AIDS Memorial Garden Tour

30 years on - From Hospital to Horticulture

Opened in 1904, Fairfield Hospital treated infectious diseases including typhoid, cholera, scarlet fever, and in its later years, HIV/AIDS. Although plans were made for its closure in the early 1990s, an unprecedented community campaign kept its doors open until 1996, making it Australia’s last dedicated infectious diseases hospital. This year marks the 30th anniversary of its closure.

In 2004, Melbourne Polytechnic Fairfield transformed the Garden into a learning space for horticulture and landscape students. Interest in the site was further renewed with the release of the 2015 film Holding The Man.

This guided walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Garden and hear its stories, led by community members who helped establish it and whose lives were closely connected to Fairfield Hospital.

The tour will meet at the Gatehouse entrance to the Fairfield Polytechnic University Campus at 101 Yarra Bend Road, look out for the Thorne Harbour Health banner. After the tour, there will be refreshments provided in the Chapel.

Parking is available on site.