Burwood: Wattle Park, Art and Trails

If you’re planning a trip to Burwood, you can structure your stay around three themes: outdoor trails, contemporary art and play areas. Planning highlights include Wattle Park, the Gardiners Creek Trail and the Deakin University Art Gallery.

Trails in Wattle Park and on the Gardiners Creek Trail

Wattle Park has shared paths and a developed 3.25-kilometre route for walking and running. The specific route length can help you fit a visit to the park into your day. As trail infrastructure may change or be extended over time, check the current route before your visit.

The Gardiners Creek Trail is 20 kilometres long and offers opportunities for cycling and walking at the access point at the intersection of Burwood Highway and Elgar Road. This access point is a one-minute walk from Deakin University. Construction or trail works may change these directions, so it’s a good idea to check before setting out. The figures offer different scales for planning: a 3.25-kilometre route in Wattle Park and a 20-kilometre trail with local access in Burwood.

Art, exhibitions and architecture

The Deakin University Art Gallery presents contemporary art and creative practice through a changing annual program. During scheduled exhibition periods, it is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and closed on public holidays; admission is free. Check the opening hours and current exhibition program before visiting.

A recurring part of the program is the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award. Each year, the award culminates in an exhibition of finalist works at the gallery on the Melbourne Burwood Campus. The exhibition runs from August to October; exact dates may vary from year to year. The award recognises contemporary sculpture by artists from across Australia.

The Sculpture Walk – Collect, Extend and Connect is offered as a guided tour with art educators at the Deakin Burwood Campus as part of school programs. Groups explore outdoor artworks. If you’re planning for a school group, check the current availability of tours.

Another architectural feature in Burwood is the Wattle Park Chalet. Built in 1928 from decommissioned tram engine houses, it has largely retained its original form.

Play areas in Burwood

Wattle Park has a nature-inspired play area designed for people of all ages and abilities. A sensory garden is located near a tram-shaped play fort. The play area opened in April 2023; with assistance, wheelchair users can access the second level.

Lundgren Chain Reserve also has a playground. Its features include swings, slides and climbing equipment, as well as soft-surface areas and gardens. If you’re including play areas in your trip plans, the features described reflect different focuses: Wattle Park has a sensory garden and play fort, while Lundgren Chain Reserve is described as having play equipment, surface areas and gardens.

Getting to Deakin Burwood Campus

Deakin University’s Melbourne Burwood Campus is served by tram route 75, SmartBus route 903 and the Deakin shuttle bus, route 201. As routes and services may change, check the current connections before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Acheron, Howqua, Murrabit, Frankston North, North Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh, Shelbourne, Inverleigh.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.