Where To Work Out In Northcote, Melbourne: Your Ultimate Guide

Restaurants, cafes, bars and stylish shops make Northcote one of Melbourne’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. But when you’re looking to swap wraps for reps and frappes for fitness, where can you go?

When most people think of a workout, they imagine rows of machines and sweaty locker rooms – but it doesn’t have to be that way! Parks are a fantastic alternative, and with so many in the Northcote area, you’re bound to find one just a stone’s throw from where you live. There are many benefits to following an outdoor fitness regime, such as lower costs and additional mental health benefits, but we know that those blank open spaces can be a little daunting. The perfect middle ground can be finding an existing fitness group to join (which has its own benefits) or, for a more focused approach to your fitness goals, bringing on a personal trainer to really push your outdoor workouts.

Whether looking for a solo challenge, a group session or a one-on-one with a trainer, Northcote has a whole host of fantastic outdoor spaces to choose from. Here’s your guide to working out in Northcote, Melbourne.

All Nations Park

One of the most significantly sized parks within the bounds of Northcote, All Nations Park offers ample green space to work through cardio-heavy routines. Better yet, there is a free community workout area offering outdoor gym equipment you can use for more ‘traditional’ workouts. There are also public bathrooms, which make it the perfect place for extended workouts, as well as a basketball half-court and a tennis/down ball wall if you fancy adding something a little different into your routine. This is a fantastic option for those looking to mix and match all within one workout since you are able to swap with ease between the large, open spaces for bodyweight or cardio routines to the outdoor equipment for strength training.

Creative use of playground equipment can make for a much more exciting workout.

Johnson Park

Already extremely popular with locals, Johnson Park is one of the best parks to work out in Northcote, and it just might become your new favourite workout spot. The grounds are considerably smaller than some of the other parks on this list, but it’s very central and just a short walk from Dennis Station. The park offers a mix of open areas, which are perfect for a one-on-one training session, as well as areas shaded by trees and rest areas for when you need to take a break. This could also be the answer for those looking for a later workout, since an overhaul several years ago means new lighting and playground equipment.

McDonell Park

This park consists of several distinct sections, including two football/cricket fields (one fenced) and several tennis courts. The two large, open spaces make it a fantastic option for those looking for a more powerful workout and the ovals are perfect for running laps. What’s more, the park allows dogs (and cats) off their leads, making it a great spot for those who like to work out with their furry friends. The bathrooms are only available for use during events, but there are water points for people and dogs regardless.

Merri Park

A sprawling green space on the western border of Northcote, Merri Park offers plenty of shady areas thanks to the ample trees. These are perfect for those hotter days, but when you’re looking to do a more space-hungry routine, or working out as part of a group, the park also offers open sports fields that the public can use (just make sure the local high school isn’t on them!). The fantastic location also means you can get to Merri Park along the Merri Creek bike path, a great addition to any workout and a much greener way to get about the city.

Oldis Gardens

Also on the Meri Creek trail, this sprawling park has ample open spaces that make it perfect for group classes, so if you’re looking to join an outdoor fitness class in Northcote, this might be your spot. There are plenty of well-established trees throughout the park, meaning you can continue with your fitness regime regardless of the weather, and drinking water is available to keep you hydrated. There is a basketball half-court if you fancy a cool-down or warmup by shooting some hoops, and while there is not a specialised workout area, with a little creativity the rugged playground can make for great exercise equipment.

The large, open parks of this suburb are a brilliant place for group sessions, so why not join an outdoor fitness class in Northcote?

Gumbri Park (Previously Batman Park)

This small green space in the heart of Northcote is a fantastic option for those who don’t want to go to one of the larger parks on this list. It has plenty enough green space for any workout as well as playground equipment for those who are looking to get a little more creative in their fitness routine. There are plenty of trees for shade, benches for rest and drinking water to keep you hydrated. And, as the neighbourhood’s second-oldest park, it offers a little history along with your fitness.

An outdoor workout is a fantastic option for those just setting out on a fitness routine as well as seasoned vets who are looking to mix up their existing workout. Either way, it can still be a little daunting, so remember the benefits of a group class to help you reach your fitness goals, or perhaps consider the option to hire a personal trainer in Northcote to help you out.

Outdoor workouts have many fantastic benefits, such as improving your mental and physical wellbeing, being cheaper than gyms, and of course the beautiful surrounds of the best parks to work out in Northcote that we’ve listed above. There’s no excuse for staying inside!