How to get to the Royal Exhibition Building
The venue is located just north of Melbourne’s CBD, next to the Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens and is easily accessible by car, tram, bus and train. Visitors can only enter the Show via the Nicholson Street entry of the Royal Exhibition Building.
There are major tram improvement works scheduled from 10pm on Friday 31 August until Sunday 16 September on Nicholson Street. During this time Nicholson Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic, between Victoria Parade and Rose Street, Fitzroy.
Please note the Johnston and Nicholson Street intersection will also be closed from 12.01am on Saturday 8 September to 5am Wednesday 12 September.
Please ensure you allow more time to get to the venue as delays could be expected. We also strongly recommend you pre-book your parking at one of the locations below as you will save time and money with some deals we have negotiated and ensure you’re not driving around town looking for a park!
For detailed information on these works and closures and the best options to navigate your way to the show please CLICK HERE
By Car
Located under Melbourne Museum, undercover parking is open 7 days a week from 6.00am to midnight daily. During the weekend of the show you can only enter the car park under Melbourne Museum via the Rathdowne Street entry as Nicholson Street will be closed due to tram works. We recommend you arrive early if you are to secure a car park in the Museum car park under the venue.
Venue Car Parking Rates (under Museum)
Weekday Rates (daily max of $43)
| 0-1 hrs: $13 | 1-2 hrs: $23 | 2-3 hrs: $28 | 3-4 hrs: $33 | 4-5 hrs: $38 | 5-6 hrs: $43 |
Early bird Monday – Friday: Enter before 9.30am, exit after 2.30pm: $17
Night Rate: Flat rate after 4.00pm: $7
Weekend Rate: Flat rate per day: $17
Museum Members
Monday – Friday: 0-2 hrs $11 | 2+ hrs $16
Weekend: 0-2 hrs $9 | 2+ hrs $11
Night: enter after 4.00pm $5
Car Parks Nearby
Secure Parking
We have partnered with Secure Parking to offer our customers a discounted $7 weekend parking at 59 Lonsdale Street Car Park.
Prebook your parking now. At the end of your booking process, enter promo code: CATLOVE18. Parking must be booked online and paid for at least 30 mins BEFORE arriving at the car park.
Wilson Car Park (90 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne)
Monday – Friday Early Bird $17 (enter before 9.30am, exit after 2.30pm)
| 0-1 hr: $20 | 1-2 hrs: $41 | 2-3 hrs: $60 | 3-4 hrs: $69 | 4+ hrs: $73 |
Wilson Car Park (410 Albert Street, East Melbourne)
Monday – Friday Early Bird $17 (enter before 10.00am, exit after 3.00pm)
| 0-1 hr: $18 | 1-2: hrs: $39 | 2-3 hrs: $56 | 3-4 hrs: $63 | 5+ hrs: $72 |
Lygon Street Car Park (204-218 Lygon St, Carlton)
Friday Early Bird $13 (entry before 9.15am & exit between 3pm & 6pm) with max day rate of $18.
Other Car Parks in the Area
- Secure Parking – ACU, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Secure Parking – 59 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- JM Carparks – 148 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Wilson Parking – 150 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Wilson Parking – 222 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Secure Parking – Southern Cross Tower, 121 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Eastern Precinct Car Park – 379 Cardigan St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Greenco Parking – 23 Victoria St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- CBDpark – 58 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000
By Public Transport
Please see details below and we recommend you also visit the Public Transport Victoria for the most up-to-date information on transport advice on the day. You can also plan your trip using the Journey Planner.
Public Transport Options:
- Tram route 86 or tram route 96 to corner of Nicholson and Gertrude Streets
- Free City Circle Tram to Victoria Parade
- City loop train to Parliament Station
- Bus routes 250, 251 and 402 to Rathdowne Street
- Stop #5 of the Melbourne Visitor Shuttle
- Making a trip to the city? Take a V/Line train
Bicycle
Local bicycle facilities include bike lanes on Rathdowne St and Canning St. There is also a shared pedestrian/bike path on Nicholson St. Bicycle racks on the Plaza provide ample bike parking just outside the front door.
Disability Access
Designated disabled parking is available on level P2 adjacent to the lifts within the undercover Melbourne Museum car park. There is wheelchair access to the venue.