Plan your visit
Welcome to MCEC, Melbourne’s home of unconventional events.
Set on the picturesque Yarra River/Birrarung, our venue is the perfect place to share ideas, celebrate and experience epic entertainment in the heart of the city. We have all the info you need for a seamless experience. Everything from pre-arrival and what you can do during your visit to the moment you leave. Come on in.
Getting to MCEC
Whether you’re getting dropped off or heading over on public transport, access to our two main entrances is easy.
If your event is at the Exhibition Centre, head to our Clarendon Street entrance.
Otherwise, if you’re coming to the Convention Centre, the entrance at Convention Centre Place is best. It’s next to Pan Pacific Melbourne and DFO South Wharf.
If you’re driving in, we’ve got plenty of car parking options nearby. Read on for all you need to know for making your way here.
Getting to MCEC
Whether you’re getting dropped off or heading over on public transport, access to our two main entrances is easy.
If your event is at the Exhibition Centre, head to our Clarendon Street entrance.
Otherwise, if you’re coming to the Convention Centre, the entrance at Convention Centre Place is best. It’s next to Pan Pacific Melbourne and DFO South Wharf.
If you’re driving in, we’ve got plenty of car parking options nearby. Read on for all you need to know for making your way here.
Parking at the venue
Wilson Parking operates a secure underground car park at the Exhibition Centre that offers a range of flexible rates. Book online before you visit to ensure you’re guaranteed a great spot.
Book a car spot online at Wilson Parking
Car parks near by
There is an abundance of convenient secure car parking available around MCEC.
Nearby we have:
Our closest station is Southern Cross. Once you exit the station, you can catch the 96, 109 or 12 tram routes down Spencer Street and arrive at our Clarendon Street entrance in just a few stops.
For train timetables or further trip planning, use Public Transport Victoria’s Journey Planner.
Tram routes 96, 109 and 12 will all take you directly to our Clarendon Street entrance (Stop 124A Casino/MCEC).
Otherwise, tram routes 70, 75 and the City Circle can drop you off at Stop 1 Spencer St/Flinders St. From there, it’s just a short walk up Clarendon Street until you reach us.
For tram timetables or further trip planning, use Public Transport Victoria’s Journey Planner.
From Monday to Friday, bus route 237 goes via Southern Cross Station to Eighteen Pence Lane stop on Lorimer Street, which is roughly a six-minute walk to MCEC.
For bus timetables or further trip planning, use Public Transport Victoria’s Journey Planner.
Various bike parking facilities are available in the City of Melbourne/Narrm , with more than 2700 bicycle hoops on streets across the city.
For access to Melbourne Exhibition Centre, there are bike hoops located on S Wharf Promenade at the Clarendon St entrance.
For access to Melbourne Convention Centre, there are bike hoops located along Convention Centre Place outside Wilson Parking South Wharf.
For more information on bicycle parking around Melbourne visit the City of Melbourne/Narrm site.
We have a nearby taxi rank outside our venue on Convention Centre Place by the Novotel Melbourne South Wharf hotel entrance.
When you arrive from Melbourne Airport (also known as Tullamarine Airport), you have three options. You can catch a taxi from outside your terminal or request a rideshare by following the signs outside your terminal to the pick-up zones.
You can also get the Skybus, which has a service called the Southbank Docklands Express that stops at our Clarendon Street entrance.
Information for visitors
Plan an unforgettable stay in Melbourne/Narrm, just steps away from MCEC
We've partnered with our local hotels to give you the best options and rates during your event right in the heart of Melbourne/Narrm.
With discounted rates on over 10,000 rooms, enjoy enticing amenities like outdoor heated pools, fitness centres, stylish rooftop bars, breathtaking panoramic views, and much more.
Exclusive offers
Additional accommodation options
Did you know we are Australia's only convention and exhibition centre with onsite accommodation? To get specific details and rates, please get in touch with the hotels directly using the contact information below.
Pan Pacific Hotel South Wharf: +61 3 9027 2000 (Connected directly to MCEC via Melbourne Convention Centre, Level 1)
Novotel South Wharf: +61 3 9058 0444 (Connected directly to MCEC via Melbourne Exhibition Centre)
Information for visitors
Plan an unforgettable stay in Melbourne/Narrm, just steps away from MCEC
We've partnered with our local hotels to give you the best options and rates during your event right in the heart of Melbourne/Narrm.
With discounted rates on over 10,000 rooms, enjoy enticing amenities like outdoor heated pools, fitness centres, stylish rooftop bars, breathtaking panoramic views, and much more.
Exclusive offers
Additional accommodation options
Did you know we are Australia's only convention and exhibition centre with onsite accommodation? To get specific details and rates, please get in touch with the hotels directly using the contact information below.
Pan Pacific Hotel South Wharf: +61 3 9027 2000 (Connected directly to MCEC via Melbourne Convention Centre, Level 1)
Novotel South Wharf: +61 3 9058 0444 (Connected directly to MCEC via Melbourne Exhibition Centre)
The venue has many accessible features. When you arrive at MCEC please see our Customer Service team if you have any queries or require assistance.
Vision impairment
Braille is provided on all room door signage and fixed directional signage throughout the venue. MCEC is guide dog friendly and welcomes any registered assistance dogs into all areas of the building.
Assisted hearing
Most meeting rooms within the Convention Centre are equipped with TTA Hearing Assisted telephones and hearing assisted devices available to hire free of charge. To book, call our Customer Service team on +61 3 9235 8000 or email enquiries@mcec.com.au .
Wheelchair access and hire
There are accessible toilets, ramps and lifts throughout our venue, including lift access from the car parks.
We have a limited number of wheelchairs that can be loaned to you for the day on a first-come, first-served basis. We also have a wider wheelchair available if required.
If you’d like to hire a wheelchair, call our Customer Service team on +61 3 9235 8000 or email us at enquiries@mcec.com.au .
Assistance animals
Assistance animals are permitted inside our venue. Due to limited space between seating rows, booking a wheelchair bay with a carer seat may provide more comfort for both patron and animal.
Wide and accessible seating
Please contact the authorised ticketing agent to arrange an accessible seat. Please do this before the event, as it may not be possible to arrange on the day.
We can provide wider seats for use. In the theatres these are placed in the accessible wheelchair spaces. Please contact the Customer Service team when you arrive on site to arrange.
Charging stations
Power on with work or finish off that assignment at one of our many conveniently located charging stations throughout the venue. You’ll find them at Shed Café, Plenary Café, Goldfields Café + Bar, as well as behind both the Sovereign Room staircase and Door 17 staircase.
Wi-Fi
Free WiFi is available throughout the venue using the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre free WiFi. Some events also have a dedicated premium WiFi network. If this is the case, the organiser of the event will provide you with the network name and password.
Parent rooms
Our Parent Rooms offer a comfortable and private space for parents and children. Located in both the Convention and Exhibition Centres, these feature everything you need to change or feed in privacy and comfort.
Prayer room
You can find prayer rooms located in Melbourne Convention Centre.
Cloak room
Looking for somewhere to store your coat, pram or luggage? Visit our Customer Service desk at either the Convention Centre Place and our friendly staff will happily lighten your load.
Cash-free venue
MCEC now operates as an entirely cash-free venue, we kindly ask visitors to exclusively use electronic payment. ATMs are located on the concourse of Melbourne Exhibition Centre near Door 4.
The use of cameras, video recording or live streaming devices is strictly controlled within the venue and restrictions vary from event to event.
There will be signage and our Customer Service team will inform you if there is a total ban on cameras.
Generally, posting to social media is permitted and, on most occasions, encouraged.
If the event you are attending has specific restrictions, there will be signage and our Customer Service team will inform you.
As a general rule
Only small cameras for personal use are accepted
A professional camera is anything with a lens 35 mm or over. The use of professional cameras must be approved on all occasions. Cameras that look like SLR cameras may also be prohibited.
In the Plenary and Goldfields Theatre the use of flash is prohibited
The recording of live performances is generally prohibited.
If you are planning to film in or around the venue, you must get approval. Please complete this form for approval.
What's on
Eat and drink
Feeling peckish between sessions? We have plenty of refreshment options throughout the venue. Our cash-free cafes and bars serve up fresh snacks and meals made in-house. We use premium ingredients sourced locally where possible. Please note, café opening hours vary depending on events so feel free to reach out to customer service team to check when we're open.
Eat and drink
Feeling peckish between sessions? We have plenty of refreshment options throughout the venue. Our cash-free cafes and bars serve up fresh snacks and meals made in-house. We use premium ingredients sourced locally where possible. Please note, café opening hours vary depending on events so feel free to reach out to customer service team to check when we're open.
Exhibition Centre Doors 11-21
A stylish oasis to refuel and recharge whether you're meeting people or after some quiet time. Comfortable and welcoming with coffee, pastries, all-day dining and wine by the glass.
