St Kilda Road is the tree-lined main artery of Melbourne’s CBD and the gateway to lush parks and well-known landmarks.
First stop is the beguiling National Gallery of Victoria (international collection) and the Arts Centre with its spire and action-packed calendar of performing arts. The Arts Centre Market has long been held on Sundays along the footpaths to the river.
On the other side of St Kilda Road are the Domain Parklands. Bring a picnic lunch or just while away the day on Alexandra and Queen Victoria gardens’ manicured lawns surrounded by fountains, statues and even a colourful floral clock.
The Domain Parklands blend seamlessly into the seemingly never-ending Royal Botanic Gardens, home to thousands of plant species and native wildlife. The gardens feature lakes, observatories, a Children’s Garden, a rainforest walk, themed gardens and lawns. Spend a summer evening at a theatre performance or catch a classic movie under the stars. Each morning and evenings throngs of joggers pound the gravel of ‘the tan’, a legendary running track encircling the gardens.
Down by the Yarra River you’ll find boat sheds and palm trees and views of the city skyline. Head to the King’s Domain for a show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, a shell-shaped outdoor performance venue with a fine pedigree.
On the edge of the Botanic Gardens in Kings Domain sits the striking Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial to the fallen soldiers of Victoria. The balcony at the top features wonderful views of the city. The historic Victoria Barracks are also located along St Kilda Road.
St Kilda Road is the site of the annual March madness and mayhem that’s known as Melbourne Moomba Waterfest.
