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O'Donnell Gardens

4.4
·185 reviews·St Kilda, Australia

A vibrant public garden in St Kilda, adjacent to Luna Park, known for hosting lively festivals and offering beautiful coastal views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Festival Weekends

Experience lively events

CrowdHigh
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Looking towards Luna Park

O'Donnell Gardens

Best Time

Festival Weekends

Experience lively events

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant public garden in St Kilda, adjacent to Luna Park, known for hosting lively festivals and offering beautiful coastal views.

4.4
(185 reviews)

"Impressive park to lounge around in and enjoy watching the world go by in St Kilda."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Event Schedules

O'Donnell Gardens hosts many events; check listings to catch a festival or avoid crowds.

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking if you explore St Kilda, so wear comfy shoes!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Festival Vibes

Festival Vibes

O'Donnell Gardens

Experience vibrant multicultural festivals and music events, especially during St. Patrick's Day and St Kilda Festival.

Instagram+1
Luna Park Adjacent

Luna Park Adjacent

Adjacent to Luna Park

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this park located right next to the iconic Luna Park amusement park.

Reddit
Coastal Breeze

Coastal Breeze

Near St Kilda Beach

Relax amidst tall palm trees with a beautiful backdrop of the coastline and the sea.

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Planning Your Visit

Event Hub Alert

O'Donnell Gardens is a prime spot for festivals and events, especially around St. Patrick's Day and the St Kilda Festival. Check local listings before you go to catch the buzz or avoid crowds if you prefer a quieter visit. Instagram+1

Proximity Perks

Nestled beside Luna Park and near the St Kilda coastline, this garden offers easy access to public transport, restrooms, cafes, and restaurants. It's a convenient spot to relax before or after exploring the area. Reddit

Best Times

When
Festival Weekends
Why
Experience lively events
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Enjoy a peaceful stroll
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Explore one of Melbourne’s favourite neighbourhoods, St Kilda ❤️ 📍Mya Tiger Restaurant, Hotel Esplanade 📍St Kilda Dispensary 📍Luna Park 📍St Kilda Beach 📍St Kilda Botanic Gardens 📍Monarch Cakes 📍Acland Street 📍St Kilda Weekend Markets #Melbourne #StKilda
@visitmelbourne
8.6K likes • 794.2K views

🎯 Check Event Schedules

O'Donnell Gardens hosts many events; check listings to catch a festival or avoid crowds. InstagramReddit+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking if you explore St Kilda, so wear comfy shoes! Reddit

📍 11 Herbert St, St Kilda The perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Let the kids explore the playground, and visit the charming conservatory. Whether you’re looking to unwind or enjoy a quiet family outing, these gardens are a must-visit in St Kilda! #stkildabotanicalgardens #melbourneparks #hiddenmelbournegems #familydaysout #natureplay #thingstodoinstkilda #exploremelbourne #Melbourne #tod...
@melbournewithsiri
3.8K likes • 91.3K views
Yay! @stpatricksfamilyfestival is away! Get down to O'Donnell Gardens now for a whole lot of music, dancing and activities! On until 7pm 🇮🇪🍀 @stpatrickfestival
aclandvillage
65 likes • 2.1K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during festivals, bring water or grab some from vendors. Instagram

📸 Capture the Moment

Great spot for photos with Luna Park and the coast as backdrops. Instagram

Join us this weekend @stkildafestival and stay hydrated with a FREE can of @helpinghumans living sparkling water. ⁠ ⁠ Find us:⁠ - Sat, 12-4pm - O'Donnell Gardens Precinct ⁠ - Sun, 12-4pm - Upper Esplanade⁠ ⁠ #helpinghumans ⁠ #sparklingwater ⁠ #activebotanicals⁠ #stkildafest
helpinghumans
12 likes • 326 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Event Schedules

O'Donnell Gardens hosts many events; check listings to catch a festival or avoid crowds. InstagramReddit+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking if you explore St Kilda, so wear comfy shoes! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during festivals, bring water or grab some from vendors. Instagram

📸 Capture the Moment

Great spot for photos with Luna Park and the coast as backdrops. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(185 reviews)

Reviews Summary

O'Donnell Gardens is praised as a beautiful, neat, and tidy park offering a pleasant place to relax with coastal views and the backdrop of Luna Park. It's a popular venue for well-organized events and festivals throughout the year, making it a vibrant community hub. While generally well-regarded, some visitors might find it busy during peak event times.

"A beautiful park right next to Luna Park in St Kilda. Was very neat and tidy, and the tall palm trees were a feature. Lots of pigeons, too."

Jason Parry

"Impressive park to lounge around in and enjoy watching the world go by in st kilda, with a beautiful back drop of the coastline and lunch park, with park hosts events all year round so there is always something exciting happening here,

Close to public transports rest rooms and cafes bars and restaurants

Would recommend"

Ritchie William

"Little pocket park alongside Luna Park. Didn't think was a picnic spot but when leaving Luna Park what did I see but a large group having a picnic, complete with folding chairs. Why not, when I was there it was a lovely sunnyish afternoon."

