Exploring Boroondara’s Parks

When the busyness of life calls for a pause, Boroondara’s green spaces offer a gentle escape. Here, the rustle of leaves and the call of birds create a backdrop for reflection and renewal. It’s no surprise these havens are often named among the best parks in Boroondara.

Tranquil Parks and Gardens

Central Gardens in Hawthorn, fondly known as “Rocket Park,” is a favourite for families and locals alike. With its open lawns and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger over a picnic or simply sit beneath the trees. Beckett Park in Balwyn holds its own quiet magic. Climb the historic lookout tower and watch the sun stretch across the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose. It’s a reminder that some of life’s most memorable moments are also the simplest.

Walking Trails to Wander

The Yarra Bend Park trails hug the riverbank, carrying you through pockets of bushland where the city feels far away. Each step is an invitation to slow down and breathe deeply.

The Anniversary Trail winds its way through leafy suburbs, linking past and present in a gentle ribbon of path. Walking here is not just exercise — it’s a way of connecting with the stories etched into the land. 

There are plenty of family activities in Boroondara to be found on the What’s On Boroondara website.

Art and Culture in Everyday Places

Boroondara is alive with creativity. From exhibitions that spark the imagination to outdoor installations waiting to be stumbled upon, art weaves itself into daily life here. These Boroondara attractions free of charge, show how culture can be accessible to everyone.

Free Exhibitions and Installations

The Hawthorn Arts Centre is home to exhibitions that stir thought and emotion. Once the Hawthorn Town Hall, its grand architecture now frames a vibrant cultural hub. Step inside to discover free exhibitions and the Creative Playground, where visitors of all ages are invited to explore, make and connect.

Community Events and Gatherings

Markets and community events bring people together in ways that feel both familiar and fresh. The Boroondara Farmers Market is a place where fresh produce meets friendly smiles. It’s more than a market; it’s a meeting place for those who cherish local flavours and connections. The Farmers Market is held on the 3rd and 5th Saturday of each month from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm at Patterson Reserve, Auburn Road, Hawthorn. 

Local Boroondara events such as outdoor concerts and community festivals are opportunities to join in, celebrate and feel part of something shared. 

Discover upcoming 2026 events on What’s On Boroondara and seniors events on the Boroondara Council’s website.

Hidden Stories and Local Treasures

History leaves its traces in Boroondara, often in places we pass by without noticing. Let’s uncover some treasures that give this area its unique charm.

Historical Landmarks to Visit

Como House offers a glimpse into another era, where elegance and heritage meet in quiet gardens and stately rooms. To wander its grounds is to feel the echo of lives once lived within its walls.

The former Kew Asylum, layered with complex history, stands as a reminder of how communities change and grow. Its story is not simple, but it is deeply human.

Markets That Surprise

The Camberwell Sunday Market is a ritual for many locals. Here, antiques and curiosities sit beside handmade crafts, each with a history of its own. The Camberwell Sunday Market is held every Sunday from 7:00 am – 12:30 pm at Market Place, Camberwell.

At the Hawthorn Makers Market, creativity takes centre stage. Stalls brim with colour, texture and imagination — the kind of finds that make a home feel more personal and alive. Exploring these markets is a free thing to do in Melbourne that blends joy, discovery and community. One of Melbourne’s oldest and best makers’ markets, with everything from jewellery to toys to plants. The market is held every first Sunday of the month from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, from  March to December.

For more inspiration, TripAdvisor has listed must-see sights and activities in Boroondara. Scroll through the opinions and see the highest-rated sights and activities.

In Boroondara, every day holds the potential for discovery and delight. Embrace these moments and let them enrich your life with wonder and joy.