Carlton Gardens Tours

Carlton Gardens featuring a castle, a park and a pond
Carlton Gardens featuring autumn leaves and a square or plaza
Carlton Gardens featuring a park and autumn leaves as well as a family
Carlton Gardens featuring a park and heritage architecture
Carlton Gardens showing fall colors and a garden 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.

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Best Lodging Options Near Carlton Gardens

Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

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

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Meriton Suites Melbourne

Meriton Suites Melbourne

5 out of 5
140 King St, Melbourne, VIC
Meriton Suites Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne

Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne

4 out of 5
380 William Street, Melbourne, VIC
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne
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 mix of activities, including shopping, art, and theater. Visitors can explore unique boutiques and local shops, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely shopping experience. In addition to retail therapy, the gardens' beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions enhance the overall visit, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant area of Melbourne.

Shopping

In Carlton Gardens, enjoy Melbourne Central, a vibrant shopping center just 0.6 miles away, perfect for entertainment and city vibes. Also, visit the Queen Victoria Market, located 0.8 miles away, for a unique public market experience. Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, a specialty store, is only 0.7 miles away.

Recreation

At Marvel Stadium, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live sports events, perfect for those seeking excitement. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl offers an enchanting outdoor concert experience, ideal for music lovers. For family fun, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre features pools and recreational activities for all ages.

Adventure

Explore the Merri Creek Trail, a scenic hiking experience 2 miles from Carlton Gardens, offering stunning outdoor vibes. For a thrilling adventure, try the Tan Track, also 2 miles away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss a breathtaking scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, 5 miles from the gardens.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Carlton Gardens is vibrant and cultural, with venues like the Princess Theatre and Her Majesty's Theatre, both 0.3 miles away, offering captivating performances. The Regent Theatre, located 0.7 miles away, adds to the romantic and entertaining atmosphere, perfect for a delightful evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Carlton Gardens

While visiting Carlton Gardens in Melbourne, you'll find a mix of street life, urban parks, and historic colleges, perfect for culture lovers and families alike. Explore the beautiful Carlton Gardens, and don't miss the nearby Melbourne Museum for an enriching experience. For a comfortable stay, consider hotels close to Carlton Gardens to easily access these attractions and enjoy all that this vibrant area has to offer.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience world-class entertainment at Rod Laver Arena, renowned for hosting major tennis events like the Australian Open. The vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for families and sports enthusiasts alike, offering an array of concerts and performances throughout the year.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Immerse yourself in the rich sporting culture of Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This historic stadium is not only a mecca for cricket fans but also hosts various events, providing a glimpse into Australia's sporting heritage.
  • Collins Street: Stroll along Collins Street, known for its elegant architecture and bustling city vibe. This street is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making it a delightful place for shopping and people-watching.

Best time to go to Carlton Gardens

The best time to visit Carlton Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Carlton Gardens falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Carlton Gardens falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

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 RainMostly 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 traveling in May, June, or August when hotel prices are lower. Monday is the cheapest day to book, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and refine your search based on your budget by filtering from low to high. For further savings, bundle your hotel with flights and activities, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards on future bookings.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the most affordable options and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Carlton Gardens hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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