How to make the most of the sun in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs

There is a particular magic to early autumn in Melbourne. The heat of summer softens into golden afternoons and the evenings stretch out long enough for an evening walk after work.

Whether you’re chasing movement, family-friendly fun or a cultural stop between brunch and golden hour, here’s a guide on how to make the most of the sun in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

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Maroondah: Lakeside Loops & Summer Swims

Get walking: If you’re in Ringwood or surrounds, the 1.5km Ringwood Lake Park loop is a flat, shaded and ideal spot for a morning stroll or sunset wander. 

• The lake has a playground and picnic areas for families, and space for regular walkers who know the quiet satisfaction of a full lap before coffee.

Get swimming: For those chasing summer swims, Aquanation Ringwood is a standout. 

• With both indoor and outdoor pools and late-summer trading, it is perfect for a warm-weather outing and dip. 

Get eating: Eastland’s gorgeous outdoor dining precinct features spacious open seating with locals lingering over spritzes, burgers and gelato. It’s an easy way to turn a simple summer night walk into a complete summer evening out.

Whitehorse: Blackburn Lake & Village Cafés

Nature first: Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is a 1.5km bushland loop that weaves through native forest, offering birdsong, boardwalk sections and pockets of shade that make it ideal even on the warmer days.

• It’s accessible, peaceful and surprisingly immersive for a suburban setting.

Then a bite: Blackburn Village’s cafe strip has become a local favourite for good reason, it features small, independent cafés serving quality coffee and relaxed brunch menus that are perfect for a post-walk ritual.

Then a swim: Aqualink Box Hill remains a summer hero both for locals and visitors. Outdoor pools and fun splash-friendly areas mean you don’t have to head far for a holiday-like afternoon in the summer. 

Manningham: Sunset Lawns & Creek Trails

Start here: The Mullum Mullum Creek Trail is one of the eastern suburbs’ most underrated gems. 

• Running through Doncaster East and Templestowe, it threads through the two suburbs, with cyclists, joggers and casual walkers sharing the space. There are long stretches of open sky and bushland that offer a refreshing sense of escape.

• Nearby, Ruffey Lake Park delivers on a wow-factor scale. With rolling lawns, city glimpses from higher points and picnic shelters, it is perfect for gathering friends on a summer evening, featuring a very cinematic golden hour.

Monash & Knox: Jells Park and Dandenong Creek Trail

Park it: Few green spaces rival Jells Park in Wheelers Hill. 

• Jells Park has wide-open lawns, lakeside paths and barbecue areas that make it one of the east’s most reliable summer gathering spots. It is perfect for families, but also attracts many solo walkers and runners.

• Further out, the Dandenong Creek Trail weaves through Bayswater, Heathmont and Wantirna and offers long, flat stretches that are perfect for casual walkers and cyclists alike. It’s accessible, scenic and peaceful given its suburban setting.

Grab a bite: Knox locals can finish up at Wantirna or Bayswater café strips, while those closer to Glen Waverley have no shortage of bustling dining precincts and night spots to choose from as the evening sets in.

The “Feels Like a Getaway” Option: Yarra Valley Day Trips

Holiday at home: When you’re craving something that feels like a holiday, the Yarra Valley is the natural extension of Melbourne’s east.

Eat, drink, shop, see: Healesville is a perfect and easy low-effort day trip. Boutique shops, casual dining spots and leafy streets give it an immediate “weekend away” energy. 

• Healesville Sanctuary is a gorgeous nature reserve and zoo that provides an authentic experience, along with numerous wineries located close-by.

• For something indulgent (and family-friendly), the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery remains a crowd favourite with generous tastings and house-made ice cream.

The beauty of these day or weekend outings is proximity as most are comfortably reachable within an hour from the eastern suburbs, making them perfect for a spontaneous weekend outing.

Thumbnail Image Credit: Robbinvk and Bob Tan