Melbourne's Top Gardens And Parks For Indulging In Spring's Beauty

Covered in 6 acres of diverse roses, the Victoria State Rose Garden is bursting with vibrant energy and colour. The gardens are generous in the latter months of the year, offering over 5,000 blooming roses to see and smell. In every direction, colour is abundant in the extravagant and neat garden design. The main garden is carefully crafted in the shape of a Tudor rose with each petal containing an assortment of diverse roses with rich, warm colours. A collection of Australian-bred roses can also be found in the Australian Leaf garden. Dozens of friendly volunteers spend hundreds of hours maintaining and nurturing plants making this garden the masterpiece that it is. Be sure to visit in November when the entire space is transformed into a beautiful carpet of colour.
Open daily: April-September, 9:30 am-5:00pm and October-March, 9:30am-6pm
Victoria State Rose Garden, K Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

On the outskirts of the noisy CBD, you can find tranquillity in Melbourne’s inner-city oasis. With more than 10,000 plant species from around the world, the Royal Botanical Gardens is an international icon and one of Melbourne’s most valued tourist gems. Lavish lakes, towering trees and flourishing flower beds — you’d never expect this kind of space in the middle of the city. It’s easy to get lost in the 38 hectares of extensive gardens rich in exotic flowers. There is, however, a strong focus on native plants chosen for their rarity, value and diversity. With over 1.5 million visitors each year, these popular gardens are an ideal place to spend any day of spring.
Open daily, 7:30am-sunset
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra, VIC, Australia, +61 3 9252 2300

Everyone in Melbourne knows St Kilda for its famous beach; however, few have heard of its gorgeous gardens. Listed with Heritage Victoria, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens flourishes with over 800 mature tree specimens. Since 1859, the gardens have matured and developed a rosary, extensive flower beds and a nursery. The rose garden blooms in abundance during spring and smells just as good as it looks. This peaceful space also features a giant chess board, decorative pond, children’s play area, shady gazebo and glasshouse. The native and exotic plants also attracts a wide range of birds throughout the spring season.
Open daily between sunrise and sunset
St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Blessington St, St Kilda, VIC, Australia, +61 3 9209 6777

Alongside the Yarra River is one of Melbourne’s most simple and easily available gardens. Alexandra Gardens are conveniently located alongside Federation Square under the Princes Bridge. This quiet space offers peace and tranquillity and is a great place to slow things down in the active CBD. There is just as much shade as sunshine to laze in after a hectic day of work. Extensive space can be used for picnics, barbeques, romantic dates or just a solitary stroll. Whether you’re spending five minutes walking through or hours reading a book, these gardens are a peaceful haven certain to improve your day.
Alexandra Gardens, Boathouse Dr, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, +61 3 9658 9658

St Vincent Gardens can be found in the quiet beachside suburb of Albert Park. Nestled between the streets of 19th-century terrace houses, this garden is picturesque both inside and out. The garden is of national significance; it radiates London-inspired urban design where development boomed during the Victorian gold rush. In the shape of a large rectangular space with carefully crafted crescents at each end, the park blooms with small and colourful flora. Large native trees are also arranged in symmetrical patterns and offer cool shade. This harmonizing space is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its ‘aesthetic, historical, architectural and social significance to the State of Victoria.’
St Vincent Gardens, Montague St, Albert Park, VIC, Australia, +61 3 9209 6777