The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Derrimut Grassland Nature Conservation Reserve

Truganina Park overlooks Port Phillip Bay and is known for the 100 Steps to Federation and the Time Beacon sculpture at its summit. There are shared walking and cycling paths that wind through open grasslands and wetlands, with panoramic views stretching over Cheetum Wetlands, across the bay toward Melbourne, and on a clear day, all the way to the You Yangs. The park also connects directly to the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail via the Laverton Creek footbridge, making it a popular destination for walkers and cyclists.

The North West Plain is the only designated off-leash area within Newport Lakes Reserve, giving dogs space to run freely beside the park’s lakes, wetlands, and walking trails. The open grassy area sits away from the more environmentally sensitive parts of the reserve, helping protect the surrounding bird habitat and revegetation zones while still giving plenty of room for exercise and play.

The Arboretum at Newport Lakes Park is a quiet, landscaped section of the reserve that includes a diverse collection of exotic and native trees. It was one of the first areas to be rehabilitated from the former quarry in the 1970s, and it includes winding paths, open grassy areas, labelled trees, and benches, making it a peaceful place to stroll or relax. The arboretum adds a more garden-like atmosphere to Newport Lakes, with mature conifers, deciduous trees, and unusual species from across Australia and overseas.

Newport Lakes Park is a peaceful 33-hectare bushland reserve in Melbourne’s inner west, created from a former bluestone quarry and landfill site and transformed into a network of lakes, walking trails, and natural green space. The park includes a self-guided nature trail with several lookouts, stepping-stone lake crossings, and wetland areas rich in birdlife. With more than 200 plant species and over 85 recorded bird species, it's a surprisingly secluded place to escape in nature, right in the heart of this suburban area.

Kororoit Creek is the crown jewel of the Kororoit Creek Trail. This river winds through Melbourne’s western suburbs toward Port Phillip Bay and is home to restored bushland, grassy floodplains, and urban green spaces. The trail is flat and paved, but keep an eye on updated trail conditions, as sections may be prone to flooding after heavy rain.

Located along the Kororoit Creek Trail, Nature’s Bounty Mural is a colorful mural depicting native plants, wildlife, and flowing organic shapes that honor the ecosystem of Kororoit Creek. The mural lights up the area under the overpass and creates a beautiful backdrop for a photo as well.

Along the Kororoit Creek Trail sit five stone sculptures of local animals that inhabit this part of the creek. These sculptures include an eastern long-necked turtle, a growling grass frog, a Cunningham skink, a kingfisher, and an echidna. Artist Joe Pratt carved the animals from local basalt rock. Can you find all five?

Maribyrnong Valley Parklands is a beautiful and large open area just a short distance from the Melbourne CBD. Visitors can a wide variety of facilities ranging from playground and picnic areas to sports fields and a network for multi-use paths. The parklands are split by the Maribyrnong River that winds its way through the grounds on its final approach to its confluence with the Yarra River.