Malvern Gardens

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 history of the Garden

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.

Details

Address: 1275/1277 High St, Malvern VIC 3144

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

Regulatory Information

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

Contact Council Service Centre at 03 82901333