Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Victoria's Grassy Woodland
| — | Royal Botanic Gardens - Melbourne | — |
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, April 14, 2026
1. Victoria's Grassy Woodland Marker
Victoria's Grassy Woodland
When Sir John Pascoe Fawkner travelled up Birrarung (the Yarra River) in 1835, this is what he described:
"The velvet-like grass carpet decked with flowers of most lively hues, most liberally spread over the land, the fresh water... the lovely knolls around the lagoons on the flats or swamps, the flocks almost innumerable..."
Sir John Pascoe Fawkner, early pioneer of the Port Philip District (Melbourne).
Grassy Woodland habitat dominated the low hills of Melbourne. Sadly, in Victoria, less than five per cent of it remains, much of it in small, isolated patches. It is listed as a critically endangered ecosystem.
Fawkner's 'grass carpet' could have included Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides) and Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) with Chocolate Lily (Arthropodium strictum), Native Flax (Linum marginale) and Sticky Everlasting (Xerochrysum viscosum) growing in between.
Look for these Grassy Woodland plants growing in this collection.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 37° 49.684′ S,
this page online
Regionally, it is in Oceania, Australasia, the Pacific Ocean, South Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Taming the river (a few steps from this marker); Victoria's Native Orchids (a few steps from this marker); Earth, mother (within shouting distance of this marker); Murong or Yam Daisy (within shouting distance of this marker); Botanic Gardens Curators or Directors (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Director's Residence Royal Botanic Gardens (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Baron Ferdinand von Mueller K.C.M.G (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Unwelcome Strangers (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.
Also see . . . John Pascoe Fawkner.
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, April 14, 2026
2. Victoria's Grassy Woodland Marker in the Gardens
John Pascoe Fawkner (20 October 1792 – 4 September 1869) was an early Australian pioneer, businessman and politician of Melbourne, Australia. In 1835 he financed a party of free settlers from Van Diemen's Land (now called Tasmania), to sail to the mainland in his ship, Enterprize. Fawkner's party sailed to Port Phillip and up the Yarra River to found a settlement which became the city of Melbourne.(Submitted on May 5, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 5, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
