Blackburn Lake Sanctuary image

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary

Park

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ 1st time visitors to this lovely place. Hidden away in the middle of suburban Forrest Hill. Great for all ages. Walking is easy and not to steep. Beautiful lake. Highly recommend People often mention lake, walk, park, playground, walking, Great, great, kids, trails, Blackburn,


Address

Blackburn VIC 3130, Australia

Website

blackburnlakesanctuary.org

Contact

+61 437 172 333

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (828 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: lake (37) walk (29) park (22) playground (20) walking (19) Great (18) great (18) kids (17) trails (15) Blackburn (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 john s. 9 months ago on Google โ€ข 67 reviews
    1st time visitors to this lovely place. Hidden away in the middle of suburban Forrest Hill. Great for all ages. Walking is easy and not to steep. Beautiful lake. Highly recommend
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Frank S. 4 months ago on Google โ€ข 956 reviews
    Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is a hidden gem in suburban Melbourne. Gently sloping gravel walk from the small gravel carpark leads to a platform lookout over the suprisingly large lake. Once you leave the carpark you wouldn't know your in a city of near 3million people. Mature Eucalypts, native shrubbery and wildflowers with a lot of Birdlife, both on and off the water. The visitor centre has displays of native animals and wildlife as well as history. Toilets are at the visitor centre a short uphill walk from the carpark.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Melissa W. 6 months ago on Google โ€ข 105 reviews
    Very nice and serene place. Very quiet, peaceful and zen
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Rucha K. 1 year ago on Google
    Good walking trail. Some areas under maintainace. Traceable by train+ bus from CBD. Ample car park + roadside carpark.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Shuey L. 3 years ago on Google
    There are nature walks around the lake and a playground for kids. It is good for normal days visit. For Covid period, it is challenging to maintain social distancing when it is crowded. Still highly recommended. ๐Ÿ‘
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Henry S. 3 years ago on Google
    Comfortable park with many different paths through the bush you can stroll casually through or go for a jog. Lake views are amazing with ducks often visible and ample parking.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jellicle L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great to walk the dog around Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. There's playgrounds, BBQs, tables and chairs.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 John L. 3 months ago on Google โ€ข 147 reviews New
    Blackburn Lake Sanctuary really suits the name. The lakes are the beautiful and peaceful sanctuary for the wildlife. Birds and ducks swim and gather to feed in the water. The walking trails are good for jogging but not very good for cycling. I want to eat snacks in this suburb but there are many flies. Picnicking is good if you donโ€™t mind the insects. Remember not to feed the ducks or birds. Feeding wildlife actually harms them and pollutes the environment and ecosystem. Kids may feel bored because it lacks a large area for group sports or run around. I find the plants, flora and fauna special. Car parking is convenient.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Grant M. 2 months ago on Google โ€ข 137 reviews New
    Lots of trails to choose from, easy walks, some good views of the lake at points. Can do multiple loops around the lake so you're not always walking the same area.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 David S. 11 months ago on Google โ€ข 63 reviews
    That trip to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary was awesome! The place is a big reserve with a huge playground. After that, we went to the Visitor Information Centre, which is only open on Sundays from 2 pm to 4 pm. Nevertheless, it was incredible! The whole family listened to the guide's explanations and saw the amazing entomological work there. My daughters learned a lot about the animals and insects that inhabit the reserve. What a great experience! Then we walked around the lake on various trails, about 1.5 kilometres, admiring the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 courtney m. 2 years ago on Google โ€ข 45 reviews
    This park is great for older kids unfortunately there wasn't much for the little bubs. It is very nice looking very well kept and maintained but i would have like to see a section for the toddlers as i have one myself. It was also very open with no shelter but other then that i think it is a great play area for the kids.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Simon R. 3 years ago on Google
    A very tranquil place all year round. Great for short walks, picnics, kids ground and catching up with friends
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Priya S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and calm place โค๏ธ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Mark R. 3 years ago on Google
    Lived here in Blackburn 35 yrs and never go there. How stupid am I. Great place plenty of space
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Gin T. 3 years ago on Google
    My local park with facilities such as playground and BBQ. The park is usually busy in the afternoon so I prefer to go for a stroll early morning as soon as the sun is up. Beware of the snake though especially in the summer. I've encountered it once and crossing the path just right in front of me.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Sheshagiri V. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best trails Iโ€™ve ever seen..
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Billy 3 years ago on Google
    Tranquil. Nice walk around the lake .
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 4 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful calm oasis in Melbourneโ€™s east. Had no idea this haven was here. Had a lovely wander with our poodle today. Heaven!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Oli F. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely getaway in the suburbs. Good distance of walking track and can down to the waters edge easily.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Elena B. 3 years ago on Google
    Trails are well marked, the nature is beautiful, the lake is transcendent. I can attest to the presence of ducks and various other bird life.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Thalia A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk, run,explore, great for the kids to get lots of fresh air and exercise. Beautiful tranquil views of the lake, very peaceful, great playground and picnic area ๐Ÿค—
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Cornelius M. 1 year ago on Google
    Bushland and lake in the middle of Blackburn 30 hectares to walk around.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Ryan Y. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place for a quick walk. Easy walking tracks. Quite flat. Wheel chair friendly. Plenty of parking. In 2017 a new information center opened which is interactive and run by very friendly people. Children's playground and public toilets.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 mahshid s. 1 year ago on Google
    Thatโ€™s a gorgeous sanctuary with a lot of amazing sceneries! It has car parks and playground and picnic area as well. I visited information centre and they gave me a lot of information about the areaโ€™s history and indigenous plants and birds of this park.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 chen b. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic lake park in Melbourne!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Salim K. 3 years ago on Google
    Within 300m of arriving you can escape the urban life and start enjoying the bush life
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Martina H. 4 years ago on Google
    Gets better all the time. The paths are in great condition and the trees are looking great. The recent rain has filled up the lake nicely. It was so quiet here mid week after lunch. And today's still weather was perfect for me and the ducks.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Amy J. 3 years ago on Google
    Great playground for the kids, clean toilets and lovely leafy green walks around the lake you won't even realise your in the suburbs!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ronnie 3 years ago on Google
    Hidden away in the quiet back streets of Blackburn, this place truly is a sanctuary, not just for the fauna, but for humans looking for a quick respite from the bustle of everyday life. There's a playground and a picnic area, however, once you leave, you enter some calming bushland (nothing too wild) with the sounds of birds. Of course, there's also the nice lake and the creek that runs through the park. All in all, a great place for a peaceful walk.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ankit S. 3 years ago on Google
    Close to nature, in the middle of busy neighbourhood
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Wildtiger F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for peace and quiet
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 BJ T. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely bush walk in native surroundings.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jen E. 3 years ago on Google
    Great location, lots of places to lay out a picnic rug and quite a few very comfortable, large, well maintained picnic tables. Fun kids playground with plenty to do. Not too busy in the late arvo, but on a nice day, I can imagine it is quite hectic. Tap and dog water bowl available, plus BBQs and of course the lake - which is a leisurely stroll. A visitors centre exists, although I have not been inside. Highly rate this location for a relaxing afternoon. Plenty of birds to watch too.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Madeline R. 2 months ago on Google โ€ข 363 reviews New
    Beautiful lake with lots of birdlike. Great for birdwatching. Dogs allowed on lead . Playground with toilets to one side of the lake. Watch out for snakes in summer too.

