The Queen Victoria Gardens if seen from above, are a triangular formation and many tourists confuse these gardens with The Domain and Alexandra Gardens, but they are all separate areas, despite being part of the Domain Parklands. They run along St Kilda Road and around to the Art Centre.
During the COVID-19 restrictions [still current but lifting slowly] my daily walk extends to these areas. Areas I had not had the time to explore until now. There are some hidden treasures inside these gardens in the form of treelined pathways and some incredible monuments and sculptures, which I will write about today.
Since I was little when we came to the city we would head to the Floral Clock [which is operational] to see what designs and flowers were being used at that time. Right now they have made the word 'Melbourne' with some pansies and other flowers and small plants around it. Worth a having a look as it changes during the different seasons. [2 photos below]
Behind it is the King Edward VII monument and if you continue on you will come to a rotunda named afterJanet Lady Clarke. This area is popular for weddings and as restrictions are slowly being lifted, currently houses small groups for PT sessions.
If you continue around the path you will come upon a majestic monument dedicated to Queen Victoria opened in 1907. It shows the Queen in various poses. The whole area is immaculately cared for and you can see gardeners regularly cleaning paths, raking leaves, cleaning the ornamental ponds, pruning trees and bushes etc.
This area is part of the Melbourne City Walks - the sculptures and worth doing. As you enter the gardens from the St Kilda Road / Bridge entrance you are greeted by 2 busts of Apollo and Hercules [1780 - artists unknown] - though they have become a little battered and vandalised over the years, they still are in very good shape, even with the nose jobs! [You will understand when you look at them up close].
From there you can spend some time hunting for the sculptures: [I have photographed them below] Tom Bass's 'The Genie' - 1973 Paul Montford 'The Water Nymph' - 1920, Yrsa Von Leister's 'The Phoenix' - 1973 John Edward Robinson's 'Water Children'- 1970 John Olsen's 'The Frog' - 2015 John Edward Robinson's 'The Path Finder [Hammer Thrower]' - 1974
As you are looking for these pieces of art you will be walking along lovely, winding paths surrounded by trees, flowers etc and even some ornamental ponds complete with ducks, geese and other water fowls. There are plenty of places to seat yourself and mediate, take your coffee to, read a book, exercise, photograph and improve your overall wellbeing.
You can get to these areas by car, though parking isn't cheap, or you can take a train to Flinders Street Station and walk down - 7mins max or take the tram and stop off outside the Art Centre or National Gallery and cross the road.
I love these gardens and never tire of their always changing beauty. I usually spend about 30-60mins walking around them - especially for...
Read morePeaceful and Picturesque – Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne
Queen Victoria Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most beautiful and relaxing green spaces. Located just across from the Arts Centre and close to the Yarra River, it offers a perfect escape from the busy city streets. The moment you step into the gardens, you're surrounded by lush lawns, colourful flower beds, and beautifully landscaped paths that invite you to slow down and enjoy the serenity.
I found it to be a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, reading a book, or simply unwinding under the shade of the trees. The gardens are particularly stunning in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom, adding vibrant colour and a pleasant fragrance to the air.
Its proximity to the river makes it a great stop during a walk along the Yarra or while exploring Melbourne’s cultural precinct. The famous Floral Clock and elegant statues throughout the gardens add a touch of charm and history.
Whether you're a local looking for a quiet place to relax or a visitor exploring the city, Queen Victoria Gardens offers a tranquil and scenic experience right in the heart...
Read moreThe Queen Victoria Gardens are Melbourne's memorial to Queen Victoria. Located on 4.8 hectares (12 acres) opposite the Victorian Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria, bounded by St Kilda Road, Alexandra Avenue and Linlithgow Avenue.
Queen Victoria's reign started in 1837, two years after the initial European settlement of Melbourne, and upon her death in 1901 it was thought appropriate to declare an enduring monument to her reign. A memorial statue was commissioned from sculptor James White showing the Queen in ceremonial gowns casting her regal gaze across ornamental lakes, sweeping lawns and rose gardens to the Melbourne Arts Centre Spire and the city skyscrapers.
Queen Victoria Gardens are 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;
The Royal Botanic Gardens Kings Domain Alexandra Gardens Queen...
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