Flagstaff Gardens is Melbourne's oldest public park, established in 1862. It has enormous archaeological, floristic, historical and social significance in the city's history. In 1840, at the top of of the hill where the park now stands, a flagstaff was erected as part of a signalling system between Melbourne and ships entering Port Phillip Bay. Hence the name of the park.
The area of the park is small, only 7.2 hectares. Opposite its southeast corner is Flagstaff railway station, and diagonally across from it is the building the former Royal Mint, built in 1869. It is a beautifully well-preserved example of classical architecture from the gold rush period in Victoria state. The façade is decorated with paired columns and the Royal Mint's coat of arms. At the north-east corner of the park on the other side of William Street begins the Royal Victoria Market.
Flagstaff Gardens Park itself consists of several wide lawns with a a variety of trees and flowers, amongst which are numerous animals, including possums. In the southern part of the park there are mainly deciduous trees, while in the northern part there are huge eucalyptus trees. Avenues of elms and large-leaved ficus trees with their spreading crowns hide the walkways from the sun. Among the lawns of the park there are interesting monuments and sculptures.
Along William Street there are tennis courts, as well as areas for playing volleyball and handball. Workers from nearby offices often spend their lunch breaks, and picnics are held on weekends in the park.
Flagstaff Gardens is listed as a National Treasure in Australia and Victoria state.
