This walk ventures out beyond Melbourne's city centre - along the Yarra River and into the large area of lovely parkland that lies to the south.

Start at Flinders Street Station (corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets), then cross Princes Bridge and turn right for Southbank Promenade.

There are many temptations here in the large Southgate shopping and eating complex. If you can, just admire the view of the city and river from the promenade and continue walking.

Walk under Princes Bridge and follow the path beside the river.

After walking along the Yarra, where you are likely to see many rowing craft, head away from the water at Swan Street Bridge and into the Kings Domain. This lush parkland encompasses impressive Government House, the official residence of the Governor of Victoria.

Continue into the gardens.

The delightful landscaped Royal Botanic Gardens are centred around an extensive ornamental lake. They contain some 60,000 plant species and are one of central Melbourne's most attractive features.

Follow the signs to La Trobe's Cottage.

La Trobe's Cottage, a modest mid-19th-century dwelling, was the home of Charles La Trobe, the state's first governor from 1851 to 1854. It provides a marked contrast to the massive nearby Shrine of Remembrance which contains Victoria's most important war memorial.

From here you can either cross St Kilda Road and take a tram to Flinders Street Station, or walk back via the Kings Domain and call in at the National Gallery of Victoria