Exploring Parkville & Carlton: Must-Visit Spots Around Campus
Even though UC dishes up some amazing food throughout the week, sometimes it's nice to head out for a meal, catch up with friends or explore a little more of Melbourne. The good news? UC is perfectly positioned to do all three.
Just a 10-minute walk away is Lygon Street, home to dozens of fantastic restaurants, cafés and dessert venues. Along with the local parks, markets and iconic Melbourne attractions all nearby, you'll never run out of things to do.
Best Places to Eat & Drink
Leonardo's Pizza Palace | 29 Grattan St, Carlton VIC 3053
Leonardo's serves some of the best pizza around (the salami pizza with hot honey is to die for!). Opened in 2018, it has kept its retro 1970s fit-out, complete with dark interiors and a slightly medieval feel. The shuttered windows mean it's always a little dim inside, creating an intimate, grungy atmosphere that's perfect for a night out with friends.
DOC | Various locations
Espresso by morning, pizza by night. DOC has two locations on Lygon Street and is famous for its award-winning coffee and authentic Italian pizza. It's one of the most popular spots in the area, so a hot tip is to book ahead because seats fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Brunetti | 380 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Brunetti is a Melbourne institution. Step inside and you'll be greeted by cabinets full of pastries, cannoli, cakes and gelato.
Jimmy Watson's|333 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Opened in the 1940s, Jimmy Watson's is one of Lygon Street's most iconic venues. With rooftop seating, a cosy wine bar and plenty of old-school charm, it's known for its Italian-inspired Australian menu and extensive wine list. It's a great place to sit, relax and have a long yap with your friends.
Universal Restaurant| 141 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Ask any Melbourne student where to find a hearty meal and Universal is bound to come up. Famous for its generous portions and affordable prices, it's the perfect spot when you're starving after classes.
Pidapipó| 299 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Pidapipó is famous for its authentic Italian gelato and constantly changing flavours. It's the ideal stop after dinner on Lygon Street!
YO-CHI | Various locations
It wouldn't be a week at UC without a late-night YO-CHI run. The store is often packed with college students loading up on frozen yoghurt and toppings at all hours of the day. It's also great if you're on a budget because you can customise your order and spend as little or as much as you like.
HOT TIP: Download the YO-CHI app before coming to college. You'll earn points every time you buy something, and once you've saved enough, you'll score a $10 voucher.
Parks & Places to Recharge
Need a break from the chaos of uni and college?
Princes Park | 200-590 Royal Parade, Carlton North VIC 3054
UC is right next to Princes Park, one of Melbourne's best green spaces. It's perfect for an early-morning run, an evening stroll, a picnic with friends or even a bit of stargazing. Whether you want to kick a footy, read a book in the sun or just get away from the busy-ness of college life for a while, Princes Park is the place to do it. It's also the perfect spot for sunset hangs.
Just around the corner is Royal Park, Melbourne's largest inner-city park. With walking trails, wide-open spaces and plenty of quiet corners, it's another great escape when you need a break from study.
Carlton Gardens | 1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC 3053
Beautiful all year-round, Carlton Gardens is ideal for picnics, reading in the sunshine or just enjoying one of Melbourne's most picturesque green spaces.
If you're after something a little more structured, the Royal Botanic Gardens are always worth the tram ride. Pack a picnic rug, wander through the gardens and find a shady spot and enjoy some downtime.
Located just south of the University of Melbourne campus, University Square is one of those spots you'll inevitably end up at. It's perfect for soaking up the sunshine between classes.
Culture, Entertainment & Study Breaks
Melbourne Zoo| Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
Need a study break? Melbourne Zoo is only a short tram ride away and home to everything from elephants and lions to cheeky monkeys. It's a surprisingly relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Cinema Nova| 380 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Nothing beats a cheap movie night. Cinema Nova on Lygon street screens everything from blockbuster releases to indie films and international cinema, making it a favourite hangout for students.
Readings Carlton| 309 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
This much-loved independent bookstore is a favourite among students and locals alike. You can easily lose and hour browsing all of the beautiful books on display.
State Library Victoria| 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Even if you're not there to study, the State Library is worth visiting just to see the magnificent Dome Reading Room. It's one of Melbourne's most beautiful buildings.
Hosier Lane | Melbourne VIC 3000
Covered in ever-changing street art, Hosier Lane is one of the city's most photographed spots and the perfect place to channel your inner tourist.
Markets & Bargain Hunting
Queen Victoria Market| Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
An absolute Melbourne icon, the hot jam doughnuts are an absolute must! The night markets in summer are also legendary.
Op Shopping in Brunswick | Throughout Melbourne
Brunswick is op-shop heaven. Savers is a classic, but make sure you also check out Goodbyes and Mutual Muse, where you can score quality second-hand fashion at reasonable prices.
Cheaper Buy Miles | Throughout Melbourne
Cheaper Buy Miles is a Melbourne favourite for discounted supermarket goodies. It's a treasure hunt every time you visit because you never know what you'll find.
The best part? Living at UC means all of these places are right on your doorstep!