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 theatre, 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.