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Royal Exhibition Building

Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

North of the city centre, the majestic Royal Exhibition Building is surrounded by Carlton Gardens.

The building is one of the world's oldest remaining exhibition pavilions and was originally built for the Great Exhibition of 1880. Later it housed the first Commonwealth Parliament from 1901, and was the first building in Australia to achieve a World Heritage listing in 2004.

With a meticulously restored interior, expansive galleries and soaring dome, the Royal Exhibition Building's Great Hall continues to be an impressive setting for trade shows, fairs, cultural and community events. The International Flower and Garden Show are held here annually.

Tours of the Royal Exhibition Building depart from Melbourne Museum. Contact Melbourne Museum for further details on 13 11 02.

Carlton Gardens
A popular picnic and barbecue area, the heritage-listed Carlton Gardens are home to an array of wildlife, including brushtail possums.

Dramatic tree-lined avenues, a majestic fountain, formal flowerbeds and miniature lakes are features of these late nineteenth century Gardens.

The Melbourne Museum and IMAX Cinema are found on the northern border of the gardens.

Address
Victoria Parade, Carlton and Nicholson streets, Carlton

How to get there
City Circle tram or number 86 or 96 along Bourke Street to the Nicholson Street entrance
Melway map reference 2B J10

Symbol for accessibility

Accessibility
The main entry is from Nicholson Street. Another entry is from Rathdowne Street, where there are two dedicated parking spaces and six dedicated spaces located on the street. An essentially flat, formal entry into the Royal Exhibition Building faces Nicholson Street. The Gardens slope gently from north to south, with an accessible unisex toilet available on the west side (also in the IMAX theatre).