Elvis Presley Memorial Garden

Perhaps Melbourne General Cemetery's most unexpected attraction is the Elvis Presley Memorial Garden.

Established with the approval of Vernon Presley, Elvis's father, Melbourne's Elvis Presley Memorial Garden continues to attract fans from across Australia and around the world.

Following the death of Elvis Presley on 16 August 1977, members of Melbourne's devoted Elvis fan community sought to create a permanent place where Australian fans could mourn, remember and celebrate the King of Rock and Roll. At a time when a journey to Graceland was beyond the reach of most Australians, the memorial offered a local place of reflection and connection. The proposal received the personal approval of Vernon Presley, Elvis's father, giving the memorial a direct link to the Presley family and a significance few Elvis tributes outside the United States can claim.

Commissioned by the Elvis Presley Fan Club of Australia in 1977, the memorial quickly became a focal point for Elvis fans across the country. Early commemorative gatherings attracted considerable public and media attention, reflecting the extraordinary affection Australians held for a performer who never visited Australian shores.

More than four decades later, visitors continue to leave flowers, photographs, messages and personal mementos. These tributes are a testament to Elvis's enduring influence across generations and cultures.

Hidden among the graves of Melbourne pioneers, politicians, explorers and sporting heroes, the memorial remains one of the cemetery's most visited and photographed sites. It stands not only as a tribute to Elvis, but also as a reminder of the remarkable connection between Australia and one of the world's most influential entertainers.