The Picturesque Parks of Melbourne City
Garden City
Long considered Australia’s garden city, Melbourne has a climate suitable for growing a broad botanical collection. The city is punctuated with green spaces that allow you to push the pause button on life. Not just for garden lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, here are the best parks in Melbourne city for you to revive and come alive.
1. Carlton Gardens
Address | 1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC 3053 |
Phone Number | + 61 3 9658 9658 |
Opening Hours | 24 hours access |
Home to the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition building, this heritage listed garden is located on the north-eastern edge of the Central Business District, about a 25 minute drive from the PARKROYAL. A peaceful, pleasing place, these well maintained European style gardens have established shade trees that mirror the change in seasons. The gardens feature two ornamental lakes, historic fountains and a children's playground designed as a Victorian maze. A perfect place to flick a Frisbee or pack a picnic.
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2. Parliament Gardens
Address | 489-531 Albert St, East Melbourne VIC 3002 |
Opening Hours | 24 hours access |
Take a short 30 minute drive from the PARKROYAL to the top end of town and steal a moment of serenity at this lush location which has views of Parliament House, Eastern Hill, the Old Baptist Church and St Patrick's Cathedral. Parliament Gardens is a well kept triangular oasis with a water features that light ups at night and provides some cool relief on a hot summer’s day.
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3. Guilfoyles Volcano
Address | Birdwood Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141 accessible via C Gate (enter via Anderson Street) and D Gate (enter via Birdwood Avenue) |
Phone Number | +61 3 9209 6777 |
Opening Hours | 7:30am to sunset daily |
This bluestone water storage reservoir successfully combines the “useful with ornamental”. Originally constructed In 1876 by William Guilfoyle, the design is reminiscent of a volcano. After falling into disrepair, this striking and functional feature of the gardens has now been fully restored. It is located in the south-east corner of the gardens, which are about 30 minutes drive from the PARKROYAL. The volcano has impressive views of the city and showcases over 17,000 low water use plants, with floating islands in the crater and stones placed to simulate lava flow. This volcano is ready to rumble!
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4. Albert Park
Address | Queens Rd, Albert Park |
Phone Number | +61 3 9252 2300 |
F1 fans will be familiar with this picturesque park and the man made lake that forms the scenic circuit for the Grand Prix. Just 3 kilometres from the CBD, it’s about 30 minutes drive from the PARKROYAL. Go for a run on the 5 kilometre walking track, enjoy a bike ride or grab a coffee from the kiosk and watch the colourful sailboats. You can hire a boat, there’s a golf course and fishing is permitted. An appealing place for anyone who loves the outdoors. Parking fees apply to all car parks and roadside parking spaces.
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5. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Address | Herbert St & Blessington Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 |
Phone Number | +61 3 9209 6777 |
Opening Hours | 7:30am to sunset daily |
Established in 1859 on the former site of a gravel pit and rubbish dump, this highly regarded garden is a sanity saver in the centre of a busy city. The rose garden is photo fabulous when in season and the Rain Man fountain will make you smile. Be sure to visit the conservatory. Just 30 minutes from the PARKROYAL, there is a children's play space, gazebo, eco-centre and giant chess board to exercise those brain cells. Plenty of sealed pedestrian pathways give good pram and disabled access. Free all day parking is available around the gardens but can be in short supply on weekends.
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