Queen Victoria Gardens | |
---|---|
Type | Public Park |
Location | Melbourne, Australia |
Coordinates | 37°49′18″S 144°58′18″E / 37.8218°S 144.9716°E |
Opened | 1905 |
Status | Open |
Paths | Sealed |
Terrain | Flat, Riverbank |
Water | Ponds |
Vegetation | Australian Native, Lawns, Non-native traditional gardens |
Connecting transport | Tram, Bus, Car |
Landmarks | Floral Clock |
Facilities | Toilets, Seating |
The Queen Victoria Gardens are Melbourne's memorial to Queen Victoria. Located on 4.8 hectares (12 acres) opposite the Victorian Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria, bounded by St Kilda Road, Alexandra Avenue and Linlithgow Avenue.
Queen Victoria's reign started in 1837, two years after the initial European settlement of Melbourne, and upon her death in 1901 it was thought appropriate to declare an enduring monument to her reign. A memorial statue was commissioned from sculptor James White showing the Queen in ceremonial gowns casting her regal gaze across ornamental lakes, sweeping lawns and rose gardens to the Melbourne Arts Centre Spire and the city skyscrapers.
Queen Victoria Gardens are part of a larger group of parklands directly south-east of the city, between St Kilda Road and the Yarra River known as the Domain Parklands, which includes;