Flagstaff Gardens — Attraction in Melbourne

Flagstaff Gardens in Melbourne holds a certain nostalgic charm—especially if you’re visiting after many years. I remember coming here about 25 years ago, and it was a completely different experience. Back then, the gardens felt almost enchanted at dusk. Friendly brushtail possums would emerge from the trees, unafraid and curious, wandering right up to visitors. I’ll never forget how, with a crisp (or two) offered gently in hand, they’d let you pat them on the head—almost like domesticated little forest companions. It was magical, intimate, and gave the park a wild, whimsical character that felt unique to Melbourne at the time.

This time, though? Not a single possum in sight. I wandered the pathways in the early evening, hoping for a glimpse of those familiar furry faces, but all I saw were flocks of birds—mainly starlings and sparrows—scattering across the lawns as the sun dipped below the skyline. A few ducks near the ornamental pond, yes, but nothing like the up-close wildlife encounters of the past. It was a bit of a bummer, honestly. That little bit of urban wilderness magic seems to have faded.

Now, don’t get me wrong—Flagstaff Gardens is still a peaceful and well-maintained green space in the heart of the city. Laid out in 1862, it’s Melbourne’s oldest park and retains a quiet dignity with its heritage-listed trees, manicured lawns, and shaded walking paths. It’s a popular spot for city workers on lunch breaks, dog walkers, and tourists looking for a quiet place to sit and escape the urban rush. There are public toilets, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and even some historical plaques detailing the site’s significance as a former flagstaff and early communications point for ships in Port Phillip Bay.

But if you’re coming with memories (or hopes) of nocturnal wildlife, you might be disappointed. The possums seem to have either retreated due to increased lighting, urban development, or changes in park management—possibly even pest control measures aimed at protecting native flora. While the gardens remain beautiful, especially in autumn when the leaves turn golden, they now feel more like a formal Victorian-era park than a semi-wild urban sanctuary.

Still, it’s worth a visit—just for the history, the tranquility, and the contrast between Melbourne’s bustling CBD and this quiet green oasis. But bring your own snacks… and don’t expect any possums to share...

I’ve visited Flagstaff Gardens a few times as a Melbourne local, but most recently I went for a little lunchtime picnic midweek in September 2025. It’s such a beautiful spot right in the middle of the city and the perfect place to take a breather and escape the hustle. Being so close to Flagstaff Station makes it really convenient to get to, and there are also trams running along most of the surrounding streets, so it’s easy to stop by on your way through the city.

The park itself has so many lovely areas to relax in. I sat among a field of little flowers to eat my lunch and noticed plenty of others doing the same during their break. It’s well looked after, with people working hard to keep the gardens clean and tidy. Which makes it feel like a super safe, welcoming, family friendly environment. There are water fountains and public toilets, plus the park is only a short walk from heaps of food spots. So it’s perfect if you want to grab something nearby and bring it back for a picnic.

There’s a bowls club on one side, a central memorial, and plenty of open space where I’ve seen classes, group activities, and even possums wandering around in the evenings. It’s a place with so much Melbourne history and charm, and there’s always something to notice whether you’re passing through or staying a while.

Flagstaff Gardens is a gem in the CBD and one of the best spots to unwind or picnic without leaving the heart of Melbourne. I definitely recommend taking a stroll through if you’re in the city and looking for a...

These gardens have been a place of recreation for generations of Melbourne's city residents, workers and visitors.  It's the perfect place to break up your day, clear your head with a walk in the sun, have lunch, or just sit and chillax and let time go by.  I love just looking back at the city in all directions and staring at the sky scape.  The possums that you'll often see are fun for children and for those budding smartphones photographers.  As well as trees and garden beds, there are tennis and basketball courts and a bowling lawn.  There are also BBQs which are great for office parties and playground equipment for the kids.

The name of the gardens derives from its early history as the place where a flagstaff was erected at the highest point on the hill in 1840 signalling to the early ships arriving at the Port of Melbourne bringing in supplies and mail to the early colony.  Being the highest natural ground level of Melbourne, the early town settlers used to walk up the hill to look out at the tall ships coming in.  Walk up to the highest point and see the view from there and as you look westward towards the bay, imagine how it must have looked back to the early settlers. There you'll also see the Separation Monument commemorating the proclamation in the Flagstaff Gardens on 11th November 1850 of the separation of Victoria from the Colony of NSW.

When you walk through gardens like the Flagstaff Gardens you can easily see why Melbourne is considered to be Australia's garden city, and Victoria as the...