Discover Kew East

Willsmere Park, Stradbroke Park and Hays Paddock offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors in Kew East. Their appeal ranges from nature and habitat to designated off-leash dog use, sport, exercise and play. This means the area isn’t limited to just one kind of outing. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, this variety can help you decide what you want to focus on during your stay and plan your days around your interests.

Willsmere Park and its natural habitat

Willsmere Park has two notable features: it includes two billabongs and is one of the most significant natural areas in Boroondara. If you want to include nature alongside sport and play in your day’s plans, you’ll find a clear focus on habitat here. This makes the park easy to compare with Hays Paddock, which is more strongly associated with sport, exercise and a playground.

Stradbroke Park: dog rules and tram access

Stradbroke Park is designated as an off-leash dog park, where dogs are allowed to roam without a leash. Organised sports training and games on the ovals are exceptions. If you’re visiting with a dog, take this restriction into account when planning your visit. Check the current signage before you go.

There are two different points of reference for tram access. Stradbroke Park is 550 metres from the stop for tram route 48 on High Street. Hays Paddock is a five-minute walk from tram route 48. A distance and a walking time are different ways to gauge access, not equivalent time estimates. Check current transport information, as services and walking conditions can change.

Hays Paddock: sport, bushland and play

Hays Paddock is suitable for cricket, soccer, archery, dog training and outdoor fitness training. Its range of activities gives the park a sporting focus and lets you cater to different interests. Hays Paddock also has tables and chairs set amid bushland. So the park’s character includes both opportunities for exercise and its surroundings and existing furniture.

The playground at Hays Paddock adds several specific features to this side of the park. These include an accessible timber structure with bridges and ramps, activity panels, large and small slides, play areas beneath the structure, and a leaf-shaped shade canopy. For families including play options in their holiday plans, these details offer practical guidance. As facilities can change, check the playground’s current condition before visiting.

Factor park activities into your choice of location

When looking for a holiday rental in Kew East, it’s worth comparing the location of a specific property with the places you actually plan to visit. Your priority might be nature, a visit with your dog, or sport and play; the parks offer different points of reference for each. Also consider what kind of day you want: are you mainly interested in being close to nature, designated off-leash dog use, or a range of sport and play activities? This way, you can connect your choice of holiday rental with the experiences that interest you in Kew East.

Discover more destinations: Waratah Bay, Sunbury, Smiths Beach, San Remo, Merrigum, Marong, Miners Rest, Taminick

For the broader travel guide: Victoria.