Best Parks in Vermont Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best parks option in Vermont to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Nina’s is the one everyone knows. Mia Corner is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access. Vermont sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best parks scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Vermont since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Max Wetlands

Size: 35 hectares Features: off-leash dog area, soccer pitch, walking trails, BBQ facilities Best for: morning joggers

Max Wetlands is one of Vermont’s best-maintained green spaces. At 35 hectares, it has enough room for morning joggers doing laps by 6am, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and birdwatchers near the creek — all without feeling crowded. The off-leash dog area is well-maintained and the soccer pitch is the best in the area. Parking is available on North Parade.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.5km and flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. 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.

2. Vermont Wetlands

Size: 2 hectares Features: amphitheatre, tennis courts, netball courts, fitness equipment, rotunda Best for: after-school sport

Vermont Wetlands is one of Vermont’s best-maintained green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for kids on the amphitheatre after school, weekend cricket and soccer games, and morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is well-maintained and the tennis courts was upgraded in 2024. Parking is available on Bridge Place.

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. 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.

3. Maple Park

Size: 8 hectares Features: fitness equipment, war memorial, community garden, BBQ facilities, amphitheatre Best for: weekend picnics

Maple Park is one of Vermont’s best-maintained green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for kids on the fitness equipment after school, families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, and dog walkers using the off-leash area — all without feeling crowded. The fitness equipment is excellent and the war memorial gets solid use on weekends. Parking is available on North Parade.

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 park hosts a community event on the first Saturday of each month.

4. Ada Bush Reserve

Size: 20 hectares Features: rotunda, BBQ facilities, tennis courts Best for: after-school sport

Ada Bush Reserve is one of Vermont’s best-maintained green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and birdwatchers near the native garden — all without feeling crowded. The rotunda is popular with locals and the BBQ 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 rotunda fills by 10am. 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. Thomas Park

Size: 20 hectares Features: playground, cricket nets, soccer pitch, bike paths, walking trails, BBQ facilities Best for: quiet walks

Thomas Park is one of Vermont’s most underrated green spaces. At 20 hectares, it has enough room for dog walkers using the off-leash area, elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, and kids on the playground after school — all without feeling crowded. The playground is popular with locals and the cricket nets gets solid use on weekends. Parking is available on Albert Lane.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km and well-maintained gravel. If it has rained recently, bring boots — the trails get muddy. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

6. Vermont Wetlands

Size: 12 hectares Features: amphitheatre, off-leash dog area, lake or pond Best for: morning joggers

Vermont Wetlands is one of Vermont’s most popular green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for weekend cricket and soccer games, dog walkers using the off-leash area, and morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The amphitheatre is well-maintained and the off-leash dog area gets solid use on weekends. Parking is available on Bridge Place.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is just over 2km 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 north side of the park gets afternoon sun in winter — best spot for a picnic.

What Makes Vermont Different

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access. Bellbird Dell nature reserve. The best parks options here reflect Vermont’s character. For Vermont 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. Young Bush Reserve

Size: 35 hectares Features: BBQ facilities, off-leash dog area, cricket nets Best for: morning joggers

Young Bush Reserve is one of Vermont’s busiest green spaces. At 35 hectares, it has enough room for weekend cricket and soccer games, kids on the BBQ facilities after school, and birdwatchers near the native garden — all without feeling crowded. The BBQ facilities is excellent and the off-leash dog area is free to use. Parking is available on North Parade.

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. 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.

8. Vermont Green

Size: 8 hectares Features: soccer pitch, free parking, netball courts Best for: families with kids

Vermont Green is one of Vermont’s best-maintained green spaces. At 8 hectares, it has enough room for elderly walkers doing their daily circuit, morning joggers doing laps by 6am, and kids on the soccer pitch after school — all without feeling crowded. The soccer pitch is excellent and the free parking 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 well-maintained gravel. Sunset walks here are genuinely beautiful. 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. Rex Oval

Size: 5 hectares Features: bike paths, walking trails, community garden, fitness equipment, picnic shelters Best for: families with kids

Rex Oval is one of Vermont’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 morning joggers doing laps by 6am — all without feeling crowded. The bike paths is well-maintained and the walking trails 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. 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.

10. Vermont Parklands

Size: 12 hectares Features: war memorial, off-leash dog area, walking trails, amphitheatre Best for: dog walkers

Vermont Parklands is one of Vermont’s most popular green spaces. At 12 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and dog walkers using the off-leash area — all without feeling crowded. The war memorial is excellent and the off-leash dog area is the best in the area. Parking is available on Blake Parade.

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. Toilets are available near the main entrance.

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

11. Vermont Oval

Size: 5 hectares Features: basketball court, bike paths, toilet facilities, walking trails, picnic shelters, netball courts Best for: weekend picnics

Vermont Oval is one of Vermont’s busiest green spaces. At 5 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and birdwatchers near the lake — all without feeling crowded. The basketball court is recently upgraded and the bike paths was upgraded in 2024. Street parking is usually fine.

The walking path that loops the perimeter is about 1.2km 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.

12. Lena Oval

Size: 2 hectares Features: BBQ facilities, lake or pond, walking trails, playground Best for: morning joggers

Lena Oval is one of Vermont’s most underrated green spaces. At 2 hectares, it has enough room for families having BBQ lunch on Sundays, fitness bootcamps on weekday mornings, and kids on the BBQ facilities after school — all without feeling crowded. The BBQ facilities is recently upgraded and the lake or pond 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 flat — good for prams and wheelchairs. Come early on weekends — the BBQ facilities 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 Vermont.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best parks options in Vermont?

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

Is Vermont good for best parks?

Yes. Vermont has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont known for?

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access.

How far is Vermont from Melbourne CBD?

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

Vermont 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