If you’ve been looking for a sign to swap your morning doom scroll for a stretch beneath the gum trees, this is it. The City of Melbourne has officially reopened bookings for its Fitness in the Park program – a sprawling season of free outdoor workouts popping up in gardens, reserves and leafy pockets across town from November through to April. With more than 500 spots up for grabs, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be Melbourne’s most wholesome (and healthiest!) summer yet.
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Classes will kick off on Sunday, November 30, with Kensington’s JJ Holland Park set to host a high-energy mash-up of Zumba and dance. In December, Carlton’s Princes Park will slow the tempo with a grounding morning of tai chi, perfect for anyone wanting to stretch gently into silly season.
Come January, it’s all about yoga in Fawkner Park, as golden hour sunshine drips through the tree canopy. February will move the classes to Southbank, where an early-bird pilates session takes over the Melbourne Square basketball court. March will ramp things up with lunchtime boxing in Docklands, before an April school holiday family fitness event brings the whole crew to City Square.
Whichever class you choose, you’ll finish with free post-workout snacks and a chance to chat with neighbours, trainers and councillors – a mini community festival disguised as exercise.
“Whether you’re a gym junkie, an exercise newbie or a seasoned pilates princess – our free fitness classes offer something for everyone,” says Lord Mayor Nick Reece, who’s calling on Melburnians to “go that extra mile – all in the name of fun, fitness and friendship”.
With half of local adults not getting enough movement (according to City of Melbourne statistics), Lord Mayor Reece hopes breaking down the cost and time barriers will help more people feel “healthier, stronger and better”.
Cr Gladys Liu – fitness instructor turned City Services head – agrees. “Exercising with others makes it easier to stay motivated,” she says. “We hope these free classes inspire people to keep moving, and maybe even encourage people to see what’s on offer at our recreation centres.”
Capacities vary by class, so booking ahead is essential. You can find more info and secure your spot over here.