Located next to the Yarra River and near the historic Como house, Como Park is famous for it's vast, sloping lawns and scenic views.
Como Park North continues over Alexandra Avenue, situated next to the popular Kanteen cafe on the river bank.
Dogs are allowed off-leash in Thomas Oval Dark Park, located in the southern end of Como Park. Dogs are allowed on-lead only in Como Park North.
The parks' features: football and cricket (2 turf cricket wickets and 3 turf practice wickets) sports oval with floodlights, BBQ area, basketball half court, playground, outdoor exercise equipment, bike path and a dog park.
Sports grounds
Significant trees
1. Eucalyptus grandis - Flooded Gum
One of the taller gums with a straight structure and fast growing. Flower buds occur in the leaf axils in groups of seven before opening to display white flowers in autumn. Widely grown as plantation timber reaching a height of 50 metres.
2. Harpephyllum cafrum – Wild Plum
A rare tree not widely grown in Melbourne, providing excellent shade tree from its thick canopy. This tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Each leaf has 11-15 sickle shaped leaflets. The leaves are a reddish colour when young and turn a glossy dark green as they mature.
3. Araucaria bidwilii - Bunya Pine
Native to south east Queensland. Known for their cones, the male (or pollen) cone has a spike of up to 20 cm. The tree belongs to the family of the fir genus and changes its structural make up over time. A variety of birds and animals, including the sulphur-crested cockatoos, possums and wallabies are known to eat the seeds.
4. Eucalyptus camaldulensis – River Red Gum
Has the widest natural distribution of any eucalyptus species. It is commonly found along waterways with only a few instances where the species is found away from a watercourse. At maturity, the tree can reach a height of 40 metres. Many trees of this species can live to between 500 to 1000 years.
5. Quercus suber - Cork Oak
An evergreen Oak known for its thick cork bark which can be harvested after 25-30 years and from then every 6-12 years. Long living tree of up to 150 years. Attractive acorns which are borne in clusters. The features of this tree improve with age.
6. Cedrus atlantica “glauca”
A species in the pine family growing to a height of approximately 15 metres. The tree begins its life in a cone-like shape and then through to maturity to a broadening flatter topped shape. Its foliage is made up of dense short needles, blue-green to blue-grey in colour.
7. Ficus macrocarpa var. hilli
Also known as the Weeping Fig this tree grows to approximately 15 metres. Wide spreading excellent shade tree. A fast growing, evergreen Australian native with glossy leaves. Rarely flowers, producing small, non-edible fruits that are generally inconspicuous.
8. Quercus palustrus – Pin Oak
One of the most popular Oaks grown and can reach a height of 20+ metres. Unusual growing habit, the upper branches are upright, middle branches are horizontal and lower limbs slant gracefully towards the ground. The leaves are sharply lobed and bright green and has a spectacular red and bronze autumn colour.
Thomas Oval Dog Park
Stonnington's first dedicated dog park, Thomas Oval is situated south of Como Park North and can be accessed via the boardwalk next to Alexandra Avenue.
The dog park is fully fenced, with separate fenced sections for large and smaller dogs. It has an expanse of lawn plus features to keep curious pets interested and happy. Seating is located throughout the park for owners to sit and relax while keeping an eye on their pet.
History
In 1847 Sir Edward Williams, a lawyer, politician and later Judge of the first Supreme Court of Victoria, purchased land extending from the Yarra River to Toorak Road. Its lake and water vistas inspired Williams to name it after Lake Como in Italy, where he had proposed to his wife, Jessie.
Over time, the lake became a swamp when the level of the Yarra River was lowered. In 1921, Prahran Council purchased 35 acres from then owners and spent many years draining the swamp and re-grading the land. The site was transformed into a public park and recreation ground and opened to the public in 1934.
For more information, contact the Stonnington History Centre.
Public transport
The nearest public transport services are:
- Bus route 605 along Bruce Street
- Tram route 58 along Toorak Road.
Use Public Transport Victoria's Journey planner.