Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Carlton Gardens and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Lygon Street
If you want real parmesan, cut from the block, grated over your pasta with a twist of style, this is the place. Until recently, this neighbourhood was home to the notorious ‘Carlton Crew,’ a pseudo mafia who started their day with a local espresso. They are gone, but the espresso still runs strong in this Little Italy which has something for everyone. Starched white tablecloths, candles, pizza the way they do it "back home" and maybe even a bit of amore. The number of gelato choices will leave you in a state of indecision and wide footpaths, big awnings and a sea of packed tables makes this al fresco dining experience a continental buzz. Even if you’re not eating, it’s worth the stroll just for the people-watching, which, of course, is an Italian tradition.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
6,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,472 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,534 contributionsGardens are a boon to the people of MelbourneCarlton Gardens is a marvelous place for a picnic. The lawns are lush, and the mature deciduous trees provide ample shade in Summer. The Classical fountain is imposing, it's quite spectacular to look at. Carlton Gardens is a boon to the people of Melbourne. The Carlton Gardens adjoin the Exhibition Building, they are easy to get to by tram.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 November 2023
- platypus150Melbourne, Australia32,020 contributionsPleasant spot to relaxI walked through the Gardens on my way to the IMAX cinema - through the avenues of trees, with the leaves just changing into Autumn, past the famous fountain with platypus and cherubs, past the Exhibition Buildings, and finally I was there. There were other people about relaxing on the lawns after work and a wedding party taking photos by the fountain. It was a cool but pleasant evening.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 4 April 2024
- KayJay120 contributionsGreen extravaganzaEnjoyed the meander through the Carlton Gardens while walking to the Melbourne Museum . We visited during Autumn and loved the fall . Felt like we were in London . Loved the extravagant waterfall that was shadowed by the gorgeous exhibition hallVisited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2024
- Liisa and Dave BAdelaide, Australia4,148 contributionsBeautiful!I enjoyed my time at these lovely gardens so much that I forgot to take any photos. It was a wet day, but seeing all the autumn leaves scattered on the ground was beautiful. It seemed a popular place, and many people were walking through it.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
169 reviews
Excellent
86
Very good
70
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
Apr 2021
The Carlton Gardens is quite a large area where you can go for some peace and quiet, or a stroll, a run, or just to do whatever you want, and it is minutes away from the city centre. Major attractions are the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum. There is the beautiful Victorian-era Hochgurtel Fountain in front of the Exhibition building and the circular French Fountain, as well as some magnificent flowerbeds, ornamental lakes, and tree-lined pathways with some lovely trees that reflect the changing seasons. There are also Tennis Courts, a children's playground, and a collection of Moreton Bay Fig trees. We spent half a day in these Gardens and it wasn't enough!
Written 6 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
borisova2014
Sydney, Australia21 contributions
Mar 2021
Set in beautiful gardens, the Melbourne Exhibition building and the Melbourne Museum are a must see. Very close to the centre of the city, they are two completely different styles of outstanding architectural buildings in a stunning setting. Literally 5-10 minutes on the tram from the city centre.
Written 9 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,534 contributions
Jan 2023
The Royal Exhibition Building and the adjoining Carlton Gardens remain from the time when Melbourne was truly Marvelous. The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens have been described by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee as "a rare intact reminder of the 19th century international exhibition movement, which fostered a global exchange of products and ideas." Apart from the trees and gardens, Carlton Gardens acts as a habitat for a variety of wildlife including brush tailed possums and many native birds.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,534 contributions
Apr 2022
Carlton Gardens comprise a very large expanse of lawn, with many mature trees. The enormous Morton Bay Fig tree provides a shady spot to rest in the summer. The Gardens contain the Exhibition Buildings, one of Melbourne's most notable historic structures. The Carlton Gardens are within easy walking distance of the Melbourne CBD, or you can catch a tram.
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen M
Daylesford, Australia1,323 contributions
Dec 2021
I had never walked all the way around these World Heritage Listed Gardens before & was amazed by their beauty including tree-lined pathways, a stunning fountain, man-made lakes, flowering jacarandas & formal flower beds. Cyclists are not permitted, which makes for a very easy walk, one that I did early each morning I was staying at the Hotel Windsor, which is 5 minutes away. They house the impressive 1880 Exhibition Building as well as the modern Museum.
Written 1 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
platypus150
Melbourne, Australia32,020 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
I walked through the Gardens on my way to the IMAX cinema - through the avenues of trees, with the leaves just changing into Autumn, past the famous fountain with platypus and cherubs, past the Exhibition Buildings, and finally I was there. There were other people about relaxing on the lawns after work and a wedding party taking photos by the fountain. It was a cool but pleasant evening.
Written 4 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manda h
Singapore, Singapore209 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Lovely place to walk past on the way to the Melbourne museum. This time of the year, there’s autumn leaves covering the walkways. There is even a small pond with some ducks in the corner. And right in front of the royal exhibition hall, there is a fountain where sometimes you will catch couples taking their wedding photos here.
Written 30 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zelda303
Blue Mountains, Australia32 contributions
Feb 2020
Lovely trees many European and beautifully tended flower beds. If you have mobility issue Melbourne Parks are difficult as there is usually no bike riding and you will need your own all-terrain wheelchair/knee scooter to cover the distance. With the Exhibition Centre and Museum buildings this is a must visit spot.
amazing public buildings
amazing public buildings
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liisa and Dave B
Adelaide, Australia4,148 contributions
June 2024 • Family
I enjoyed my time at these lovely gardens so much that I forgot to take any photos. It was a wet day, but seeing all the autumn leaves scattered on the ground was beautiful. It seemed a popular place, and many people were walking through it.
Written 13 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KayJay
120 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Enjoyed the meander through the Carlton Gardens while walking to the Melbourne Museum . We visited during Autumn and loved the fall . Felt like we were in London . Loved the extravagant waterfall that was shadowed by the gorgeous exhibition hall
Written 10 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing