1. Caulfield Park, Caulfield North

We had to start with Caulfield Park – the gold standard of Glen Eira’s grasslands.

Boasting a picturesque lake, 3 playgrounds, 7 sports ovals, a tennis club, cricket training net, outdoor fitness equipment, chess tables and a bandstand, this park’s got it all. (There’s a reason people travel from across the city to revel in its lush green spaces.)

With all those amenities, it’s a great spot for a birthday or family get-together. And in the warmer months, we love to spend a Sunday afternoon around one of the many BBQs.

As Glen Eira’s largest park, it also makes an excellent spot for an after-work walk or run. So meander down the avenue of elms, circle the lake and feel the stresses of the day melt away.

 

 

2. Princes Park, Caulfield South

Though its name may give it a regal air, Princes Park in Caulfield South is more of a thriving community hub than an exclusive royal retreat.

Beloved by residents across the suburb, it’s particularly popular with dog walkers thanks to its wide-open spaces and off-leash areas. At Gary Peer, we love to bring the doggos to Princes Park for a proper runaround and the chance to get social with other four-legged friends.

But there’s plenty here for the rest of the family to enjoy, too. The extensive play areas (recently upgraded in a 2022 renovation project) are colourful, clean and well-maintained.

And with well-placed picnic tables dotted throughout, parents can settle in for a leisurely chat while the kids let loose on the monkey bars.

 

 

3. Packer Park, Carnegie

Packer Park is home to the city’s only cycling velodrome – giving the serious cyclists at Gary Peer the chance to test their skills on the track!

But it’s also a great spot for a day out with family or friends.

The well-kept lawns are perfect for a friendly game of footy, and the expansive, multi-storey adventure playground is a maze of ramps, slides, tunnels and fireman poles for kids to explore.

You might also indulge in a little wildlife spotting in the wetlands, where you can observe frogs, birds and insects in their natural habitat.

The park also has 3 covered areas (complete with BBQ facilities) for eating and relaxing, so pack a picnic and let the fun begin.

 

 

4. Booran Reserve, Glen Huntly

Booran Reserve in Glen Huntly isn’t just popular; it’s award-winning.

Built on the site of the decommissioned Caulfield Service Reservoir, the park features a unique water play area – complete with splash pads and jets. It’s the perfect place to cool down on scorching summer days.

With an impressive dome rope-climbing area next door and basketball and netball rings for teens to shoot some hoops, you’ll be hard-pressed to tear the kids (of all ages) away!

Our favourite feature? The art wall around the park's perimeter, which tells Indigenous stories of connection between land and water.

 

 

5. Rippon Lea Estate, Elsternwick

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more refined than your average park, there’s nowhere in Glen Eira with quite as much regal elegance as the Rippon Lea Estate.

Proudly coined ‘Victoria’s grandest backyard’, this National Trust-owned property features 14 acres of beautifully manicured grounds.

So take the afternoon off and spend it wandering through the idyllic rose garden, exploring the fernery and circling the lake before indulging in a piece of cake in the charming tea room.

And if you want a real history fix? Step back in time with a guided tour of the historic mansion.

 

 

6. Harleston Park, Elsternwick

Harleston Park in Elsternwick is a little smaller than some of the parks on this list, but it occupies a big space in our hearts for its charm and tranquillity.

The absence of crowds here makes for a serene escape, whether you’re relaxing under the historic trees dotted throughout or enjoying a game of chess on the large painted board.

It has plenty for the children too. A playground full of lovely wooden equipment, a hill that’s perfect for chasing up or rolling down – and a slide renowned for being the longest in Glen Eira!

 

 

7. Allnutt Park, McKinnon

The wide-open spaces of Allnutt Park make it a popular green spot for dog walkers and families alike.

You’ll often find a birthday or BBQ in full swing under the picnic shelter. The spacious play area is great for young kids, and the many trees throughout offer excellent climbing opportunities.

As well as a basketball ring and bike paths, Alnutt Park features a golf birdie cage. Unique to the parks of Glen Eira, these cages offer golf enthusiasts the opportunity to perfect their stance, grip and swing without endangering innocent passersby. Fore!

 

 

8. Hodgson Reserve, Bentleigh

Featuring sports grounds, fitness equipment, a table tennis table and a wealth of running paths, Hodgson Reserve in Bentleigh is the perfect place to get active.

Why not get a group of friends together at the lawn bowls club for a spot of friendly competition? Or knock a few balls against the hit-up wall with the kids?

And with 3 varied playgrounds, there’s something for every age and personality.

Of course, there’s a traditional playground for the younger children. But there’s a bouldering wall in the adolescent playground for the older kids – and anyone else who dares to scale new heights!

And if your kids aren’t as fond of the rough and tumble, there’s a life-size snakes and ladders board in the board games playground.

 

 

9. Koornang Park and Lord Reserve, Carnegie

Home to Caulfield Bears Football Club and Carnegie Cricket Club, Koornang Park in Carnegie is an excellent community facility.

The beloved Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool – a heated outdoor pool that’s a firm favourite with locals year-round – is under construction. But good news: it’s due to reopen by the end of 2024. So keep your eyes peeled as the weather warms up!

Until then, there’s plenty to enjoy, from the small, shaded playground to the ample running paths.

The only downside? Koornang Park is a strictly on-leash area for dogs. But the neighbouring Lord Reserve has plenty of space for your furry friend to race and revel to their heart’s content.

 

 

Looking for more local landmarks? Check out our Suburb Spy series on The Peer Blog.