, netball courts, off-leash dog area Best for: dog walkers

Bourke Lake is one of Vermont South’s most underrated green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and weekend cricket and soccer games — all without feeling crowded. The lake or pond is excellent 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 1.5km and sealed path suitable for cycling. Come early on weekends — the lake or pond 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.

2. Atlas Gardens

Size: 2 hectares Features: free parking, basketball court, picnic shelters, tennis courts, toilet facilities, rotunda Best for: after-school sport

Atlas Gardens is one of Vermont South’s most underrated green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for birdwatchers near the lake, weekend cricket and soccer games, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The free parking is excellent and the basketball court gets solid use on weekends. Parking is available on Thomas Avenue.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and gently undulating with some shade. Come early on weekends — the free parking fills by 10am. There is a drinking fountain near the car park.

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

3. Gus Recreation Reserve

Size: 35 hectares Features: cricket nets, skate park, community garden Best for: dog walkers

Gus Recreation Reserve is one of Vermont South’s best-maintained green spaces. At 35 hectares, it has enough room for fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, birdwatchers near the native garden, and weekend cricket and soccer games — all without feeling crowded. The cricket nets is well-maintained and the skate park is the best in the area. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and gently undulating with some shade. The best time to visit is weekday mornings when it is quiet. 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. Lena Lake

Size: 12 hectares Features: netball courts, tennis courts, playground, fitness equipment, walking trails, BBQ facilities Best for: morning joggers

Lena Lake is one of Vermont South’s most spacious green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, weekend cricket and soccer games, and fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings — all without feeling crowded. The netball courts is popular with locals and the tennis courts 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. 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 Vermont South.

5. Vermont Reserve

Size: 15 hectares Features: amphitheatre, basketball court, lake or pond, netball courts Best for: morning joggers

Vermont Reserve is one of Vermont South’s most popular green spaces. At 15 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, kids on the amphitheatre after school, and families having BBQ lunch on Sundays — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is well-maintained and the basketball court gets solid use on weekends. 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 amphitheatre 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.

The Vermont South That Locals Know

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. The best parks options here reflect Vermont South’s character. For Vermont South 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.

6. Vermont Nature Reserve

Size: 2 hectares Features: fitness equipment, lake or pond, skate park Best for: families with kids

Vermont Nature Reserve is one of Vermont South’s most spacious green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, kids on the fitness equipment after school, and weekend cricket and soccer games — all without feeling crowded. The fitness equipment is well-maintained and the lake or pond is the best in the area. Street parking is usually fine.

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 car park on Anderson Drive side is less crowded than the main entrance.

7. George Park

Size: 15 hectares Features: rotunda, netball courts, tennis courts, amphitheatre Best for: after-school sport

George Park is one of Vermont South’s most spacious green spaces. At 15 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, weekend cricket and soccer games, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The rotunda is recently upgraded and the netball courts is free to use. 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 north side of the park gets afternoon sun in winter — best spot for a picnic.

8. Luna Park

Size: 8 hectares Features: soccer pitch, toilet facilities, fitness equipment, BBQ facilities Best for: morning joggers

Luna Park is one of Vermont South’s most spacious green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, and birdwatchers near the native garden — all without feeling crowded. The soccer pitch is well-maintained and the toilet facilities was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Lake Street.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km and well-maintained gravel. 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.

9. Vermont Nature Reserve

Size: 2 hectares Features: amphitheatre, lake or pond, off-leash dog area, fitness equipment, BBQ facilities Best for: after-school sport

Vermont Nature Reserve is one of Vermont South’s most spacious green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and elderly walkers doing their daily circuit — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is excellent and the lake or pond is the best in the area. Parking is available on Lake Street.

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. 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.

10. Vermont Recreation Reserve

Size: 5 hectares Features: fitness equipment, netball courts, skate park, cricket nets Best for: morning joggers

Vermont Recreation Reserve is one of Vermont South’s most spacious 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 creek — all without feeling crowded. The fitness equipment is excellent and the netball courts is the best in the area. Parking is available on Thomas Avenue.

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.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best parks options in Vermont South?

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

Is Vermont South good for best parks?

Yes. Vermont South has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Vermont South 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