Malvern Gardens Malvern Gardens

Originally the site of a natural spring had been used by the Wurundjeri people, the 13 acres of land was set aside in 1866 to supply the developing suburb with water. Work began to convert the reserve into a Malvern's first public garden in 1888 and continued over the next 20 years.

Malvern Gardens is an English Style Garden with serpentine paths, an established and attractive combination of lawns, substantial shrubbery, large areas of bedding annuals and a fine and varied collection of trees. The main features are the gracious avenue of English oaks and the ornamental pond and fountain. The gardens provide an idyllic retreat in the heart of the city.

The Wurundjeri people used the natural spring and the land in this area prior to the European settlement. From 1856, this area was a water reserve supplying the developing suburb with water prior to the Yan Yean Scheme being implemented in 1869. In 1885, the Government intended auctioning the land, a public protest caused it to be secured for public use.

From 1888, Malvern Council curator Thomas Pockett, over a period of 20 years transformed the area from a barren, sandy, heath covered wasteland into Malvern's first public gardens. The serpentine path was constructed and a raw of English oaks was planted each side of the drive, which extended through the centre of the gardens. Palms, elms and power beds were also planted. The official opening by Duncan Gillies M.P took place on 12^th December 1890.

The ceremony was performed with a gold key, set with a heart shaped opal, to open the massive wooden gates, which had been locked with silver and gold chains. The ornamental pond and fountain was originally fashioned in artistic grotto work by Robinette and the gardens were surrounded by a 1.5m picket fence until 1918. A tea house was built in 1924 but has since been demolished and a new entrance from Ascott Street was constructed in 1931.

Features of the Gardens

Ornamental Pond with Fountain: Constructed around 1890 and restored in 1998.
Playground: Located in the school grounds, available for public use after school hours.
National Trust registered trees: Yellow Wood, Totara, Scrub Bloodwood, Chinese Elm

Dogs must be on leash all times.
No Golf or archery in this park
Permits are required for Fetes, Carnivals, processions or other public gatherings.
Weddings and Wedding Photographs require council permission
Organising any competitive game requires council permission

Public transport
The nearest public transport services are:

Tram route 6 along High Street
Tram route 75 along Malvern Road

❊ Address ❊

 ℅ Kurnan/w
 ⊜  1275-1277 High Street Malvern 3144 View Map
 ✆ Telephone: 03 8290 1333

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Malvern Gardens 

➼ www.stonnington.vic.gov.au

➼ www.facebook.com






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