Things to do

Melbourne is known for its vibrant cultural scene, food and coffee culture, and access to green spaces and major attractions. The conference venue is located within walking distance of many iconic Melbourne experiences.

Near the Conference Venue (East Melbourne)

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

For those with additional time in Melbourne, a behind‑the‑scenes visit to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a popular experience. Guided tours provide access to areas such as the MCC Long Room, player change rooms, media facilities, and a walk along the boundary line of the famous stadium. Visitors can learn about the MCG’s role in Australia’s sporting history and its significance as a major international events venue. The experience can also be combined with a visit to the Australian Sports Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and sporting memorabilia.

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Australian Sports Museum

For delegates interested in Australian sport and culture, the Australian Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground offers a series of interactive galleries showcasing the nation’s sporting stories. The galleries explore iconic moments, legendary athletes, and major sporting events across cricket, AFL, Olympic and Paralympic sports, and more. Visitors can engage with hands‑on exhibits, multimedia displays and historical artefacts that highlight the impact of sport on Australian society. The museum is located within the MCG and can be visited independently during opening hours.

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Fitzroy Gardens

Looking to enjoy some quiet time outdoors, Fitzroy Gardens offer a peaceful retreat on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD. These historic gardens feature tree‑lined avenues, ornamental flower beds, fountains, and a variety of heritage features set within beautifully maintained grounds. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed stroll, take a break between sessions, or explore notable landmarks such as the Conservatory and Captain Cook’s Cottage. Fitzroy Gardens are easily accessible and ideal for those seeking a calm contrast to the city’s busy conference precinct.

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Treasury and Parliament Gardens

If you arer seeking a tranquil escape close to the city, Treasury Gardens provide a peaceful green space on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, near Parliament House. These heritage‑listed gardens feature sweeping lawns, tree‑lined avenues, ornamental lakes, and a variety of memorials set within beautifully landscaped grounds. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed stroll, a quiet break between sessions, or an informal picnic surrounded by mature trees. Treasury Gardens are easily accessible and offer a calm contrast to the surrounding government and business precincts.

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CBD & Cultural Precincts

Federation Square

For delegates wanting to experience Melbourne’s cultural heart, Federation Square is a lively public space located opposite Flinders Street Station and along the Yarra River. The square is home to major cultural attractions including ACMI, the Koorie Heritage Trust and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, as well as a range of cafés, bars and restaurants. Federation Square regularly hosts public events, exhibitions, and screenings, making it a vibrant place to visit at any time of day. It’s an ideal spot to explore Melbourne’s arts, culture and city atmosphere in one central location.

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Melbourne’s laneways

Keen to explore Melbourne’s creative side, the city’s laneways offer a vibrant mix of street art, boutique shopping, cafés and hidden bars. These narrow streets showcase Melbourne’s renowned café culture and evolving public art scene, with ever‑changing murals and installations around every corner. Wandering through the laneways provides a great way to experience the city’s character, creativity and local flavour at street level. Popular laneway precincts are located throughout the CBD and are easily explored on foot.

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National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

If you are interested in art and culture, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is one of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural institutions. Spread across two sites—NGV International on St Kilda Road and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square—the gallery presents a wide range of Australian, Indigenous and international art. Visitors can explore permanent collections, temporary exhibitions and public programs across a variety of artistic disciplines. With free entry to the main galleries and a central city location, the NGV is an easy place to visit during time in Melbourne.

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Southbank & Arts Precinct

Interested in performing arts and cultural experiences, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is one of the city’s most significant creative districts, located along the Yarra River and St Kilda Road. The precinct is home to major cultural institutions including Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, and hosts a wide range of performances, exhibitions and public events throughout the year. Visitors can explore theatres, galleries and surrounding public spaces, all within walking distance of the CBD and Southbank. Ongoing development in the precinct continues to enhance its role as a vibrant cultural destination.

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Day Trips & Extended Stays

St Kilda Beach and Pier

For delegates looking to enjoy Melbourne’s bayside atmosphere, a visit to St Kilda Pier and Breakwater offers scenic coastal views and a relaxed seaside experience. The historic pier extends into Port Phillip Bay and is a popular spot for strolling, photography, fishing, and watching boats come and go. The breakwater is also home to a well‑known colony of little penguins, which can sometimes be seen returning to their nests around dusk. Easily accessible by public transport, St Kilda Pier makes for an enjoyable and informal day trip from the city.

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Yarra Valley wine region

For delegates looking to explore beyond the city, the Yarra Valley is a popular destination known for its wineries, cellar doors, and picturesque countryside. Located just over an hour from Melbourne, the region is home to a wide range of vineyards offering wine tastings, long lunches, and scenic views of rolling hills and vineyards. Many wineries specialise in cool‑climate wines and also feature restaurants showcasing local produce. The Yarra Valley can be visited independently or as part of a guided day tour, making it an easy and rewarding day trip from Melbourne.

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Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Interested in a memorable wildlife experience, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one of Victoria’s most well‑known natural attractions. Located around 90 minutes from Melbourne, the parade allows visitors to watch little penguins return from the ocean to their nests at sunset in a protected coastal setting. Purpose‑built viewing areas and boardwalks provide opportunities to observe the penguins while supporting conservation efforts. Phillip Island also offers scenic coastal landscapes and can be visited independently or as part of an organised day tour from Melbourne.

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Dandenong Ranges

Seeking nature, scenery and a slower pace, the Dandenong Ranges offer a refreshing escape within easy reach of Melbourne. Located less than an hour from the city, the region is known for its lush rainforests, walking trails, lookout points and charming villages. Visitors can explore gardens, enjoy short bushwalks, browse local cafés and artisan shops, or simply take in the area’s cool‑climate landscapes. The Dandenong Ranges are well suited to a relaxed half‑day or full‑day trip, either independently or as part of a guided tour.

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