A guide to the Royal Exhibition Building, a world-heritage icon in Melbourne
As Australia’s first UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, it’s only fair to wonder what makes the Royal Exhibition Building special. Aside from being one of the oldest exhibition pavilions, the 19th-century building is undeniably beautiful and it hosts the most notable events in Melbourne.
Basically, it serves many purposes to the visitors and locals alike — learn history, marvel at the architecture, or catch a lively event.
To simply describe this place, it brings people together to have a great time. If you want to find out for yourself, grab a friend and explore this iconic site!
Where is the Royal Exhibition Building?
Image Source: Google Maps
The Royal Exhibition is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed building that sits within the Carlton Gardens. It’s located beside the Melbourne Museum, which makes up for the reason behind why the gardens are an iconic spot in Melbourne.
How to get to the Royal Exhibition Building
Via bus: Take bus routes 250, 251, or 402 to Rathdowne Street. It’s the closest stop to the Exhibition Building.
Via tram: Taking the Tram 86 or Tram 96 to Stop 11 will bring you to the Melbourne Museum stop. The free City Circle Tram (route 35) also stops near the building.
Via train: The closest station to the building is the Parliament Station, which is two blocks away. You’ll need to catch a train on the City Loop Network, which stops at the Station regardless of where your starting point is.
Via private car: Just put “Royal Exhibition Building” or “Carlton Gardens” in your Waze or Google Maps app and it’ll show you the best direction to get there.
When you arrive, you can get a paid street parking on Nicholson and Rathdowne Streets. There’s also a parking space at Melbourne Museum, but you’ll need to book your parking space ahead of time.
What to do in the Royal Exhibition Building
1. Join the Dome Promenade Tour
Media credit: Royal Exhibition Building
Website: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/reb/
Address: Carlton Gardens, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC
The Dome Promenade Tours offer visitors the chance to view the entire Carlton Gardens and the Melbourne Skyline, showcasing the Royal Exhibition Building’s beauty inside and out.
This guided tour takes about 60 minutes and allows visitors to climb up through the mezzanine to the lower and then the upper promenade around the dome.
It’s not just sightseeing, as the tour also includes a short lecture about the building’s varied uses from the past to the present.
To complement your tour experience, you can opt for a package that includes a Devonshire Tea experience at the Mercury Restaurant in the Melbourne Museum. Enjoy bottomless tea with freshly made scones, forest berry preserve, and clotted cream.
2. Check out the exhibits
Media credit: Royal Exhibition Building
Aside from the dome tour, the Royal Exhibition Building hosts temporary exhibitions, which boast both the building’s history and wider themes of art, industry, culture, and design.
The exhibits change, so chances are you’ll find florals, gardens, fashion, or technology displays depending on the season.
There are historical displays as well, such as Victorian-era decorative objects, commemorative medals, and pieces that reflect the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Frankly, the building itself is almost like an exhibit, given how beautiful it is.
3. Catch an event
Media credit: Royal Exhibition Building
If there’s one thing you should know, it’s that the Royal Exhibition Building is a popular venue for various events in Victoria. Throughout the year, events such as exhibitions, fashion shows, and even concerts take place here.
One of the most popular occasions to look out for is the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. It’s a five-day annual showcase that highlights beautiful floral designs and arrangements.
It’s the largest one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting over 100,000 visitors over five days.
Ever since it was built, the Royal Exhibition Building has always been a gathering place for creativity, innovation, and culture. It can even be rented as a venue for private occasions as well.
What’s nearby
1. Carlton Gardens
Media credit: Adrian Huang
Website: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
Address: 1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC
Phone: +61396589658
Operating hours: 24 hours
Carlton Gardens form the lush greenery that wraps the Royal Exhibition Building. Visitors are free to stroll around the gardens, have a picnic, or check out the nearby attractions.
The park is also the home of the Melbourne Museum, so if you feel like a visit to the Royal Exhibition Building isn’t enough, you can easily extend it to the museum and check out more exhibits or catch a movie at the IMAX.
Many things keep the gardens lively: playgrounds, wildlife, and beautiful architecture. So, even if you don’t plan ahead, there’s always something to see and do.
2. VR World
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Website: https://vrworldmelb.com.au/
Address: 69 Pelham St, Carlton VIC
Phone: +61396629662
Operating hours:
- Sunday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Friday 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm
- Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
If you want to flip the switch and turn to something high-tech, modern, and lively, the nearby VR World is ready to welcome you.
It’s a virtual reality arcade that runs single and multiplayer sessions, escape-style experiences, and even party packages. Expect to solve mysteries, fight zombies, and explore worlds that’ll bring a different kind of immersive experience.
Some games can be accomplished alone, while others require a minimum group size to access. These games typically last for 30 to 60 minutes and require advanced booking.