  • 5/5 Nara L. 2 years ago on Google โ€ข 292 reviews
    Beautiful and peaceful park, with a fair amount of ducks and other birds hanging around. Multiple walking tracks and way to find parking (there is a designated one but many also opt to park along the side streets), though it does get busier on the weekends. Lovely wide paths throughout most of the sanctuary.

  • 5/5 K F. 2 months ago on Google โ€ข 230 reviews New
    Love this lake, have ducks and pockets of banks which allows you to enjoy the view. Tranquil and a lot of native greens with various routes. Have a playground for kids and BBQ.

  • 5/5 Alexandros K. 3 months ago on Google โ€ข 126 reviews New
    Blackburn Sanctuary Lake is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lake itself is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and reflection. The walking trails around the lake are well-maintained and offer a pleasant stroll amidst nature. The park also features picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing or a peaceful lunch in nature. The wildlife at Blackburn Sanctuary Lake is abundant, with various bird species and other animals calling this place home. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to observe and appreciate the local flora and fauna. Overall, Blackburn Sanctuary Lake is a beautiful and serene destination that offers a refreshing break from the city.

  • 5/5 Dean E. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice walk. Beautiful lake surrounds and wildlife.

  • 5/5 The Dramatic B. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful walk through the vivid preserved Blackburn sanctuary lake in the heart of leafy Blackburn. Lots of different trails to navigate without difficulty for all ages and a beautiful lake to sit by and relax to the wild life around you. There is also a new kids play ground the has been resurfaced and equipment for the kids to run around on as well as bbq facilities. Check it out !!

  • 5/5 Vignesh N. 1 year ago on Google
    Great calm place for walking or running. Itโ€™s a good place to get away from everything and relax for a while. There is also a kids playground nearby. Thanks.

