Princes and Victoria Gardens Walk

Princes and Victoria Gardens Walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Here are two wonderful yet entirely different gardens to explore. Ideal for pushing a pram, a casual or brisk walk, they are linked by the grand London Plane Tree avenue that is Murray Street.

Description

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This 2.7km park linking return walk takes in two very delightful and different Stonnington green spaces. The modern accessible pathways and facilities of Princes Gardens and the established features of the traditional Victoria Gardens are worth exploring. Both are great pram walks and Princes Gardens has been designed with mobility aid users in mind.

Princes Gardens was originally called Malvern Road Gardens. In 1906 Prahran Council bought land for a park east of the Independent Church (built 1859). The gardens were renamed Princes Gardens in 1921 after the visit of Edward, Prince of Wales. In 1924 additional land was purchased for a children’s playground and wading pool. The church was purchased in the 1990s to become Chapel off Chapel. At the same time the ornamental Malvern Road gates were dedicated.

Today, many attractive features grace Princes Gardens. Seating and shade trees line pathways, the swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, new skate park and the playground are popular. The off-leash dog play sunken oval is well used. Walking paths, the BBQ area and public toilet are fully accessible. There is accessible parking with protected side spaces on Little Chapel and Essex Streets.

Victoria Gardens was opened in 1885. The pergola at the High Street entrance was built in 1900. A redesign by Edna Walling in 1947 moved the entrance paths to the west of the pergola. Paths encircle another sunken oval here, before curving their way to Lumley Playground, High and Murray Streets.

A highlight of these formal gardens is the perimeter of grand London Plane trees. Other features include a replacement fountain located at the original site in 1989. Urns were also donated and later recast in bronze. The War Memorial was erected in 1953 and renovated in 2015. A circular parterre was developed in 1991. Extensive lawns, shrubberies, colourful annuals and many fine specimen trees are to be enjoyed.

Victoria Gardens also provides seating, shelters, a playground, drinking water and a public toilet.

The paths mapped for this route are all sealed and loop their way around each park. Murray St connects the parks along a sealed footpath and through a new Princes St playground on the corner with Bendigo St.

Informative signs provide maps and describe the history and features of each park.

Dogs must be on a leash unless using the designated off leash sunken ovals at each park.

Both parks are serviced by trams. Princes Gardens: Malvern Rd No 72. Victoria Gardens: High St No. 6.

Car parking is available at both locations.

Other City of Stonnington walks
Urban Forest accessible walk
Zelman Cowen Park Accessible Walk
Central Park & Hedgeley Dene Gardens walk
Como Park & River Walk

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Points of Interest

1. Chapel off Chapel

Originally constructed as the Independent Church in 1859, this historic building has been repurposed as a wonderful community venue.

2. Public art

This inspiring seat and lamp sculptural gateway marks the Malvern Rd entrance to Princes Gardens.

3. Princes Gardens Aquatic Centre

Many walkers arrive at the park for a stroll and a swim.

4. Princes Gardens accessible shelter

This shelter beside the tennis courts has roll under picnic tables and roll under BBQs. There is plenty of room for mobility aids and wheelchairs to move around.

5. Princes Gardens main thoroughfare

This sealed, broad, flat and smooth accessible pathway runs through the middle of the park. There is room for side by side travel using mobility aids.

6. McClintock Oval

Unusually, this walk boasts two sunken ovals. The seating around Princes Gardens' McClintock Oval is an enjoyable place to watch off leash dog play at any given time. Otherwise dogs must be leashed.

7. Princes Street green space shortcut

A new park and playground set between Princes and Murray Streets makes a pleasant and handy shortcut that directly connects the two for the walk between the Gardens.

8. Murray Street

Murray Street has formed sealed footpaths easy to travel by foot or with a pram. It creates a short, straight and easy link between Princes Gardens and Victoria Gardens.

9. Victoria Gardens circular parterre

This circular garden of patterned enclosed beds separated by paths is yet another classical feature of these gardens.

10. Victoria Gardens sunken oval

This is a gorgeous place to let your dog run free. Note, in all other areas dogs must be on a leash.

11. Victoria Gardens ornamental features

The classical feel of Victoria Gardens is enhanced by ornaments such as the fountain, bronze urns and statues that grace the pathways.

12. Victoria Gardens pergola

This rustic and historic large pergola can accomodate quite a gathering.

13. Lumley Playground

This is a lovely playground hidden amongst the foliage of the surrounding gardens. It also offers picnic tables and a toilet.

14. Princes Gardens accessible pathways

Every mapped path in Princes Gardens is without steps and accessible to pram and mobility aid users.

15. Princes Gardens playground

Young and old enjoy time spent in this popular playground.

16. Shops are nearby

If you need refreshment, the dining and take away attractions of nearby Chapel Street are not to be surpassed. Access is quick and easy via Princes Gardens Walker Street entrance pedestrian crossing.