Kew East: Discover Parks and Nature

Get to know Kew East through its parks, each with a distinct character.

Nature and distinctive park profiles

Willsmere Park includes two billabongs and is one of Boroondara’s most significant natural habitats. The two bodies of water give the park a clear focus on nature. If a natural habitat is important to you when choosing where to stay, Willsmere Park offers a specific point of reference in Kew East. It complements the sports and playground themes that are more prominent in the other parks featured here.

Plan leisure time and play

Stradbroke Park is designated as an off-leash dog park: dogs are allowed off leash there. This does not apply during organised sports training or games on the ovals. If you are planning a visit with your dog, factor this restriction into your choice of park and check the current signs on site.

Hays Paddock is suitable for cricket, soccer, archery, dog training and outdoor fitness training. The mix ranges from ball sports to outdoor exercise and training with dogs, giving you a variety of options for planning your day. Tables and chairs are set in a bushland setting, adding places to sit alongside the sporting facilities. If you are looking for a park in Kew East with a range of sports options, you will find a different focus here than at Willsmere Park.

The playground includes an accessible timber structure with bridges and ramps. It also has activity panels, large and small slides, play areas beneath the structure and a leaf-shaped shade canopy. The play options are spread across several parts of the structure and the area below it. As facilities can change over time, check current information if a particular feature is important to your visit. Hays Paddock combines the sports uses mentioned above with the playground. This helps when planning your day if you have different interests: sport and play are part of the same park profile and can be considered together, rather than requiring visits to two separate parks.

Getting around by tram

For planning a trip by tram, the two parks offer different reference points: Hays Paddock is a five-minute walk from tram route 48; Stradbroke Park is 550 metres from the route 48 stop on High Street. The first figure gives a walking time, while the second gives a distance to the stop. Check current services and walking conditions before deciding on your route.

Factor park profiles into your accommodation choice

Consider which focus you want your stay to have before choosing a hotel or other accommodation. This helps you connect your base with the activities that matter for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Barongarook, Dalyston, Walhalla, Faraday, Maiden Gully, Arthurs Seat, Lindenow South, Grassdale.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.