A guide to the best parks in Camberwell

Whether it’s active fun for the kids, a place to sip a coffee under a grand old oak, or simply somewhere to walk and tune in to nature, Camberwell’s local parks provide it all.

Here’s our guide to some of the best parks in Camberwell:

Lower Reserve

Lower Reserve (260 Camberwell Rd) offers a little tree oasis just opposite the Country Road store. Take a breather from shopping and enjoy a takeaway coffee in the sunshine, or in the shade of magnificent green canopy on a park bench. The tranquil pocket park, planted in 1873, is one of the natural jewels dotted throughout Camberwell.

Camberwell Library park

Another patch of greenery breaking up its urban surroundings is the park that wraps around the Camberwell Library (340 Camberwell Rd). Pack a lunch and sit at one of the tables in the grassy park adjacent to the library building. Otherwise, head to the gardens at the front of the library which boasts mature trees and a peaceful spot to catch up on some reading.

Read Gardens

With a small playground surrounded by lush lawns and towering old trees, Read Gardens (corner Broadway and Stanhope Grove) is a perfect spot for a family picnic. Located a short walk from Camberwell Station, there are several significant trees such as Atlantic Cedar, Algerian Oak and English Elm. The commemorative drinking fountain in the centre of the garden was installed in honour of Major Frederick Fitzwalter Read, the former Camberwell mayor the park is named after.

Fritsch Holzer Park

Named after Augustus Fritsch and the Hawthorn Brick Company founders, known as the Holzer brothers, Fritsch Holzer Park is a sprawling green space on Rose St, just minutes from Camberwell Junction. Stroll the gravel path, let the dog have an off-leash run, or stop for a picnic at the seating and tables. Once a landfill site, it was transformed in 1995 into the beautiful, native-plants-filled park it is today.

Frog Hollow Reserve

Frog Hollow Reserve is ideal for the whole family, including the dog in need of a run around. The reserve on Fordham Avenue – home to Trinity Wilson Cricket Club – offers plenty of wide, open space to enjoy a picnic or play sports. Take a stroll along the designated walking track or take the kids along to the playground which is well shaded.

Boroondara Park

Boroondara Park, accessible via Canterbury Rd, has a transport themed playground which is a big hit with the little ones. The park, full of native and exotic plants and bustling with bird life, is part of the Outer Circle Linear Park which is a series of linking pathways throughout Boroondara. Seats and tables make it perfect for a picnic and there is an off-leash dog area.