Photo of Parliament Gardens in Victoria
Playgrounds

Parliament Gardens

📍 East Melbourne, VIC

★4.5(760 Google reviews)

Parliament Gardens in East Melbourne is a landscaped public space adjacent to Parliament House, featuring the Coles Fountain where children splash around on warm days.

✓ Free entry✓ Coles Fountain✓ City green space✓ Wildlife visitors✓ Peaceful atmosphere✓ Picnic spot
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★★★★★Featured review by T atts

Parliament Gardens in Melbourne is a serene and beautifully landscaped public space located adjacent to the Victorian Parliament House at the corner of Spring and Nicholson Streets. This small yet charming garden provides a peaceful retreat within the heart of the city, offering a place for relaxation and reflection amidst lush greenery. The gardens are known for their well-maintained lawns, a variety of mature trees, and vibrant flower beds, which together create a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. One of the key features of Parliament Gardens is the Coles Fountain, a modernist water feature that adds a soothing auditory element to the space, enhancing the garden's peaceful atmosphere. Parliament Gardens also holds historical significance, as they are situated near some of Melbourne's most important civic buildings, including Parliament House and St Patrick's Cathedral. The gardens serve as a popular spot for city workers, tourists, and locals alike to enjoy a quiet break, have a picnic, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area. Parliament Gardens are a treasured green space in Melbourne, blending historical context with contemporary public art, and providing a serene environment in one of the city's most significant districts.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families already exploring the Melbourne CBD who want a free, calm stop with space to sit and let young children move freely. The Coles Fountain makes it a summer destination for toddlers.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Bring a towel and change of clothes for young children if visiting on a warm day — the fountain is a splash zone
⏰The garden pairs well with a walk through Treasury Gardens or Fitzroy Gardens nearby
đŸŽŸī¸Benches throughout the space make it a comfortable stop for a packed lunch
🚗Wildlife including lorikeets and ducks add to the experience for young children

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

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4.5
★★★★★

760 Google reviews

Peaceful retreat from the CBD45%
Coles Fountain for children30%
Wildlife and bird activity15%
Well-maintained lawns and paths10%
T

T atts

a year ago

★★★★★

“Parliament Gardens in Melbourne is a serene and beautifully landscaped public space located adjacent to the Victorian Parliament House at the corner of Spring and Nicholson Streets. This small yet charming garden provides a peaceful retreat within the heart of the city, offering a place for relaxation and reflection amidst lush greenery. The gardens are known for their well-maintained lawns, a variety of mature trees, and vibrant flower beds, which together create a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. One of the key features of Parliament Gardens is the Coles Fountain, a modernist water feature that adds a soothing auditory element to the space, enhancing the garden's peaceful atmosphere. Parliament Gardens also holds historical significance, as they are situated near some of Melbourne's most important civic buildings, including Parliament House and St Patrick's Cathedral. The gardens serve as a popular spot for city workers, tourists, and locals alike to enjoy a quiet break, have a picnic, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area. Parliament Gardens are a treasured green space in Melbourne, blending historical context with contemporary public art, and providing a serene environment in one of the city's most significant districts.”

T

Tomo.B

6 years ago

★★★★★

“This garden is very peaceful and tranquil. It's surrounded by busy streets howeve. The water fountain as well as the sounds of the magpies, ducks and the lorikeets provide a very calming atmosphere. There are lots of place for you to sit down and read a good book as well. It's not a particularly busy garden as well, being rather small and hidden, not many people come here.”

K

Kate

2 years ago

★★★★★

“Parliament Gardens in Melbourne is a quiet park next to Parliament House. It's a lovely place to take a break from the city. You can walk around the pretty gardens, sit on benches, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It's a nice spot to relax and enjoy nature in the middle of the city.”

L

Louie Temp

2 years ago

★★★★★

“This is a beautiful park. Multicolor flowers and with city view. The garden are well maintained. This is a quiet place to relax and it is near the Parliament House.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Parliament Gardens sits at the corner of Spring and Nicholson Streets, bordered by Parliament House and surrounded by busy CBD streets. The Coles Fountain anchors the children's section and runs as a water play feature in warmer months. The grounds include open lawns for picnics, shaded paths for walking, and native bird activity throughout — magpies, ducks, and lorikeets are regular visitors. The space is compact and easy to loop in 20-30 minutes, making it a reliable city stop.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday00:00 –

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