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                    Flagstaff Gardens

                    Open grassed area and large trees in Flagstaff Gardens.
                    Flagstaff Gardens, north of La Trobe Street, is situated on one of two hills to the immediate north of the Yarra River, Birrarung. The site formed topography important to Aboriginal peoples.

                    Between 1836 and 1837 the hilltop was the site of Melbourne's first colonial burial ground. Then from 1840 to 1857, it became the site of a flagstaff which was part of a signalling system between Melbourne and ships sailing into the port at Williamstown. The site was then also used as a meteorological and magnetic observatory between 1857 and 1862. It was also the place from which news of Victoria's separation from NSW was signalled to Melbourne residents through the lighting of a great bonfire in 1850.

                    Established as a public garden in 1862, Flagstaff Gardens was designed in the gardenesque style in 1865 by Assistant Commissioner for Crown Lands and Survey, Clement Hodgkinson. 

                    Along with the popular lawns, the gardens feature eucalypts, Moreton Bay figs, avenues of elm trees, shrub beds and a high vantage point. Facilities also include tennis courts, a playground, a public toilet, barbecues and a bowling green.

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                    Photo gallery

                    A stone monument on a hilltop in Flagstaff Gardens.Floral shrub beds next to paths in Flagstaff Gardens. Large CBD buildings surround the gardens.People sitting on open grassed areas under large trees in Flagstaff Gardens.A children's playground in Flagstaff Gardens with small slide, climbing frames and platforms.Children's playground in Flagstaff Gardens with rope climbing frame, swings and other play equipment.Children's playground in Flagstaff Gardens with rope climbing frame, swings and other play equipment.Barbecues near the children's playground.Open grassed areas and trees on the hilltop in Flagstaff Gardens.City workers walking along a footpath under mature trees in Flagstaff Gardens.

                    Things to do

                    • Stroll around the gardens, walk to the highest point beneath the huge shady trees and enjoy the floral shrub beds. The shrub bed in the centre of the gardens has a scented theme. 
                    • The playground features a five-way swing and a rope climbing dome. Adjacent to the playground are barbecues, picnic facilities and a public toilet.
                    • Play tennis, volleyball or netball on the multi-use courts or attend an event at the lawn bowls club.

                    Facilities

                    Designations, policies and plans

                    How to get there

                    Catch any City Loop train service to Flagstaff Station, or tram routes 30 or 35 (City Circle) along La Trobe Street, or tram 58 along William Street.

                    See PTV Journey Planner for public transport information.

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                    Map of Flagstaff Gardens
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