This 3 hour guided small group tour (maximum of 10 guests) provides a unique way to explore Melbourne's urban parks and gardens, discover their history and contemporary uses and learn about the many native animals that live in the heart of Melbourne.
Your friendly local guide will lead you through seven inner-city parks incorporating several of Melbourne's icons, including the Royal Exhibition Building, Cooks Cottage, the MCG, the Federation Bells, the Botanic Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. This hike also takes in some fantastic views of the city, so be sure to bring your camera!
Snacks and tea or coffee are included in the tour price. The hike is approximately 7 kms so a moderate level of fitness is required. There are plenty of facilities and water stops along the way.
Meeting point & time
The tour starts at 10:00 am or at 2:00 pm at the Carlton Gardens, just south of the Royal Exhibition Building.
Inclusions
Includes snacks, tea or coffee and a friendly, knowledgable local guide with commentary.
What to bring
Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress for all seasons with hat, sunscreen and a rain jacket. Please bring a water bottle - there are plenty of rest stops and places to refill along the route.
Itinerary
Your guide will 'talk and walk', describing the history and contemporary uses of the seven different parks and gardens as you go. After leaving the Royal Exhibition Building, you'll walk to Fitzroy Gardens and see Cooks Cottage and the Conservatory, the famous MCG and across the William Barak Bridge, to Birrarung Marr. Here you'll have opportunities for to take photos of the city skyline. You'll visit the Botanic Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and finish the hike walking through Domain Park back over Prices Bridge to the city. The tour ends at Federation Square where you guide will be happy to provide you with local recommendations for lunch or dinner.
