A Walk in the Park

A Walk in the Park created by WalksMelbourne

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Summary

Magnificent cathedrals, lush parklands and delightful Flinders Lane.

Description

Opposite Federation Square begin by taking the 10-minute tour of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral.
Near the Swanston Street entrance, notice the statue of Mathew Flinders who bravely circumnavigated the continent in 1801-03. Continue back along back along Flinders Street to Hosier Lane.

At 129-131 Flinders Lane, look out for Levy and Robinson’s warehouse that dates back to 1857. Near Spring Street you’ll pass Milton House, built as a hospital in 1901.

Cross Spring Street and enter the Treasury Gardens. With beautiful avenues of Moreton Bay Figs, the gardens are full of history dating back to the early period of European settlement.
Cross Lansdowne Street into Fitzroy Gardens and discover more historic and botanic treasures. Follow the green signs to the Conservatory built in 1930.

Your next stop is Cooks’ Cottage, which was shipped from Great Ayton in Yorkshire and re-erected in Fitzroy Gardens in 1934 as a Victorian centenary gift. Just up the small path to the east a Scarred Tree is a reminder that Aboriginal people were here long before. You continue this walk past Sinclair’s Cottage. Built in 1864, it was the home to James Sinclair and his family. Follow the signs to the Pavilion Café – a great spot to unwind and relax.

The English Elms in Fitzroy Gardens are among the oldest and finest in the world. Along a glorious avenue, climb to the River God fountain and walk west towards the cathedral spires at Lansdowne Street.

Cross Lansdowne Street to Cathedral Place where a lonely tower is all that remains of St Patrick’s College. Then take the serene Pilgrim Path to St Patrick's Cathedral the architectural triumph of William Wardell. From the forecourt, where Aboriginal and Christian spiritual symbols are reconciled, enter the Great West Doors and walk through to the seven beautiful chapels surrounding the sanctuary.

Cut through Treasury Reserve to see John Cain, Sir Henry Bolte and other premiers of Victoria at the end of Premiers’ Way. Look along Treasury Place to see some of Victoria’s finest government buildings. The current Premier’s office is 1 Treasury Place.

Walk past the old Herald Building built in the 1920’s and turn left into Batman Avenue that leads down to Birrarung Marr, the city’s newest park by the river. Birrarung means ‘river of mists’ in the language of the Wurundjeri people who originally lived here and ‘Marr’ means ‘side of the river’.

Cross the bridge to the Federation Bells sound sculpture where 39 electronic bells, chime 3 times daily. Go down the steps and follow the river back to Federation Square, enjoying fabulous city views on the way.