Melbourne to Open a Huge New Urban Park — the Size of 18 MCGs

Melbourne’s green map is expanding again. A new 35-hectare public park is set to open in the city’s east by mid-2026, transforming the Healesville Freeway Reserve into a major community oasis - roughly the size of 18 MCGs.

‘ngarrak nakorang wilam’ - Mountain Meeting Place

The park will be known as ngarrak nakorang wilam (Mountain Meeting Place), a name chosen by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, honouring Traditional Owners’ connections to Country and the role of parks in bringing people together.

What’s Included

• 3.5 km shared-use trail for walking and cycling along the length of the park
• Playgrounds, sheltered seating areas, and BBQ facilities
• Lighting along the main path, accessible toilets and drinking fountains
• Extensive native revegetation to boost biodiversity and habitat for gang-gang cockatoos, kookaburras, echidnas and more

The Victorian Government is investing $10.5 million in restoration and construction to convert the under-used reserve into quality public open space.

Why It Matters

Beyond the new play spaces and paths, the project will improve urban cooling, create wildlife corridors and give locals more places to walk, ride, meet and relax. As John Mullahy, Member for Glen Waverley, put it: “The new facilities, walking trails and green space will transform how our community connects with nature and spends time together outdoors.”

Timeline

• Construction: starting soon
• Opening: mid-2026 (subject to works and weather)

Once complete, ngarrak nakorang wilam will be one of Melbourne’s largest linear parklands — a major win for the east and another step toward a greener city.

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