Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne

Alexandra Gardens
Boathouses in Alexandra Gardens from across the Yarra River.
Type	Public Park
Location	Melbourne, Australia
Coordinates	37°49′13″S 144°58′19″E / 37.82037°S 144.971938°E / -37.82037; 144.971938Coordinates: 37°49′13″S 144°58′19″E / 37.82037°S 144.971938°E / -37.82037; 144.971938
Area	5.2 hectares
Opened	1901
Status	Open
Paths	Sealed
Terrain	Flat, Riverbank
Water	Yarra River, Historic Boatsheds
Vegetation	Australian Native, Lawns, Non-native traditional gardens
Connecting transport	Tram, Bus, Car
Landmarks	Yarra River
Facilities	Barbecues, Toilets, , Bicycle hire, Seating

The Alexandra Gardens are located on the south bank of the Yarra River, opposite Federation Square and the Melbourne Central Business District, in Victoria, Australia. The Gardens are bounded by the Yarra River to the north, Princes and Swan street bridges, with Queen Victoria Gardens and Kings Domain across Alexandra Avenue to the south. The gardens are part of the Domain parklands which stretch to the Royal Botanic Gardens and were first laid out in 1901, under the direction of Carlo Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department. They are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register due to their historical and archaeological significance.

Alexandra Gardens are part of a larger group of parklands directly south-east of the city, between St. Kilda Road and the Yarra River known as the Domain Parklands, which includes;

From the time of European settlement of Melbourne in 1835, the area of the gardens were used for timber cutting, cattle grazing and as a brickmakers’ field. Regular flooding occurred, until a new channel for the Yarra River was dug from 1896 to 1900 to straighten and widen the river. The spoil was used to fill the swampy lagoons and brickmakers pits and raise the height of the river bank where Alexandra Gardens now stands. Landscaping occurred immediately, and the gardens were planned and laid out for the visit of the Duke of York in May 1901.

Pedestrian and cycle access to the gardens is via steps or a ramp from Princes Bridge, or along the promenade from Southbank under Princes bridge. Vehicular access is provided by Boathouse drive from Alexandra avenue. Next to Princes bridge bicycles are available for hire to explore the Capital City Trail along the river. Also the prominent, The Around the Bay in a Day cycling event has its finish line at the Gardens.