Above: Tuberous begonias in the Conservatory at Fitzroy Gardens

As much as I enjoy pounding the city streets, ducking into intriguing shops and discovering new restaurants, I also welcome the occasional respite. In Melbourne, we found tranquility in verdant Fitzroy Gardens. Right at the eastern end of the central business district, this 64-acre oasis provides blissful relief from the urban bustle with serene pathways, a collection of mature trees, a water garden and a beautiful conservatory.

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