On my list of “Things to do in Melbourne” CERES came in at number 1. I had read so much about the demonstration farm in the heart of the suburbs and I desperately wanted to take the kids there for a bit of country in the city.

Located on 4.5 hectares on the Merri Creek in East Brunswick, this thriving community environment park that was once a rubbish dump (and a quarry before that) is an inspiring example of sustainability, innovation and community.

We were immediately impressed by the contemporary, eco-friendly architecture and enjoyed walking on the paths, around the abundant vegie patch and down to the cafe where mums, dads, bubs and toddlers basked in the sun. Che ran off to meet new friends and Daniel and I settled under a grapevine decorated with prayer flags. We sat and watched for a good hour; everyone around us seemed so delighted to be there, blessed to have such a wide, green, lush space for their children to play in. Looking out over the hill I thought about the 350000 people who walk through the gates each year – to buy from the permaculture nursery, peruse the weekly organic market or meet with their local mother’s group for a catch up over chai.

Every inch of CERES is imbued with a handmade, home-grown, lovingly-tended vibe…gosh it’s a beautiful place.

If I lived in Melbourne I’d want to live near CERES.

from the city (melbourne)
urban inspiration