2026 Early Childhood Australia (ECA) National Conference

Planning your travel? We've got all the options covered.

For events at the Exhibition Centre, head to our Clarendon Street entrance. If you're heading to the Convention Centre, make your way to Convention Centre Place, between Pan Pacific Melbourne and DFO South Wharf.

Wilson Parking offers flexible rates and secure underground parking at the Exhibition Centre.

It also has accessible parking with lift access up to Door 1, 6 and 10 in the Exhibition Centre.

Book online to secure your spot at Wilson Parking .

Additional parking is available at South Wharf Retail car park , Siddeley St car park , Freeway car park or Montague Street car park .

See the car park locations below:

Southern Cross Station is closest. Take tram routes 96, 109, or 12 to stop 124A Casino/MCEC/Clarendon Street outside our Clarendon Street entrance or walk 10 mins to reach our venue.

All metropolitan trains are wheelchair accessible and have allocated spaces for passengers using mobility aids.

Tram routes 96, 109, and 12 will take you to stop 124A Casino/MCEC/Clarendon Street which is outside our Clarendon Street entrance.

Routes 70, 75, and the City Circle will take you to Stop 1 Spencer St/Flinders St, then you will need to make your way down Clarendon Street, generally a 5 minute walk.

Trams on routes 96 and 109 are usually low floor. To find out if the next tram at your stop will be a low-floor tram, look for the wheelchair symbol on tramTRACKER® . Low-floor trams have allocated spaces for passengers using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Bus route 237 from Southern Cross Station stops at Eighteen Pence Lane/Lorimer Street, a short 10 minute walk from our Convention Centre Place entrance.

Bike hoops are available at South Wharf Promenade (Exhibition Centre) and Convention Centre Place (Convention Centre). With over 2700 bicycle hoops scattered across the city, it's a convenient way to travel to our venue.

Find a taxi rank/rideshare drop-off pick-up point just outside the Convention Centre Place entrance.

Grab a taxi or rideshare from your terminal and get dropped off at the Convention Centre Place entrance.

Or take the Skybus to Southern Cross Station, then transfer to the tram or walk 10 minutes to our Clarendon Street entrance.

We are continually working to create a more inclusive event experience for all our visitors.

Assistance animals

We welcome assistance animals inside our venue. To provide comfort for both patron and animal, consider booking a wheelchair bay with a carer seat due to limited space between seating rows.

Assisted hearing

Meeting rooms within the Convention Centre are equipped with TTA Hearing Assisted telephones and hearing devices available for hire at no cost. Contact our Customer Service team at +61 3 9235 8000 or email enquiries@mcec.com.au to book.

Vision impairment

Braille is provided on all room door signage and fixed directional signage throughout the venue. MCEC is guide dog friendly, welcoming registered assistance dogs into all areas of the building.

Wheelchair access and hire

Accessible toilets, ramps, and lifts are available throughout our venue.

There is accessible parking at the Exhibition Centre Basement Car Park with lift access up to Door 1, 6 and 10 in Exhibition Centre.

We offer limited wheelchairs for day loans, with wider wheelchairs available if needed.

To arrange wheelchair hire, contact our Customer Service team at +61 3 9235 8000 or email enquiries@mcec.com.au .

Wide and accessible seating

Contact your authorised ticketing agent before the event to arrange an accessible seat, as on-the-day arrangements may not be possible.

In theatres, wider seats are available for use and are typically placed in accessible wheelchair spaces.

Please visit the Customer Service desk on arrival to arrange seating.

Stay close, stay connected. From upscale luxury to boutique charm or the ease of serviced apartments, we’ve got accommodation options to match your style.

Stay onsite at Pacific Melbourne or Novotel Melbourne South Wharf. Keep it local with our precinct hotels just moments from MCEC, or for that city buzz, explore our picks in Melbourne’s lively centre—each offering a unique way to experience the city's vibrant energy.

There’s just something magnetic about this city! As Australia’s beating heart of culture, creativity, and pulse-racing sports, Melbourne is alive with energy and diversity. From globally celebrated festivals to its status as a foodie’s paradise and the undisputed coffee capital, Melbourne’s charisma is undeniable.

Curious to see what all the buzz is about? Let MCEC be your guide through everything this dynamic city has to offer.

Planning your visit to MCEC? Here’s what you need to know.

• MCEC does not handle ticketing; please contact your ticket issuer directly for any ticket-related questions, like purchasing or misplaced tickets.

• Large bags, prams, and suitcases are not allowed in Plenary and Goldfields Theatre; small bags are fine.

• Cloaking services are available for larger items and must be collected within 30 minutes after the event.

• You can bring cold food and drinks, but hot meals and open hot drinks are not allowed.

• MCEC has enhanced security checks, so allow extra time for entry.

• While social media posting is usually encouraged, cameras and recording devices may be restricted—check signage or ask our staff for details.