About St Kilda Botanic Gardens
The site of the St Kilda Botanic Gardens were established in the late 1800s,  bordered by Dickens Street, Tennyson Street and Blessington Streets the gardens were formally established in 1859 when a boundary fence was erected.
 Registered with Heritage Victoria www.heritage.vic.gov.au, the gardens contain 810 mature tree specimens eight of which are on the significant tree register. In the 1950s the Alister Clarke Rose Garden was established and a Sub-Tropical Rain-forest conservatory added in the early 1990's. Seasonal displays and local indigenous plants provide a valuable collection to study or sit alongside enjoying a picnic.
Significant works took place in 2003 with the demolition of the old works depot and the implementation of the North-West Corner Framework Master Plan. This plan was prepared by Aspect Melbourne in conjunction with council staff, the Friends of St Kilda Botanic Gardens group and staff at the EcoCentre www.ecocentre.com.
Built features in the gardens include a giant chess board, ornamental pond with Rain Man fountain, children's play space, gazebo, glasshouses and the Eco-centre which facilitates lessons on sustainable living practice. Rain Man is a key element to the ornamental pond and was installed in 2005, designed by Corey Thomas and Ken Arnold he runs on solar power and recycled water from the pond below. 
Designed by Oculus the giant chess board incorporates purpose built bench seats and tables with regular sized chessboards set into the table tops for players to bring their own chess pieces.
The regular sized chess boards are available at any time during garden opening hours for all to enjoy (from dusk till dawn). But if you wish have a 'BIG' game you will need to book. The giant board is available up until 2pm, after which the chess club has it booked everyday from 2pm until sunset.
Current Planning
An assessment of the tree collection and vegetation is currently underway. The findings from both these pieces of work will form the basis of the ongoing management of the plant collection and subsequent additional plantings and their location.
General Info
St Kilda Botanic Gardens are open between sunrise and sunset seven days a week and the conservatory is open between 10.30am and 3.30pm week days and 1.00pm and 4.30pm Saturday to Sunday and public holidays.
The gardens have a dedicated friends group, whose aim is to support and volunteer to work in the gardens. For further information on the Friends of St Kilda Botanic Gardens meetings, events, newsletter, joining and volunteering visit their website: www.foskbg.org.au.
Weddings in St Kilda Botanic Gardens
These gardens are a popular backdrop for weddings. If you intend to hold your ceremony ONLY or photos ONLY within the gardens you will require a permit. Use the eServices link below to enquire about using these gardens for an event.
No wedding receptions are permitted within the garden grounds.
Facilities checklist
Online Map Reference 47
Melways Reference 58/B11
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You can also use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online about St Kilda Botanical Gardens. If you prefer phone ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for Parks & Open Space.
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