Summary

Starting from the Lister Street car park of Hays Paddock, we will head south towards Stradbroke Park, do a lap of the athletics field and then head back to complete a circuit of Hays Paddock.

Description

This lovely park is one of City of Boroondara's most popular natural spaces to get some exercise, courtesy of its lovely gravel tracks, bushland setting and large open green spaces.

Our Step10 walk (Spring 2025) walk begin at the north-east corner of the park at the smaller, quieter Lister Street carpark.

We'll then head in a 3.3km clockwise loop encompassing Stradbroke Park to the south of Hays Paddock.

The linear reserves connecting Hays Paddock to Stradbroke Park are lovely spaces well-used by community members including dog walkers.

There are three road crossings to navigate between Hays Paddock and Stradbroke Park. Glass Street is very quiet, while Kilby Road has a pedestrian-priority zebra crossing.

We will need to cross High Street at the pedestrian lights, so take usual precautions and ensure drivers and trams have stopped before crossing.

After doing a lap of the athletics oval at Stradbroke Park we'll head back to Hays Paddock to complete our circuit of this lovely green space.

Just after your cross Kilby Road at the southern end of Hays Paddock you will see a path taking you along the left bank of Glass Creek. We'll use this path, which will take us toward the Hays Paddock playground and public amenities via the Tennis Club.

Public toilets and drinking water taps are available next to the playground.

Safety: Hay's Paddock is a very popular place for people to walk their dogs off-leash (so you may encounter lots of off-leash dogs on or near the walking paths). This can be an issue for people with balance / mobility issues.

202 Views

Points of Interest

1. Meeting point (Lister Street)

We'll meet near the yellow post to begin our Twilight walk on Monday evenings.

2. Lovely paths

Following European settlement that area that is now Hays Paddock was once a dairy farm. In the early 1900s the then Kew Council purchased land in the area for a public park.

3. Heading south

Continue in a southerly direction along the trails to begin making your way out of Hays Paddock

4. Kilby Road crossing

You'll come to this pedestrian priority crossing over Kilby Road. Check drivers have stopped and wait for slower walkers on the other side.

5. Glass Street

You'll also need to cross this little street. You will see a little pocket playground on the southern side of Glass Street. Continue south along the shared path past the playground.

6. High Street crossing

There is a signalised pedestrian crossing over High Street, which is a busy road and tram route. Please use the pedestrian operated signal to cross here and check it is safe to do so.

7. Kite Park and Reserve

After crossing High Street you enter this lovely bushy section of the linear park connection between Hays Paddock and Stradbroke Park. It's a popular spot to walk dogs off-lead.

8. Stradbroke Path

Stradbroke Park is a large sporting reserve with two main sports ovals. The southern oval has a nice walking path around half of it (you can check out another time!)

9. Path between ovals

Walk towards the large main building at Stradbroke Park above the long jump pit.

10. Public Toilets

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11. Back through Kite Reserve

After our lap of the Stradbroke park we'll head north back towards Hays Paddock.

12. Hays Paddock southern entry

Once you're back in Hays Paddock take the lower, left path here to follow the creek's edge.

13. Glass Creek trail

Take care if it is has been raining as this path along the creek can be slippery in the wet and has a steeper gradient in parts.

14. Shared bridge

After going past the tennis courts cross this bridge taking care to stick to the yellow painted pedestrian area, as the bridge is shared with vehicles entering and exiting Hays Paddock.

15. Picnic area

You might decide to loop back to this lovely area after our official walk ends.

16. Hays Public toilets

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17. Hays Paddock playspace

This gorgeous new accessible play space was opened in 2024. A great place to bring children next time you visit Hays Paddock!

18. Popular open spaces

Hays Paddock is very popular on spring and summer evenings with people walking, playing and exercising. This path takes you past Hays Paddock's sporting ovals and dog off-leash area.

19. Back at start point

As you make your way back to the Lister Street car park you will see an archery area to the left of the path, plus a water refill station. Finish the walk here or take another lap at your leisure!

Features

Playground

Picnic spot

Drinking water available

Seating available

Dog off-leash area

Public toilets

Pram friendly

Nature trail

Park / Garden