Carlton Gardens is more than just a peaceful park. It’s in the middle of Melbourne, Australia. This more than 64-acre UNESCO World Heritage site has a lot of beautiful, historical, and cultural things to see. Everyone can find something they like in Carlton Gardens. Thanks to its grounds, flower designs, and well-known Royal Exhibition Building, it’s easy to find. These eight fun things to do in this city haven are great for history buffs, nature fans, and people who want to escape it all. While Carlton Gardens is a fun place to visit on its own, there are many more fun places to find in the nearby areas of Melbourne.
Places To Visit In Carlton Gardens
There are a lot of fun places to visit close to Carlton Gardens, like parks, restaurants, and cultural hubs. Truly, it caters to all sorts of visitors. These eight beautiful places near Carlton Gardens will improve your time in Melbourne if you like nature, good food, or history.
1. Fitzroy Gardens
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Fitzroy Gardens, situated in Melbourne’s heart, Australia, is a tranquil sanctuary. Not far away, you’ll find the celebrated Carlton Gardens. Both folks living here and visitors can enjoy this 64-acre lush oasis. It’s packed with activities, historic attractions, and pretty flora. A standout feature of Fitzroy Gardens is its delightful Conservatory. This Victorian-era glasshouse is home to numerous exotic plants and vibrant blooms.
How To Get There: Fitzroy Gardens sits in Melbourne’s heart, right near the Parliament railway stop and multiple tram lines. People can quickly get there using city transport or just by walking.
Best Time To Visit: Between September and November or March and May
Must Read: Australia Travel Tips
2. Melbourne Museum And Royal Exhibition Building
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The Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building are hidden in the beautiful Carlton Gardens in Melbourne, Australia. They are great places to enjoy art and culture. At these well-known places, people remember the exciting times in this city’s past, and they also teach tourists about history.
How To Get There: The Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building are nestled in the lovely Carlton Gardens. No trouble getting there! Just hop on trams 86, 96, 30, or 35. These trams pull up right at the garden’s entrance. Or if you prefer, buses 250, 251, and 402 can also take you straight there.
Best Time To Visit: Between September and November or March and May
3. Lygon Street
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Lygon Street, which is right next to the famous Carlton Gardens, hosts many arts and food events. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Carlton Gardens and walk through its beautiful grounds. The Royal Exhibition Building and other old buildings can be found there. It will be fun to begin your trip this way. There are many tasty foods to choose from on Lygon Street.
How To Get There: Lygon Street isn’t hard to find. Just head west from Bourke Street in the CBD until you hit Russell Street. Make a left, keep going for around 5 minutes, and you’re there. That’s where Russell Street turns into Lygon Street.
Best Time To Visit: Between September and November or March and May
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4. State Library Of Victoria
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One of Melbourne’s most well-known entertainment places is the State Library of Victoria. On its beautiful walls are many facts and stories. Just outside the hotel is the green Carlton Gardens. There are also lots of other nice places to visit nearby. Built in the Victorian era, it hosts many events and shows annually.
How To Get There: The State Library in Victoria stands at the intersection of Swanston and LaTrobe Streets in Melbourne’s bustling city centre. You can reach it effortlessly with public transit. There are tram stops close by, and the Parliament train station links right to it.
Best Time To Visit: Between September and November or March and May
5. Melbourne’s Laneways
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It’s fun to get lost in Melbourne’s streets full of art, food, and culture. The city is close to the famous Carlton Gardens and has many things to do. Its unique charm makes it a great place to discover new things. These secret gems are some great examples. Take a walk down Degraves Street to start your tour. It’s a busy lane with friendly shops and lots of street art.
How To Get There: Starting at Degraves Street is smart if you want to explore Melbourne’s laneways. It’s directly opposite Flinders Street Station, a big city transit point. From this spot, you’re in a prime position to meander and uncover the maze of alleys, arcades, and lanes that construct this lively zone.
Best Time To Visit: Between September and November or March and May
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6. Carlton Wine Bars
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The Carlton Wine Bars, hidden next to the beautiful Carlton Gardens, are a great place to relax and enjoy high-class food. These little shops are spread around the grounds, inviting locals and tourists to relax and have a good time. There are so many great wines to choose from at Carlton Wine Bars that even the pickiest taste buds will be happy.
How To Get There: Carlton Wine Bars are a simple stroll away, tucked near the peaceful Carlton Gardens. It’s not far from the city’s heart. You can get to the gardens by public transit. Tram stops are close, and so is Parliament railway station.
