Carlton North Suburb Profile

Sitting four kilometres from the CBD, living in carlton north means enjoying the forest-like foliage of overarching plane and oak trees, which seem worlds away from the bustle of the city’s towering office blocks. From foodie hangouts to sporting prowess to historical landmarks, carlton north surprises at every turn. Rathdowne street, the suburb’s main commercial hub, is a real crowd-pleaser, thanks to the old-school milk bars and italian family restaurants that sit alongside organic grocers and achingly hip wine bars. From cafés, bakeries and delicatessens to bookshops and boutiques – rathdowne street has it all in spades. 

Meanwhile, nearly a quarter of the suburb is given to princes park, a major recreation ground that’s also home to the carlton football club and its fiercely loyal fans. From sun up, the park is teeming with various sporting groups and those wanting to get their fitness on. Princes park is also the perfect setting for leisurely picnics, barbecues and walks among the moreton bay figs. 

Steeped in australian history, living in carlton north reveals modern-day charms far removed from the suburb’s grittier origins as a bluestone quarry and penal stockade. However, carlton north’s other legacy, the melbourne general cemetery, exists to this day as a nationally significant site of beauty and solace. It’s the final resting place of four prime ministers and eight premiers, not to mention heritage victorian-era chapels and gatehouses. 

Area Features

Cafes & Dining

Carlton North delights at every turn; cafés that serve destination-worthy brews and brunches on sunny rooftops and in cute corner shops to modern wine bars and family-style restaurants that light up Rathdowne Street at night. Plus, a few minutes down Lygon Street is Carlton’s Little Italy, and a few minutes up the street is Brunswick East’s Lebanese hub. #winning

Sports And Recreation

Princes Park is home to a wide range of sporting and recreational facilities, including cricket and tennis grounds, playgrounds and picnic areas. On sunny days, the Princes Park Carlton Bowls Club becomes a bonafide social hub, with locals coming to drink beers and have a casual throw on their manicured greens.

Transport Links

Carlton North is well serviced by Melbourne’s tram network, with four main routes passing through the suburb to take commuters in and out of the city at a minutes’ notice, while PTV buses also run extensively through the area. Some of the city’s widest and safest bicycle lanes are to be found here as well, making environment- and health-friendly commuting more appealing than ever.