The park is named after the Ruffey family, who were early European settlers in the Doncaster region.
Much of the site was formerly used for orchards, and some remnant fruit trees still exist within the park boundaries.
The park contains three separate playground areas, each with a different theme and age-appropriateness.
It functions as a flood mitigation site, with the lake and surrounding wetlands designed to manage local stormwater runoff.
Ruffey Lake Park is a 68-hectare regional park in Doncaster East, designed around the central Ruffey Lake. The park features significant topographical variation, transitioning from flat lakeside wetlands to undulating ridges that provide elevated views of the local landscape. It serves as a critical habitat corridor and includes extensive native bushland restoration zones. Recreational facilities include three distinct adventure playgrounds located at the Victoria Street, Church Road, and King Street entrances. The park includes a network of multi-use trails suitable for walking and cycling. Historical remnants of the former orchard industry that once dominated the region are present within the site. The area is managed by the City of Manningham and incorporates dedicated barbecue and picnic infrastructure.
The elevated ridge path near the Church Road entrance offers the best panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding valley.
Use the Victoria Street entrance for the most comprehensive playground facilities.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as the hilly ridge sections provide limited natural canopy cover.
Check the Manningham Council website for local flood updates after heavy rain.
Do not attempt to swim in Ruffey Lake; it is a retention basin, not a recreational swimming lake.
Dogs must be kept on a leash in designated areas and are strictly prohibited in the wetland conservation zones.
