IKON Park, Carlton North - Image 1
1 / 10

IKON Park Carlton North

4.4
·225 reviews·Carlton North, Australia

IKON Park: The historic home of the Carlton Football Club, offering tours, a museum, and a vibrant café experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Game days & tours

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
IKON Park, Carlton North - Image 1

IKON Park Carlton North

Best Time

Weekends

Game days & tours

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

IKON Park: The historic home of the Carlton Football Club, offering tours, a museum, and a vibrant café experience.

4.4
(225 reviews)

"A truly unforgettable, bucket list experience for us both. Many thanks to Tony, Sara and all the staff for making us feel so welcome."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Early

Limited tours available, book ahead to secure your spot and explore player facilities.

☕ Cafe Delights

The 1864 Cafe offers great brunch and coffee. Try the chili scrambled eggs!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Carlton Football Club History

Carlton Football Club History

Club Museum & Displays

Immerse yourself in Carlton's rich legacy with historic memorabilia, photos, and jerseys dating back to the 1800s.

Reddit
Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Player Facilities

Step into the inner sanctum, including the gym, pool, and locker rooms, for an unforgettable fan experience.

Reddit
1864 Café

1864 Café

Clubhouse

Enjoy delicious brunch, coffee, and sweets with a view of the pristine oval. Highly recommended for a post-tour treat.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Tours in Advance

IKON Park offers behind-the-scenes tours, but they're limited. Book ahead to explore the inner sanctum, gym, and locker rooms. It's a bucket-list experience for Carlton fans! TikTok

Check Event Schedules

While home to the Carlton Football Club, IKON Park hosts various events. Check the schedule for AFL/AFLW games, clinics, or private functions to ensure access. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Game days & tours
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter for tours & cafe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to IKON Park, Wes. #AFL #afltok #wesanderson #wesandersonaesthetic #carltonfc #carltonfootballclub
@carltonfootballclub
16.3K likes • 165.9K views

🎯 Book Tours Early

Limited tours available, book ahead to secure your spot and explore player facilities. TikTokReddit

☕ Cafe Delights

The 1864 Cafe offers great brunch and coffee. Try the chili scrambled eggs! Reddit

There's been a baby boom down at Ikon Park... 👶 #9News #carlton #afl
@9newsmelbourne
14.5K likes • 191.9K views
if i didn’t put any of my photos from the carlton x collingwood game into my august 22 photo dump does that mean it didn’t happen??? asking for a friend lol
rebekah.com.au
55 likes • 0 views

🚗 Easy Parking

Off-street parking is available, making your visit convenient. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops

Capture memories with historic displays and the iconic oval. Instagram

Crippa covering all bases 👀 Full pod with @patrickcripps is out now! Find wherever you get your podcasts! #afl #aussierules #carlton
@ballmagnets
13.9K likes • 154.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Early

Limited tours available, book ahead to secure your spot and explore player facilities. TikTokReddit

☕ Cafe Delights

The 1864 Cafe offers great brunch and coffee. Try the chili scrambled eggs! Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Off-street parking is available, making your visit convenient. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops

Capture memories with historic displays and the iconic oval. Instagram

👕 Carlton Shop

Browse the club shop for official merchandise and premiership cups. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(225 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about IKON Park, particularly the immersive tours that grant access to player facilities and the rich history of the Carlton Football Club. The 1864 Café receives high praise for its food and coffee, and the venue is noted for its welcoming atmosphere and convenient parking. Some visitors mention tours are limited, so booking ahead is essential.

"For a Father’s Day treat, I took my 89-year-old dad to Ikon Park, home of AFL/AFLW Carlton Football Club. We’ve been fans of the club our whole lives. We enjoyed a wonderful brunch in the 1864 Café (best chili scrambled eggs ever, on gluten free toast, and my pot of tea was fantastic! Dad enjoyed a barista-made latte). Then, we went on a tour of the facilities and club history, led by Tony. He was amazing. Super knowledgeable, personable and passionate. What we learned was fascinating!

