CERES Community Environment Park is a sustainability centre, urban farm and community space on the Merri Creek in Brunswick East. You can browse the organic grocery shop and nursery, walk among gardens and farm areas, or stop at the Merri cafe, which uses produce from the gardens. Families can explore a playground built with reused materials, while workshops and educational tours focus on practical topics such as growing food, bike repairs and renewable energy. The park also hosts markets and community events, so there is more to do than follow a walking path.
A community park on the Merri Creek
CERES is a not-for-profit sustainability centre and urban farm in Brunswick East, set beside the Merri Creek. Its grounds bring together gardens, a permaculture and bush-food nursery, farm areas, a cafe and community spaces. The Merri Creek bike path passes the park, so a visit can be part of a walk or ride along the creek.
The site has changed over time: it was once a bluestone quarry and later a tip before becoming the community environment park it is today. Its buildings and gardens have a practical, informal feel. You can explore at your own pace, stopping at the farm, nursery and green technology displays.
Food, plants and play
The Merri cafe serves food made with produce from the gardens. Nearby, the organic grocery shop is useful for picking up pantry staples, and the nursery has plants for sale. A bookstore and gift shop add more browsing stops around the grounds.
For children, the playground is a major draw. Reused materials give it a different character from a standard plastic play area; ropes reclaimed from the Spirit of Tasmania are among the materials used. Farm areas and open spaces provide other places to explore, and the park is used for school visits, family gatherings and events.
Workshops, tours and events
CERES runs workshops on practical skills, including cheese-making and bike repairs. Other activities mentioned at the centre include vegan cooking and olive oil making classes. Educational tours cover subjects such as renewable energy, sustainable building design, urban farms, permaculture and ecotourism.
Markets and music events are part of the program, alongside community discussions and activities. Check the notice board for what is coming up during your visit. If you are interested in the park’s local projects, talking with people involved in the community can be a way to learn more about their work.
FAQ
Where is CERES Community Environment Park?
It is at the corner of Stewart Street and Roberts Street in Brunswick East, beside the Merri Creek.
Is there parking at CERES?
There is parking, but spaces at the main entrance are limited. Nearby residential streets and other park entrances are alternatives.
What can children do at CERES?
Children can explore the playground, which is made with reused materials, and visit the farm areas.
What sustainability activities are available?
CERES runs workshops and educational tours. Topics include bike repairs, cheese-making, renewable energy, sustainable building design and urban farms.
