Carlton Gardens

These charming gardens and antique buildings are an ideal spot to relax within a gentle walking distance of the city.

Visit Carlton Gardens to enjoy scenic grounds and a range of cultural attractions. It is a slice of tranquility in Melbourne's bustling central business district. Sightseers flock to this spot, which contains 64 acres (24 hectares) of gardens and attractions, including the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum. Due to its aesthetic, scientific and cultural importance to the city, the area is classified as a World Heritage Site.

Wander the stunning gardens and see classical water fountains, flower displays and decorative lakes. Stroll through the diverse blend of Australian and European trees. Highlights include the Victorian-era Hochgurtel Fountain and the circular French Fountain. There is also a collection of Moreton Bay Figs, which was traditionally a meeting place for local Aboriginal people.

See brushtail possums and ducklings as you wander throughout the grounds. Serve up a few aces at the tennis courts. Take the kids to the playground, which is devised as a Victorian maze. It is full of slides, climbing frames and hiding places.

Embrace history at the Melbourne Museum, which offers many types of displays ranging from the history of dinosaurs, to technology and science. Immerse yourself in a 3-D movie at the IMAX theater, which has the world’s third largest screen. Take a guided tour of the Royal Exhibition Building and admire the domed structure.

Carlton Gardens was initially designed for the Melbourne International Exhibition, held in 1880. When it was built, the Great Hall was the largest building in Australia.

The site is based in the northeastern region of the city’s central business district. Take a tram to any of the stops along Victoria Street and Nicholson Street. Buses lead to Rathdowne Street right by the gardens. Ride the metro to Parliament Railway Station, a 2-minute walk from Carlton Gardens. The station is easily accessible from all lines.

1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia | View Google Map

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Carlton Gardens

Melbourne Museum

Explore Victoria, from the rich heritage of its First Peoples to its diverse natural environments, in one of Australia’s premier museums.

Princess Theatre

Considered by some to be Melbourne's most spectacular landmark, this majestic theater has been entertaining audiences since it opened more than 150 years ago.

St Patrick's Cathedral

Rising from the edge of downtown Melbourne, Australia’s tallest cathedral is an oasis of serenity and a towering example of old-world artistry and craftsmanship.

State Library of Victoria

Delve into Melbourne’s fascinating heritage when you explore this cultural landmark and architectural treasure, containing over 150 years of state history.

QV Centre

Melbourne’s humming open-air retail precinct contains over 120 stores, including fashion boutiques, department stores, cosmopolitan bars and great dining venues.

Hotels near Carlton Gardens

ibis Melbourne Hotel and Apartments

15-21 Therry Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens are also within 15 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 7 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 12 minutes.

Space Hotel - Hostel

380 Russell Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne Central, and Queen Victoria Market. Collins Street and Princess Theatre are also within 15 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 6 minutes by foot and Parliament Station is 12 minutes.

Jasper Boutique Hotel

489 Elizabeth Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Melbourne hotel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. Collins Street and Princess Theatre are also within 1 mi (2 km). Melbourne Central Station is 6 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 10 minutes.

Mantra on the Park

333 Exhibition Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of Royal Exhibition Building and Her Majesty's Theatre. Princess Theatre and Melbourne Museum are also within 10 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 8 minutes by foot and Parliament Station is 9 minutes.

The Park Hotel Melbourne

701 Swanston Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Carlton, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of University of Melbourne and RMIT University. Royal Melbourne Hospital and Melbourne Museum are also within 15 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 13 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 20 minutes.

Essence Hotel Carlton

609 Swanston Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Carlton, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street. University of Melbourne and RMIT University are also within 10 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 9 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 16 minutes.

Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel

Cnr Grattan and Drummond Streets

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Melbourne hotel is located near the airport, within a 5-minute walk of Lygon Street and University of Melbourne. Royal Exhibition Building and Royal Melbourne Hospital are also within 15 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 17 minutes by foot and Parliament Station is 18 minutes.

Arrow on Swanston

488 Swanston Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Carlton, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lygon Street, Queen Victoria Market, and Royal Exhibition Building. Royal Melbourne Hospital and Princess Theatre are also within 15 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 7 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 14 minutes.

Milano Serviced Apartments

8 Franklin Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Melbourne aparthotel is located in the entertainment district, within a 10-minute walk of State Library of Victoria, Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne Central. Carlton Gardens and Collins Street are also within 15 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 5 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 11 minutes.

Comfort Apartments Royal Gardens

8 Royal Lane

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Fitzroy, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Melbourne Museum, St. Vincent's Hospital, and Royal Exhibition Building. Lygon Street and Queen Victoria Market are also within 1 mi (2 km). Parliament Station is 11 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 17 minutes.

Melbourne Carlton Central Apartment Hotel

2-9 Finlay Place

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Carlton, this aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of Lygon Street and Royal Exhibition Building. University of Melbourne and Melbourne Museum are also within 10 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 12 minutes by foot and Parliament Station is 15 minutes.

Mercure Melbourne Therry Street

43 Therry Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. University of Melbourne and Princess Theatre are also within 1 mi (2 km). Melbourne Central Station is 6 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 11 minutes.

Carlton Lygon Lodge

220 Lygon Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Carlton, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lygon Street, University of Melbourne, and Royal Exhibition Building. Melbourne Museum and Queen Victoria Market are also within 15 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 15 minutes by foot and Parliament Station is 17 minutes.

Plum Carlton Serviced Apartments

528 Swanston Street

Located in Carlton, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lygon Street, University of Melbourne, and Royal Exhibition Building. State Library of Victoria and Old Melbourne Gaol are also within 10 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 9 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 16 minutes.

Carlton Terrace

196 Drummond Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Carlton, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens. State Library of Victoria and Princess Theatre are also within 1 mi (2 km). Melbourne Central Station is 15 minutes by foot and Parliament Station is 16 minutes.