Sam Keir

What People Like

Beautiful park setting
Event venue
Coastal views

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

O'Donnell Gardens is easily accessible via public transport. Tram routes frequently service the St Kilda area, with stops very close to the gardens and Luna Park. It's also a pleasant walk from St Kilda Beach. Reddit

Limited street parking is available in the vicinity, but it can be competitive, especially during events. Public transport is often the most convenient option. Reddit

Yes, O'Donnell Gardens is located right next to Luna Park, which is a short and scenic walk from St Kilda Beach. Reddit

Trams are the most common and convenient way to reach O'Donnell Gardens. Look for routes that stop near Luna Park or the St Kilda Esplanade. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a perfect addition to a day trip to St Kilda, easily reachable from the CBD via tram and offering a mix of relaxation and entertainment. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

O'Donnell Gardens itself is a public park and generally free to enter. However, if you plan to attend specific ticketed events held within the gardens, you will need to purchase tickets for those. Instagram

As a public park, O'Donnell Gardens is typically open from dawn till dusk. However, event hours will vary depending on the specific festival or activity. Instagram+1

Entry to the gardens is free. Fees only apply if you are attending a specific ticketed event hosted within the park. Instagram

You can usually find information on local event listings, the St Kilda Festival website, or the St Patrick's Festival St Kilda social media pages. Instagram+2

Yes, picnicking is common in O'Donnell Gardens, and visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

O'Donnell Gardens is a great place to relax, enjoy the coastal views, and it frequently hosts lively festivals, music performances, and community events. Instagram+2

Yes, it's a family-friendly space, especially when events are on. Its proximity to Luna Park also makes it a fun destination for families. InstagramReddit

Public restrooms are generally available in the vicinity of O'Donnell Gardens, particularly near Luna Park and along the St Kilda foreshore. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular spot for picnics, offering a pleasant environment to relax and enjoy a meal with views of the coast. Reddit

The atmosphere can range from peaceful and relaxed to vibrant and energetic, depending on whether there's an event happening. It's known for its community feel. InstagramReddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture shots with the iconic Luna Park entrance, the palm trees, the St Kilda coastline, and during vibrant festival moments. InstagramReddit

Yes, with its coastal proximity, O'Donnell Gardens offers lovely sunset views over the water, making it a great spot for photography. Reddit

It's ideal for landscape, event, and lifestyle photography, capturing both the natural beauty and the lively atmosphere. Instagram

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. For commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to check local council regulations. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light. Daytime is great for capturing the vibrant festival atmosphere. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

O'Donnell Gardens is a fantastic spot for families. Its location right next to Luna Park offers immediate entertainment options for children. When festivals are on, the gardens become a lively playground with activities suitable for all ages. InstagramReddit

It's also a perfect place for a family picnic, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the outdoors. The proximity to the beach means you can easily combine a visit to the gardens with some seaside fun. Remember to check for any family-friendly events happening during your visit to maximize the fun!

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers from Melbourne

For a refreshing escape from the city, O'Donnell Gardens is an ideal destination for a day trip. Easily reachable by tram from the Melbourne CBD, it offers a change of scenery with its coastal views and proximity to St Kilda's attractions. InstagramReddit

You can enjoy a leisurely walk, a picnic, or time your visit to coincide with one of the many vibrant festivals held here. Combine your visit with exploring Luna Park or the St Kilda pier for a full day of enjoyment without needing to travel far. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Events and Festivals at O'Donnell Gardens

O'Donnell Gardens is a dynamic venue that frequently transforms into a hub for exciting events and festivals. It's particularly well-known for hosting significant celebrations like the St Kilda Festival and the St Patrick's Festival St Kilda. These events draw large crowds and feature a variety of entertainment, including live music, cultural performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities. Instagram+2

Visitors often praise the well-organized nature of these events, noting that they are great days out for everyone. The gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for these celebrations, with the proximity to Luna Park adding to the festive atmosphere. If you're planning a visit, checking the local event calendar is highly recommended to experience the full vibrancy of O'Donnell Gardens. Reddit

Beyond major festivals, the gardens can also host smaller community gatherings, markets, and performances, making it a versatile space for public enjoyment throughout the year. The presence of these events means the energy here can shift dramatically, from a tranquil park to a bustling entertainment zone. Instagram+1

Location and Accessibility

Strategically situated in St Kilda, O'Donnell Gardens boasts an enviable location. It sits directly adjacent to the iconic Luna Park, a landmark amusement park, and is just a stone's throw from the beautiful St Kilda coastline. This prime positioning makes it incredibly convenient for visitors. InstagramReddit

Accessibility is a major plus. The gardens are well-served by public transport, with numerous tram routes stopping nearby, making it easy to reach from Melbourne's CBD and surrounding suburbs. This reduces the need for driving and parking, which can be challenging in the area. Reddit

Furthermore, the immediate vicinity offers a wealth of amenities, including restrooms, cafes, bars, and restaurants. This means visitors can easily combine a relaxing stroll or picnic in the gardens with dining, shopping, or enjoying the attractions of St Kilda. Reddit

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