St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Okay, if you want to watch a group of hippies (or modern equivalents) playing a game of cricket then this is the place to go. The reason I say that was when I first walked in through the gates the first thing that I encountered were a group of hippies (or modern equivalents) playing a game of cricket. If that is all you want to see then you may have to time yourself perfectly because I suspect that they are not always there, or always playing cricket. Anyway, this has everything that you would expect from a botantic gardens, and can be quite a peaceful place if you like wandering through the trees and looking at plants that happen to have signs in Latin underneath. I thought it was pretty cool, and it even have a huge glass house or all of the tropical plants, as well as an old fashioned play area for the kids (or for people that still think they are kids). Pretty cool place if you are in St Kilda and want a break from the beach, or Ackland street.

Nice, if older playground. Its a little spread out if you have multiple children, but they are of good quality and well maintained. My kids had heaps of fun. It has some shade from the trees, but no sails, so beware.

It’s a very nice park. Not sure about the Botanical Gardens moniker, though. There is a beautiful rose garden where the roses were recently blooming in abundance. It smelled fantastic! Other than that, I did not notice much in the way of other gardens or informational signs explaining the different species. Instead, it was a lot of people pushing strollers, having a picnic, or playing a game of footy. For a park, it’s great. I was just expecting a little more of botanical interest.

Lovely gardens at in the heart of st kilda. Came here on Australia Day for a picnic and to listen to triple j’s hottest 100. The atmosphere was fun and friendly. There people of all ages there with dogs in tow.
From those who are seasoned Australia Day attendees I did hear that the atmosphere was lacking from previous years. This was due largely to the loud speakers that normally broadcast the count down not being put up for crowd control reasons.
It was still a very pleasant day and I would be more than happy to come back for a picnic some other time.
One criticism was the lack of sufficient public toilets which lead to very long lines and boys being boys seizing opportunities where they could and often not bothering to duck away from the main path.

An excellent little park on the border of St. Kilda and Elwood. You’ll find it very busy on holidays, especially ones with good weather. There’s a small playground in one corner that you’ll often find filled with kids while their parents are on a blanket in the grass. The lake area is good for picnics with its large field, however it’s usually full of the younger crowd and doesn’t offer much shade. Overall, a great spot to relax for an hour or so in.

Nothing says summer in Melbourne more than a beer in the sun. Unfortunately, my flat’s never have balconies let alone gardens so taking the esky down to the gardens is the next best thing.
On a Saturday or Sunday you’ll find that most of St Kilda have had a similar idea and the fun atmosphere of music, dogs, kids and some of the fiercest frisbee tournaments you’ll ever see make for a perfect summer day.
During the week I’m known to head down with a book and work on my lack of tan in the shade of the lovely trees.
One of the best things about St Kilda and a little bit of local knowledge!

I have lived in Melbourne for 4 years, and in that time many of my fondest memories are from time spent in St Kilda; the very best of which are times spent in the Botan on sunny Spring and Summer afternoons with a bunch of mates, a slab of beer, a footy and a barbie.
The soul of St Kilda, peace and tranquility in the heart of the hustle.

This is a lovely little escape slotted between St. Kilda Road and St. Kilda itself. Not the easiest to find and for that I’m grateful, otherwise it would be chockas ²⁴⁄₇. Ponds, gardens, plenty of green grass, miniature chess. What else do you want? Whether it is coming to relax or well, coming to relax, this is the place for you or anybody. I frequently set this place as the destination for my jogs and I have a quick 5min loop of the place before heading back. I’ve even sat down to a slab of beer here. It is one of Melbourne’s hidden treasures.

I always forget this place is here! I feel absolutely privileged to be so nearby. When you’re in the mood for a beautiful scenic walk, this seems to be the place, providing you don’t want to head into the city for the other one.
The plant life is super abundant and the amount of grass that’s available for picnic is awesome! There’s even that nice little playground for the kidlets.
The only downside is there’s always poo on the ground, yes a big downside. I’m not a fan of that being right in the pathway, especially when you are responsible enough to clean up your own dogs poop! Be kind and keep the pathways and grass clean please!

The first time I came here, I was meeting up with some friends for a frisbee match. I’m not particularly coordinated when it comes to the hand-​eye activities and so I suggested I just might cheerlead from the side lines…
Well, they were all running around and frolicking about in the sunshine — the huge lawns here are perfect for it — and before I knew it I was playing like a recent graduate from the Ultimate Frisbee Champion School.
Apart from friendly frisbee games, the gardens are great for a stroll or a relaxed afternoon under a tree. The community garden in south-​west corner is nice to poke around in, as are the hot houses. Keep your eye out for critters in the trees.

Melbourne is known for its beautifully manicured gardens that come alive in these current months. A notable garden that is hidden within the suburban streets of Elwood/​St Kilda is the St Kilda Botanical Gardens located on Blessington Street.
This enchanting area, formally established in 1859, has heritage features and gates, a built in giant chess board, ornamental pond with fountain, children’s play space, gazebo, glasshouses and the Eco-​centre which facilitates lessons on sustainable living practice.
The gardens contain 810 mature tree specimens — eight of which are on the significant tree register — and boast a range of extensive flowerbeds and exotic forest trees.
As the gardens attract a wide variety of bird and animal life, dogs must be on a leash at all times.
A popular backdrop for weddings, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens is a beautiful spot for such a lavish celebration, or can simply provide a valuable spot to study or sit alongside enjoying a picnic.

Has there ever been a nicer place for a picnic?
The St Kilda Botanical Gardens are the closest competition to the Royal Botanic Gardens in the city as the best picnic spot. The grass is always immaculate, the plants flowered and since we are coming out a drought, the pond is filling back up. When it’s nice out and you want to relax with your partner or family then these gardens are a hit.
Find your best rug, get some nice cheese’s, bring some beer or wine and you’re in for a really nice relaxing afternoon. The only trouble is you will have to share it with a number of other couples. People are also inclined to have a birthday lunches or wedding services so at times isn’t as quiet as you’d hope. Either way, half the fun is finding your own special spot.
The walk around the gardens is always very tranquil and it’s nice to have a quick look in the glasshouse and conservatory where if you’re that way inclined, you can play a game of GIANT chess to kill some time or show your son you’re still smarter.
It really does remind you of scenes from movies in America where you see old men playing chess and arguing while couples lay together kissing on the grass with the faint noise of children playing in the background.
The St Kilda Botanical Gardens really have such a nice garden setting for anyone who has a lazy afternoon free to relax.