Exhibition Centre Doors 1-10
The ideal spot for a quick coffee and cake. Grab on your way in through the Exhibition Centre entrance or sit and enjoy the view over the Yarra River/Birrarung. Treat yourself to a house-made pastry, fresh salad or sandwich.
Convention Centre
A trendy café bringing pleasure to business, where you can stop by for an energy boost to go or relax between meetings. An ideal place to sip coffee and fire off emails mid-conference with home-made jaffles, toasties, salads and wraps.
Experience Melbourne
Attending an event at MCEC? We're in a great location! Set among the lively South Wharf precinct, we're a destination hotspot. Enjoy a promenade of outlet shopping, trendy bars and restaurants, heritage sights and accommodation on our doorstep. With endless entertainment options and activities, you'll never run out of things to do between sessions.
Experience Melbourne
Attending an event at MCEC? We're in a great location! Set among the lively South Wharf precinct, we're a destination hotspot. Enjoy a promenade of outlet shopping, trendy bars and restaurants, heritage sights and accommodation on our doorstep. With endless entertainment options and activities, you'll never run out of things to do between sessions.
Experience the best of Melbourne's South Wharf, a lively precinct with a rich maritime history, scenic riverside strolls, and fantastic dining.
If you're attending an event at MCEC, you'll never have to worry about going hungry. Our venue is in the heart of South Wharf, surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.
Many eateries are housed in historic cargo sheds that trace their roots back to the 1870s, meticulously restored to their 1920s grandeur. It's the ideal location to marvel at the 1885 Polly Woodside three-masted ship and enjoy the sights of morning rowers and evening gondoliers.
Looking for an activity before or after your event? Visit THE LUME Melbourne for an immersive art experience. Explore the planet's diversity on the most epic scale at the BBC Earth Experience or enjoy a tasty meal at Goldfields Café + Bar, conveniently located onsite.
DFO South Wharf is the ultimate shopping destination in the city, and it’s right next door.
The outlet centre features over 180 top Australian and international brands with discounts of up to 70% off.
Shop at high-end retailers like Armani, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors or find mid-range fashion, kids, outdoor and active outlets under one roof.
The shopping centre boasts free Wi-Fi, a sprawling food court, a playground and a Homemaker Hub on Level 1, which features over a dozen large homeware stores.
DFO South Wharf is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Fridays.
Visitors can take advantage of ample parking at a 50% discount while shopping. It's the ideal one-stop-shop for all your fashion needs.
Explore more at south-wharf.dfo.com.au
As Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne/Narrm is known as the cultural epicentre of Australia. It boasts flourishing arts and renowned galleries, stylish shopping and a lively foodie scene with the best coffee culture in the world. Trust us – come hungry.
Our city has a packed program of exciting events year-round. Check out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for world-class laughs. It’s also a global sports hub, home to Australian Rules Football, the Spring Racing Carnival, the Australian Open and F1 Grand Prix.
The natural beauty of our pristine beaches and Royal Botanic Gardens is just a tram ride away. And if you want to travel further out, you can.
Melbourne/Narrm is the gateway to our wonderful state of Victoria, with new inspiration around every corner. From sweeping coastlines, national parks and lush forests to wineries, lakes and mountains offering skiing, climbing and hiking, you’ll be spoiled for things to do.
Venture out along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road or visit the Yarra Valley for some of the best wine in the world. With so many great options for places to visit and stay, Melbourne has it all.
Explore more at visitvictoria.com
FAQs
What do I do if I have a ticketing issue prior to the event?
We suggest contacting the authorised ticketing agent prior to the event. MCEC does not handle the management of tickets to shows, concerts and events at the venue. All ticket queries should be directed to the authorised ticketing agent.
What do I do if I have a ticketing issue whilst attending an event at MCEC?
Visit one of our Customer Service desks within the venue and our team will help direct you to the Box Office of the authorised ticketing agent.
How do I make a complaint about the event or performance?
As a venue, we do not manage or produce the events and performances. With this in mind it is best if you directly contact the organiser of the event. If you provide your complaint in writing to us, we will forward it to the organiser of the event.
How do I make a complaint about the venue or facilities?
We value all feedback from patrons attending the venue. Please provide your feedback in writing via enquiries@mcec.com.au and we will respond to you during business hours or call +61 3 9235 8000 .
How can I give feedback of another nature?
Whatever the issue, talk to one of our customer service team on +61 3 9235 8000 , email us at enquiries@mcec.com.au or head to a Customer Service Desk. We want you to have a great time at your event, so please come and see us.
FAQs
What do I do if I have a ticketing issue prior to the event?
