Your Student Guide to Carlton
Just north of Melbourne’s CBD, Carlton is one of the city’s liveliest and most student-friendly suburbs. It’s home to the University of Melbourne and a bunch of other universities and colleges, as well as the famous Lygon Street – a foodie hotspot packed with Italian restaurants, cafés and gelato bars.
But it’s not just about study and food. Carlton’s full of green spaces, culture and things to see, making it the perfect mix of city energy and chilled-out vibes.
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Where is Carlton?
Carlton is just a short walk or tram ride from the city, making it super easy to get around. Parliament Station is nearby, and you’ve got plenty of tram options:
- Route 96 takes you to Carlton Gardens and all the way up towards Fitzroy.
- Routes 1 and 6 will drop you right at the top end of Lygon Street, where the food action starts.
If you feel like exploring on foot, wander down Lygon Street and see what grabs your attention – a bowl of fresh pasta, an indie bookstore, a cinema, or a quick gelato stop.
Things to do:
- Relax in Carlton Gardens
These gardens are an inner-city gem. Spread across 26 hectares, they’re perfect for a picnic, a quick walk, or a study session under trees that have been there for more than a century! - Visit the Royal Exhibition Building
Right next to Carlton Gardens, this heritage-listed building is a big deal – it was the first Victorian site, and the first building in Australia, added to the World Heritage List. If there’s a market, expo, or event on, step inside and check out the soaring arches, detailed interiors and beautifully restored hall. - Explore the Melbourne Museum and IMAX
Across the road, the Melbourne Museum is packed with interesting stuff, like an indoor rainforest! There’s always something new with their rotating exhibits, and if you need a break, the IMAX cinema screens everything from docos to the latest films. - Catch a film at Cinema Nova
One of Australia’s best arthouse cinemas, Cinema Nova is a favourite with locals and students alike. Mondays mean cheap tickets—just expect a packed house. - Cool off at Carlton Baths
When Melbourne heats up, this is where locals head. Open October to April, the outdoor pools are great for a swim. The centre also has a gym and fitness classes year-round.
Where to eat?
Top Restaurant: Tiamo
A true Lygon Street classic, Tiamo has been dishing up traditional, home-style Italian food for more than 40 years. It’s a go-to for locals and students alike. Our pick? Start with the arancini (they’re hard to beat) and follow it up with a big plate of lasagna – comfort food done right.
Address: 303 Lygon Street, Carlton, 3053
Runner Up: Lincoln Pub
Named Pub of the Year in 2017, this spot knows how to do a proper pub feed. The chicken schnitzel and steak are standouts, and you’ll always find sport playing on the screens. On sunny days, grab a seat outside on the footpath and soak it all in.
Address: 91 Cardigan St, Carlton, 3053
Other places to add to the list:
- Taquito – Mexican Restaurant: 350 Drummond St, Carlton
- Alba’s – Middle Eastern: 109 Elgin St, Carlton
- Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant – Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant: 201 Faraday St, Carlton
Where to get coffee?
Top Café: Brunetti
This café has been trading since 1985. It offers up an authentic Italian Café experience plus a large selection of handcrafted pastries, cake and more! We also grab our coffee with an éclair or cannoli.
Address: 380 Lygon Street, Carlton, 3053
Other places to add to the list:
- Heartattack and Vine – for specialty coffee: 329 Lygon St, Carlton
- Vertue Coffee Roasters – the coffee experts: 8 Raffa Pl, Carlton
- Press & Grocers Co – great coffee on the go: 625-629 Swanston St, Carlton
Looking for student accommodation in Carlton?
Carlton and nearby suburbs are packed with UniLodge and Student Living student accommodation options, all within walking distance of the University of Melbourne (UniMelb), and the CBD. Whether you want your own studio or prefer a more social shared setup, there are plenty of options to suit different budgets and lifestyles:
• UniLodge Lincoln House (250m from UniMelb)
• UniLodge Melbourne City (650m from UniMelb)
• UniLodge Carlton (700m from UniMelb)
• UniLodge Royal Melbourne (750m from UniMelb)
• UniLodge Melbourne Central (1.1km from UniMelb)
• UniLodge Melbourne CBD (1.2km from UniMelb)
Visit the UniLodge website now to learn more about our student accommodation options near Carlton and close to the University of Melbourne.
Disclaimer: Some images used in this blog are for illustrative purposes only and may not be owned by UniLodge. All rights and credits for these images belong to their respective owners.