  • 4/5 Espy E. 3 years ago on Google
    It took lockdown and trying to find picnic locations within dual 5km bubbles for us to discover this amazing park with a Great Lake view and plenty of walking trails. There are multiple kids playgrounds and plenty of picnicking space and itโ€™s a great park to walk in although paths tend to be a little random so no clearly defined loop (keeps you on your toes). Friends of ours claim to have gone yabbying in this lake as kids but havenโ€™t seen anyone doing that in our few visits

  • 4/5 Monica Q. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice trail around the lake with man-made beach and stone seating on the edge. The quality of the water is good. Itโ€™s a shame swimming is not allowed and thereโ€™s no dog off lease zone. The way-finding signs are a little bit confusing for the new visitors.

  • 5/5 Trevor H. 3 years ago on Google
    Even the started off bad the turned out great nice grounds and clean toilets thanks

  • 5/5 SREELAKSHMI N. 3 years ago on Google
    Calm place

  • 5/5 Round 5. 3 years ago on Google
    Toilets so clean

  • 5/5 Vvr K. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent Place to spend time in leisure with family. Lake view is very beautiful.

  • 5/5 Jocelyn R. 2 months ago on Google โ€ข 16 reviews New
    This is my go-to nature Park. It's walking distance from my abode โœ…, it's got bushland, birds, toilets (check hours), a playground and onsite parking. I mainly walk there near sunset time to greet the birds & frogs (I haven't seen a frog yet, but I have heard them) Take a moment to relax, breathe deeply, & pay your respect to nature! It will give you a gift back. Please be mindful of rubbish in the park, keep to the trails & AVOID feeding DUCKS!!!!

  • 5/5 Ali - Places to L. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely spot to go for a walk in the heart of Blackburn. They have a great playground for the little ones and grass to run around on. They have ample of space for picnics (be sure to arrive early on the weekend to grab a table). The lake itself is so nice and you can often spot some ducks swimming by. Would recommend if youโ€™re in the area for either a walk or your next picnic spot!

  • 5/5 Jade Koekoe (Misskoko the L. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderful wetlands, great walks, park and events happen here. It is clear that people care for and care about this little patch of green in Blackburn. If you have little ones, this is a wonderful place to have a birthday party.

  • 5/5 Kade M. 4 months ago on Google
    To say it's hidden would be a disservice to the size of the parkland, but when you consider how urban it is around the sanctuary, it's unexpected. Very nice walk, well maintained grounds and a good playground for the kids.

  • 5/5 Rob P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great slice of Australian flora and fauna right in the heart of suburbia.

  • 4/5 Justin H. 11 months ago on Google
    On our last visit we did notice a number of signs indicating that snakes have been seen in the park. Chances are that the snakes would stay away from the well walked paths, but certainly worth remembering when you have children or elderly people with you that may not be aware of their surroundings.

  • 5/5 Vonne Z. 8 months ago on Google
    Quiet lake sanctuary, lots of ducks, and wild lorikeets, and other birds. Very relaxing to walk around this place. Loved it.

  • 5/5 Andy D. 8 months ago on Google
    Great trails a wonderful place to go walk. Easy to navigate, mostly flat and even, pretty well kept and easy to find. It was a great place to walk for an hour

  • 3/5 Mountain H. 7 months ago on Google
    Easy trail with rain this morning , we hardly saw any colourful birds. Good for walking your pet dogs.

  • 5/5 Nick A. 6 months ago on Google
    Tranquil lake and walking tracks. Not very busy. Ample parking space.

  • 4/5 Globetrotter 2 months ago on Google New
    Nice park for a walk. However, they need to have toilets near the barbecue and parking on central ave. One near the playground is too far from this part of the park.

  • 4/5 Diane K. 3 years ago on Google
    A wonderful bush setting, lake, flora and fauna in the suburbs

  • 5/5 Michael C. 3 years ago on Google
    Hidden treasure. Nice big lake in a woody suburb

  • 5/5 Dan G. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice walking trails.

  • 5/5 Michael K. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place needs recycling bins

  • 5/5 Peter G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great walking

  • 4/5 Kylie S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice Bush tracks with abundant bird life. Lake views are best from road. Great playground. Pretty grassy area for picnics. No coffee. No gelati. No food vendors.

  • 5/5 Michael P. 3 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Martin H. 3 years ago on Google
    Very popular during weekends

  • 5/5 Elnaz Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place for walk

  • 4/5 Gary S. 3 years ago on Google
    Serene, magical. Get lost in the woods and the sounds of the birds with view of lake mesmerising your soul

  • 5/5 Katherin S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place ๐Ÿ˜

  • 5/5 Dimity P. 3 years ago on Google
    Natural beauty ๐Ÿ‘Œ

  • 4/5 Simon H. 3 years ago on Google
    Natural environment with lake, and a little quirky

  • 4/5 Steve B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk or picnic. Always busy though.

