Summary

St Kilda Botanical Gardens are located in an historic park organised into formally curated heritage garden sites and open lawns. Walking in these well cared for green spaces is a relaxing pleasure.

Description

In 1859 the recently formed St Kilda Council allocated 16 acres of land for the creation of Botanical Gardens. Much of the original layout remains and some of the original trees planted at the time continue to be enjoyed by walkers in the gardens to this day. Eight are registered as Significant Trees. These Botanical Gardens are registered with Heritage Victoria.

There are many highlights worth seeking out as you walk amongst the eight hundred and ten mature tree specimens. The 1950s Alister Clark Rose Garden is a treat. The Sub Tropical Rainforest Conservatory is not to be missed. The Herbert St boundary offers a native species trail. The ornamental pond is a lovely spot to while away some time watching the ducks or you can pick up a game at the public chess board. The five gates commissioned for installation between 2010 and 2012 each have a unique character to please the eye. There is also a children's playground.

The gardens are open between sunrise and sunset seven days a week. The Conservatory is open between 10.30am and 3.30pm week days.

The site is on a gentle slope. Paths are broad and smooth. The walking is easy. There are picnic facilities including seats, tables, water fountains and public toilets. Shops are located nearby.

Dogs must be on a leash.

The 3 and 16 trams stop on Carlisle St or the 67 on Brighton Rd. Both are just a short walk away. Buses 600 606 922 and 923 travel along nearby Barkly & Mitford Streets. Car parking around the gardens is free.

Friends of St Kilda Botanical Gardens is an active volunteer group that contributes to the Botanical Gardens upkeep. Go to the hyperlink for more information.

2976 Views

Points of Interest

1. The gates are great

Five of the entrance gates are uniquely sculpted.

2. Walk undercover

The many mature trees provide shelter from the weather whether it be a hot sun or cloudburst.

3. Public chess boards

Walk your talk on the giant black and white board or take a pew at one of the surrounding altars to history's most enduring game of strategy.

4. The Sub Tropical Rainforest Conservatory

Make a point of visiting this special hot house.

5. Ornamental lake

The ducks love it just as much as you will.

6. Directional signs

Looking for particular garden feature? Just keep walking and a sign will point the way.

7. Walk deep in thought

There is a green space to match your every mood.

8. Seating

A garden for walking, a garden for sitting, seats can be found throughout the gardens.

9. Dogs

Dogs are welcome in the gardens as long as you do the right things i.e. keep them on a leash, keep them under control and clean up after them

10. The paths

Paths are of compacted granitic sand, well maintained, broad and smooth. For many mobility aid users they are traversable. Be mindful of the bordering scoop drains though.

11. The surrounds

St Kilda Botanical Gardens gateways open onto a built environment reflective of this colourful suburbs historical epochs and a cultural melting pot reflective of its bohemian past, present and future.

12. The plants

This heritage garden comes in every shade of green interspersed with vibrant splashes of colour designed to please and tease. You never know what is around the next corner.

Features

Public Transport

Playground

Picnic spot

Drinking water available

Seating available

Public toilets

Pram friendly

Historical interest

Art and culture

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden