MELBOURNE
CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE
1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Getting There
From the Melbourne Airports
Only 25 minutes from Melbourne’s international airport, your short trip into the city centre is quick and easy with options ranging from dedicated Skybus (running express between the Melbourne Airport and Melbourne’s city centre, 24 hours a day, seven days a week) to individual passenger services. The airport accommodates a vast airline network with many direct flights and 24/7 operations and services, offering maximum flexibility for delegates.
If you are flying into Avalon airport the commute to MCEC will take between 40 - 50 minutes. You can catch a taxi from outside your terminal or request an Uber.
Public Transport
Once in the city, you’ll come to appreciate Melbourne’s grid layout which makes it one of the most convenient cities in the world to navigate. The extensive public transport network offers trams, trains, buses and taxis providing ample options for those wishing to explore the city landmarks, culture, food and wine and events.
TRAM
Tram routes 96, 109 and 12 (Stop 124A Casino/MCEC) will all take you to the Clarendon Street entrance. Otherwise, tram routes 70, 75 and the City Circle (Stop D5) take you to Flinders Street. From there, it’s just a short walk up Clarendon Street until you reach the MCEC. Travel on trams is free in Melbourne’s Central Business District and Docklands. All stops within the free zone are clearly marked and tram drivers will make regular announcements when approaching the zone boundaries.
The following is an image showing the area of the city that is free to travel by tram.
Note: Do not tap on or off with your MyKi while travelling in the free zone or you will be charged a 2-hour Zone 1+2 fare.
Travel outside of the free zone is paid for using a Myki card. The complimentary Myki card included in your registration (if you are attending the conference banquet and requested one) is loaded with enough credit for the train travel to the banquet venue and back. You can also use this Myki for additional travel on public transport outside the free tram zone but you will need to need to top it up with additional value as described here.
Onsite Car Parking
If you are driving to the Convention Centre, there is an abundance of convenient and secure car parking available. Nearby options include the South Wharf Retail, Siddley St, Freeway and Montague Street car parks.
If you prefer to park on site, Wilson Parking operates a secure underground car park at the Convention Centre that offers a range of flexible rates.
Taxi
Taxi ranks are located outside the main entrance to the Centre on Convention Centre Place.
Walking
MCEC is a short stroll across from Southbank and the Melbourne CBD. All amenities are within walking distance, making it ideal to explore the city on foot.
Things to Do In Melbourne
Visit Flinders Street Station
The iconic Flinders Street Station is the must see attraction in Melbourne. Nestled in the heart of the CBD, across from Fed Square and the Yarra, and a short stroll from various well-known laneways, this famous building is the perfect start to your Melbourne Itinerary.
Walk the Royal Botanical Gardens
Pack a picnic rug and spend a lazy afternoon in the sunshine or wear comfortable shoes, find some sweet tunes and walk around the lake. Whatever your style, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a relaxing green space to chill on the lawn or wander the many pathways.
Discover Famous Laneways
Known for hidden boutiques, famed restaurants, cafes and bars, Melbourne’s laneways are the perfect introduction to its diverse and creative culture. Admire the street art, lose yourself in the endless hideaways or immerse yourself in Melbourne’s vibrant coffee scene.
Explore Queen Victoria Markets
Explore Melbourne’s authentic, bustling, inner-city market.
Take in History at the Shrine
Pay your respects to Australians who have served their country at one of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions. With stunning views and plenty of history , the Shrine of Remembrance is not to be missed.
Relax Amongst the Skyline
Enjoy a cocktail and a share plate while looking over the picturesque skyline at one of Melbourne’s many rooftop bars.
Need More Inspo?
Check out the extensive options on Visit Melbourne.
DISCOVER THE REGION
While in Australia, why not take some time to explore the region around Melbourne (Victoria)? Travel across Victoria and experience the region’s stunning landscapes, historic towns and renowned food and wine. The state’s compact size means you can travel from high in the mountains to the rugged southern coast and back to the city in just a short space of time. So hit the road on a touring route, make your own way around, or follow an itinerary and see the wonders of Victoria for yourself.
Great Ocean Road Touring Route
One of Victoria’s most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road is a magnificent three-day self-drive touring route from surf capital Torquay to the iconic 12 Apostles, ending at historic fishing village Port Fairy. Along the way, spot koalas, kangaroos and even whales, zip-line your way through a treetop canopy, climb to the peak of a volcanic crater, and relax over regional dining atop a cliff or by the beach.
Dandenong Ranges in a day
Feel the bustle and fast pace of the city fall away as you follow the winding road up through the thick, tall forests and cool fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges. Explore the towering forests of mountain ash trees firsthand in Sherbrooke Forest, and visit the area’s famous gardens according to the season.
Geelong and the Bellarine
Set off from Melbourne on a self-guided touring route off Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and visit sea seaside villages, vibrant towns and bay views. Along the way, visit the Werribee Zoo, hit the tracks and trails of the You Yangs, have a coffee at a waterfront restaurant, soak up the sun on a beautiful beach and stop for a wine at one of the renowned cellar doors.
Yarra Valley day trip
Sample Australia’s best pinot noir and sparkling wines in a world-renowned wine-growing region in the Yarra Valley, less than an hour from Melbourne.
Mornington Peninsula Getaway
There’s no telling where you could find yourself on the Mornington Peninsula. Wandering through idyllic coastal and hinterland villages one minute, tasting fine cool-climate wines, eating fantastic food and gathering fresh produce at local farm gates the next. Uncover your creative side in galleries and parks, play at some of Australia’s best golf courses, or slip into natural hot springs.
Central Grampians Drive
Drive from Halls Gap on this half-day route, perfect for people with tight deadlines and taking in many of the National Park’s most famous sites. See rugged mountains, vast plains, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, unique native plants and animals, majestic waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers.
Additional Resources
We’re delighted to have you visit us in Melbourne, and hoping you can spend some additional time here exploring Melbourne and Victoria more widely.
To help plan your time here, the Melbourne Convention Bureau, Visit Melbourne, and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre have kindly provided the following travel resources:
https://www.visitmelbourne.com/
https://www.melbournecb.com.au/welcome-to-melbourne/
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