Jack Shiel Gardens

Located in the northeast of the charming Alexandra town, the Jack Shiel Gardens offer a peaceful and picturesque setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

The primary attraction in the gardens is the Princess Alexandra Statue, created by English sculptor Charles Summers in 1876. The statue, made of white Italian marble, depicts Princess Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII. It was relocated to Alexandra in 1939 and unveiled under a new colonnade in 1994.

The Princess Alexandra Statue was Summers' last work and its relocation to the Jack Shiel Gardens was fitting for how well the statue complements the peaceful and serene setting of the Gardens. Visitors can explore the statue's history on informational plaques that include details about Princess Alexandra and the sculptor's style.

Princess Alexandra was born as a Princess of Denmark in 1844 and later married Albert Edward, Prince of Wales in 1863. This marriage made her the future Queen Consort of England, and she became Queen-Empress Consort on Edward's ascension in 1901. Alexandra was known for her style of dress and bearing, as well as her charitable work, setting a new example for the role of the monarchy.

The Jack Shiel Gardens are open every day of the year, with no entry fee. Visitors can appreciate the beauty of the Princess Alexandra Statue and explore the gardens. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn when the roses are in bloom or the autumn foliage is at its peak.

To get to the Jack Shiel Gardens in Alexandra, visitors can take the Goulburn Valley Highway or Maroondah Highway if driving. From Melbourne, the Maroondah Highway from Lilydale is approximately a 2-hour drive. From