Discover Carlton Gardens in Melbourne
Carlton Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a legacy that spans decades. Covering 26 hectares of sweeping lawns, tree-lined avenues, and ornamental lakes, on the northern edge of Melbourne’s Central Business District, it’s home to landmarks like the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum, and an interactive children’s playground.
The History of Carlton Gardens
Garden Origins (1839–1856)
Back in 1839, when Melbourne was just a fledgling settlement, Superintendent Charles La Trobe reserved a large swath of land surrounding the city grid for public use. While much of this land eventually went to other purposes, some areas, like the Carlton Gardens, were earmarked for development as public gardens, alongside other spaces like Fitzroy Gardens.
In 1856, Melbourne's city council took the reins. Edward La Trobe Bateman, a cousin of Charles La Trobe, designed an early layout for the gardens, complete with winding paths and open lawns. While funding challenges limited its execution, the foundation was set for what would become a beloved local spot in Melbourne.
The 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition
By the 1870s, the Victorian Government stepped in, and under the guidance of Clement Hodgkinson, they tidied things up before a large-scale project was initiated in 1879. It was then that architect Joseph Reed and landscape superstar William Sangster revamped the site to prepare for the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880.
The Royal Exhibition Building, completed in time for the event, became the centerpiece of this redesign. The gardens were elevated to world-class standards with elaborate fountains, lawns, flowerbeds, tree-lined promenades, and ornamental lakes. This transformation was so impactful that the site gained international recognition, hosting millions of visitors from across the globe during the exhibition.
During the exhibition temporary annexes also popped up across the northern gardens to house exhibits, and once the event wrapped up in 1881, these were swiftly removed to restore the gardens to their undisturbed glory.
Carlton Garden Highlights Through History
From hosting the 1888 Melbourne Centennial Exhibition to becoming an emergency hospital during the 1919 influenza epidemic, the Carlton Gardens have seen it all. The gardens' perimeter fence was removed in 1928, opening the space to all Melburnians, and for a brief, roaring stint in the 1930s, they even featured a motorcycle speedway.
World War II saw the site repurposed for the Royal Australian Air Force, and post-war, it served as a migrant reception center—welcoming new Australians to their first home in the country.
Into the 20th Century: UNESCO World Heritage Status
As Melbourne grew, Carlton Gardens faced challenges but remained a symbol of the city's heritage. In 2004, Carlton Gardens, together with the Royal Exhibition Building, scored a spot on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list.
This recognition cemented its status as a Melbourne icon worth preserving. Restoration projects since have focused on keeping the gardens lush and welcoming, ensuring their accessibility and ecological health.
The modern era hasn’t left Carlton Gardens behind, though. In 1999, the Melbourne Museum opened its doors, taking up a slice of the site, and the early 2000s saw a thoughtfully designed children’s playground added to the grounds.
Inside the Carlton Gardens
The Carlton Gardens is divided into two distinctive areas: the Southern Gardens, with its regal, axial layout, and the Northern Gardens, which underwent transformation after the 19th-century international exhibitions.
Each area contains towering elms, oaks, and conifers—some trees are as old as Melbourne itself. It’s not just about the trees, though—the beautifully landscaped grounds feature formal flowerbeds, miniature lakes, and picturesque lawns that naturally form the perfect picnic setting.
If you’ve got kids in tow, the Carlton Gardens North Playground is a must-visit. Designed like a 19th-century maze, it’s packed with swings, slides, a sandpit, climbing frames, and even has musical elements.
Other highlights within Carlton Gardens include:
- The Royal Exhibition Building: One of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, built for the Great Exhibition of 1880. Today, it hosts events like the International Flower and Garden Show.
- The Hochgurtel Fountain: An intricately designed water feature located near the Royal Exhibition Building.
- The Westgarth Fountain: This fountain has water spouts for adults, children, and even dogs.
- Sculptures and Monuments: The gardens are dotted with fascinating sculptures and monuments including the Dr. Louis Smith Bust and the Colonial Square.
Don’t miss the French Fountain, a relic from the 1880 International Exhibition, or the quirky Stone Obelisk, erected to protest the use of imported sandstone in Parliament House.
Visiting the Carlton Gardens
Getting There
Located on the fringe of Melbourne’s city center and bordered by Victoria, Rathdowne, Carlton, and Nicholson Streets, the Carlton Gardens is easily accessible by public transport, bike, or foot.
Best Times to Visit
The gardens are open year-round, but their beauty truly comes alive in spring when the flowerbeds burst into color, and in autumn, when the trees don their fiery hues. Whether you’re planning a morning walk, a midday picnic, or an evening wander, the gardens are a delight any time of day.
Facilities
From picnic areas to barbecue spots, the Carlton Gardens is well-equipped to make your visit enjoyable. Bring a packed lunch, set up by the lake, and watch the resident possums scurry about. Need a cultural fix? Pop into the Melbourne Museum or catch a film at the IMAX Theatre, both conveniently located within the gardens.
Explore Beyond the Carlton Gardens with CityDays
While Carlton Gardens contain a lot of interesting features, there's so much more to discover in Melbourne! At CityDays, we offer immersive scavenger and treasure hunt tours that take you through some of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Our interactive tours are perfect for team-building exercises, whether you're local or visiting from afar. Not only do these tours engage you with the city’s rich history, but they also provide a fun and competitive way to explore Melbourne with your friends, family, or colleagues.
Our team-building activities aren’t limited to Melbourne either—we offer similar experiences in cities across the globe, making CityDays your go-to for unique urban adventures anywhere in the world.
So why not start your journey at Carlton Gardens and let the adventure continue with CityDays?