We suggest contacting the authorised ticketing agent prior to the event. MCEC does not handle the management of tickets to shows, concerts and events at the venue. All ticket queries should be directed to the authorised ticketing agent.
What do I do if I have a ticketing issue whilst attending an event at MCEC?
Visit one of our Customer Service desks within the venue and our team will help direct you to the Box Office of the authorised ticketing agent.
How do I make a complaint about the event or performance?
As a venue, we do not manage or produce the events and performances. With this in mind it is best if you directly contact the organiser of the event. If you provide your complaint in writing to us, we will forward it to the organiser of the event.
How do I make a complaint about the venue or facilities?
We value all feedback from patrons attending the venue. Please provide your feedback in writing via enquiries@mcec.com.au and we will respond to you during business hours or call +61 3 9235 8000 .
How can I give feedback of another nature?
Whatever the issue, talk to one of our customer service team on +61 3 9235 8000 , email us at enquiries@mcec.com.au or head to a Customer Service Desk. We want you to have a great time at your event, so please come and see us.
We take the safety and security of all our visitors very seriously. When visiting MCEC, please ensure you allow additional time to pass through our enhanced security checks prior to your event start time.
Our Security and Customer Service team are there for your safety. Please cooperate fully with all security checks and support these vital members of our team as they carry out important work to keep us all safe and sound.
Will there be bag checks and security screening?
Security screening may be a condition of entry to certain events. This may include bag inspections and/or electronic scanning. For these events, unsealed bottles cannot be brought into the venue. Food and beverage will be available after the security check.
How should I prepare for security screening?
Preparing for security screening is simple.
Finish any drinks before you enter the venue, as you are not allowed to take open bottles in with you.
Have your bag open ready for inspection.
Simply pass through the screening.
For some events security wanding may be required. If so, take your phone, camera and any large metal objects out of your pockets and place them in the trays provided (there is no need to remove belts or shoes).
Enjoy the show.
What is your bag policy?
We do not allow large bags into Plenary and Goldfields Theatre, but you will be permitted to take small bags and handbags in with you. We classify small bags as no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm (or standard handbags).
If you have to bring a large bag you can store it at one of our cloakrooms. Cloak rooms close 30 minutes after the end of the event. We will not hold your items overnight, so you must pick them up before the facility closes.
Do you allow pass outs?
Some events do not permit pass outs once you enter the secure area. If this is the case, there will be signage at the security checkpoint before you enter.
Do you have CCTV?
Yes, areas of the venue have monitored CCTV.
What else do you do to ensure we are safe?
There are security measures you can see, and of course, ones that you can’t see. We monitor the entire site daily and our staff are trained to ensure that all guests have a safe, secure and happy time. We work closely with the police and security services to ensure our security procedures are up to date and follow best practice.
Lost property
All items found or handed in are kept safe and logged by our security team.
If you believe you have lost property at the centre, please call on +61 3 9235 8000 , email us at enquiries@mcec.com.au , or head to a Customer Service Desk.
As a venue, we do not handle the management of tickets to shows, concerts and events and unfortunately cannot help with ticketing enquires.
If you are having issues or enquiries about:
The purchase of tickets
Seating maps
Tickets not printing
Misplaced tickets
Refunds
Companion Cards
Contact the authorised ticket issuer from where you purchased your tickets.
I have heard about an event at the MCEC but cannot find any details?
If the event is not on our website, it may mean that the event is yet to be formally confirmed, the event organiser does not wish to list their event on the MCEC website, or the event organiser is in the process of listing it on the website.
Can you provide me with a seating map and advice on the best available seats?
The configuration of spaces changes from event to event. You will need to contact the authorised ticketing agent for specific details and seating plans. Our Customer Service team cannot provide advice on seating plans.
Where is the box office situated?
We do not have a permanent Box Office. The location of the temporary Box Office will vary between events and will only be open on the day of the event, usually an hour prior to the start time. When you arrive at the venue one of our Customer Service team will be able to direct you to the Box Office.
The Box Office will only be able to assist patrons who have purchased tickets via the authorised ticket seller.
How can I check if the ticket seller is authorised?
If the event is listed on the MCEC website, a link to the authorised ticket seller will be provided.
Can I buy tickets from resellers?
If you attend an event with a ticket purchased via an unauthorised seller you may be refused entry to the event. The Box Office will not be able to assist with any ticket issues arising from tickets purchased via a reseller.
Do I need to print a ticket?
We recommend you check with the authorised ticket seller as many accept digital tickets on a mobile phone. For digital tickets, please have your screen brightness set to the highest level and have your phone ready before you get to the door.