Convenient & Reliable Car Hire in Carlton

Explore Lygon Street

Known as Little Italy, Lygon Street is well known for its Italian restaurants, beautiful cafes and little gelato shops. Wander down the leafy street, pop into the boutique stores and clothing stores and feel the wonderful atmosphere in the heart of Carlton. Make sure you come hungry because you won't want to miss out on trying the many delicious restaurants and cafes where you can indulge in Italian classics, like luscious pasta, fluffy gnocchi, and wood-fired pizzas. And, of course, leave room for dessert because you'll find spots open late with beautiful cakes, yummy gelato and more. Lygon Street is a food lover's haven that will leave you rolling home.

La Mama Theatre

Visit La Mama Theatre for a night of entertainment and fun. This local theatre aims to provide equitable access to arts and cultural opportunities for all members of the community. They are an independent theatre company that creates a platform to share new voices and showcase diverse talent. Support this local gem by attending one of their upcoming performances. At La Mama Theatre, you can see live theatre, poetry readings, music performances, cabaret, play readings, as well as children's performances. Be sure to check out their upcoming performances so you don't miss out on a quality night of entertainment.

Visit the Melbourne Museum

Get ready for a day of wonder and learning at the Melbourne Museum. Spend the day wandering through the museum, taking time to learn about the various exhibitions on display. There are numerous resident exhibitions that are always available to see, such as the Indigenous exhibit, the Milarri Garden Trail, Bugs Alive and many more. Other roaming exhibitions are on display for a limited time but showcase incredible artefacts, memorabilia, information, fossils and objects with a rich history behind them. Past exhibitions include reconstructed dinosaur skeletons, Lego builds and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie items. The museum is a treasure trove of objects and artefacts that will leave you in awe and planning your next visit in the future.  

Paint and Sip Class

Bring a partner or a group of friends and book into a paint and sip class in Carlton. This is a fun session that brings you and your favourite people together to sip some wine and get creative while an instructor takes you through a step-by-step process to create your work of art. Express your creativity with skill and flair in a relaxed and fun environment. There are a number of sessions to choose from with many different prompts. Best of all, you don't need any previous practice or skill to join a class. This is purely for entertainment, and painters of all skill levels are welcome to give this a go.

Carlton Gardens

If you're looking for a picturesque spot to go for a walk, look no further than Carlton Gardens. This stunning tree-lined park is perfectly manicured and well maintained, making it a lovely place to come for a stroll or spend time in. Pack yourself a picnic lunch and lay out on the lawns in the sun; bring the footy for a kick among friends or a good book and a picnic blanket so you can relax and unwind in a gorgeous park. Carlton Gardens is a popular spot among locals and is home to the Royal Exhibition Building, where you may find fun events to attend, the IMAX Cinema to see movies on a huge screen and, of course, the Melbourne Museum, a hub of knowledge.  

Visit a Bar

A lovely way to spend a hot day or warm evening is by sitting out and enjoying a cold drink at a bar in Carlton. There are many trendy bars in the area, including rooftop bars, which are perfect for sunny days. Find a bar near you and pop down for a specialty cocktail that's been expertly crafted and presented, an ice-cold beer brewed locally or a fruity mocktail. Bring a friend and enjoy the day or evening at one of Carlton's fantastic bars. There are lively cocktail bars, quirky bars, quaint wine bars and more to choose from.

Read a Book at the State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is Australia's oldest public library and a city icon. This treasure trove of books and knowledge is a tranquil place to study and read in a beautiful setting. If you don't come here to read, then come for the beautiful architecture, a display of talent and history well worth seeing. Some highlights are the La Trobe Reading Room's octagonal domed ceiling and the magnificent fluted columns in The Ian Potter Queen's Hall. In addition to the architecture, there are multiple gallery sections with exhibitions and a bookstore to visit, too.

Coffee Culture

Another thing Carlton is known for is its cafe culture, and due to this, there are many little cafes and spots where you can visit to try a quality coffee. From laneway coffee spots to hidden cafes, Carlton has a range of locations you can stop off to enjoy a delicious warm brew or specialty coffee. But it doesn't stop there if you love coffee and take your at-home coffee making seriously there are boutique shops in the area that sell quality luxe equipment to help you get the perfect brew at home.

Cinema Nova

Watch a movie at Cinema Nova, an independent cinema showing a variety of movies from blockbusters to independent, Australian, art-house and international films. This cinema also shows festivals such as the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, Monster Fest, and Transitions Film Festival, as well as an array of other events. While at Cinema Nova, you may also see screenings of stage productions, Opera, art, and behind the scenes from all over the world. Cinema Nova is a staple of Carlton and is a great place to watch not only quality films but also be among other cinema lovers. They also host Meet the Filmmaker, where you can get access to see new independent films and arthouse releases, followed by meeting the creators behind the screen.