FlagStaff Gardens

Описание: FlagStaff Gardens


📍 Location & Key Facts

The gardens are located in the Melbourne CBD, bounded by William Street, La Trobe Street, King Street and Dudley Street.

Site area: approx. 7.2 hectares (about 18 acres) of Crown land.

Name origin: the “Flagstaff” refers to a flagstaff erected in 1840 as part of a signalling system for ships arriving in Port Phillip Bay.

🕰 History & Heritage

The land was originally known as “Brejerrenywun” by the Indigenous Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung peoples.

It was used as one of the earliest burial sites in the Melbourne settlement (known as “Burial Hill”) after 1836.

With the erection of the flagstaff in 1840 and later developments, the site shifted from cemetery to signalling and observatory uses.

In 1862 the community (residents of West Melbourne) petitioned to transform the site into public gardens.

On 23 March 2004 the gardens were formally added to the Victorian Heritage Register.

🌳 What You’ll See & Do

Extensive lawns, mature trees (including Moreton Bay figs, elms, eucalyptus) and flower-beds.

Recreational amenities: a children’s playground, lawn bowls, tennis courts (which can double for volleyball, handball, netball) and electric barbecues that are popular for office-lunch outings.

Historical monuments and sculptures scattered throughout the park (e.g., the Pioneer Monument, etc).

Great views: the gardens occupy one of the highest natural points in the Melbourne CBD.

✅ Why It’s Worth Visiting

Central & accessible: very close to major transport (e.g., the nearby Flagstaff Station) and easy to drop into when you’re in the city.

Nearby spots: Queen Victoria Market or explore the legal precinct around William & La Trobe streets.