Queen Victoria Gardens

Queen Victoria Gardens sits on St Kilda Road in central Melbourne, part of the lovely Domain Parklands beside the Yarra River, just across from the city and the arts precinct. A beautiful and beloved public garden, it's a green focal point of the city — combining manicured lawns, garden beds, sculptures, the famous floral clock and shady paths in a gorgeous central setting.

The appeal is that combination of beautiful, well-kept gardens and a peerless central location: room to stroll, relax and take in the floral displays and artworks, all moments from the river, the CBD, the NGV and the arts precinct. It's a lovely, tranquil escape in the heart of the city, popular with locals and visitors alike.

With a 4.6 rating from nearly 900 reviews, it's a much-loved spot. The gardens are free and open year-round, but seasonal plantings (like the floral clock displays) and any events vary, so it's worth checking before a special visit — though for a stroll, a relax on the lawns or to enjoy the floral displays, you can generally just turn up and enjoy one of Melbourne's loveliest central gardens.