The Green Face of Melbourne

You would not expect it from a metropolis like Melbourne but there are numerous green spots in this beautiful city. Melbourne's richness in gardens and parks offers great free time opportunities and makes it one of the most livable cities in the world. Everyday a lot of people cross these oases on foot and jogging, while many others have a great time making picnic, playing games and barbecuing which is a part of the religion in Australia. The gardens are also home to diverse events all year around. In fact, you do not have to travel huge distances for fun. Most of the parks are located in the heart of Melbourne on the two banks of Yarra River or in the nearby.

The biggest garden in Melbourne is Royal Botanic Gardens. This spectacular 35 hectar paradise contains an outstanding collection of over 12,000 species of plants and native wildlife, and is known to be one of the best botanic gardens in the world. The collection is exhibited in groups. Some of the most amazing groups are Australian Rainforest Walk, Southern Chinese Collection, Tropical Display Glasshouse and New Zealand Collection. Oaks, eucalypts, roses, camellias, viburnums and many more plants are just a part of the jazzy nature that fascinates every visitor. Ornamental Lake invites every camera owner for a spectacular shot. Don't know where to start from? The visitor centre, located at the Observatory Precinct, provides detailed information and maps of the garden.

Royal Botanic Gardens are surrounded by Yarra River from one side and by King's Domain, Alexandra Gardens and Queen Victoria Gardens from the other side. All together, they are called Domain parklands. Shrine of Remembrance is one of the most important monuments in the parklands. It is Victoria's largest and most visited war memorial. It has been built for the memory of the ANZAC soldiers who left their homes to take part in World War I (1914-1918) and never came back.

Yarra Park, Olympic Park and Flinders Park are located on the other side of Yarra River, and Fitzroy Gardens are within 15 minutes of walking distance... Fitzroy Gardens are major tourist attraction in Melbourne and the biggest competitor of Royal Botanic Gardens. Do not forget to visit Cook's Cottage! This cottage is the home of James Cook's parents and although it is not known if James Cook, the first European who stepped on the east coast of Australia, has ever lived in this house, it is sure that he has been in there several times. The cottage has been shipped to Australia from Yorkshire in 1934 in small pieces, has been re-erected in Fitzroy Gardens and has received a lot of attention from the visitors since then.

These parks and gardens are only a short stroll from CBD and Federation Square, and have several tram stops at their gates for those who would like to save their energy to spend inside the parks instead of on the way there.