Macarthur Square

Because I’m a bit of a local history nerd, I know far too much about this unassuming little reserve in Carlton. In the 1800’s, the houses in Macarthur Square were occupied by some of Carlton’s most notable residents, including one of the leading developers of the suburb. Macarthur, like nearby Murchison Square was designed to be like the ‘greens’ of London, with rows of houses overlooking a park to give them a country feel, and were prestigious places to live.
The small, long, narrow reserve running between Canning and Rathdowne Streets is close to the Carlton Gardens, but offers a far more peaceful picnic spot. Actually, you’ll rarely find anyone at all in this little park. As such, the grass is lush and generally dog-​poo free — quite a treat! At the Rathdowne Street end there’s a drinking fountain and the bust of some notable local (I should know who it is — history nerd fail) but sadly no bathroom, although it’s a quick dash to Lygon Court if you really have to go.