The tours are only available for a few days each year, but there are magnificent historic displays in the building near the cafe and shop. The collection of memorabilia is tremendous, with photos, footies, jerseys etc dating back to the 1800s. One of my favourite items was a photo of a team of women players in Carlton jerseys in 1933! They formed a team and played to raise money for the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

On the tour, we were escorted into the inner sanctum, including the gym, pool and locker room. Rest day for players, but Voss was pumping iron in the gym.

A truly unforgettable, bucket list experience for us both. Many thanks to Tony, Sara and all the staff for making us feel so welcome.
💙💙💙"

Dr Kathleen McGuire

"Went to WAFL clinic with Mimi from Carlton. Kids had so much fun and loved looking at the Carlton shop and premiership cups and memorabilia."

Juzz OK

"Impressive facilities.
Welcoming environment - even for a Collingwood man since 1970!
Fantastic cafe with excellent cappuccinos & sweets.
Easy off-street parking."

T C

What People Like

Immersive club tours
Rich historical displays
Excellent cafe and coffee

What People Dislike

Limited tour availability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

IKON Park is easily accessible by public transport. Tram routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, and 72 stop nearby on Nicholson Street and Lygon Street. Driving is also an option with off-street parking available. Reddit

Yes, IKON Park offers convenient off-street parking, making it easy for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

IKON Park is located in Carlton North, which is a short tram ride or a pleasant walk from the Melbourne CBD, approximately 3-4 kilometers. TikTok

Several tram lines run along Nicholson Street and Lygon Street, providing excellent access to IKON Park. Reddit

While specific accessibility details aren't widely published, the venue generally aims to be welcoming. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for detailed accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tours of IKON Park, offering access to player facilities and club history, are available but limited. It's essential to book these in advance through the Carlton Football Club's official channels. TikTokReddit

Tours at IKON Park are not daily and are often only available for a few days each year. Checking the Carlton Football Club's website for tour dates and booking is crucial. Reddit

Tour pricing can vary. It's best to check the official Carlton Football Club website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour costs. Reddit

Entry to IKON Park without a ticket for an event or a pre-booked tour is generally not permitted. Access is typically for scheduled events, tours, or café/shop visits. TikTok

If there's an AFL or AFLW game or another event, access to certain areas might be restricted. Check the event schedule beforehand. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the Carlton Football Club's history in the museum, take a behind-the-scenes tour of player facilities, enjoy a meal at the 1864 Café, and shop for merchandise. TikTokReddit

Yes, IKON Park features magnificent historic displays and a tremendous collection of memorabilia, including photos, footies, and jerseys dating back to the 1800s. Reddit

While players are often training or resting, they are sometimes happy to chat, especially during events or clinics. TikTokReddit

The facilities are impressive, including a gym, pool, and locker rooms for players, as well as modern event spaces. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the Carlton shop, premiership cups, and potentially attend clinics or games. The café is also a family-friendly spot. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the 1864 Café at IKON Park offers a fantastic dining experience with options like chili scrambled eggs and excellent cappuccinos. Reddit

The café serves brunch, coffee, and sweets. They are known for their chili scrambled eggs and barista-made coffees. Reddit

The café has been noted for accommodating dietary needs, such as serving chili scrambled eggs on gluten-free toast. Reddit

During AFL or AFLW games and other events, food and beverage outlets are typically available. TikTok

The 1864 Café is generally open on non-event days, making it a great spot to visit for a meal or coffee. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture shots of the historic memorabilia, the pristine oval, and the player facilities during a tour. The exterior of the ground also offers good photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally permitted during tours, allowing you to document your behind-the-scenes experience. TikTok

While generally allowed, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific venue rules regarding photography, especially in private areas. Instagram

A versatile lens is recommended for capturing both wide shots of the ground and details of the memorabilia. Instagram

If players are present and approachable, you might get a chance for a photo, but always be respectful of their training or personal time. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

