Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city after Sydney. Known as the “Garden City,” it is filled with greenery, with one-fourth of the city consisting of parks—a naturally beautiful place. Among its attractions is the World Heritage Site “The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens,” a charming oasis with a striking contrast between its white building and lush green gardens. It is the only World Heritage Site in Victoria, making it a popular destination for visitors. This article explores Melbourne’s World Heritage Site, “The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens”!
What Are the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens?
The Royal Exhibition Building is Australia’s first Western-style architectural structure, built for the Melbourne International Exhibition held in 1880. In 1888, it also hosted the Centennial International Exhibition, commemorating 100 years since European colonization. This was the first international exposition to be held outside Europe, attracting over 1.3 million visitors during its six-month run.
Carlton Gardens, opened in 1856, features a grand avenue of acacia and poplar trees. Classical fountains and seasonal flowers decorate the grounds, making it a peaceful retreat for Melbourne locals. The harmony between the stately Royal Exhibition Building and the lush Carlton Gardens is also breathtaking. Due to its advanced architectural techniques, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. It is one of Australia’s most famous cultural heritage sites.
Name: The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton, Vic 3053
Official Website: https://museumvictoria.com.au/reb/
Access to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
From Narita Airport, the flight to Melbourne Airport takes about 10½ hours. From the airport, take the SKY BUS to Southern Cross Station, which takes about 30 minutes. From there, it is recommended to take the free tram to Parliament Station—about 5 minutes.
From Parliament Station, the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens are about a 10-minute walk. If you take tram routes 86 or 96, it is located right near the Gertrude Street or Nicholson Street stops.
Three Recommended Highlights of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
Royal Exhibition Building
The Royal Exhibition Building is known for its elegant atmosphere, blending Byzantine, Romanesque, Renaissance, and other European architectural styles. The reliefs of deities, the decorated domed ceiling, and the detailed interior artwork are all visually stunning. It was designed by famous Melbourne architect Joseph Reed.
English-guided tours are held daily at the Royal Exhibition Building, and the interior can only be viewed through these tours. Since it is a popular attraction, be sure to visit the ticket counter at the Melbourne Museum early. There are reliefs of Chinese figures and Australian Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal), so try looking for them during the tour.
Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens is one of the world’s large, distinguished gardens. The European-style landscape features rows of monumental trees and harmonizes European and Australian design aesthetics. It was established when Charles La Trobe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of Victoria, allocated the land for park use in 1839.
During the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition, the gardens underwent extensive renovations alongside the construction of the Royal Exhibition Building, forming the foundation of the park seen today. Carlton Gardens exudes a simple yet charming atmosphere, and strolling through its tree-lined paths allows you to fully absorb the ambiance of Melbourne.
Melbourne Museum
Located within Carlton Gardens is a modern museum—the Melbourne Museum—the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere. It is four times larger than the former Victoria Museum. The spacious interior features seven main galleries.
The exhibits range widely—nature, animals, history, science, and more. The life-sized dinosaur fossil models are extremely impressive. At the Discovery Centre, visitors can learn about Aboriginal history and culture. The environmental gallery recreates a forest with 82 plant species and 25 animal species native to Victoria. It is a museum enjoyable for both children and adults.
◎ Summary
How did you find this introduction to Victoria’s only World Heritage Site—the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens? You can also learn about the Indigenous Aboriginal people, making it a culturally enriching experience. Studying the architectural and garden styles beforehand will make your visit even more enjoyable. Be sure to explore the World Heritage Site: the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens!