Gardens & Nature

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins is within walking distance to many of the city’s protected areas and features that make up the “Garden Sate”. For more resources speak with Concierge and for visiting beyond the CBD visit Parks Victoria.

ALBERT PARK

Albert Park is home to a plethora of events, from fun runs to cycling events, pet-friendly meetups and the iconic Australian Grand Prix.

Operating Hours:

Open 24 Hours

Albert Park Lake, Albert Park, Melbourne

Concierge tip: Albert Park Lake is known for its black swans and cygnets, its golf course and the Melbourne Aquatic and Sports Centre

BIRRARUNG MARR

Birrarung Marr is an urban park on the north bank of the Yarra River, next to Federation Square, and is a place for the community to celebrate public activities, major events, and festivals.

Operating Hours:

Open 24 Hours

Birrarung Marr, Melbourne

Concierge tip: The park’s name comes from the language of the Wurundjeri people who originally inhabited the area – ‘birrarung’ means ‘river of mists’ and ‘marr’ relates to ‘side’

THE TREASURY GARDENS

The Treasury Gardens is one of Victoria’s oldest public gardens and the closest gardens to the hotel, it leads into the Fitzroy Gardens just east of the CBD.

Operating Hours:

Open 24 Hours

Sunday, 11am – 5pm

Treasury Gardens, 2-18 Spring Street, East Melbourne

Concierge tip: The Treasury Gardens are a great spot for a brisk morning walk or post-lunch stroll

CARLTON GARDENS

The Carlton Gardens is a World Heritage Site located on the edge of the CBD, popular for weddings, picnics and local fauna, such as tawny frogmouth owls and kookaburras.

Operating Hours:

Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm

Carlton Gardens, 1-111 Carlton Street, Carlton

Concierge tip: Visit Carlton Gardens early in the morning for a peaceful walk and stunning views of the Royal Exhibition Building

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Royal Botanic Gardens host many incredible events; gardens, walks and guided tour. Walking or running along the ‘Tan’ is a Melbourne custom with year-round marathons next to the Yarra.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Sunday, 7:30am – 7:30pm

Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Concierge tip: Book yourself in for an Aboriginal Heritage Walk, you’ll learn about the native plants, their uses and customs connected to Country

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we stand, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, and recognise their continuous connection to culture, community and country and pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.