Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexandra Gardens |
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Boathouses in Alexandra Gardens from across the Yarra River.
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| Type | Public Park |
| Location | Melbourne, Australia |
| Area | 5.2 hectares |
| Status | Open |
| Paths | Sealed |
| Terrain | Flat, Riverbank |
| Water | Yarra River, Historic Boatsheds |
| Vegetation | Australian Native, Lawns, Non-native traditional gardens |
| Connecting transport | Tram, Bus, Car |
| Landmarks | Yarra River |
| Facilities | Barbecues, Toilets, Shelters, Bicycle hire, Seating |
The Alexandra Gardens are a beautiful public park in Melbourne, Australia. They are located right on the south bank of the Yarra River. You can find them across from Federation Square and the city center.
The gardens are bordered by the Yarra River to the north. Princes Bridge and Swan Street Bridge are also nearby. To the south, across Alexandra Avenue, are the Queen Victoria Gardens and Kings Domain. These gardens are part of a bigger area called the Domain Parklands. This parkland stretches all the way to the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
The Alexandra Gardens were first created in 1901. They were designed by Carlo Catani. The gardens were named after Alexandra of Denmark. She became Queen Consort of the United Kingdom in the same year. The Alexandra Gardens are considered a very important historical site.
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What are the Domain Parklands?
Alexandra Gardens is part of a larger group of parks. These parks are just south-east of Melbourne's city center. They are located between St. Kilda Road and the Yarra River. This whole area is known as the Domain Parklands.
The Domain Parklands include:
- The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- Kings Domain
- The Alexandra Gardens
- Queen Victoria Gardens
A Look Back: History of Alexandra Gardens
Before the gardens were built, this area was quite different. From 1835, when Europeans first settled Melbourne, people used the land for cutting timber. They also grazed cattle here. It was even a field where brickmakers worked.
The area often flooded because of the Yarra River. So, from 1896 to 1900, a new river channel was dug. This made the river straighter and wider. The soil from digging was used to fill swampy areas and old brick pits. This also raised the river bank where Alexandra Gardens now stands.
The gardens were quickly planned and laid out. This was done for a special visit from the Duke of York in May 1901. He later became King George V.
Fun Activities: Cycling and Skating
You can easily get to the gardens on foot or by bike. There are steps or a ramp from Princes Bridge. You can also walk along the path from Southbank under Princes Bridge. If you're coming by car, you can use Boathouse Drive from Alexandra Avenue.
Right next to Princes Bridge, you can rent bicycles. This is a great way to explore the Capital City Trail along the river. The famous "Around the Bay in a Day" cycling event also finishes at the gardens.
A skate park opened in the gardens in 2001. It has a cafe and a first aid station. Close by, you'll see some special Canary Island Palms. These trees were planted way back in 1911.
Rowing on the Yarra River
Along the Yarra River, you'll find many rowing club boathouses. These are nestled right in the gardens. One famous club there is the Mercantile Rowing Club. The "Oarsome Foursome," who were Olympic champions, used to train on the Yarra River.
A big rowing event called the Henley-on-Yarra regatta started in 1904. It was held every spring, just before the Melbourne Cup horse race. For a whole day and night, people from Melbourne would gather by the Yarra. They came to watch this exciting sports event. In 1925, a huge crowd of 300,000 people attended!
After World War II, the event became less popular. However, the annual Australian Henley Rowing Regatta still happens. It's an amateur event held in December. People are trying to make it more popular again.
Relaxing and Exploring the Gardens
Past the boathouses, you'll find open lawns. These areas have electric barbecues. They are very popular for picnics and office parties, especially around Christmas.
Besides the lawns by the Yarra River, the gardens have other cool features. There's a star-shaped garden bed. This represents the Federation of Australia. You'll also see many old trees, like elms. There's an avenue of plane and oak trees along Boathouse Drive. The gardens also have pretty ornamental flower beds.
