Parks: Abbotsford Convent and Collingwood Children's Farm

What can you do there? 

Stretching across 6.5 hectares in a delightfully bushy bend of the Yarra River sits the towering Abbotsford Convent and, to its north and east, the Collingwood Children’s Farm.

As you walk through the gardens in winter, it feels of another time, where the spire of its grand structure seems both at odds with, and entirely at home in, the blend of introduced tree species and grey-green Australian bush. 

The Convent is the country’s largest multi-arts precinct, with 11 historic buildings, cafes, galleries, artist studios and expansive green spaces.

Check out the brilliant Indigenous Sound Trail walking tour. Ngulu-Nganjin (Our Voice) features Wurundjeri elders, musicians and artists telling the important story of the area’s traditional-owner history and heritage. 

The Collingwood Children’s Farm is just next door, which you can access by walking through the Convent, or by winding along the Yarra River around the outside.

With an extensive range of farm animals, including goats, sheep, horses, ducks, pigs, chickens, guinea pigs and even peacocks roaming about the fields, it feels as if you’re out in the country for a fun adventure. 

 Who will you find there?

The Abbotsford Convent garden is dotted with families and picnickers enjoying its lush expanse. With a choice of four eateries around the precinct, including Cam’s Kiosk, the Convent Bakery, Lentil as Anything, and Kappaya, it is the perfect spot to take in the fresh air and a picnic or a leisurely stroll with a pastry and coffee in hand.

The atmosphere is charming, and as you meander through the Convent towards the Children’s Farm you’ll notice the joyful commotion of kids chatting excitedly about ponies, sheep and other farm animals. It is the combination of farm animals, the lush green paddocks and the bush behind them which makes you feel like you could be hours away from the city, despite being just four kilometres away.

I stop and chat with Olivia, 21, who is taking her Schmoodle Lola on her daily walk. She says it’s just like being in the bush – and that Lola loves the sheep. 

“The tracks are really great, well-paved and everything, and you can get out of the city for a while,” Olivia says. “[I like] winter, when it’s all nice and green.”

 What’s nearby?

The best thing about visiting Abbotsford Convent and the Collingwood Children’s Farm is that when you’ve finished your adventure, you’re just a short bus ride or drive to one of Melbourne’s coolest strips: Smith Street in Collingwood. There you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to great places to eat and drink.

 Pick up a picnic

There are so many eateries at which to grab a bite at the Abbotsford Convent that you can just roll up and figure it all out there, but my favourite spot is definitely the Convent Bakery. Serving delicious artisan pies, sweet pastries and great, single-origin coffee, what’s not to love? 

Address: 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, VIC, 3067 

Website: conventbakery.com 

 How to get there

1 St Hellier’s Street, Abbotsford. All-day paid parking available in the carpark on St Helier’s Street and some free parking in surrounding streets. Catch the Mernda or Hurstbridge lines to Victoria Park Station and walk 15 minutes, or catch the 200 or 207 bus down Johnston Street to the Clarke Street stop.