The Domain, which includes King's Domain, encircles the Government House Reserve, and the Royal Botanic Gardens and extends to the Yarra River. The strong visual relationship with the spine of the City grid has been instrumental in the Domain's development as the setting for Government House, the Shrine of Remembrance and other formal memorials.

The parklands offer an array of art installations, monuments and sculptures, making them well worth a visit. The more energetic can take a run around ‘The ‘Tan’ or just enjoy the grassy open spaces, shady trees and gardens.

Special features

• the Grotto in King's Domain (originally a quarry, now a fern gully);
• the imposing Observatory Gate complex of the Royal Botanic Gardens;
• an imposing statue of King George V after whom the parkland is named;
• the massive Shrine of Remembrance which honours Australia's war dead;
• a re-burial stone, marking the site of Aboriginal remains;
• the Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden created in1935 to recognise the contribution of Victoria's women pioneers;
• the award-winning Sidney Myer Music Bowl which was opened in 1959 hosts popular and classical musical events;
• The Tan walking and jogging track - a magnet for city workers exercising in their lunch breaks and whole families on weekends;
• Governor La Trobe's Cottage (guided tours of the cottage and Government House can be booked with the National Trust on 9656 9800);
• the Stapley Pavilion (also known as the Gazebo), is set in the open King's Domain lawn, taking advantage of views of Government House, and is popular with picnicking parties and weddings; and
• many other monuments and memorials (see more information below).