Discover the Flagstaff Gardens
Officially established in 1862, the 7.2-hectare Flagstaff Gardens occupy an elevated position north of the Yarra River, or Birrarung. They were named after a flagstaff erected in 1840 to signal ships entering the bay and bridges Aboriginal history and colonial settlement.
Historically, the gardens have been described as the city’s "kitchen" compared to the more “polished” Fitzroy Gardens. This reputation comes from its mix of recreational uses and, let’s be honest, a bit of cheeky charm.
Over the years, they've been a gathering spot for celebrations, bonfires, and, at times, some less-than-respectable shenanigans. But that’s all part of their quirky character. And did we mention the possums? They’re the unofficial residents you’ll likely meet during your visit!
History of the Flagstaff Gardens
Ah, the Flagstaff Gardens—while all might seem calm and collected today, don’t let that fool you. This patch of land has a storied past, stretching back long before the office workers arrived with their picnic blankets and lunch wraps.
Before It Was a Park: Brejerrenywun
Before colonization, the high ground now known as Flagstaff Gardens was called Brejerrenywun by the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung peoples. This spot wasn’t just a hill—it was part of their cultural landscape, offering strategic vantage points over what would later become Melbourne.
For other lookouts in the city, click here: Wurundjeri Spur Lookout - Melbourne, Australia | CityDays.
Burial Hill: Melbourne’s First Cemetery
When European settlers arrived in 1835, they weren’t exactly focused on parks. Their priorities were shelter, food, and—well—somewhere to bury their dead. Enter Burial Hill, Melbourne’s first cemetery. For a brief stint between 1836 and 1837, the hilltop became a resting place for the fledgling colony’s dearly departed.
But as the city expanded, Burial Hill’s quiet, out-of-the-way location quickly became too central for comfort. By 1838, a new cemetery—now ironically referred to as the Old Melbourne Cemetery—was established at what is now the Queen Victoria Market, and the pioneers interred on the hill were eventually relocated to Fawkner Cemetery in 1871.
Flagstaff Hill: Sending Signals
Once the bodies were moved, the hill found a new purpose. In 1840, a large flagstaff was erected to serve as part of a signaling system.
Imagine this: a lookout on the hill would hoist flags or fire a cannon to announce the arrival of ships sailing into Port Phillip Bay.
This simple system became the city’s lifeline to the outside world, letting locals know when goods, people, or news had arrived.
But Flagstaff Hill wasn’t just about logistics. On November 11, 1850, it became the site of an enormous bonfire to celebrate Victoria’s separation from New South Wales. It was attended by about 5,000 people and signaled the start of Victoria’s journey as an independent colony.
Observatory and Weather Station
By the late 1850s, the hill’s role in communications was waning, thanks to the advent of the electric telegraph. But it wasn’t long before science moved in. In 1857, the hill became home to a Magnetic Observatory and Weather Station.
Here, Georg von Neumayer and his team studied magnetic fields and meteorology. Even William John Wills, of the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition, worked here.
Alas, the hill’s location wasn’t ideal for scientific accuracy—the iron in nearby buildings messed with the magnetic instruments. By 1863, the observatory had packed up and relocated to the Kings Domain.
Creating Flagstaff Gardens
After a brief stint as a quarry, Flagstaff Hill fell into disrepair. Enter the residents of West Melbourne, who weren’t about to let the site fall into ruin. In 1862, they petitioned the government to transform the hill into a public garden.
Enter Clement Hodgkinson, the green-thumbed Deputy Surveyor-General who also designed the Fitzroy Gardens. Hodgkinson filled in the quarry, laid out pathways, and planted trees. By 1873, the gardens were officially reserved for public use.
Things to Do in the Flagstaff Gardens
Here’s a list of things to do in the Flagstaff Gardens:
- Enjoy the nature: Flagstaff Gardens are filled with all manner of trees, flower beds, lawns, and shrubbery. Keep an eye out for the Moreton Bay Figs, the Ginkgo Biloba, and the Italian Cypresses. As well as the central scented garden.
- Climb to the top: Make your way to the gardens’ highest point for some lovely views. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
- Make use of the playground: The kids will love the five-way swing and the rope climbing dome. For the grown-ups, the adjacent picnic area and electric barbecues make it a great place to settle in for a bite while the kids play.
- Feeling active? Grab a racket and enjoy the tennis courts—doubling up for volleyball, handball, and netball. Alternatively, you can try your hand at lawn bowls or attend one of the lawn bowls club’s events!
- Admire the “Angel” sculpture: One of the gardens’ many sculptures and monuments.
- Seasonal activities: In December, it’s common to see office parties spilling over into the lawns, creating a festive vibe.
Visiting the Flagstaff Gardens
Reaching the Flagstaff Gardens is a breeze. You can hop on any City Loop train service and get off at Flagstaff Station, which is just a short stroll away. Alternatively, take the 30 or 35 tram (City Circle) along La Trobe Street, or the 58 tram along William Street.
Facilities at the Gardens
The Flagstaff Gardens have all the amenities you need to make your visit stress-free:
- Picnic facilities and barbecue areas
- Plenty of seating and shady spots
- Drinking fountains
- Public toilets
- A playground
- Spaces available for weddings and events
Nearby Highlights
Flagstaff Gardens sits at a prime location, surrounded by some of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks.
- Queen Victoria Market: Grab a coffee or some fresh produce after your visit.
- Royal Mint: Diagonally opposite the gardens.
- Flagstaff Station: Conveniently located at the southeast corner.
Explore Beyond the Flagstaff Gardens with CityDays
If the Flagstaff Gardens whet your appetite for adventure, why not take it to the next level with a CityDays scavenger and treasure hunts?
Our interactive tours are perfect for team-building exercises, whether you're local or visiting from afar. Not only do these tours engage you with the city’s rich history, but they also provide a fun and competitive way to explore Melbourne with your friends, family, or colleagues.
Our team-building activities aren’t limited to Melbourne either—we offer similar experiences in cities across the globe, making CityDays your go-to for unique urban adventures anywhere in the world.
So why not start your jour
