Jells Park has been a Melbourne icon for generations: a beloved place for city-dwellers to get into nature with the whole family.
But there are special places in this popular park in the south-eastern suburbs that even regular visitors might not know about.
We asked local expert Ranger Sandie for her tips on enjoying Jells Park's most exclusive spots. From tucked-away bird hides to brand-new playscapes, discover a new side to your all-time favourites.
TAKE TIME OUT AT JELLS EAST PLAYSCAPE
You might have already encountered the new playscape at Stringybark picnic area, complete with all-abilities carousels, swings and sculptures. But did you know there's another new playscape in Jells East?
"You've got the large main playscape, and you'll often find that quite busy," says Sandie, "but we would also recommend the new smaller playscape at Jells East. This one has a lot of similarities: it's nature-based, it's got a swing set, a couple of small slides for toddlers and some climbing structures."
Here you'll also find a sandpit and a fabulous and unique tactile blue-tongue lizard sculpture carved from timber and concrete. With toilets nearby and a big open space to kick a ball around, Jells East is a great spot to escape the crowds.
"If you have a child with special needs who prefers a quieter place, it's perfect," says Sandie.
EMBARK ON A TRANQUIL TOUR OF THE LAKE
After stopping at Madeleine's Cafe for a spot of lunch, why not take a quiet stroll around the lake on the 2.3km loop through the conservation area? Just make sure to leave your four-legged family members at home for this one – whilst dogs are allowed at Jells Park, they are not allowed in this special conservation part of the park.
Along this tranquil track, you'll find bird hides perfect for spying on the local wildlife, including an island of ibis that has attracted a predatory sea eagle.
"The majority of the time, people are seeing this sea eagle," says Sandie. "Which is great – it just sits there waiting for the right time to go hunting for its next meal."
There's new information due out soon about all the other birds you might glimpse in Jells Park – watch this space!
ESCAPE THE CROWDS AT JELLS SOUTH
For an unstructured day of recreation away from the hustle and bustle, pay a visit to Jells South. Here you'll find expansive grassy spaces to kick a footy or set up a game of cricket, as well as easy access to the conservation area via a gravel trail. This is Sandie's top spot for a bit of quiet time.
"Jells South has some nature areas at the back of the ovals," says Sandie, "and you can just sit there and quietly watch nature if you're trying to find a quiet spot to yourself in a really busy park."
CYCLE FROM JELLS INTO THE GREAT BEYOND
If you're keen on a bike ride, Jells Park is a great place to start a nice long ride. Park at Jells Park and cycle along the Dandenong Creek Trail that goes through the Bushy Park wetlands, into Koomba Park and beyond the Parks Victoria estate to the north and south. For a full-day excursion with the family, you can't do better than exploring this beautiful area on two wheels.
