Top Things to See & Do in Moonee Ponds

When exploring Melbourne, don’t miss out on Moonee Ponds. It’s one of the best areas of the city. Just 6.5km to the northwest of the CBD is one of Australia’s coolest and most eclectic suburbs. If you are looking for nightlife, shopping, sports, the arts, and great parks, you will find it all in Moonee Ponds.

With so much to see and do in one place, how do you decide where to start? Glad you asked because we have put together a list of the best things to do in Moonee Ponds.

Must See Attractions in Moonee Ponds

Dress Up for a Day at the Races

Melbourne has become known as the “City of Sports” in Australia, with world-renowned events like the Australian Open (tennis), Australian Grand Prix (Formula 1), and MotoGP (motorcycle race). It is also host to other major international competitions, including swimming and gymnastics. The city has produced some great athletes like NBA stars Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving, not to mention cricketer Shane Warne.

One of the biggest events in Melbourne occurs every year just down the road at Flemington Racecourse. The Melbourne Cup is the richest race in the country and one of the biggest races in the world. But the third richest race in the country happens even closer to Moonee Ponds. While the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival may not be as well known throughout the world, it is a fun event to attend nonetheless and just down the road at the Moonee Valley Racing Club.

DJs, live performances from famous artists, and other events make Spring Carnival more than a horse race. Thousands of people come together for the celebration! Flemington Racecourse holds several other big events throughout the year, plus regular race days throughout the season. 

Get Outdoors for a Hit, a Kick or a Ride

For those that like to get involved and stay active, Moonee Ponds has several sports fields for cricket, baseball and soccer. You will also find skateparks and tennis courts for fun and exercise. If you have kids, they will enjoy the numerous playgrounds, especially the large ones in Queens and Maribyrnong Park.

If you or the kids are into BMX riding, the Fanny Street Reserve is definitely a spot you want to hit up. It has a great dirt track that will not only give you a good workout but is a ton of fun too. For those that have never had a chance to ride a BMX, this is a perfect time to try it out. 

Fancy a low key bike ride? You can access the Moonee Ponds Bike Trail from here too.

Relax in the Parks

There are three major parks in Moonee Ponds: Queens Park, Maribyrnong and Ormond Park, among a few others right on its borders. All these parks are great places for family outings or for a little solitude, each one with its own charm and highlights.

Queens Park is probably the most popular with its great picnic areas, lake, and amazing playgrounds. This park is like an oasis in the midst of a busy city, with all the tranquil picnic and sitting areas around the lake. The lake is a popular spot for watching the ducks and other birds that make their home on the little islands in the lake. A cafe right near one of the playgrounds beside the lake is a perfect spot for catching up with friends while the kids play. 

People are not allowed to swim in the lake. However, on the east side, there are excellent pools to do a little splashing around, including a shaded toddler’s pool with a slide. The walkways are nice and flat, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. A couple of gardens with exotic plants and flowers, plus memorials throughout the park make for wonderful adventures. Water fountains and public toilets are also available. 

Maribyrnong Park is located along the bank of the Maribyrnong River and has a fantastic large playground for kids, but it also has a few more sporting facilities. Tennis courts, cricket and football pitches, bowling lawns, and rowing on the river are all available year-round. With the almost 5 km long walking/jogging track along the river, you will see plenty of people exercising and walking their dogs. Maribyrnong is a great place to soak up some sun while picnicking or playing some sports.

Ormond Park is a little different from the other two parks in that it is dedicated more to organised sports like soccer, cricket, and football, but you will find a small playground too. It also has an entrance to the Moonee Ponds Creek Bicycle Route.

Stroll Around the Markets

To see what the locals are eating, you need to head to the local markets, and the best one in town is the Flemington Farmers’ Market. Vendor stalls are loaded with fresh veggies, baked goods, fruits, Australia’s famous meat, and so much more! It only happens on a Sunday from 8 am to 12 pm so make sure to get up early and seize the day.

Enjoy prepared food right there or buy what you need to prepare your own sumptuous meal. You will not only see the best Victoria has to offer but other foods from around the world too, like Sri Lanka and Turkey. Just looking at and smelling all that incredible food will get your taste buds watering.

Fun, Food and Fashion

In Moonee Ponds, there is one place that brings all three of these things together and that is the Puckle Street District. Puckle Street started off as “The” area for fashion and shopping in the 20s and 30s. Not only will you find a great mix of high-fashion and eclectic shops but nightlife and trendy restaurants are part of the culture too.

For some, shopping is not just about buying a pair of socks or a shirt. But whether you need perfume, a new cell phone, shoes, bags or a new outfit, the Puckle Street Precinct has a little bit of everything. Whether you like your big-name chain stores or independent and specialty stores they can all be found here. 

And when the sun goes down, that’s when people come out to play and the Puckle Street Precinct is the place to be. The area around Mount Alexander Road and Puckle Street is where you will find the best pubs, dance clubs, and wine bars. Whether you are having a night out dancing or a casual get-together with family or friends, the Puckle Street Precinct has you covered.

Best Place for Drinks & Dinner in Moonee Ponds

For foodies, Saros Bar & Dining tops the list of Moonee Ponds restaurants and bars. Saros has carefully selected the best local and international wines to complement any a la carte dish on the menu. Plus with weekly specials, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

If you prefer spirits or a cocktail, the bartenders are trained mixologists and can whip up whatever drink you desire. Whether it’s an aperitif or a nightcap, the cocktails at Saros are the perfect way to start or end the night. Grab a seat at the bar or kick back in a booth, drink in hand. 

Saros Bar & Dining is centrally located in Moonee Ponds in The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds. Whether it was an exciting day at the races, shopping, or a massage, Saros Bar & Dining is just minutes from everywhere and the ideal spot to grab a bite.

Top-shelf liquor, fabulous food and some of the friendliest staff you will find make Saros Bar & Dining a great place to get together with friends. And if you are celebrating something special, be sure to let them know. The team will make sure you have an evening you will never forget.