My personal opinion is that cities can never have enough green space, so the news that Melbourne’s newest riverside park is about to open is being cheered in Secret Melbourne HQ. Located in North Wharf alongside the Yarra, Seafarers Rest will take up a prime parcel of land when it opens on June 19, featuring amenities like lawns, cycling paths, and play areas that are likely to make it a popular hangout spot for locals.
There’s a distinct Melbourne heritage to the project; the park was planned by a partnership consisting of local developers Riverlee and the City of Melbourne, and designed by OCULUS. It’s part of the wider regeneration of North Wharf and the Seafarers precinct, into which $600 million has been poured to create housing and accommodation at Australia’s first 1 Hotel – a luxury hotel inspired by the natural world – along with amenities such as the park.
Seafarers Rest will span an impressive 3,500 square metres when it opens this month, and has been designed with the maritime landscape and local climate in mind. For instance, the seating is inspired by the waterfront location and Melbourne’s long-time seafaring heritage, and the landscaping includes native plants. There will be ample lawn space for laidback picnics, as well as walking and cycling paths to help residents explore the park fully.
For younger visitors – or those with a childlike joy – the play space and rope swings will prove particularly enticing, whilst there are also plans afoot to host community events in the park. Seafarers Rest has space for markets, musicians, and community gatherings, helping it to become a year-round destination, whilst the fact that it lies on the periphery of Melbourne’s free tram zone is a plus. Once it opens, we’ll be able to catch those gorgeous winter sunsets, and look forward to sunny weekends and summer afternoons alongside the water!
In other news, this waterfall in Victoria’s northeast has had a grand opening to celebrate recovering from bushfires.