Best Time To Visit: Between September and November or March and May
7. Queen Victoria Market
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Many people are shopping at Melbourne’s well-known Queen Victoria Market. It’s next to the lovely Carlton Gardens, which have lots to see and do. The old Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should be the first thing you do. It’s a must-see because of its long history and beautiful building. The interesting Melbourne Museum is right next door and has displays about the past of both nature and people.
How To Get There: The Queen Victoria Market, nestled in Melbourne’s heart, is mere minutes from Flinders Street Station and other crucial transport links. Hop on tram numbers 19, 57, or 59 and you’ll be there in no time. Access is a breeze with public transit.
Best Time To Visit: Between September and November or March and May
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8. Royal Botanic Gardens
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There is peace in the Royal Botanic Gardens, even though they are in the middle of Melbourne, Australia. People come to see its beautiful scenery, long history, and wide range of plants. You can escape the city’s noise and chaos in these botanical grounds, close to the well-known Carlton grounds.
How To Get There: Getting to the Royal Botanic Gardens is simple. It’s just a walk from the city hub. You can catch a tram, heading towards Domain Interchange or Flinders Street Station. Both are close by. Or, you could walk from the city’s heart. The main gate? It’s right on Birdwood Avenue.
Best Time To Visit: Between September and November or March and May
Things To Do In Carlton Gardens
9. Look Around The Royal Exhibition Building
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The Royal Exhibition Building is a beautiful Victorian building that stands out in Carlton Gardens. This is where you should start your trip. The well-known builder Joseph Reed made this beautiful building. The famous 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition was held there but is still used for other cultural events and shows. You can learn how important it was to Melbourne’s history as you look at the beautiful rooms decorated with tall domes and fine workmanship.
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10. Take A Walk In The Greenery
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Many grass, big trees, Carlton Gardens fountain and bright flower arrangements line the twisting paths in Carlton Gardens. Take a deep breath of fresh air and enjoy the Carlton Gardens fountain. Tulips are bright and pretty in the spring, and roses smell great in the summer. Put together a picnic basket and blanket to enjoy a break under a tree.
11. Go To The Museum Of Melbourne
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Victoria’s natural and cultural past is told interestingly at the Melbourne Museum, close to Carlton Gardens. You can learn about local plants and animals, native cultures, and old societies, among other things, at the well-known Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Aside from that, the museum has hands-on activities, multimedia pieces, and displays you can interact with. Anyone can enjoy them.
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12. Go To A Cultural Event
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Carlton Gardens is full of concerts, shows, and other arts and culture events throughout the year. This busy part of the city is always full of fun things to do, like food markets, art projects, music events, and outdoor screen films. Look at the events calendar to discover what’s happening during your trip and make the most of Melbourne’s lively arts scene.
13. Take A Tour With A Guide
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A knowledgeable guide might be able to answer your questions about the park’s buildings, history, and wildlife. You could go on a trip alone or with a group to get a more in-depth look at this historic place. The garden has changed over the years. Please find out how important it is to Melbourne’s cultural scene and what is being done to protect its natural past so that people in the future can enjoy it.
Further Read: Melbourne Travel Tips
People in the middle of Melbourne who want to enjoy art, history, and fun can do a lot at Carlton Gardens. This city paradise is great for discovering new things, having unforgettable experiences, and looking at beautiful buildings. You can also spend time in nature or attend cultural events. Plan a trip to Melbourne, put on some walking shoes, and take a trip through Carlton Gardens, one of Melbourne’s most beautiful places.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carlton Gardens
Where else in the area is worth seeing besides Carlton Gardens?
The Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne Museum, and IMAX Melbourne are all close by places to visit. At these well-known places, you can learn about history, science, and everyday life.
Around Carlton Gardens, are there any other places I could go?
Yes, there are a lot of different cafés, restaurants, and diners in the area so that everyone can find something they like. There is something for everyone, from dive bars for a quick snack to fancy places for a special event.
Can one go outside in Carlton Gardens?
Of course! Besides Carlton Gardens' opening hours, there is a lot of green area for relaxing in the great outdoors, having a picnic, or playing frisbee. There are also paths for walking or running inside the grounds.
What outdoor activities are good for families near Carlton Gardens?
The nearby Melbourne Zoo is a great place for families to go because it has many animals in natural areas. Kids can also play in Carlton Gardens itself, where there are toys and open spaces.
Are there any concerts or art shows going on in Carlton Gardens?
Indeed, Carlton Gardens is the site of many fairs, concerts, and other cultural events all through the year. Check the event calendars for shows, exhibits, and parties that you will want to attend.
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