Description of the attraction
Flagstaff Gardens is Melbourne's oldest public park, founded in 1862. It has tremendous archaeological, floristic, historical and social significance in the history of the city. In 1840, a flagstaff was erected at the top of the hill where the park is today as part of the signaling system between Melbourne and ships entering Port Phillip Bay. This is where the name of the park comes from.
The territory of the park is small, only 7, 2 hectares. Opposite its southeastern corner is Flagstaff Railroad Station, and diagonally across is the former Royal Mint, built in 1869. It is a beautifully preserved example of classical architecture from the Victoria Gold Rush. The façade is adorned with paired columns and the coat of arms of the Royal Mint. Victoria's Royal Market begins at the northeast corner of the park across William Street.
Flagstaff Gardens itself consists of several wide lawns with a variety of trees and flowers, among which numerous animals, including possums, scurry about. In the southern part of the park there are mainly deciduous trees, and in the northern part there are huge eucalyptus trees. Avenues of elms and large-leaved ficuses hide walking paths from the sun with their spreading crowns. Among the lawns of the park are interesting monuments and sculptures.
There are tennis courts along William Street, as well as volleyball and handball courts. Workers in the nearby offices often take lunch breaks in the park and have picnics on weekends.
Flagstaff Gardens is a National Treasure for Australia and Victoria.
