The Dolphin Fountain – Melbourne, Australia - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

The Dolphin Fountain

Fitzroy Gardens
Melbourne, Australia

Somewhat controversial when first unveiled, this gathering of sea creatures has become a hidden gem. 

View all photos
The Dolphin Fountain Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
The Dolphin Fountain Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
The Dolphin Fointain Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
The Dolphin Fountain Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
The Dolphin Fountain Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
The Dolphin Fountain Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
The Dolphin Fountain Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
69
89
Top Places in Melbourne
The Haunted Bookshop
Melbourne, Australia
Phar Lap
Melbourne, Australia
Fire Services Museum of Victoria
Melbourne, Australia
 See All

Fitzroy Gardens has several quirky sights and attractions scattered across 64 acres of green space, but none received such mixed reviews than The Dolphin Fountain. Situated in the middle of the park at the edge of the Central Business District in East Melbourne, this fine monument consists of a pyramid of granite boulders, on top of which lie a variety of different sea creatures. Visitors will find dolphins, octopuses, crabs, sea birds, sea turtles, and many more aquatic animals scattered across the rocks. 

The fountain was sculpted by local artist June Arnold and was unveiled in 1982. Two wealthy benefactors from the city of Melbourne donated a total of $30,000 towards the development and construction of the fountain. A small plaque can be found on the fountain which has their names inscribed, acknowledging this financial donation to the local people.

Interestingly, the fountain split public opinion with some questioning the relevance to the city of Melbourne and its location in a site as iconic as Fitzroy Gardens. Initially, the fountain was proposed to take pride of place on Albert Street, but something of a compromise was met when it was decided by the local council to place the fountain in a secluded area near a small lake in the center of the park. The tranquil spot is the perfect place to relax. The fountain is now a favorite of visitors to the area. 

Know Before You Go

"The Dolphin Fountain" can be found at the Northside of the small lake in the center of Fitzroy Gardens. It is easily accessible and there is a small area to walk around the water and take in the beauty of the spot. 

fountains design art architecture
Nearby
Model Tudor Village
0.10 miles
Captain Cook's Cottage
0.11 miles
Fairies Tree
0.11 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Model Tudor Village
Melbourne, Australia

Model Tudor Village

A historic model village was gifted from residents of London to Melbourne as thanks for their help during World War II.
Cook's Cottage
Melbourne, Australia

Captain Cook's Cottage

The 18th-century home was disassembled into 253 cases and brought all the way from the other side of the world.
The Fairies Tree.
Melbourne, Australia

Fairies Tree

A whimsical menagerie of creatures carved into a 300-year-old tree trunk.
Diana and the Hounds Fountain
Melbourne, Australia

Diana and the Hounds Fountain

A striking bronze sculpture of a Roman goddess with two hound dogs for company.
Related Places
Fontana dei Libri
Rome, Italy

Fontana dei Libri

A small but very fascinating fountain in the center of Rome with four books and a deer carved.
Art Nouveau Vestibule
Prague, Czechia

Prague Hlavni Nadrazi Vestibule

A historic and beautiful Art Nouveau chamber in a historic railway station.
Trying to show the different types of symbolic jets.
Vienna, Austria

Hochstrahlbrunnen

Along the edge of this fountain are 365 smaller fountains that represent the days of the year.
Kothari Pyau
Mumbai, India

Kothari Pyau

Constructed in 1923, this is one of several heritage drinking fountains across Mumbai.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web