SOFITEL MELBOURNE

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, our Conference venue is conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne CBD. The Sofitel is easy to access via public transport and onsite car parking is available at the the cost of the attendees. 

Function Rooms

• All talks will be in the Arthur Streeton Auditorium on the first floor. 
• Morning and afternoon tea, lunches, as well as the poster sessions will be held in the Fitzroy Ballroom, also on the first floor.
• The conference dinner on Thursday night will be in the LaTrobe Ballroom. 

See floorplan below

​You can enter the Sofitel from Collins St and then go up to the first floor via stairs or lifts. 

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Where to stay in Melbourne

There are many hotel options located in Melbourne's CBD catering to all budgets and/or conveniently located near the conference venue. A map of where the conference venue is located is provided to assist you in choosing hotels within a close proximity. Below we have provided a non exhaustive list of some nearby hotels of all budget levels:

• ​The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins- The Sofitel on Collins have provided GWPAW attendees with a special conference rate, the direct booking link here: https://www.idem.events/r/swinburne-university-gravitational-wave-physics-and-astronomy-workshop-f80f0416 - Please note the conference rate is only available for 4 to 9 of December. Beyond those dates Sofitel is charging non-discounted fees. 
• Hotel Collins
• Mantra 100 Exhibition
• Ibis Budget 
• Punthill apartments
• Citadines on Bourke
• Stamford Plaza
• Grand Hyatt
• Sheraton Melbourne 
• QT Melbourne
• The Westin

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Transport

To and from the airport

• Sky bus provide express airport transfers to and from Melbourne CBD. Details including fare price, pick up locations and  timetables can be found on their website: www.skybus.com.au/melbourne-city-express/
• A Taxi from the Airport to Melbourne CBD will cost approximately AUD$50-$60: www.melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Parking/Ground-transport-options/Taxis
• Uber is also available from Melbourne Airport www.uber.com/global/en/airports/mel/

​Getting around Melbourne 

• Trams and Trains are a great way to get around Melbourne. Trams are free within the CBD zone. If you require a ticket on a tram or train you can purchase a Myki card from tram stops, train stations or 7 Eleven outlets. 

What to do in Melbourne

Melbourne has much to offer especially in the summer time. 
If you are looking for things to do and/or sites to see below is a list of recommendations: 

• The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
• Royal botanical Gardens
• Queen Victoria Market - Check the Summer Night Market on Wednesday Dec 7!
• South Melbourne Market 
• The Melbourne Zoo
• The Aquarium 
• Federation Square
• ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
• Go Boats on the Yarra River
• Free Walking Tours - Take a Free Walking tour around the city and get to know its history and folklore!
• Visit St. Kilda
• Hire an E-scooter and explore Melbourne

For more information on events going on in the city from Dec 4-11 head to What's on Melbourne.

Melbourne's food scene mirrors its multiculturally diverse population offering a wide range of excellent eateries and restaurants around the city! 
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For curated suggestions on where to eat and drink in Melbourne please visit TimeOut and Broadsheet

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