Carlton Guide
Melbourne's Carlton is located just north of the city's central business district, with Victoria Street to the south and Nicholson Street to the east. Amidst the lovely Victorian architecture, you'll find shopping, theatre, museums and much more.
Listed on the world heritage registry, the 1880 Royal Exhibition Building provides a backdrop for regular exhibitions and guided tours.
You will find fantastic post-modern architecture and innovative exhibits that explore Victoria's culture, history and natural environment at the Melbourne Museum.
For a change of pace, be sure to check out the IMAX Theatre Melbourne, located inside the Melbourne Museum at Carlton Gardens - it's Australia's largest 3D movie screen.
Carlton Gardens covers more than 16 hectares of lush landscape surrounding the Royal Exhibition Building at the Melbourne Museum. There are two ornamental lakes, colourful flowerbeds and numerous intricate fountains.
On 39 hectares of land fronting Royal Parade through Carlton's north end sits Princes Park. This lush open space features sporting ovals, large elms and Moreton Bay fig trees.
Get a taste of Italy at Carlton's annual La Dolce Italia festival. This yearly celebration features the very best in authentic Italian food, wine, arts, crafts and more.
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show bring thousands of visitors to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens each year.
There is a great variety of hotels in Carlton, from the highly rated Quality Hotel Downtowner On Lygon to the budget-friendly Travel Inn Melbourne. You will also find self-contained apartments and smaller furnished units with minimal kitchen and bathroom facilities at the Quest Clocktower On Lygon, and at the Princes Park Motor Inn. Opposite the Lincoln Square gardens is Rydges On Swanston, just steps away from the vibrant scene on Lygon Street.