The White Hat Guide to King's Domain

 

 

The Alexandra Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens and King's Domain run continuously from the banks of the Yarra along St Kilda Road to the Shrine and beyond. They also border the Botanic Gardens and Government House.

Linlithgow Monument in the King's Domain, Melbourne

The King's Domain had been used for many purposes before becoming parkland in 1854. It has been progressively developed since that time with the most striking feature being the re-routing of St Kilda Road to create an artificial hill for the Shrine of Remembrance making it a dominant view along the city's Swanston Street. A section of the domain became a unique setting for Government House, the home of Victoria's Governor. This area is open to the public on a limited basis. In the 1950s an important addition was the Sidney Myer Music Bowl which is home to numbers of open air performances during the summer months. Also in the Domain are the Pioneer Women's Garden. This was built in 1934 as a tribute to the pioneer women of Victoria and it is adjoined by a sunken garden and reflecting pool. The Domain is also home to Governor La Trobe's Cottage - the humble forerunner to the nearby Government House. Visible from St Kilda Road is the Linlithgow Flower Bed with its changing plantings commemorating particular organisations or events

The White Hat Quiz

• Various statues in The Domain and connected gardens show people on horseback. How can you tell the status of a person from a 19th century equestrian statue?

To find the answers to questions like these ask a White Hat Accredited Guide or subscribe to our free newsletter where similar questions and answers are provided each week. For a sample of previous questions see The White Hat Quiz.

 

Some forthcoming events at King's Domain:

Carols by Candlelight An event that has become a popular part of the Melbourne calendar 24th December 2020

VIDA - Melbourne Latin Summer Festival Melbourne Latin Summer Festival is a multicultural festival, free event in the heart of Melbourne that focus purely on varying aspects and different contributions of Latin Culture within Melbourne and Victoria. The event has been created to include all categories and genres of entertainment from Latin America including but not limited to; Cuisine, Art Kids Area Night Life {Bar/Fonda Atmosphere(s)} Family Entertainment/Activities as well as differing hand crafts, jewellery, educational and other stalls will be exhibited at the festival. Free 30th April to 2nd May 2021 Tom.s Block, King's Domain

Mazda Opera in The Bowl It’s a Saturday evening in summer. You’re sitting in a park with family and friends, and a fabulous picnic dinner. The picture is complete when the glorious live music from Opera Australia begins. Hear our brightest stars, under the stars, sing opera's most famous arias with the magnificent backing of Orchestra Victoria. Dress up — or not — it's your night to enjoy the power of the human voice in the kind of communal, cultural celebration Melbourne loves best. Free November 2021 - date tbc Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Australia Day Picnic & Historic Vehicles Display The popular historic vehicle display, with more than 500 veteran and vintage vehicles, entertainment, free activities and food stalls. Free 10am to 4pm, 26th January King's Domain