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, Victoria, Australia |
| Area | 5.2 ha (13 acres) |
| Status | Open |
| Paths | Sealed |
| Terrain | Flat, Riverbank |
| Water | Yarra River, Historic Boatsheds |
| Vegetation | Australian Native, Lawns, Non-native traditional gardens |
| Connecting transport | Flinders Street station Tram routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 |
| Landmarks | Yarra River |
| Facilities | Barbecues, Toilets, Shelters, Drinking Fountains, Bicycle hire, Seating |
| Official name | Domain Parklands |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | July 25, 2013 |
| Reference no. | H2304 |
| Heritage Overlay number | HO398 |
The Alexandra Gardens are a beautiful public park in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They are located right next to the Yarra River, across from Federation Square and the city center. These gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
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Discover Alexandra Gardens
Alexandra Gardens is a special place in Melbourne. It's part of a bigger area called the Domain Parklands. The gardens were first created in 1901. They were named after Alexandra of Denmark, who became Queen of the United Kingdom that same year. The gardens are important because of their history and are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Part of the Domain Parklands
Alexandra Gardens is one of several amazing parks located just south-east of Melbourne's city center. These parks are found between St. Kilda Road and the Yarra River. Together, they form the Domain Parklands, which include:
- The Royal Botanic Gardens
- Kings Domain
- Alexandra Gardens
- Queen Victoria Gardens
A Look Back: The History of the Gardens
Before Alexandra Gardens became a park, this area had a very different past. When Europeans first settled Melbourne in 1835, the land was used for cutting timber, grazing cattle, and even as a place where brickmakers dug for clay.
The Yarra River used to flood the area often. To stop this, a new, straighter, and wider channel for the river was dug between 1896 and 1900. The soil from this digging was used to fill in the swampy areas and old brick pits. This raised the riverbank, creating the perfect spot for Alexandra Gardens. The gardens were quickly planned and planted in 1901, just in time for a visit from the Duke of York (who later became King George V).
Fun Activities: Cycling, Skating, and More!
Alexandra Gardens is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities. You can easily get to the gardens by walking or cycling from Princes Bridge or along the river from Southbank. If you want to drive, you can use Boathouse Drive.
Right near Princes Bridge, you can rent bicycles. This is a great way to explore the Capital City Trail, a popular path that follows the river. The gardens are also the finish line for a big cycling event called "The Around the Bay in a Day."
In 2001, a skate park opened in the gardens. It has a café and a first aid station. Nearby, you'll see some tall Canary Island Palms that were planted way back in 1911.
River Sports: Rowing on the Yarra
The Yarra River is a hub for rowing! Many rowing clubs have their boathouses nestled in Alexandra Gardens, including the Mercantile Rowing Club. You might even know about the "Oarsome Foursome," a famous group of Olympic champion rowers who used to train right here on the Yarra.
For many years, the "Henley-on-Yarra regatta" was a huge event. It started in 1904 and happened every spring. People would flock to the Yarra to watch this exciting sporting event, with as many as 300,000 visitors in 1925! While it's not as big now, the annual "Australian Henley Rowing Regatta" is still held as an amateur event in December.
Exploring the Gardens
Beyond the boathouses, you'll find wide-open lawns with electric barbecues. These are popular spots for picnics and parties, especially around Christmas. The gardens also feature a unique star-shaped garden bed, which represents the Federation of Australia. You can see many old trees, like elms, and an avenue of plane and oak trees along Boathouse Drive. There are also beautiful flower beds to enjoy.
