Secret Parks and Gardens Walk (Central Melbourne)
Melbourne is blessed with a ring of green spaces surrounding the city. Among the magnificent 19th century parks and gardens, find hidden grottos, secluded ponds and sites of Aboriginal significance.
Explore these beautiful green spaces on this 4.2km (2 hour) walk.
Secret Parks and Gardens Walk Map
Secret Parks and Gardens Walk
The Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens (1) are World Heritage-listed. Stroll tree-lined avenues and spot colourful displays in the flower beds. Find tennis courts and an adventure playground beyond the Melbourne Museum. Look up – the winding Moreton Bay fig trees along Nicholson Street were a historically important meeting place for Aboriginal communities.
Venture south on Nicholson Street, and turn left into Albert Street, passing by St Patrick’s Cathedral to find the Fitzroy Gardens (2), among Melbourne’s most beautiful since 1848. Melburnians love the calming avenues of elm trees and seasonal blooms in the Spanish style Conservatory. Don’t miss the secret stream that leads to an ornamental pond. Make sure to visit delightful curiosities the Fairies’ Tree and mini model Tudor village. Pop into KereKere Green cafe for a coffee, then next door into the Visitor Centre, for tickets to the 18th Century Cooks’ Cottage, built in 1755 by the parents of James Cook, and gifted to Victorians in 1934. The centre also stocks a range of Australian made products. Pause by the protected Aboriginal cultural site The Scarred Tree. See where bark was carefully removed by Traditional Owners to create canoes, shelters or shields.
Halfway along Lansdowne Street, cross at the lights to enter the tranquil Treasury Gardens (3). Stop to sit under the canopy of Moreton Bay figs. A favourite of city workers, at night it’s a playground for native brushtail possums.
Continue left along Spring Street, turn right into Flinders Street towards Fed Square, then follow the signs down to the River Terrace and Birrarung Marr (4).
In the language of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung people, ‘Birrarung’ means ‘river of mist’ and ‘Marr’ the river bank. Opened in 2002, it’s the site for festivals and carnivals. The Birrarung Wilam artworks celebrate Victoria’s Aboriginal stories. Find the winding eel path, honoring a traditional food source. A semicircle of five metal shields represents each of the East Kulin Nation groups.
Wander by the Yarra River, then cross over the Swan Street Bridge to Alexandra Avenue. Look for the steps leading up to the Kings Domain (5) and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl amphitheatre. Veer south towards the lawns of Government House, grotto rockery and fern gully, and the Elizabethan-style Pioneer Women’s Garden. Return northwards, past the statue of King George V to the Kings Domain Resting Place. A memorial marks the resting place of 38 Aboriginal people, whose remains were repatriated here from the Museum of Victoria in 1985.
Continue northwards to the Linlithgow Avenue crossing. On the other side is the Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda in the Queen Victoria Gardens (6). You can’t miss the famous floral clock with more than 7000 blooms. Look closer to find a secluded grotto and serene stone waterfall. Spot a legendary bronze frog by Australian artist John Olsen, frolicking in the pond nearby.
Cross the road at the Alexandra Avenue lights for the last stop, Alexandra Gardens (7). The perfect picnic spot, the gardens feature swaying palm trees and historic boathouses facing the Yarra River. Feeling energetic? Cyclists and joggers can follow the scenic Main Yarra Trail. Or idle by the river and watch the boats and rowers glide by. It’s hard to believe you’re on the doorstep of the CBD.
Other Parks and Gardens
Melbourne’s majestic gardens are a destination all on their own and deserve a dedicated visit.Whether you’re a sports fan, a nature buff or a picnic perfectionist, here’s where to spend a day at the park.
BONUS Royal Botanic Gardens
The sprawling gardens boast 8500 plant species. Try forest bathing in Fern Gully and find the secluded Bird’s Nest swing chair. Book an Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn about the East Kulin Nations ancestral lands. Stop for lunch at The Botanical Hotel.
BONUS Royal Park
Roam the native grasslands, eucalypt forest and urban wetlands. Trin Warren Tam-boore or ‘bellbird waterhole’. Home to native birds and reptiles. Find the nature playground and spend a day at Melbourne Zoo.
BONUS Princes Park
Home to AFL club Carlton since 1897, the historic sporting grounds have views of the city skyline and the Melbourne General Cemetery. Follow the avenues of elms and Moreton Bay fig trees towards Lygon Street’s Little Italy for gelati.
BONUS Flagstaff Gardens
These hilly lawns are Melbourne’s best kept picnic spot secret. Fill your basket with cheese and fruit from the Queen Victoria Market next door. Look out for people playing on the bowling lawn and tennis courts.
