Roxburgh Area Parks & Reserves

Roxburgh, the hub of the fruit growing and farming area of the Teviot Valley, has a variety of parks and reserves that cater for most needs, whether it is sport at the Roxburgh Sports Ground, swimming at Pinders Pond or more gentle pursuits such as relaxing at the Teviot River Gardens. Nearby are also the settlements of the Lake Roxburgh Village, Millers Flat and Ettrick.

King George V Memorial Park

Located just off State Highway 8 at the southern end of Roxburgh is the town's premier recreation park named after King George V (1865-1936).

The Park is popular with locals as well a welcome rest and comfort stop for travellers en route.

Featuring a large children's playground, this park is also home to a traditional merry-go-round and an old tractor. Just a short 20-metre walk will take you up to the Lookout and War Memorial where you get fantastic views over the town centre and Teviot Valley. The park has many mature oaks, which provide welcome shade on those hot summer days, and features a BBQ area to entertain family and friends.

The park also includes a monument commemorating 150 years of pastoral farming in the Teviot Valley designed and created by local artist Bill Clarke. The two tonne steel sculpture features an early pastoral farming scene with a farmer and his dog.

The latest sculptural addition to the park is a larger than life stainless steel Hare sculpture, donated to the community by the Rotary Club of Roxburgh and Districts and created by local Forged and Crafted artists Bill Clarke.

Lake Roxburgh Village Reserve

Lying below Lake Roxburgh and the Roxburgh Dam is the peaceful settlement of Lake Roxburgh Village. Constructed in the 1950s for the dam operations and maintenance workers, the village includes a significant amount of green space including the main reserve in the centre of the village.

The reserve with its expansive grass areas, large schist rock outcrops and its established trees makes a great place to stop and recharge your batteries. There is plenty of room for kids to run around or you will also find a small children's playground, tennis courts and the original village town hall.

While here why not drive across the dam and take a stroll up the Commissioners Track, to the dam lookout with fantastic views of the village, Teviot Valley and Roxburgh dam.

Millers Flat Lions Park

If you're looking for a place to stop, picnic or have a BBQ, Millers Flat Lions Park is the place to go.

Developed by the Roxburgh and Districts Lions Club in 2004, this park is off State Highway 8 and just over Clutha Mata-au River Bridge at Millers Flat.

There's room enough here to kick a ball and in a few years' time the recently planted trees will offer welcome shade and add to the ambiance of this park. Toilets are available about 100 metres up the main Millers Flat Road in the village next to the hall.

Millers Flat Recreation Reserve

Most towns have a memorial commemorating those who lost their lives in the Great War and other conflicts, and Millers Flat is no different.

In the heart of Millers Flat village is the Cenotaph, home of the local Anzac Day commemorations held every year.

On the reserve you will also find the local tennis courts, bowling club and children's swing. Toilets are available on the opposite side of the road next to the hall. The reserve also provides access to a river bank track.

Pinders Pond Reserve

The Teviot Valley has a strong gold mining history, and evidence of this can be found at Pinders Pond on the eastern side of the Clutha Mata-au River off Teviot Road.

Pinders Pond is the site of an old hydraulic elevation pond (dredge hole) and until recently was managed by the Department of Conservation, but is now vested in the Council as a recreation reserve.

As well as its significant history, Pinders Pond is a popular picnic and safe swimming spot. Set amongst mature trees and the rugged sculptured landscape, this is a must see in the Teviot Valley.

The reserve also allows overnight stays but there are minimal facilities and open fires are not permitted.

Roxburgh Bridge Piers Reserve

If you are looking for a great view of the Clutha Mata-au River and the Roxburgh Bridge, then this is the place to go. There is a nice view of the old historic bridge piers and there are also opportunities to take short walks along the river bank from here.

The area is not easy to find so look out for the entrance off Cheviot Street and opposite Ancrum Street.

Kids, you may be lucky to catch the local fire brigade training as this is their usual training ground.

Roxburgh Sports Ground Reserve

At the southern end of town, next to the Golf Club is the Roxburgh Domain and Sports Ground.

Administered on a day-to-day basis by the Roxburgh Sports Ground Committee, the ground consists of a rugby sized playing field and pavilion. It is also the main event ground for Roxburgh and site for the annual Mt Benger A&P Show.

Teviot River Gardens

This beautiful reserve sits right in the heart of Roxburgh's main street displaying bountiful colour and fragrances from its established garden plantings.

Developed by the Roxburgh Rotary Club in 2003, this small reserve is a lovely place to stop, reflect and relax for locals and for people passing through the area.

In September 2014 a stunning artwork entitled The Sphere was installed in the gardens. The sculpture was created and donated to the community by local metal artists Bill and Michelle Clarke of Forged & Crafted studio in Roxburgh. The artwork has been mounted so it appears to be "floating" above the gardens on the corner of Scotland and Kelso Streets. In July 2015 the Teviot Valley Community Board added lighting inside the sphere to create a visual spectacle on Roxburgh's main street come nightfall.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade Reserve runs along the riverside of Cheviot Street. In parts you will get good views of the swift and mighty Clutha Mata-au River. Looking across the river you will look out towards Roxburgh East and the Knobby's Range beyond.

This is a great place to stop and have lunch or take the short 20-minute loop walk along the river walkway. Its entrance is about half way down the Esplanade, near the information sign board.

Victoria Park

This little gem is hidden away by the Clutha Mata-au River and next to the Roxburgh swimming pool.

If you want somewhere cool and quiet for a picnic on those balmy summer nights, then this is the place to go. It's big enough to kick a ball around but just be careful you don't kick too hard as the ball might end up in the bush or river. From this reserve you can join sections of the river walkway.