IKON Park is a great destination for families looking to immerse themselves in Australian Rules Football culture. Kids will love visiting the Carlton shop to see premiership cups and official merchandise. Reddit If you're lucky, you might even catch a junior clinic or see players who are often happy to interact with young fans. TikTokReddit

The 1864 Café is a family-friendly spot for a meal or a coffee break, offering a relaxed atmosphere. While tours might be more suited for older children or teens interested in the club's history and player facilities, the overall environment at IKON Park is welcoming for all ages. Consider checking the schedule for any family-friendly events or matches. Reddit

🏈 Die-Hard Carlton FC Fans

For the ultimate Carlton FC fan, IKON Park is a pilgrimage site. The historic displays and memorabilia offer a deep dive into the club's storied past, from its earliest days to modern triumphs. Reddit Don't miss the chance to book a behind-the-scenes tour to explore the inner sanctum, including the locker rooms and training facilities – a truly unforgettable experience. TikTokReddit

Beyond tours, simply soaking in the atmosphere of the spiritual home of the Blues is a must. Grab a coffee or a bite at the 1864 Café, browse the Carlton shop for exclusive merchandise, and keep an eye out for any player appearances or special events. Reddit

⚽ Sports Enthusiasts & History Buffs

Even if you're not a Carlton supporter, IKON Park offers a compelling experience for sports enthusiasts and history buffs. The extensive memorabilia collection provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Australian Rules Football and the Carlton Football Club's significant role within it. Reddit The behind-the-scenes tour offers a unique perspective on the infrastructure that supports a professional sporting team, showcasing modern training facilities. TikTokReddit

Consider visiting during an AFL or AFLW match to experience the electric atmosphere of a live game. Alternatively, the 1864 Café provides a pleasant setting to enjoy the grounds, and the historical displays offer a rich narrative of sporting heritage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Carlton Football Club Legacy

IKON Park is steeped in the history of the Carlton Football Club, one of the most successful clubs in Australian Rules Football. The venue itself has a long association with the club, serving as its spiritual home for many years. Visitors can delve into this rich heritage through the magnificent historic displays located near the café and shop. These displays house a tremendous collection of memorabilia, featuring photos, footies, and jerseys that chronicle the club's journey from its inception in the 1800s. A particularly poignant exhibit includes a photo of a women's team from 1933, highlighting early female participation in the sport for charitable causes. Reddit

For dedicated fans, the behind-the-scenes tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the club's legacy. These tours grant access to the inner sanctum, including the players' gym, pool, and locker rooms. Imagine walking the same halls as club legends and current stars! Even during the off-season or on rest days, the atmosphere of dedication and history is palpable. This immersive experience makes IKON Park a pilgrimage site for Carlton supporters, offering a tangible link to the club's storied past and present. TikTokReddit

The club's commitment to its history is evident, and the venue provides a space where fans can feel a deep connection to the Blues' traditions. Whether you're a lifelong supporter or a newcomer to the sport, understanding the historical context of Carlton at IKON Park enriches the overall experience. It's more than just a football ground; it's a living museum of Australian sporting heritage. Reddit

Experiencing IKON Park: Beyond the Game

IKON Park offers a multifaceted experience that extends beyond just watching an AFL or AFLW game. The 1864 Café is a popular spot, praised for its excellent brunch options, including the highly recommended chili scrambled eggs, and quality barista-made coffee. It's a welcoming environment for fans and visitors alike, providing a relaxed setting to refuel or discuss the game. Reddit

For those seeking a deeper dive, the behind-the-scenes tours are a must-do. These tours provide an intimate look at the facilities that support the Carlton Football Club's elite athletes. Walking through the gym, pool, and locker rooms offers a unique perspective on the dedication and training involved in professional football. TikTokReddit

Furthermore, IKON Park serves as a venue for various events, from junior clinics to corporate functions. The pristine condition of the oval and the modern event spaces make it a versatile location. Even if there isn't a game on, visiting the Carlton shop to browse premiership cups and merchandise is a treat for any fan. The friendly staff and players often make time for a chat, adding a personal touch to the visit. TikTokReddit