Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake is an impressive parkland located just 3 km south of Melbourne's central business district.

It encompasses a vast 2.25 square kilometres of parkland surrounding the magnificent 1.8 km Y-shaped artificial lake. The lake is both a magnificent scenic highlight and a hub for a range of aquatic activities and water sports. A 4.7 km walking track encircles it, taking visitors through its breathtaking beauty. The park is surrounded by several suburbs, including Albert Park, Middle Park, St Kilda West, St Kilda, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, and South Melbourne to the west, southwest, east, and north.

Initially an indigenous hunting ground and then an army training reserve, Albert Park opened to the public in 1864.

Albert Park Lake provides a rich wetland habitat for about 200 species of resident and migratory birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals. Visitors can spot many rare bird species in the park, including little egret, Australian shelduck, Cape Barren goose, and whiskered tern. Black swans are a famous feature of the lake that one can enjoy from the banks or hire a boat to see them up close. The lake is home to various freshwater fish species, including golden perch and rainbow trout. But keep an eye out for noxious pests such as the European carp and feral black rats. Visitors can report their sightings of black swans across Victoria to a citizen-science project called myswan.org.au.

Albert Park is an iconic destination for sports enthusiasts, hosting a variety of sporting facilities such as the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, St Kilda Football Club's home stadium at Lakeside Stadium, and