The Iglu Guide | Blog

Getting out and about in Melbourne

Now that Melburnians can explore a 25-kilometre radius around their home and spend more time outdoors, we have created a little guide to some quintessential Melbourne activities and escapes, all within the limits!

Westerfolds Park

You don’t need to go too far outside of Melbourne to be at one with nature. If you’ve got access to a car, think about heading to Westerfolds Park. Situated beside the Yarra River in Templestowe, and offering 120 hectares of parkland, Westerfolds Park is perfect for picnicking, walking, cycling, canoeing, and spotting cute local wildlife, like kangaroos! You will feel miles from anywhere without needing to be miles from the city.

Albert Park Lake

A little easier to get to – you can walk from Iglu South Yarra or jump on a tram from Iglu Melbourne City – Albert Park Lake is a popular spot for running, walking, picnicking or simply watching the swans float around. If you’re into water sports you can investigate kayaking, canoeing, rowing and sailing (subject to COVID restrictions). While you are there, make sure you take a moment to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline.

St Kilda Beach and Pier

If you haven’t been already, a visit to St Kilda Beach is a must. A short tram ride from the CBD, you can take a stroll, grab an ice cream and settle in for some serious people watching as walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, kitesurfers, windsurfers and all-weather swimmers make this their playground. Stay into the evening for some penguin spotting at the breakwater. Adorable!

Melbourne Botanical Gardens

To quote the Melbourne Botanic Gardens website, “more than 8,500 plant species from around the world are presented in a kaleidoscope of colour and texture. Sweeping lawns, tranquil lakes and majestic trees are home to an amazing range of wildlife.” Grab a picnic, your camera and even your yoga mat, and head to the gardens for some rest, relaxation and mindfulness in this inner-city oasis.

Run The Tan

If you’re a runner and you haven’t run The Tan, you need to fix that! Following a 3.8km loop around Kings Domain and the Royal Botanical Gardens, The Tan is quintessential Melbourne! The official start-finish line, near Swan Street Bridge, is the Pillars of Wisdom, but you can start your run or walk anywhere. If you’re serious about your time, there are distance markers every 250 metres, and two large digital time clocks at the start/finish and halfway points. If you need hydration, there are plenty of water fountains and, for something more substantial, duck over to Domain Road for a yummy juice.

On your bike

Melbourne is perfect for cycling and one of the nicest places to do this is along the Yarra River, on the stretch of the Main Yarra Trail from Como Park to Docklands (or vice versa). Nice and flat, the trail is 7km each way (about 20-25 minutes), and follows the river, so you might even get to race some rowers. And it’s Melbourne, so there will be somewhere to grab a coffee at either end.

Golf anyone?

If golf is your thing, grab your clubs and book a round at one of these easily accessible courses:

  • Burnley – this 9-hole course, tucked between the city and the Yarra river 5km east of the CBD, is great for all golfing skill levels.
  • Albert Park – just 2km from the CBD, you can play 18 holes next to Albert Park’s beautiful lake, with views of the Melbourne CBD skyline from most holes.
  • Yarra Bend – it might be a little further afield (10 minutes from the CBD), but picturesque Yarra Bend is one of Melbourne’s premier golf courses. And, it has a driving range if you are little rusty.

All three courses are open to the public 7 days a week. Bookings and equipment hire are available.

Foodie favourites

Melbourne is a foodie paradise, and its awesome dining scene is matched only by its cool market scene. So, if you love your food and you love shopping for the best fresh produce, forget the supermarket and head to one of Melbourne’s amazing food markets. Two of them are right near to Iglu – Prahran Market (a short walk from Iglu South Yarra) and Queen Victoria Market (literally across the road from Iglu Melbourne City). South Melbourne Market is also easy to get to by tram and definitely worth a visit. Each market has different opening hours and days, so be sure to check each market website before your visit.

We’re pretty sure this will keep you busy! If you want to share your Melbourne adventures with us, tag us on Instagram @iglustudents or use the hashtag #livecoolatiglu.


Photo from visitmelbourne.com

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