  • 5/5 YUNG-HSIN L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I think this is an ideal park that can provide a place for children and family activities; there is a wealth of natural animal information for everyone to get. I think this is an ideal park that can provide a place for children and family activities; there is a wealth of natural animal information for everyone to get. There are walking trails around the pool, childrenโ€™s play equipment, public toilets and barbecue stations, and parking lots ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ. There are trails around the pool, childrenโ€™s play equipment, public toilets and barbecue stations, and parking lots. ps: pay attention to reptiles in summer. ps: pay attention to reptiles in summer (Original) I think this is an ideal park that can provide a place for children and family activities; there is a wealth of natural animal information for everyone to get. ๆˆ‘ๆƒณ้€™ๆ˜ฏไธ€ๅ€‹ๅพˆ็†ๆƒณ็š„ๅ…ฌๅœ’๏ผŒๅฏไปฅๆไพ›ๅฐๅญฉๅญ่ˆ‡ๅฎถๅบญๆดปๅ‹•็š„ๅ ดๆ‰€๏ผ›ๆœ‰่ฑๅฏŒ็š„่‡ช็„ถๅ‹•็‰ฉ่ณ‡่จŠๅฏไปฅๆไพ›ๅคงๅฎถๅพ—ๅˆฐใ€‚ There are walking trails around the pool, childrenโ€™s play equipment, public toilets and barbecue stations, and parking lots ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ. ๆœ‰็’ฐ็นžๆฐดๆฑ ็š„ๆญฅ้“ใ€ๅ…’็ซฅ็š„้Šๆจ‚ๅ™จๆใ€ๆœ‰ๅ…ฌ็”จๅปๆ‰€่ˆ‡็ƒค่‚‰่‡บๅ’Œๅœ่ปŠๅ ด๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธใ€‚ ps: pay attention to reptiles in summer. ps:ๅคๅคฉๆ™‚ๅ€™่ฆๆณจๆ„็ˆฌ่Ÿฒๅ‹•็‰ฉ

  • 5/5 MooFit C. 3 years ago on Google
    Good tracks and allows for distancing

  • 5/5 Stephen P. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to have a stroll and chill

  • 4/5 Nima S. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is not very big but you can definitely walk for some time without passing through the same route twice! Nice and peaceful, at least at the time that I visited!

  • 5/5 Anushi J. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice scenery and great place to relax. Also great walking trail around the lake

  • 4/5 Rose H. 3 years ago on Google
    Cute spot, my dog loves it!

  • 4/5 Jay 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite places for summer walks. There are plenty of tracks among the bushes which provide shade and the cool breeze coming across the lake is soothing.

  • 4/5 Lynn L. 2 years ago on Google
    A peaceful place to have a walk. We visited there in a rainy day, a little bit muddy. It was lovely seeing duck swimming.

  • 5/5 Dae Won H. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to walk

  • 5/5 Helen S. 2 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem in the heart of suburbia. Birds, tortoises, lake, playground, picnic and barbecue facilities . Lots of walking tracks to explore.

  • 5/5 Hiral L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great for kids to play and parents to have lunch Also good walking trails

  • 5/5 R C. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is like the Secret Garden. It has wildlife, secluded nature trails and rolling terrain. There's a Lake (the name's a dead giveaway) and it has ducks. Parking can be difficult as its such a popular spot, the playground drawing families. Best park in a side street and walk (hey you're going for a walk anyway). It's a great place to unwind and really when you're in the sanctuary, it feels like a world away from the city.

  • 4/5 Rajan R. 2 years ago on Google
    Very popular due to kids playground but very busy and hard to maintain distance..

  • 5/5 Y S. 2 years ago on Google
    Short walks available, easy access, toilets available, suitable for kids and family.

  • 5/5 Terry L. 2 years ago on Google
    A fabulous place to spend time, lots of wonderful tracks to walk around, ducks on the lake, plenty of bird life, places to sit and a great playground

  • 5/5 ilja k. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place, bit crowded time to time.

  • 4/5 Chance A. 2 years ago on Google
    Took the Onewheel around. Bit tricky in some spots on the wheel but as a whole a really nice place to walk around. For what looks like a small area on the map, there was a lot of ground to cover and a lot of bushland and greenery to enjoy


Call +61 437 172 333 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • โœ“๏ธ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • โœ“๏ธ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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