Designed for the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880, the Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens were recognised as a World Heritage Site in 2004. The gardens also surround the Melbourne Museum.
The southern section of the gardens form the setting for the Royal Exhibition Building and significant tree avenues, parterre beds, ornamental lakes, elaborate fountains and mature European trees that reflect the changing seasons. In particular, look out for the Victorian-era Hochgurtel Fountain and the two ornamental lakes created for the 1880 exhibition. The Moreton Bay fig tree near Gertrude Street is of significance to the Victorian Aboriginal community as an enduring meeting place.
The northern section of the gardens are home to the Carlton Gardens Tennis Club, a children's playground, basketball court and picnic area and a lodge.