[Note from Julie: 2019 – due to the popularity of this guidebook: 10,000 sold (wow! I think to myself 🙂 ), we have split it up into two books – one based around waterside walks (published in Jan 2019) , and the other, bush and parks (in progress – due 2021) – they include around half of the walks from the original book, all reworked and updated, and the same again brand new walks. We very much hope you will enjoy them as much as you have done the first.]
Melbourne’s Best Bush, Bay and City walks lives up to its name. It includes 44 walks spread across 7 chapters (see below), with something for everyone, from 2.5km easy strolls in historic city areas and wild marine sanctuaries, to relaxing 5km strolls in parklands and by the river, up to hillier, longer walks in the Dandenong Ranges for those who enjoy really striding out. There is also a dedicated ‘Bayside’ chapter for those who love to take in the sea air on their stroll. I have had the best time discovering and enjoying Melbourne on foot – it is certainly a city that repays the easy effort of getting ‘up close and personal’ and uncovers its wonderful secrets best when explored on foot. Melbourne’s Best Bush, Bay and City Walks is available in all good bookstores and online stores or you can purchase it directly from Woodslane Press
I have also attached a sample walk from the book (Walk 1 – Fed Square and Southbank) in low resolution pdf format which you can download by clicking here, so you can get a feel for the format of the book: Melbourne pages 12-17low
Chapter 1 – Inner City
Federation Square & Southbank
Parliament Hill & Fitzroy Gardens
The Shrine and Botanic Gardens
Foodies Walk – Carlton & Queen Vic Markets
Melbourne Heritage & Laneways
The Arts Precinct
Emerald Hill Heritage Precinct
Herring Island & Como House
Docklands
Albert Park Lake
2. North
Yarra Bend & Dights Falls
The Royal Park & Zoo
University Precinct
Woodlands Historic Park
Yellow Gum Park, Plenty River
3. South East
Braeside Park
Australian Gardens, Cranbourne
Lysterfield Lake
Churchill National Park
4. South West & SW Bayside
Williamstown Maritime History
Altona Coastal Park
Werribee Park & Mansions
Point Cook Homestead Coastal Park & Homestead
Cheetham Wetlands
You Yangs Regional Park
5. East
Banksia Park & Heide
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Mt Dandenong Summit
Eastern Sherbrook Forest
RJ Hamer Aboretum
Warrandyte Gold Heritage Trail
Sugarloaf Reservoir
6. West
Brimbank Park
Pipemakers Park, Marybinong River
Organ Pipes National Park
Long Forest Conservation Reserve
7. SE Bayside
Port Melbourne to Webb Dock
St Kilda to Station Pier
St Kilda Icons
Elwood Foreshore and Canal
Brighton Beach Boxes
Red Bluff
Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
I was in Melbourne a couple of years ago and I wish I’d known about your site. I did find a lovely walk along the river to the Boranical Gardens. Cockatoos in the trees! Wonderful.
Thanks for your kind words Gabi – you were a long way from home when here! Our Botanic Gardens are gorgeous – even some of the larger regional towns have 150+ year old botanic gardens which are a delight. One of my favourite walks around Melbourne is in the Hamer Aboretum, which has mass plantings of European trees mixed through the Australian native – so beautiful! Let me know if you ever make he big trip back over to Melbourne so I can get you a copy of my book to accompany you on your walks!
I picked up this book a couple of months ago from Grants Picnic ground shop and love it. Have made it a goal to do one every weekend. I’ve lived in the suburbs of Melbourne for 30 years and this has really opened my eyes as to what we are able to freely enjoy so close to home.
Today I took my daughter for another walk around Albert Park Lake and was lucky to get a free ride on a Yacht on the club’s open day. Next week ill try the harder Warrandyte goldfields trail with my nephew and am sure he will love it.
Thank you!
Hi Steve – thanks so much – it’s terrific hearing from people who are using the book and that you are enjoying it! I really appreciate your making the effort to let me know. I am the same as you – I have lived in Melbourne for 15 years and had no idea there were such fabulous places tucked in and around the city – you really take it for granted. Mind you – I must have walked around Albert Park Lake 10+ times (not far from where I live) and have never managed to score a lift on a sail boat there – good effort!
Good morning I would love to have those books to prepare my coming trip in March. But in France noway to find them. How can I do ??
Hi lartisien ivan – What a good idea! I will email you shortly with some details about how to get the books before you come. Kind wishes, Julie
Is this book available as a download onto machines (eg I-phone, I-pad or similar)?
Hi Debby – thanks for enquiring. The book is available electronically via any of the online bookstores. Kind wishes, Julie
[…] Melbourne Walks offer some wonderful information about the best walks to undertake in Melbourne and surrounds- gotta keep your blood flowing and your muscles toned! Nothing better than a great walk to release that mental tension. My favourite short walks with my kids include: Albert Park Lake (the venue for the RSPCA Million Paws Walk in Melbourne! One of my favourite events in Melbourne every year), Herring Island and Como House, You Yangs Regional Park, St Kilda to the Station Pier, Brimbank Park and Sugarloaf Reservoir. I’d really recommend that you put some of these strolls on your bucket list- get those hearts pumping ladies and gents! Feel alive! […]
Hi Julie – I would also really like to download!!
Hi Jessica – the publishers tell me the e-book version should be available in the ‘very near future’ (!) and hopefully by Christmas – will let people know once it’s available.