Burwood: Discover art, Wattle Park and play spaces

Burwood brings together contemporary art, green paths and play spaces with their own distinct character. Exhibitions and creative practice change at the Deakin University Art Gallery, while Wattle Park has paths for walking and running. The Wattle Park Chalet in Burwood adds another dimension with its history. When choosing accommodation, consider whether art, outdoor activities or play facilities will shape your stay.

Paths and landscape

Wattle Park has shared paths and a developed 3.25 km track for walking and running. The track offers a clearly defined distance for outdoor exercise, while the shared paths provide another way to experience the park.

The Gardiners Creek Trail offers a different scale: it is 20 km long, with opportunities for cycling and walking at the Burwood access point. This access point is at the intersection of Burwood Highway and Elgar Road, a one-minute walk from Deakin University. The 3.25 km track in the park and the local access to a 20 km trail give you different distances to help guide your plans. Construction or path works may affect directions to the access point; check the current situation before your visit.

Art, exhibitions and architecture

The Deakin University Art Gallery in Burwood presents contemporary art and creative practice through a changing annual program. During scheduled exhibition periods, it is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. It is closed on public holidays, and admission is free. As opening hours are tied to exhibition periods, check the latest visitor information before making plans.

A recurring event is the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award. It recognises contemporary sculpture by artists from across Australia and culminates each year in an exhibition of the finalist works at the gallery on the Melbourne Burwood Campus from August to October. Exact dates may vary from year to year; if you plan to visit the exhibition, check the dates for the relevant year.

The Deakin Burwood Campus Sculpture Walk – Collect, Extend and Connect also draws attention to art in outdoor spaces. Tours with art educators are offered as part of school programs, exploring outdoor artworks. The tours are tied to these programs, and their availability may change. If you are interested, check whether the program is available for your planned visit.

The Wattle Park Chalet in Burwood was built in 1928 from decommissioned tram engine sheds and remains largely in its original form. The unusual origins of its building materials give the chalet a distinctive architectural character and add a historical perspective to the contemporary art offerings.

Play spaces with different features

Wattle Park has a sensory garden near a tram-shaped play fort in a nature-focused play area designed for all ages and abilities. The area opened in April 2023. Wheelchair users can access the second level with assistance.

At Lundgren Chain Reserve, the playground has swings, slides and climbing equipment, as well as soft ground surfaces and gardens. These features differ notably from the sensory garden and play fort at Wattle Park, helping you choose play spaces based on the specific facilities they offer.

Guidance for choosing accommodation

If the Melbourne Burwood Campus is part of your plans, you can take its transport connections into account when choosing accommodation. The campus is served by tram route 75, SmartBus 903 and Deakin Shuttle Bus route 201. Routes and service patterns may change; check the current timetable before visiting the campus. Choose your location based on the activities that matter to your stay, rather than deciding solely by a single attraction.

Discover more destinations

Nathalia, Little River, Kingower, Murrabit, Wonthaggi, Colac, Speed and Lynbrook.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.