- Public toilets (2)
- Picnic tables
- Seats
- Drinking fountains
- Playground
- Basketball and tennis courts
- Bookable spaces for events and weddings
Designed for the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880, the Royal Exhibition BuildingOpens in new tab and surrounding Carlton Gardens were recognised as a World Heritage SiteOpens in new tab in 2004. The gardens also surround the Melbourne MuseumOpens in new tab.
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.
Things to do
- Walk and picnic among flower beds, ornamental lakes, fountains and European trees.
- Visit the Melbourne MuseumOpens in new tab or watch a movie at IMAX MelbourneOpens in new tab.
- Book a court or play social tennis at the Carlton Gardens Tennis ClubOpens in new tab.
- Take your children to the playground and for more active exercise, shoot a few hoops at the basketball court.
- Attend an event at the Royal Exhibition BuildingOpens in new tab and surrounding gardens, such as the Melbourne International Flower and Garden ShowOpens in new tab in autumn.
- Take a self-guided heritage walking tour (PDF 2.5 MB).
Enormous elm trees in majestic avenues are featured throughout the gardens
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A basketball court is situated in Carlton Gardens North near the playground
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The award-winning playground will delight children of all ages
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Swings for all ages in the children’s playground
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A Bangalay gum stands beside the colourful north-western corner of the Melbourne Museum
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As autumn arrives the leaves turn gold
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The 19th century Hochgurtel Fountain in front of the imposing dome of the Exhibition Building
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Enormous elm trees in majestic avenues are featured throughout the gardens
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A basketball court is situated in Carlton Gardens North near the playground
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The award-winning playground will delight children of all ages
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Swings for all ages in the children’s playground
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A Bangalay gum stands beside the colourful north-western corner of the Melbourne Museum
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As autumn arrives the leaves turn gold
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The 19th century Hochgurtel Fountain in front of the imposing dome of the Exhibition Building
Playground
Kids can have fun all day on this large play structure, based on the concept of a 19th century maze. Here, you'll find everything that opens and shuts, swings, hangs or stands. Features of the Carlton Gardens North Playground include cubby with slide, track glide, sandpit, climbing frame and musical elements. For more information, see Playgrounds.
Designations, policies and plans
- Carlton Gardens South is classified as a Capital City Open Space and Carlton Gardens North is a Regional Open Space in City of Melbourne's Open Space Strategy.
- The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage ListOpens in new tab in 2004. The site is also included in the National Heritage ListOpens in new tab and Victorian Heritage Register. See Heritage Victoria for World Heritage Plans.
- Carlton Gardens Master Plan (DOC 7.7 MB)
How to get there
Carlton Gardens in a short walk from Parliament Station, or use tram routes 86/96 or numerous bus lines. See PTV journey plannerOpens in new tab for more public transport information.
Carlton Gardens
