Spring has sprung. Step outside and take in a breath of fresh air among our local natural wonders.

Two people walking in front of a river. Punter's are floating down the river.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens is at its peak in spring. In spring, the diverse flora ranges from stunning magnolias and peony varieties. In the heat, the dramatic succulents and cacti by Guilfoyle’s Volcano really thrive. Right across from the volcano, the Arid Gardens are in full bloom with striking aloes. Watch the punters float by on the lake while you stroll through the botanic bliss.

Wide shot of the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens in front of a blue sky.

Carlton Gardens

Want to tick off a few World Heritage–listed sites? Stroll outside the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens. Don’t miss the Victorian-era Hochgurtel Fountain and circular French Fountain. The formal flowerbeds change with the seasons, from daffodils in spring to lush aloes in summer.

Two people walking down path with trees either side and city skyline in the background.

Fitzroy Gardens

The Fitzroy Gardens are awash with colour in spring. Visit this classic Victorian garden and stop to admire the stream running through the southern section. It’s surrounded by semi-wilderness – like ferns and rainforest plantings – and forms an ornamental pond. Don't skip the stunning Conservatory. Spring installations include hydrangea and nightshade displays.

Two people sitting at a park bench in a garden

Queen Victoria Gardens

Up for an urban hike? The Queen Victoria Gardens is home to striking Lake Waterfall. Mere minutes from the main road, water cascades over this serene stone waterfall. Find it on the south side of the ornamental lake. And don’t miss the iconic floral clock – it begins to bloom bright again from spring.

A park beside and a river in the city

Birrarung Marr

The diverse culture of Victoria’s Indigenous peoples is celebrated through a series of artworks at Birrarung Marr. A winding pathway represents the eel (a traditional food source) and five shields represent the five groups of the Kulin Nation. Further along the river, you’ll discover Deborah Halpern’s two-headed ‘Angel’ sculpture.

A large painted mural on the side of a wall

Take a street art stroll

Get your art fix outside while galleries are closed. Head on a solo stroll following the ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s street art walking guide. Take in the ever-changing gallery walls of Hosier Lane and beyond.

Note: Remember to check the and weather forecast before heading out on your spring walk.

More outdoor adventures

Narrow city laneway filled with shops and people eating at pavement cafes.

Iconic laneways and arcades walk

Take a walk through ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s arcades and laneways.

Two people riding bikes along the Yarra River.

Southbank and Docklands by bike

Cycle along ³Ô¹ÏÍø's iconic Yarra River to discover art installations and maritime history.

Empty park benches next to a pond at dusk.

Secret gardens and majestic parks

Take a walk through ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s lush parks and gardens.

Flinders Street Station at dusk.

Classic icons and architecture walk

Take a walk through ³Ô¹ÏÍø's classic icons and architecture.

Last updated on Fri 1 Nov 2024

Only In The City

Only in this City of Ours
Two friends are walking down a path through a cactus garden

Rare gardens in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Discover hard-to-find plants, secret oases, historic sculptures and more.

Smiling vendor selling a range of pastries, dips and spreads at Queen Victoria Market.

Queen Victoria Market

This beloved ³Ô¹ÏÍø landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.

A waterfall cascading down rocks surrounded by green trees

³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s secret gardens and green spaces

Take a break from indoors with a stroll through these city-side parks.

Discover more

Lake and trees at Royal Park.

Royal Park

Public park offering an array of recreational and sporting facilities.

People sitting on the grass by a pond.

Princes Park

A major sports and recreation ground offering a diverse range of activities in Carlton North.

Waterway and reeds at Westgate Park, with Westgate Bridge in the background.

Westgate Park

A great place for birdwatching, a casual picnic or an escape from the city.

Lake and reeds of Trin Warren Tam-boore  urban wetland in Royal Park with giant yellow sculptural work on CityLink reflected in the water.

Trin Warren Tam-boore

An urban wetland over five hectares on the edge of Royal Park.