Kardinia Park - venue history

Kardinia Park was first proclaimed a public park in 1872, with the name ‘Kardinia’ meaning ‘Sunrise’ in the aboriginal language.

In 1876 the extension of the Geelong Railway to Winchelsea, chopped the North-East corner of the 24 hectare park and crowds today often still hear a whistle from passing trains.

From 1903 Kardinia Park hosted a Zoo which closed at an unknown date.


Early black and white image of Kardinia Park with crowds watching the game from horse and buggies

Kardinia Park Oval


Black and white image showing a section of Kardinia Park with the grandstand, press and committee boxes taken during the Geelong-Essendon game on 21 May 1951

A Section of Kardinia Park Oval, the grandstand and the press and committee box (left) was taken on the occasion of the Geelong-Essendon (1950 Premiers) game on 21 May 1951.


For further historical images of Kardinia Park please visit Geelong Heritage Centre Image Library.




Page last updated: Thursday, 2 January 2020

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