One of the activities we like to enjoy in any city we visit is a play in a local park. In Canberra, the results of any search for a great park will include Weston Park in Yarralumla.
Weston Park is a large, picturesque park which offers a wide range of activities and facilities. It is situated on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The park spans 40 hectares and is filled with native trees, gardens, and walking paths. There are also several playgrounds, barbecue areas, and picnic shelters, making it an ideal spot for a family day out, or at least a morning, which is what we enjoyed.
One of the main attractions of Weston Park is the Miniature Railway, which offers train rides around the park for children and adults alike. The railway operates on weekends and public holidays, and it's a fun way to see the park from a different perspective. The train ride takes around 20 minutes and travels through the bushland, past the lake and over several bridges. We visited on a Sunday, but we didn't see the railway because we visited the Yarralumla Play Station instead (it's located within the park).
Other popular activities at Weston Park include cycling and rowing. The park has several cycling paths, including a loop around the lake, which is approximately 16 km long. Cycling is a great way to explore the park and enjoy the scenic views of the lake and the surrounding hills. Bikes can be rented from nearby businesses or brought along if you have your own. Even if you don't have a bike or a kayak, it's quite enjoyable to sit and watch other people enjoying these pursuits.
Weston Park offers several walking paths. The paths wind through the bushland and gardens, and the one nearest our carpark offered views of the lake. There are also several benches and picnic areas along the paths, making it a great spot to sit and relax.
In addition to its recreational activities, Weston Park is also home to several historical landmarks. One of these is the Yarralumla Nursery, which was established in 1913 and is still in operation today. Another landmark in Weston Park is the Hume Cottage, a heritage-listed building that was constructed in the 1800s.
For us, it was the playgrounds that were the big drawcard. There's a water play area (not on during our winter visit), a climbing frame and swings, all with covered seating nearby for parents or caregivers to rest at while enjoying views of the lake. Parking is available nearby, along with bathroom facilities. Coffee and snacks can be purchased from the Yarralumla Play Station Cafe or one of the coffee vans which are often located near the dog park at the entrance to the Weston Park area.
If you're looking to take some time out during your visit to Canberra, we highly recommend Weston Park.
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