The suburb of Carlton is located just north of the Melbourne central business district, bounded by Victoria Street in the south and Nicholson Street to the east.

Carlton's main shopping strip is based around the tree-lined Lygon Street. Famous for its huge variety of cafes and restaurants, many offering outside dining, this is the historic heartland of Melbourne's Italian community.

Carlton is characterised by its Victorian era architecture including notable buildings such as the Trades Hall building (opened in 1859), the Carlton Post Office in Elgin Street (1883) and court house in Drummond Street (1889). Carlton has a rich collection of residential architecture in the form of terrace houses with a good collection being found along the wide tree-lined boulevard of Drummond Street.

There are many European-style public squares in Carlton, typically a mixture of lawns with shade provided by established trees and expanses of paving with monuments such as fountains and memorials. At the northern end of Argyle Square gardens in Lygon Street is Piazza Italia whose centrepiece is a sundial surrounded by a large open space area tiled with porphyry stone from Italy.

The 16 hectare Carlton Gardens, situated on the corner of Victoria Parade and Nicholson Street, includes ornamental lakes, colourful garden beds, and shady pathways. Located within the gardens is the Royal Exhibition Building. Completed in 1880, it was given a World Heritage listing in 2004. It was the location of Australia's first sitting of government at Federation in 1901 and has hosted events including trade exhibitions, conventions and concerts. The Melbourne Museum is located adjacent to the Royal Exhibition Building and is currently the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere.

Carlton North is located between Princes Street and Park Street, with its main commercial hub stretching along shady Rathdowne Street and known as Rathdowne Village. Another significant shopping strip is located at the northern end of Nicholson Street. A large slice of Carlton North is occupied by the Melbourne General Cemetery which was opened in 1853, and Princes Park with its extensive sporting facilities.

La Mama Theatre Located in a former factory building that was built in 1883, the theatre fosters Australian style productions in a vibrant and intimate environment

	IMAX Theatre Melbourne Located within the Melbourne Museum at the Carlton Gardens, it is home to Australia's largest 3D screen
	Melbourne Museum The museum showcases incredible post-modern architecture and innovative exhibitions, exploring Victoria's natural environment, culture and history
	Royal Exhibition Building Completed in 1880, this world heritage listed building hosts regular exhibitions and guided tours are available for visitors

	Carlton Gardens Surrounding the iconic Royal Exhibition Building and the popular Melbourne Museum, the 16 hectare gardens feature two ornamental lakes, several elaborate fountains and colourful flower beds
	Princes Park A narrow 39 hectare park fronting Royal Parade through Carlton North with grassed open spaces, avenues of elm and Moreton Bay fig trees and sporting ovals

	La Dolce Italia Festival Showcasing and celebrating the traditions of Italy with food tasting, cooking demonstrations, music and entertainment in Lygon Street, Piazza Italia and surrounding areas
	Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show Held within the Royal Exhibition Building and the southern section of the Carlton Gardens, it showcases landscape and floral talent alongside garden retail products

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