Catani gardens is named after its Italian born designer Carlo Catani a prominent landscape designer in the 1800s, the design is formal and with a defined axis of Canary Island Date Palms and a handful of other tree including Smooth Barked Apple, Washingtonia Palms and Cypress trees.

The original 1910 Lava Rock wall encloses the park on west the boundary extending from the edge of the gardens along the southwest boundary to the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. It incorporates a number of openings into the gardens and onto Pier Road for access to the beach below.

A number of improvements identified in the conservation management plan have been carried out, in particular the new paths that bare closer resemblance to the original colour intended by Catani himself in the late nineteenth century. The final stage of path improvements will include works around the cenotaph and the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. Works will also include reconstruction of the lava rock wall and replacement of the Cypress avenue.

Several memorials sit within the park including the Sali Cleve. A drinking fountain installed in 1911 in memoriam of Sali, who designed Cleve gardens opposite Catani gardens between Beaconsfield Parade and Fitzroy Street. A sculpture of Caption James Cook, was installed in 1914 and a Cenotaph built in 1925 in memoriam to the fallen soldiers of World War One.

A master plan is in development and will guide future improvements and enhancement to this passive parkland.

Facilities Checklist

Online Map Reference 8
Melways Reference 57J9

	Toilets	BBQ	Playground	Shelter
Availability	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer phone ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for the Administrative Officer of Parks & Open Space.