Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

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How Do You Spend 24 Hours in Melbourne?

By Bree Pagliuso|

What to do in a city that has it all? In a city bursting with experiences, it can be tough to decide, so we created a list of must-dos so you can make the most of your brief visit, tailored perfectly for your conference arrival in Melbourne.

7:00 am

Arrive at Melbourne Airport and take a quick ride to MCEC.

If you're anything like us, you need your first coffee hit as soon as you land...But first, drop your bags at one of our nearby hotels — all offering memorable stays and all within walking distance. See for yourself!

Can't check in yet? Leave your bags at our cloakroom. Simply visit our Customer Service team at Convention Centre Place, and our friendly staff will happily lighten your load.

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8:00 am

Head out to find the perfect coffee spot. Melbourne boasts a vibrant coffee scene, with notable coffee shops on every corner.

While sipping, explore the vibrant street art scene with colourful and culturally inspired murals decorating our laneways.

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Take your pick of breakfast hot spots
9:00 am

Enjoy breakfast at one of our smashed avo hotspots: Hardware Societe , a cafe born in the laneways of Melbourne with a mission to redefine breakfast & brunch, or Higher Ground , housed in a heritage-listed powerhouse in Melbourne's CBD heart.

10:00 am

Head back to your conference at MCEC; why not grab your second coffee from Goldfield's Café, housing locally founded and supplied Padre coffee beans ?

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Lunchtime

Nestled in the heart of the bustling South Wharf precinct, our venue is surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants, each showcasing culinary delights from across the globe. Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere for work, play, dining, and drinks, all conveniently located right at our doorstep.

1:00 pm

We know most of you need to head back to your conference , but for those needing to disconnect, why not take a moment to relax in one of our many quiet areas? Whether it's the courtyard at MCEC or the green spaces by the exhibition, there are plenty of spots to recharge.

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Art in the afternoon

Head over to THE LUME Melbourne for the latest experience, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, presented by Webuild. Prepare to step inside the world's most famous works of art as Mona Lisa and The Last Supper come to life on THE LUME's colossal canvas.

Or

Visit BBC Earth Experience for an immersive exhibition that combines state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and breathtaking footage from BBC Studios Seven Worlds, One Planet on an unrivalled scale.

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Make food the centre of your night
6:00 pm

With so many food options in Melbourne, it's tough to choose. Luckily, our MCEC chefs have some top picks for you:

Kisumé : Japanese

Choose your own adventure at Kisumé, with three levels of Japanese dining, including sushi and Chablis bars.

Maha : Middle Eastern

Enjoy deliciously bold Middle Eastern flavours made for sharing and long dinners.

Rockpool : Contemporary Australian

A grand institution in Melbourne serving premium steaks and seafood.

Chin Chin Melbourne : Modern Asian

Don't be swayed by the long line; it moves fast! This staple hotspot serves delicious modern Asian dishes in a lively, completely authentic Melbourne vibe.

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8:00 pm onwards

Unwind at unique late-night spots like Music Room at Her Bar and Waxflower , bringing a different vibe to the evening. Head to Gin Palace , a cozy bar specialising in gin cocktails or head over to Arbory Bar & Eatery , offering a unique view of the city from its historic location along the CBD train line.

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Take in the city by nightlight

Now that you've satisfied your appetite, it’s time to enjoy our city by night. Our CBD is dotted with incredible infrastructure from the Home of the Immigration Museum, which began its construction in 1876, to The Gothic Bank on 380 Collins Street. Walk on the banks of the Yarra River and on the edge of Melbourne's central business district to our expansive, iconic, state-of-the-art venue designed by Denton Corker Marshall.

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The following morning
6:00 am

Get your workout in, Melbourne style! Stay fit by taking a walk around our dynamic cityscape or if hitting the gym is more your speed, don't worry—many of our partner hotels offer top of the range fitness facilities including heated pools!

7:00 am

Before bidding farewell to Melbourne , seize the opportunity to soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere one last time before heading back to Melbourne airport.

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Are you visiting MCEC? Roam our spaces and navigate our iconic venue before you arrive or check out our latest and upcoming events on our What's On page .