3. Melbourne Chinatown
Media credit: Melbourne Chinatown
Website: http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au/
Address: Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC
Phone: +61474043600
Operating hours: 24 hours
Melbourne Chinatown is another location that’s a complete contrast to the Royal Exhibition Building and the serene gardens. It’s lively and buzzing with the local culture of the Chinese-Australian community.
The streets are colorful, and the lanes emit different aromas of authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s definitely the place to go if you’re a foodie and you want to explore oriental flavors, as you’ll find everything here from noodles and dumpling houses to bakeries.
If you can, it’s best to time your visit for festival days, like the Lunar New Year, because the already bustling street becomes more alive.
And if you’re a history lover who loves learning about the history of the place, you’ll find the Chinese Museum here as well.
4. The Royal Society of Victoria
Media credit: The Royal Society of Victoria
Website: https://rsv.org.au/
Address: 8 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC
Phone: +61396635259
Operating hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
If you’re into public lectures, talks, and community science events, the Royal Society of Victoria (RSV) is worth a look.
RSV is one of the state’s oldest learned societies that promotes and publishes scientific works, supports studies, and provides a venue for scholars and the public to engage with science.
The same mission continues through these lectures and small exhibitions today.
The RSV hosts various science and technology events all throughout the year, so you can watch out for their upcoming activities through their website or social media pages.
Where to eat near the Royal Exhibition Building
1. Ziyka Restaurant
Media credit: Ziyka Restaurant
Website: https://ziykarestaurant.com.au/
Address: 234-236 Lygon St, Carlton
Phone: +61380808048
Operating hours: Wednesday to Monday 5:30 am – 12:00 am
Ziyka Restaurant specializes in Desi cuisine, specifically Pakistani and Indian dishes. They’re one of the top-reviewed restaurants in the area, which isn’t far from the Royal Exhibition Building.
They offer a broad menu of BBQ-style items, curries, meat dishes, and even vegetarian options.
Most of their dishes are best for sharing, so if you’re with friends and looking for a dining option with bold and rich flavors, Ziyka is a great spot. That way, you’ll also get to try more dishes without overdoing it.
2. Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro
Media credit: Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro
Website: https://www.bonap.com.au/
Address: 193 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Phone: +61394159450
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and relaxed environment, Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro is your go-to.
It’s a traditional French bistro serving authentic French cuisine, so you can expect classic comfort foods like croissants, waffles, and even heartier options like steak frites.
It has a cozy, neighborhood vibe that’s popular for brunches, dates, and intimate events.
And if you’re looking for drinks, they have an extensive list of wines, cocktails, spirits, and more. You’ll even find a nice deal on select drinks if you visit during their happy hours (3:30 pm to 5:30 pm daily).
3. D.O.C Pizza and Mozzarella Bar
Media credit: D.O.C Pizza and Mozzarella Bar
Website: http://docgroup.net/
Address: 295 Drummond St, Carlton
Phone: +61393472998
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Sunday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
D.O. C is an Italian pizzeria with a casual dining motif that’s within walking distance from the Royal Exhibition Building. Their menu consists of classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, salads, antipizza, and Italian desserts.
Regardless of being just a casual dining spot, D.O.C doesn’t compromise on the quality of its dishes. They use San Marino tomatoes and an imported variety of cheeses and meat toppings.
So, if you like your pizza authentic rather than an Aussie adaptation, this place is a worthy pick.
Where to stay near the Royal Exhibition Building
1. Space Hotel
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Website: https://www.spacehotel.com.au/
Address: 380 Russell St, Melbourne VIC
Phone: +61396623888
Space Hotel is a reliable option when it comes to accommodation, as it offers a wide range of room options that can fit any budget. You can choose among room types, including dorm rooms, private rooms, and ensuite rooms.
Their dorm rooms can come in 6- or 8-bed options and include your own locker, reading lights, and a clean bathroom. Meanwhile, the private rooms can accommodate up to two people and come with an LED TV, a wardrobe, and a study desk.
Lastly, the Ensuite rooms are perfect for those who are looking for a vacation-like stay, as they come with a balcony overlooking the city skyline.
The facilities are impressive as well. They have a gym, cinema, lounge, and more!
2. Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Media credit: Melbourne Hyatt Hotel
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/melmc-melbourne-marriott-hotel/
Address: Regency Towers, Corner Exhibition &, Lonsdale St
Phone: +61396623900
If you’re looking for something more upscale, the Melbourne Marriott Hotel is an option worth considering. Its prime location makes it a convenient accommodation because it’s not only extremely close to the Royal Exhibition Building, but also to many major attractions.
The hotel offers upscale amenities, such as large guest rooms (starting from 36 sqm up to 57 sqm), a fitness center, indoor pool, restaurants, and more. Basically, staying here feels like you’re also pampering yourself.
Yes, it’s pricier than basic lodging, but the Marriott Hotel is pretty generous when it comes to their promos, so if you know your way through smart booking, you might score a great package with discounts and perks.