Ararat - Alexandra Gardens
Wander around Alexandra Gardens and discover the fernery, orchid glasshouse (Cymbidium orchid display from July to November), Alexandra Lake with a 800m walk around the perimeter, Asian island, nice playground under shade sails, BBQs, picnic tables, exercise station, Australian native garden plus herbal and rose gardens along with historic fountains and wishing wells.
Map of Gardens
About Alexandra Gardens
- Land allocated for a botanical gardens in 1860.
- Early planning and plants supplied by Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens.
- Early work done by prisoners of the Ararat Gaol under the supervision of the Governor of the Gaol.
- The bulk of the development work began in 1901 with Hugh Linaker as the curator.
- The Alexandra Gardens consist of a large ornamental lake surrounded with expansive lawns, large shade trees, with features including the fernery, children's playground, display glasshouse, picnic / barbecue facilities, Asian island, Australian Native garden, herb garden, and many more.
- Was the largest in the state at the time of development in 1912.
- All rocks and soil brought in by bullock wagons.
- Playground includes some access to all equipment.
- Donated by Rotary in 1980 to commemorate '50 years of Rotary in Ararat'.
- Cymbidium orchid display July to November.
Asian Island
- Developed with oriental plants to emphasise our 'sister city' relationship with Taishan, China.
- Developed by Council in conjunction with the Grampians Group of the Australian Plant Society.
Herb garden
- Developed on the site of the old glasshouse.
- Planted up by the Victorian Herb Society.
Photos:
Location
Cnr Vincent Street and Alexandra Avenue, Ararat 3377 Map
