These areas were set aside for use as parkland in the 1840s and form a significant part of the Domain Parklands.
Kings Domain is important to the people of the Eastern Kulin nation. It also has historical importance for its association with the early settlement of Melbourne and the foundation of British colonial administration in Victoria.
The area was cleared of trees in the early years of Victoria’s colonial history. After the space was designated as parkland in the 1840s, it was further developed and added to over many years.
The park contains many large Australian and European trees, shrub beds, annual floral displays and ponds. There are also memorials and statuary which reflect the civic functions of Victoria.
Things to do
- Visit the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden, created to recognise the contribution made by Victoria’s female pioneers.
- Explore the cool and shady rockery and fern gully created from a former quarry.
- Stroll along the floral border with Government House and enjoy the fabulous shrub beds where something is in bloom throughout the year.
- Pay your respects at the Kings Domain Resting Place which is nationally significant because of its association with Australia’s national repatriation story. The resting place holds the remains of 38 Victorian Aboriginal people.
- Gaze at the floral display at the Marquis of Linlithgow Memorial Reserve on St Kilda Road, where the changing display supports community themes and activities. Request a display by contacting the City of Melbourne: parkservices@melbourne.vic.gov.au
- Visit the Shrine of RemembranceOpens in new tab which is recognised as being of State Significance and is listed on the Victorian Heritage RegisterOpens in new tab (H0848).
- Visit the amazing horticultural collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne GardensOpens in new tab and go punting on the lake.
- Visit La Trobe’s CottageOpens in new tab, Melbourne’s oldest surviving colonial-era building built in 1839 for an early Governor of Victoria.
- Learn about the many monuments and memorialsOpens in new tab throughout the park.
Kings Domain includes lots of open areas for informal games or kicking a ball
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Domain Parklands has a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, including these conifers
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City buildings loom over the trees of Kings Domain
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Golden elms are planted to the south of the Pioneer Women’s Memorial garden in Kings Domain
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A picturesque view of the Pioneer Women’s Memorial garden
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The rockery and fern gully are a great place to be on a hot summer’s day.
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The waterfall in the rockery is surrounded by magnificent tree ferns
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Kings Domain includes lots of open areas for informal games or kicking a ball
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Domain Parklands has a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, including these conifers
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City buildings loom over the trees of Kings Domain
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Golden elms are planted to the south of the Pioneer Women’s Memorial garden in Kings Domain
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A picturesque view of the Pioneer Women’s Memorial garden
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The rockery and fern gully are a great place to be on a hot summer’s day.
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The waterfall in the rockery is surrounded by magnificent tree ferns
Designations, policies and plans
- Kings Domain is classified as a Capital City Open Space in City of Melbourne's Open Space Strategy.
- Kings Domain, as part of the Domain Parklands, is recognised as being of State Significance and is listed on the Victorian Heritage RegisterOpens in new tab (H2304). It is also on the National Heritage ListOpens in new tab.
- The City of Melbourne Domain Parklands Master Plan (2019) sets out the vision and guides the future management and capital improvements for the whole of Domain Parklands, including Kings Domain.
How to get there
Kings Domain is a short walk from Flinders Street Station or Federation Square across the Yarra River and Alexandra Avenue along St Kilda Road. You can also take any tram along St Kilda Road.
See PTV Journey PlannerOpens in new tab for public transport information.
Anzac StationOpens in new tab (currently under construction as part of Metro Tunnel) will also provide direct access to the Domain Parklands.
Kings Domain
