TRANSPORT AND ACCESS
International Air Access - Melbourne International Airport
Melbourne International Airport is Australia’s second busiest airport. It is located 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) north west of the city centre and takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes travel time to the city centre and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre via the City Link Expressway. There is only one traffic light between the airport and the new Convention Centre.
Melbourne Airport, currently ranked 5th Best in the World, is Australia’s only major airport combining domestic and international passenger services under the one roof.
International Carriers
Melbourne Airport is served by over 22 international Airlines. These airlines and their networks can get you virtually anywhere in the world.
Low Cost International Carriers
There are a number of low cost carriers such as Jetstar (a Qantas subsidiary) and Tiger Airways (a Singapore subsidiary) that operate international flights to Melbourne from South East Asia, China, Japan, New Zealand and Pacific regions all offering delegates highly competitive fares. AirAsia also operates a direct Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur flight. Virgin Blue Airlines has also received approval to operate return non-stop services between Australia and the United States commencing late 2008. The new airline named "V Australia" will bring competitive airfares and a new style of service to the Trans Pacific market.
Towards 2010
Australia’s national carrier Qantas, having recently purchased the A380, will make aviation history by flying the longest 500 passenger service in the world. Direct and non-stop flights into Melbourne will continue to be a growth feature of airlines flying into Australia.
Convention Services at Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport has a dedicated ‘Meeting Point’ office and lounge area that enables organisers to both ‘meet and greet’ and efficiently transfer their delegates to the conference venue.
Access from Melbourne International Airport to the Central Business District
Melbourne Airport is linked to the city by City Link – a $1.8 billion road network which greatly enhances the ability to move large groups around Melbourne in a short period of time.
Airport Buses
Skybus airport buses run between the city and Melbourne Airport 24 hours, 7 days. The cost is AUD$16 one way or AUD$26 return.
Flight Times to Melbourne
The following table shows travel time and number of stops from major international cities to Melbourne.
Domestic Access
Melbourne is also well connected to other major cities around Australia by interstate rail, coach and ferry (Tasmania only). Major highways also connect key cities around Australia. Melbourne is located within the centre of Australia’s population base making it easily accessible and affordable for the vast majority of Australia’s 20 million people.
Domestic Air Access
Melbourne Airport offers over 390 flights every day to and from major cities and regional areas around Australia. Five domestic airlines operate at Melbourne Airport, including QANTAS, Regional Express and low-cost carriers Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways.
Melbourne’s Public Transport System
Melbourne has an excellent transportation infrastructure that is well able to accommodate a large Congress. Melbourne's public transport system is unique within Australia, incorporating trams, trains and buses. The Metlink ticketing system allows multiple journeys on one ticket using the complete Metlink transport network, guaranteeing ease of access around the city. Much of the tram and rail fleet has been upgraded over recent years.
Southern Cross Station
The redeveloped Southern Cross Station is a distinctive landmark and a world-class transport facility. Located in the CBD and within walking distance of the MCEC, it provides delegates and visitors a clean, safe and efficient arrival point into Melbourne within minutes of the venue.
Free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle
The Melbourne Tourist Shuttle is a great new way to see Melbourne’s attractions and it’s free. This hop on/hop off bus runs between 10am and 4pm daily and stops at all key city destinations.
Free City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram Loop is an innovative way to explore Melbourne. This free transit service provides a convenient connection to Melbourne’s central tourist attractions, retail /entertainment outlets, major city hotels and congress venues.
Melbourne: Green City
Melbourne is also recognised as a great walking city. Much of its range of accommodation stock is within a 5-15 minute walk from the city centre, making access easy. Melbourne’s grid system, wide tree lined boulevards and freeway system help minimize congestion.
Transportation to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
The city location of the MCEC provides organisers, delegates and visitors the choice of either a short walk or a five minute tram ride from city hotels to the Centre. Melbourne’s integrated public transport system has pick up points surrounding the Centre, with tram stops directly outside the main entrance. Southern Cross Station is within easy walking distance, two taxi ranks are located on site and water taxis operate along the Yarra River, connecting the Centre to Melbourne’s iconic special event venues, lifestyle precincts and tourist attractions.
Melbourne - A Great Cycling City
Melbourne is a great cycling city - please refer to www.bv.com.au for suggested popular riding routes in Melbourne and Victoria.
Bike Hire - Renta Bike @ Federation Square has everything you need to discover Melbourne at your own pace. They are open seven days a week, weather permitting, from 10am to 5pm.
Phone the shop during office hours on +61 3 9654 2762 or visit www.rentabike.net.au
