Carlton Gardens

Carlton Gardens showing château or palace, a park and a pond
Carlton Gardens showing autumn leaves and a square or plaza
Carlton Gardens which includes autumn leaves and a park as well as a family
Carlton Gardens showing heritage architecture and a park
Carlton Gardens which includes a garden and autumn leaves as well as a couple

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.

Tours & day trips

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From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

Activity duration is 13 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 76 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £51 per adult
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History & culture

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Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £82 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £487 per traveller*
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Adventure & outdoor

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Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £136 per adult
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Attractions

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Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House

Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House

Activity duration is 5 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £39 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Carlton Gardens featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a pond

Royal Exhibition Building

Learn about the local history of Melbourne when you take a trip to Royal Exhibition Building. Amble around this vibrant area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Royal Exhibition Building
Melbourne Museum showing interior views

Melbourne Museum

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

Melbourne Museum
Lygon Street showing signage, heritage architecture and a city

Lygon Street

This boulevard of excellent restaurants, cafés, gelati bars and delicatessens is the heart of Melbourne’s Italian community.

Lygon Street
Brunswick Street

Brunswick Street

During your trip to Melbourne, you can enjoy retail therapy at Brunswick Street. Wander around the gardens or enjoy the area's bars.

Brunswick Street
Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol

Experience the harsh justice of the 19th century and trace the final footsteps of bushranger Ned Kelly at this award-winning museum.

Old Melbourne Gaol
Princess Theatre which includes theatre scenes, street scenes and a skyscraper

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.

Princess Theatre

Top Hotel Deals

Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
See all 5,458 properties in Carlton Gardens
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Carlton Gardens

Carlton Gardens offers a delightful array of activities for visitors, including shopping at local boutiques, exploring vibrant art galleries, and enjoying performances at nearby theatres. The lush gardens themselves provide a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and picnics. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in Melbourne's cultural scene while relishing the serene beauty of this historic park.

Shopping

Discover Melbourne Central, only 373m from Carlton Gardens, boasting a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Nearby, Queen Victoria Market, 497m away, offers a delightful local atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, Lightning Ridge Opal Mines is 435m away, perfect for unique souvenirs.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium is an energetic venue, perfect for sports enthusiasts, located a mile from Carlton Gardens. For music lovers, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, also 1.6km away, offers vibrant concerts. Families can enjoy fun activities at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, situated three miles from the gardens.

Adventure

The Merri Creek Trail, located 1.2km from Carlton Gardens, offers stunning views and a chance for an invigorating hike amidst nature. For a leisurely outdoor experience, the Tan Track, also 1.2km away, provides a scenic route perfect for walking or jogging. Experience adventure with Melbourne Seaplanes, a thrilling scenic flight 3.1km from the gardens.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Carlton Gardens is vibrant and cultural, with options like the Princess Theatre, only 186m away, and the nearby Her Majesty's Theatre, also 186m distant, offering captivating performances. Just 435m from the gardens, the Regent Theatre adds to the romantic and family-friendly atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Carlton Gardens

Carlton Gardens in Melbourne offers a delightful mix of attractions, including charming streets, urban parks, and historic colleges. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore the vibrant city atmosphere. Whether you're strolling through lush gardens or visiting notable educational institutions, there's something for everyone to appreciate in this captivating area.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at this premier entertainment venue, renowned for hosting major concerts and sporting events. With a capacity of over 15,000, it offers a family-friendly vibe and an exciting lineup of performances, making it a must-visit for entertainment enthusiasts.
  • Collins Street: Stroll down this iconic street, known for its elegant architecture and bustling city vibes. Collins Street is lined with high-end boutiques, historic buildings, and delightful cafes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and people-watching.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Immerse yourself in Australia's rich sporting culture at this historic stadium, the heart of Australian cricket. Catch a game or take a guided tour to learn about its storied past and experience the passionate atmosphere of live sports.

Best time to go to Carlton Gardens

The best time to visit Carlton Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carlton Gardens

To save money during your visit to Carlton Gardens, consider travelling in the cheaper months of May to June and August, avoiding the pricier periods like January and November. Mondays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more costly. Use Expedia to compare room rates and refine your search by budget and hotel type, and look for package deals that combine flights and accommodation. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the gardens and utilise Melbourne's efficient public transport for affordable travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Carlton Gardens are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Carlton Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Carlton Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by combining your Carlton Gardens hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.