Kings Domain — Attraction in Melbourne

Kings Domain is an area of parklands in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It surrounds Government HouseReserve, the home of the Governors of Victoria, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and the Shrine Reserve incorporating the Shrine of Remembrance....The park was established in 1854, extending the Domain Parklands further north-west, it covers an area of 36 hectares of lawns and pathways set among non-native and native Australian mature trees, a mixture of deciduous and evergreens. In the 19th century the Kings Domain was managed by the Director of the Botanic Gardens, so many of the trees were planted by Baron Ferdinand von Mueller and later by William Guilfoyle. Around the Domain are scattered memorial statues and sculptures, each with their own story. Kings Domain is part of a larger group of parklands directly south-east of the city, between St. Kilda Road and the Yarra River known as the Domain Parklands, which includes; ...In March 2006, during the Commonwealth Games, an Aboriginal activist group calling itself "Black GST" (Genocide, Sovereignty, Treaty) set up a campsite there in protest against Aboriginal living conditions and the absence of a treaty between the original indigenous inhabitants of the area and the present Government. On 11 April 2006, they were granted a further 30 days to keep their fire going, despite a Supreme Court order that they remove their tents by 2pm on 13 April 2006. The aboriginal protesters have since removed their tents, but are now sleeping in a dilapidated caravan parked in an all day car park. The Melbourne City Council has since started fining them $50 per day for overstaying the time limit. Protection (under a Court order) for the fire expired on 10 May 2006 and shortly after midnight on that date, council workers...

I'm going to call it "Camp Sovereignty," as this was its renaming, since the time of the Commonwealth (Stolenwealth,) Games C.2006. Due to local, i.e, Vic., State Government (I believe,) had fresh water brought in, and arranged to have a garbage day and other refuse collected, so I am going to hazard a guess that the current State Gov't., may not have fully condoned this renaming, however, they were not (going to be seen to be) against it either. Through conversations with knowledgeable Naarm Elder Robby Thorpe, it appears that during white settlement, Aboriginal people could come as far as - the very apt but mis-appropriately named - "Federation Square," whereby local Wurundjeri Community could collect rations each evening prior to sunset. After invasion, -yes, however peaceful some may perceive that time in History/Herstory, the people and land experienced an invasion! —Aboriginal people were no longer permitted to be in certain parts of the city, locations that had been increasingly settled for commerce and for functions of government. Disgraceful really, when this was an original prime thoroughfare for the Wurundjeri (and perhaps also the Bunurong,) and had been so for many millennia.

However you look at it, take a moment to ponder how you might feel to find yourselves outcasts and thereafter, unceremoniously kicked out of your own home. This vast home where the Wurundjeri Clan, and thousands before, had lived for...

Kings Domain, a verdant sanctuary in the heart of Melbourne, offers a harmonious blend of botanical beauty and cultural richness. Nestled alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, this expansive park is a haven for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape from city life.

The meticulously landscaped grounds of Kings Domain showcase a diverse collection of native and exotic flora. Majestic trees provide shade for leisurely strolls along well-maintained pathways, while open lawns invite visitors to relax and absorb the serenity. The Shrine of Remembrance, an iconic war memorial situated within the park, adds a poignant historical touch, making Kings Domain a place of both natural and cultural significance.

Panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and the Yarra River enhance the park's allure, creating a scenic backdrop for picnics and gatherings. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, nestled within Kings Domain, transforms the space into a dynamic cultural venue, hosting concerts and events that enrich the city's cultural tapestry.

Kings Domain, with its botanical splendor and cultural resonance, stands as a testament to Melbourne's commitment to preserving green spaces and fostering a connection between nature, history, and contemporary life. It's a cherished destination where the past meets the present in a tapestry of tranquility and...