Joanna James
Home to some of the most breathtaking gardens in Victoria, Melbourne is a dream destination for garden enthusiasts. Here's a rundown of the top 5 gardens in the bustling metropolis.
As a section of the Domain Parklands, The Queen Victoria Gardens is spread out parallel to St. Kilda Road all the way to the botanical gardens. Having first been constructed to serve as a horticultural memorial to Queen Victoria after whom the state is named, the gardens also contains one of the most captivating sculptures of the monarch and her heir Edward VII. Other notable features of the gardens include its massive floral clock that's made up of over seven thousand flowers. The countless flower beds around the space offer locals and tourists a welcome respite from the cosmopolitan surroundings of city life.
As one of the most popular gardens in all of Melbourne, a visit to Royal Botanic Gardens is a must for all first time visitors. The well-known leisure hub for locals showcases a plethora of plants endemic to Australia and different parts of the world in a conservation effort that also aims to educate and inform. The perfect picnic spot in the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens is also ideal for a long walk, reading and spending time with loved ones. Some of the attractions inside the gardens include the 1876 volcano dubbed Guilfoyle's Volcano where succulents and cacti are on show. The Fern Gully is equally engaging for fern lovers based at Avani Central Melbourne Residences and other hotels in the area.
When it comes to Melbourne city attractions with a rich history, the Flagstaff Gardens comes out on top as it is the first gardens to have been set up in the capital of Victoria. Having served as a burial site, the gardens are located in one of the highest altitudes in Melbourne and have been a thriving recreational Mecca since it was first opened in 1840. Its extensive lawns also offer picturesque views of the harbour and provide an ideal location for rest and relaxation. Located in West Melbourne, Flagstaff Gardens is a city garden to the core with the sound of passing trams and the buildings nearby providing an intriguing soundtrack.
Travellers with an interest in native Australian flora should not forget to explore the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens which is located in the corner of Botanic Drive and Ballarto Road. As one of the largest gardens in Melbourne, the area not only includes woodlands and heathlands but also wetlands. Many endangered native animals also dwell among the foliage in this award winning nature enclave which is divided into zones based on various climatic conditions.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Carlton Gardens was originally created for the International Exhibition of 1880 which was held in Melbourne. The Royal Exhibition Building provides a look back at the garden's days as a chief exhibit during the 1880 International Exhibition while other features such as water fountains and towering trees create the perfect atmosphere for a trip back in time to the Marvellous Melbourne era.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
