Where do you start when it comes to “The Tan”? Founded in 1846 on a slope between Domain Road and the Yarra River, it spans 94 acres with a whopping 8,500 different plant species. Within the gardens is the National Herbarium of Victoria that houses a collection of 1.5 million preserved plants. There are dedicated areas for cacti, roses, herbs, cycads, roses and a rare and threatened species collection. It’s nothing less than an oasis with views over the lawns, lakes and city. No matter how many times you visit, there are countless corners to be discovered.

Located right beside the CBD, the heritage-listed Carlton Gardens is home to the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum and IMAX Cinema. The most popular spot to picnic is the south side of the park on a grassy lawn, surrounded by tree-lined avenues and flowerbeds, either with the Victorian-era fountain in the backdrop or beside a miniature lake. Within the park you’ll also find a playground, basketball court, tennis courts and Moreton Bay Fig trees of local Aboriginal significance. There are plenty of places to pick up food on nearby Gertrude Street.

There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore in the Fitzroy Gardens, right beside the CBD. While there’s a playground for little ones complete with a dragon slide, exploring here feels like a treasure hunt regardless of how old you are. There’s a model Tudor Village, creatures carved into the “Fairies Tree”, fountains (look out for the one with dolphins), a Spanish Mission-style conservatory filled with flowers, the Captain James Cook memorial cottage dating back to the 18th century and more.

The best spot for a picnic at Royal Park is at the top of the hill behind the adventure playground, where kids navigate ropes courses below and there’s a view of the city through the trees. At around 450 acres, there’s something for everyone. Known as the home of the Melbourne Zoo, State Netball and Hockey Centre and multiple local sporting clubs, it’s grassy, hilly and has eucalypts brimming with rosellas and native birdlife.

Edinburgh Gardens is a hive of activity all year. The list of facilities here is lengthy, from barbecues, picnic tables and pavilions, to a half basketball court, skate park, tennis courts and lawn bowls. There are playgrounds, two sports ovals, and it’s known for having some of the cutest pooches in town. Don’t be surprised if you see people with fold-out tables, chairs and tablecloths – the locals know how to turn a picnic into an event. Keep an eye out for tightrope walkers set up between the trees.

Just four kilometres from the CBD is the largest area of natural bushland in central Melbourne. Twelve kilometres of the Yarra River flows through Yarra Bend Park, with multiple cycling and walking trails, picnic spots, and – COVID permitting – a golf course and canoe hire. The Fairfield Boathouse and Studley Park Boathouse are especially scenic spots for a barbecue or picnic, while Dights Falls is an artificial weir dating back to the 1840s when it was built to provide water to the Ceres Flour Mill.

Adjoining the Heide Modern Museum of Art is Heide Park, dotted with more than 30 stunning sculptures across the 15-acre site. While kids might be drawn to Jeff Thomson’s iconic Cows (1987), they’re also a nod to the museum’s dairy farm origins. There’s also a rose pavilion, kitchen garden, hedges and more. Make sure you visit the Aboriginal scarred tree. Dogs are welcome but must be on leads.

Within Darebin Parklands are wetlands, creeks, a lake, footbridge, stepping-stones and even a spiritual healing trail. You might even spot native wildlife, such as echidnas and flying foxes along the walking and biking trails, which are set among wattles and gums. There are also barbecue stations in the picnic areas and an off-leash area for your four-legged best mate.

Ruffey Lake Park was made for picnicking, with three dedicated areas with electric barbecues, large picnic shelters, shaded areas, toilets, playgrounds and plenty of parking. The Victoria Street playground is especially adventurous, with a flying fox, swinging rope and rock-climbing facilities. There’s also a heritage trail with signed points to see along the way, plus wetlands and bridges. The Hill Tops outer path circuit is a 3.6-kilometre, 45-minute walk, and the inner path is 2.7 kilometres and takes around 30 minutes.

Set on the St Kilda foreshore, palm trees and walking paths line the boulevard containing the heritage-listed Catani Gardens. It’s known for weekend pony rides and its proximity to Luna Park, St Kilda Sea Baths and St Kilda Pier, as well as nearby Acland Street should you wish to pick up coffee, cake and other supplies for your picnic. The playground here is set in a sandpit and features a pirate ship with a digger. Make the most of the barbecue facilities and grassy reserve overlooking the beach.

A favourite among locals, leafy elm trees provide shade for picnickers and children clambering over the fenced playground. There are tennis courts tucked into a corner, a barbecue, water fountains and lots of space to unroll a blanket and take a deep breath. Dogs can run around off-leash in a designated area, so you won’t have to worry about labradors pinching your lunch.

Opening in 1971, McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery is the first family-founded, public gallery dedicated to art and sculpture in Australia. There are more than 100 sculptures in the bushland setting, complete with a cafe with a view of the lake and lawns. Entry is $6 for adults to help maintain the collection and gardens. Dogs are welcome outdoors but must be kept on leads.

The lesser-known sister gardens to the Royal Botanic Gardens in the heart of the city, Cranbourne Gardens opened in 1989 and is dedicated to native Australian plants. It’s enormous at 363 hectares, featuring bushland, heathlands, wetlands, woodlands, six kilometres of cycling tracks, 10 kilometres of walking tracks, a lookout tower, shelters, barbecues and playgrounds. There are some 170,000 plants from 1,700 plant varieties across a number of areas, including the Arid Garden, Rockpool Waterway, Red Sand Garden, Weird and Wonderful Garden and more.

Set in a former bluestone quarry and rubbish tip, a highlight of this park is the large stepping-stone path through the middle of the south lake. There’s a self-guided, two-kilometre nature trail where you can try your luck at spotting some 85 species of birds (a brochure is available from the on-site nursery), or stay put in shaded areas with barbecue facilities. There’s a specified dog area (stay out of the reserve or risk a fine), a playground and natural amphitheatre, too.

Yarraville Gardens is just about as family-friendly as parks come, with two sports ovals, lots of open space, garden beds abloom and an impressive playground featuring a climbing frame that spins. There’s also an off-leash dog park, barbecue facilities and picnic tables, as well as glimpses of the city through the trees.