Saunter in the City

Melbourne puts on a show when the seasons change. As the stunning colours of autumn take over, watch the landscape transform on a city stroll.

Walk the Foreshore Trail

If you love being by the beach, this is the walk for you. Sea breezes, 11 kilometres to explore and plenty of places for a pit stop line this scenic beach trail. The Foreshore Trail stretches from Port Melbourne through cosmopolitan St Kilda and on to Elwood. Take a break in Catani Gardens, stroll along St Kilda Pier and choose from the many cafes, restaurants and bars along the Esplanade and Acland Street.

Getting there: Bus number 236 from Banana Alley Vaults Bus Interchange

Explore Merri Creek Trail

Take a short tram ride out of town to Brunswick East and pick up the Merri Creek Trail. Although it stretches for 21 kilometres, there’s a shorter section between Brunswick East and Coburg that makes for a refreshing inner-urban stroll. The quiet shady path creates a feeling of being a lot further from the city than you are. As the trail enters Coburg Lake Park, look out for the whimsical outdoor sculptures among the trees. Explore the surrounding parklands or hop on the number 19 tram back into town.

Getting there: Tram 11 to stop 34 will have you starting your walk at Miller Street/St Georges Road

Trek the Capital City Trail

This 29-kilometre trail circles the CBD and inner suburbs of the north and east, but one of its most picturesque sections snakes along the Yarra River as it winds past Federation Square and out of the city. If you’re an early riser, grab a coffee for your walk, and take in the dawn as the city wakes up. Watch the fog lift off the river as teams of rowers glide across its glassy surface. Hot air balloons wafting effortlessly across the horizon make for a great sunrise photo, too. Follow the trail out of the city and past the sporting precincts, or circle back for breakfast by the river.

Getting there: The trail passes Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station, Flemington Bridge Station, Rushall Station and Heyington Station

Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens

A gorgeous green spot for a leisurely stroll, the 36-hectare Melbourne Garden offers unrivalled views of the city skyline, Yarra River and Shrine of Remembrance. Make the most of your time by joining one of the guided tours from the Visitor Centre. See highlights like the Tropical Glasshouse and Ornamental Lake. The garden provides a tranquil haven, where you can relax on the extensive lawns and feel a mile away from bustle of the CBD. On weekends, families, couples and groups bring picnics or dine in at Jardin Tan. This French-Vietnamese restaurant will keep you fuelled witha lingering lunch or a $20 takeaway tiffin.

Getting there: Tram number 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 to stop 19

Stroll around Albert Park Lake

There’s a five-kilometre trail across the lawns and around the man-made lake, but this a great place for activities other than a walk. If you’re feeling especially energetic, Albert Park also has a golf driving range, gym and aquatic centre. Bring the family for a barbecue, then hire a boat and watch the resident swans glide across the water. An old tale says these majestic birds will remember you for a year and a day, but you won’t want to leave it that long until your next Melbourne getaway.

Getting there: Tram 96 to stop 128