Carlton walk – Photo by Diliff
| Start/Finish | Category | Distance | Estimated Walking Time |
| Parliament station / Lincoln Square | History and Architecture, Tourism, Restaurants, cafes and pubs | 1.7 km | 30 min* |
Summary
Explores the inner city suburb of Carlton, well known for its heritage buildings and famous Lygon St cafe/restaurant strip.
Public transport
Catch the train to Parliament train station. Ends near the Lincoln Square/Swanston St tram station.
Directions
The Carlton walk starts at Parliament Station. From the station enter onto Spring St, which is the location of Victoria’s Parliament. The Parliament House building, which officially opened in 1856 also served as the first home of Australia’s Parliament between 1901 to 1927.
From Parliament House walk to the end of Spring St in a northerly direction and cross over Victoria St. On the other side of Victoria St is Carlton Gardens, which is a historic Victorian era park and popular picnic spot for locals. The park is also the site of the Royal Exhibition Building, which was constructed between 1879-1880 and became Australia’s first building to be awarded UNESCO world heritage status.
Upon entering Carlton Gardens walk in a northerly direction before heading west to Rathdowne St on the western edge of the park. Cross Rathdowne St and continue west along Queensberry St before turning right up Lygon St.
Lygon St is arguably one of the best known Restaurant/Cafe strips in Melbourne. Sometimes referred to as ‘Little Italy’ this part of Melbourne has a diverse population and was once home to many Italian and Jewish immigrants. The area has some fantastic Italian restaurants and is a great place to stop if you feel like something to eat.
Continue down Lygon St in a northerly direction until you reach Argyle Square. Walk through the square in a westerly direction before crossing Cardigan St onto Pelham St. Continue west along Pelham St before crossing Swanston St into Lincoln Square where the walk ends.
To get home you can catch a tram from the Lincoln Square station which runs along Swanston St.
GPX file
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Carlton walk – Map
Start – Parliament Station
- Parliament House
- Carlton Gardens
- Royal Exhibition Building
- Lygon St
- Argyle Square
- Lincoln Square
End – Lincoln Square
