Central Park and Hedgeley Dene Gardens Walk

Central Park and Hedgeley Dene Gardens Walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

By linking two iconic City of Stonnington urban parklands, this excellent walk caters for all ages. It follows firm, smooth and wide walking paths through splendid gardens and open green spaces.

Description

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There is so much to like about this lovely walk connecting two of Stonnington’s most enchanting formal gardens. With spaces to reflect and places to picnic, spaces to have fun, walk, roll and run, everyone will find something to enjoy. It is perfect for pram walking.

This 3.5km return walk loops its way around the Edwardian gardens of Central Park and along the linear Hedgeley Dene Gardens. They are linked by pedestrian traffic lights and a short suburban street.

The walk recreates a connection between the two parks. Purchased as undeveloped land in 1906 by Malvern Council, Central Park originally formed part of a golf course that included Hedgeley Dene.

In 1908 work began on the 8 hectare Central Park. A Conservatory was added in 1927 and the sunken Wilmot fountain garden in 1928. The Central Park Conservatory is included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Hedgeley Dene Garden is another popular Stonnington attraction. It is situated on a watercourse that over the years has been used by the Wurundjeri people, famers, golfers, for fishing, quarrying and as a municipal tip.

After World War One the tip was cleared and the gardens developed. The gardens and ornamental lake were restored in the 1980s. They are now recognised on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Highlights include significant gardens, diverse mature trees, Central Park Conservatory and an accessible playground. The large John Landy Oval off leash dog play area is a busy special feature. The beautiful Hedgeley Dene Gardens and ornamental lake are a must see.

Paths are sealed or compacted gravel. Those mapped are firm and broad without steps. For adventurers young and old, Hedgeley Dene Gardens also offers alternative narrower, densely vegetated paths to explore.

Prominent interpretive signs display maps, the history and features of both locations.

Pathside seating, drinking water and public toilets are provided. East Malvern shops offer food, dining and drinks.

Dogs must be on a leash except on the John Landy Oval.

Central Park has many accessible features to welcome mobility aid users. Accessible parking provides direct access to smooth, firm paths without steps and wide enough for side by side travel. There is an accessible toilet and playground as well as accessible drinking water.

Public transport is via Tram No. 5. Stop: Burke Rd / Wattletree Rd East Malvern or bus route 624 along Burke Road.

Parking spaces surround Central Park. The main Hedgeley Dene Gardens spaces are along Malvern Road.

Other City of Stonnington walks
Urban Forest accessible walk
Zelman Cowen Park Accessible Walk
Princes & Victoria Gardens linked walk
Como Park & River Walk

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Points of Interest

1. Central Park accessible play space

This play space has wide paths for mobility aid users, novel tactile fixtures and a water misting feature. Also featured are accessible water fountains and path-connected roll under picnic tables.

2. Burke Rd pedestrian traffic lights

To safely link the two parklands use this crossing to Kardella Street.

3. Connecting the two parklands via Kardella Street

Kardella Street has a good condition footpath for connecting the two parklands. It is a residential street with many attractive homes and well maintained domestic gardens to enjoy.

4. Hedgeley Dene Gardens ornamental lake

The ornamental lake has great walking experiences to offer. There are cute bridges, secret pathways, water birds and even a water fall.

5. Informative signs

Both Central Park and Hedgeley Dene gardens provide informative signs describing their history, features and include maps. Useful contact information is also available.

6. Plenty of pram room and fascination for kids

The wide, smooth paths make pram walking easy, The colourful layered garden mix of fresh and established plants generates great interest amongst children. They will constantly stop to explore.

7. Shade

Both parklands offer various and many large mature shade trees with lush green lawns where you can take a shady break or enjoy a picnic.

8. Hedgeley Dene Gardens linear path

Marked with classical Victorian lamps, this popular linear pathway takes you to your return point at Malvern Road. It has seats and drinking water.

9. Historic drinking water fountain

This grand marble and granite drinking water fountain was presented to the citizens of Malvern by Cr Gilpin in 1929. It holds pride of place between John Landy Oval and Burke Road.

10. Central Park Conservatory

Set on the highest point of Central Park for almost 100 years, the Conservatory houses exotic plants that have given pleasure to generations of visitors.

11. John Landy Oval

The large grassed space is where cricket, soccer and off leash dog play take place. This is a popular dog park. Dogs must be on leash during sport events and in other areas of the park.

12. Flowering grassland ecospace

This protected Flowering Grassland is an eco-art creation. It is a wild space representing vegetation that once flourished for millennia on this very spot.

13. There is a walk here for every age and ability

Central Park is accessible to mobility aid users. Most can also enjoy Hedgeley Dene Gardens. Lips, crossings and pinch points may make the latter less accessible.