The Conference
From the city to the MCG - Trams
Our entrance to the MCG is on the south side, near the Haydn Bunton statue.
Click image to enlarge
So the closest public transport access is via Brunton Ave. There's a number 70 tram that goes along Flinders St and turns down towards the MCG, and a special MCG stop, where there's a walkway across the road to the ground.
Click image to enlarge
If you're on a train, the best stop is actually north of the MCG at Jolimont opposite the Pullman Hotel. From there it's a short walk across the park to the MCG and you walk around the other side of the ground - either direction will be fine and about the same distance.
There is also the free city circle trams in Melbourne, which you can see outlined on this map.
Click image to enlarge
Technically the free area doesn't extend to the MCG, so you may need a ticket.
From the city to the MCG - Walking
There is also a dedicated walk and bike path through Birrarung Marr park which is nice, and leads almost directly to our MCG entrance. So likely if the weather is nice a considerable number of us will use this option. It's about a 20 minute walk to Flinders St Station from the MCG.
Click image to enlarge
Pre-Conference Training
If you are enrolled for Pre-Conference training modules on 14-15 October, the training will be at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne.
- Address: 131 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
- Southern Cross Station located on Spencer Street.
- From Southern Cross Station, you take the free tram down Bourke Street and get off at the Russell Street stop, which is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
- Parliament Station is the nearest metro train station.
- To get from the station to the hotel, take the Lonsdale Street exit. Once out of the station, turn left and walk down Lonsdale Street for one and a half blocks. The hotel is located to your left. You may also catch a city loop train to Parliament Station and then follow the directions to the hotel.
Click image to enlarge
Melbourne Hotels
Conference Organiser Hotel and Discounts
The conference organisers have booked rooms at the Vibe Hotel Melbourne. You can search for the exact dates, or book online with a 20% discount.
Address is : 1 Queen Street, but it's technically on the corner of Queen and Flinders St.
This hotel has a restaurant and rooftop bar, so it's likely if you're looking for us outside conference hours, we could be getting breakfast or relaxing afterwards.
Other Hotel Options
If the Vibe isn't in your budget, or you're looking for something a bit more interesting, here are some options : ( all prices are per night, and are estimates around the time we looked and have probably changed since then )
Splash Out
Pullman Melbourne on the Park ~ $350 Recently refurbished, great location, and very nice hotel to stay in.Richmond Artsy Option
The Motley Hotel Richmond ~ $240 Has a restaurant and bar.
River Side along Flinders St
DoubleTree Hilton ~ $235 Restaurant and bar - breakfast. No airport shuttle.
Punthill apartments ~ $227 Nice if you're after an apartment style accommodation.
Rendezvous ~ $208 Seems like it does a big trade in weddings, so would be a nice romantic option. Has a bar to 10:30 and restaurant.
Stay over the river on Southbank
Mantra ~ $220 Breakfast Bar to 10pm
Oaks Southbank ~ $165 Could be cheaper for 2 bedroom if shared.
Adina - Apartments ~ $225 Cafe - 8pm
Holiday Inn ~ $165 Bar and Restaurant - till late
Support Options
If you'd like to have someone to travel to/from with, or are unsure about locations, or need any sort of assistance then contact any of the organisers directly on our Slack channel and we will organise to meet up with you, wherever you are and help you out.