The gardens were created in honour of Queen Victoria and her memorialOpens in new tab is on the highest point of the gardens. The memorial is made from marble and granite and was opened in 1907.
The gardens’ most famous feature is the Floral Clock, donated in 1966 to the City of Melbourne by a group of Swiss watchmakers. Low-growing floral bedding plants are used to create displays which are changed twice a year.
Venture further into the gardens and you’ll find ornamental ponds, a monument to King Edward VIIOpens in new tab, the Janet Lady Clarke rotundaOpens in new tab, and numerous flower beds and sculptures.
Things to do
- Watch the antics of the ducks and other water birds on the ponds.
- Admire the sculptures found throughout the gardens. Some child-focused sculptures include The GenieOpens in new tab on the lawn near the lake and the delightful Water ChildrenOpens in new tab at the top of the waterfall that flows into the pond closest to St Kilda Road.
- In spring, marvel at the mass plantings of daffodils beneath the trees and in autumn gaze at the fiery colours of the falling leaves.
- This garden is a quiet place for passive recreational activities, so take the time to picnic on the lawns and smell the roses in the extensive rose garden that surrounds the Queen Victoria MemorialOpens in new tab.
- Visit the MPavilionOpens in new tab, Australia's leading architecture commission. Experience free events during the five-month design festival.
Sunrise at the lake in Queen Victoria Gardens
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Plane trees provide a shady canopy over the footpaths in the Queen Victoria Gardens
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A view of the island in the lake in the Queen Victoria Gardens
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The roses in the Queen Victoria Gardens rose garden are a wonderful display in the warmer months
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A view of the island in the lake in the Queen Victoria Gardens
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The Queen Victoria Memorial, built of marble and granite, was erected in 1907
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The Queen Victoria Memorial sits in the middle of the rose garden
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The delicate beauty of a rose in the rose gardens at the Queen Victoria Gardens
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A footpath between the lake and the rose garden at the Queen Victoria Gardens
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Sunrise at the lake in Queen Victoria Gardens
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Plane trees provide a shady canopy over the footpaths in the Queen Victoria Gardens
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A view of the island in the lake in the Queen Victoria Gardens
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The roses in the Queen Victoria Gardens rose garden are a wonderful display in the warmer months
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A view of the island in the lake in the Queen Victoria Gardens
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The Queen Victoria Memorial, built of marble and granite, was erected in 1907
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The Queen Victoria Memorial sits in the middle of the rose garden
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The delicate beauty of a rose in the rose gardens at the Queen Victoria Gardens
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A footpath between the lake and the rose garden at the Queen Victoria Gardens
Designations, policies and plans
- Queen Victoria Gardens, as part of the Domain Parklands, is classified as a Capital City Open Space in City of Melbourne's Open Space Strategy.
- The Domain Parklands (including Queen Victoria Gardens) is recognised as being of State Significance and listed on the Victorian Heritage RegisteOpens in new tabr (H2304).
- 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 Alexandra Gardens.
- The infrastructure of Queen Victoria Gardens includes a stormwater harvesting system which captures and reuses stormwater for garden irrigation.
How to get there
Queen Victoria Gardens 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.
Queen Victoria Gardens
