Carlton Gardens Tours and Activities

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


Spend a peaceful moment by a water fountain, relax under a fig tree or visit historic Melbourne institutions in this charming central parkland. 

Enjoy a breath of fresh air in a fast-moving city at Melbourne's Carlton Gardens. This picturesque parkland sits in the heart of the bustling central business district. Join crowds of sightseers who wander the grounds, admire the Royal Exhibition Building and browse exhibits at the Melbourne Museum. This 24-hectare (64-acre) site has been classified a World Heritage Site for its combination of natural beauty and cultural significance.

The gardens were built to host the Melbourne International Exhibit in 1880. This event brought inventors and salesmen from around the world to showcase their wares in the park's Exhibition Building. At the time, this building was the largest in Australia.

As you stroll the garden paths, enjoy a number of water features, flower displays and decorative ponds. Don't miss the Hochgurtel fountain, which reflects Victorian-era designs, or the harmoniously rounded French Fountain. Watch birds bathing or walk up to one of many Moreton Bay figs, whose gangly branches hang low to the ground. These trees were used by local Aborigines as meeting spots.

Head to the tennis courts and play a set. Kids will love the park's playground, which is built like a maze. Watch them sliding down ramps, climbing on frames or playing hide and seek in the playground alcoves.

Take an hour to engage with history at the Melbourne Museum. Exhibits display dinosaur fossils, technological marvels and science shows. Experience 3-D at the IMAX theatre, which has the world’s third-largest screen. The Royal Exhibition Building is a remarkable domed structure in the park's centre. Explore inside with a guided tour.

Find Carlton Gardens to the northeast of Melbourne's central business district. Trams along Victoria Street and Nicholson Street serve the area. Alternatively, get a bus down Rathdowne Street or ride the train to Parliament Railway Station. Public toilets are available on-site.

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Top Carlton Gardens Hotel & Accommodation 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
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 in Melbourne offers a delightful mix of activities, including shopping, art, and theatre. Visitors can explore the stunning Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum, both situated within the gardens. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush landscapes, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of the area, making it a perfect spot for tourists seeking culture and relaxation.

Shopping

Discover Melbourne Central, a vibrant shopping hub just 966m from Carlton Gardens, offering a mix of business and entertainment. Also, visit Queen Victoria Market, 1.3km away, for a lively atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, Lightning Ridge Opal Mines is 1.1km from Carlton Gardens.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, a vibrant sports hub, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 1.6km from Carlton Gardens. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, also 1.6km away, hosts live performances in an entertaining setting. For family-friendly aquatic fun, visit the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, located 4.8km from the gardens.

Adventure

Embark on the Merri Creek Trail, a scenic hiking trail 3.2km from Carlton Gardens, offering breathtaking views and adventure vibes. Alternatively, experience the Tan Track for more outdoor fun, or take a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes 8.0km away for an unforgettable aerial adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Carlton Gardens is vibrant and cultural, with the stunning Princess Theatre and Her Majesty's Theatre both 483m away, offering captivating performances. The Regent Theatre, a short 1.1km away, adds to the charm, making for an enchanting evening filled with entertainment and romance.

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

Find the best attractions near Carlton Gardens

If you’re visiting Carlton Gardens in Melbourne, you’ll find a rich blend of culture and history. Explore the beautiful urban park, visit historic colleges and universities, and enjoy family-friendly activities. For a comfortable stay, consider hotels near the Royal Exhibition Building. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant city experience or a peaceful retreat, Carlton Gardens offers something for every type of traveller.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the excitement of live events at this iconic venue known for its exceptional atmosphere and family-friendly vibes. Catch a concert or a tennis match and soak in the electrifying energy.
  • Collins Street: Stroll along this prestigious street lined with historic architecture, luxurious boutiques, and vibrant cafés. It’s a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere and enjoy a taste of Melbourne's culture.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Visit this legendary sports stadium that embodies Australia's cricketing heritage. Enjoy a guided tour or catch a game, and feel the pulse of the local sports culture in this historic venue.

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 (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

For an affordable visit to Carlton Gardens, aim to travel during the cheaper months of May to June or August, with Monday being the best day for lower accommodation rates. Use Expedia to find great deals by filtering options based on your budget and combining hotel stays with flights for added savings. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the gardens and the surrounding area to enjoy Melbourne without breaking the bank. Avoid Saturdays for accommodation to keep costs down and maximise your enjoyment of this beautiful destination.

  • 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: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To find the best value for your money, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Carlton Gardens hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.