Occupying 12 acres, the Alexandra Gardens sit on the edge of the Yarra River at the foot of Swanston Street’s Princes Bridge, just across from Melbourne’s Central Business District. With three main stages, the Festival Big Top, the outdoor Aerial Rig, and the Central Lawn for outdoor theatre, the Gardens are the major Festival hub for the performing arts.
Over fifty different musical and performance groups of all descriptions from all around the Commonwealth are playing on the Soundshell and Garden Stages, with more intimate acoustic performances, demonstrations and workshops on the smaller Palm Stage.
A world of circus and physical theatre is on show in the Festival Big Top, with a coterie of outstanding aerialists performing on the Festival’s outdoor Aerial Rig, located beside the Big Top. There is also spectacular outdoor theatre on the Central Lawn and roving artists throughout the Gardens, while the International Food Village will tempt all tastes.
And the kids will love the workshops at the ArtPlay Activity Centre where they can make a platypus kite or help build a 6 metre high dingo.
Just across the road from the Alexandra Gardens is the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, where a cavalcade of international and local superstars of world music, percussion and dance feature in nine free evening concerts.
Where to find the Alexandra Gardens
At the foot of Swanston Street’s Princes Bridge, between Alexandra Avenue and the Yarra River.
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Nearest Games Venues
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
A 10-minute walk from the city centre, the MCG will host the Track and Field events, incorporating events for Elite Athletes with a Disability (EAD) and the start and finish of the Marathon.
View transport information for travelling to the MCG.
Rod Laver Arena
Located directly opposition the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne Park) is the venue for the Gymnastics events.
View transport information for travelling to Rod Laver Arena.
Royal Botanic Gardens Circuit
Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, the venue for the Cycling Road Race events, are located approximately 2.5km south-east of the city centre.
View transport information for travelling to Royal Botanic Gardens.
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What’s on at the Alexandra Gardens
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