Flagstaff Gardens, opened as a public park in 1862, sits on a hill that was once Melbourne’s first colonial burial ground and later a maritime signal station. This guide connects those layered histories with practical tips for today’s visitor—from tennis courts and rose gardens to parking and public transport access.
Last checked: 2026-09-23
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Name: Flagstaff Gardens · Location: North of La Trobe Street, Melbourne CBD · Size: 7.2 hectares (18 acres) · Established: 1862 · Highlights: Tennis courts, rose garden, monuments, picnic areas · Nearby: Queen Victoria Market, Flagstaff Gardens Station
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-23.
Sources reviewed: official municipality website, local tourism board, heritage register, community sports operator, Wikipedia.
No on–site visit or staff interview; data are current as of 2025 and historical information comes from well–established public knowledge.
Snapshot: Flagstaff Gardens
- Used as Melbourne’s first colonial burial ground (1836–1837) and later installed with a flagstaff (1840) for maritime signalling (https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1841)
- Converted to a public garden in 1862 after residents petitioned; (https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1841)
- Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as a site of archaeological, horticultural, historical and social significance (https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1841)
| Highlights | Tennis courts, rose garden, monuments, picnic areas |
“The gardens are a key component of inner Melbourne’s network of parks and contain one of the city’s most historic sites, Flagstaff Hill.”
– City of Melbourne, Local government / park authority