Burwood: Park Trails, Art and Play

Burwood offers families looking to combine outdoor activity with art and playful discoveries several options to explore. These include the 20 km Gardiners Creek Trail, paths in Wattle Park and art offerings at Deakin University’s Melbourne Burwood Campus. Play areas are also part of what the area has to offer. When choosing a holiday rental in Burwood, you can consider which of these interests you would most like to shape your stay: walks and outdoor activity, art or play opportunities.

Paths in Wattle Park and along Gardiners Creek

The Gardiners Creek Trail offers opportunities for cycling and walking at the entrance at the intersection of Burwood Highway and Elgar Road. This entrance is a one-minute walk from Deakin University. This distance refers to the trail entrance; the trail itself is 20 km long in total. If you enjoy spending time on trails during your stay, you can include this route and access point in your travel plans.

Wattle Park has shared paths as well as a developed 3.25 km route for walking and running. Burwood therefore offers different options for outdoor activity: the longer Gardiners Creek Trail, with opportunities for cycling and walking, and the shorter route in the park, which is specifically intended for walking and running. Wattle Park is also a place for families who want to consider play options alongside the paths.

Play areas with a variety of features

Wattle Park has a sensory garden and a tram-shaped play fort. They are located in a nature-themed play area designed for all ages and abilities, which opened in April 2023. Wheelchair users can access the second level with assistance. This specific limitation is worth factoring into your plans if you would like to visit the play area together.

Another play option is located in Lundgren Chain Reserve. Its playground has swings, slides and climbing equipment, along with soft ground surfaces and gardens. The two offerings differ in their described features: Wattle Park centres on the sensory garden and tram-themed play structure, while Lundgren Chain Reserve features classic play equipment and garden design.

Art and history at Deakin Burwood Campus

The Deakin University Art Gallery presents contemporary art and creative practice through a changing annual program. During scheduled exhibition periods, it is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm; it is closed on public holidays. Admission is free. When planning your visit, note that these opening hours apply during exhibition periods.

The gallery is also home to the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, which recognises contemporary sculpture by artists from across Australia. Each year, the award culminates in an exhibition of finalist works, shown at the gallery on the Melbourne Burwood Campus from August to October. The campus also offers guided tours with art educators as part of its school programs: on the Deakin Burwood Campus Sculpture Walk – Collect, Extend and Connect, participants explore outdoor artworks.

Another distinctive feature of Wattle Park is the Chalet. Built in 1928 from decommissioned tram engine sheds, it has largely retained its original form. If you are interested in the history of a building, this offers a different way to experience Burwood from the exhibitions and sculptures on campus.

Planning your stay

Deakin University’s Melbourne Burwood Campus is served by tram route 75, SmartBus 903 and Deakin shuttle bus route 201. If the campus is part of your stay, these connections can help you get around. Together with the park trails, play areas and art offerings, they provide a range of activities to help guide your travel plans and search for a holiday rental in Burwood.

If you would like to explore more places, you can find Rushworth, Big Hill, Donald, Patchewollock, Red Cliffs, Kyneton, Swan Hill and Meeniyan here.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.