How to get to Convergence 2

  Rydges Melbourne
  186 Exhibition Street
  Melbourne VIC 3000

The Rydges Melbourne is in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. 

Public Transport – An Overview

Public Transport in Melbourne comes in many forms: buses, trams, trains, and taxis. Melbourne is the only city in Australia to operate an extensive tram system as part of its public transport network. Below is an explanation of the Melbourne Metropolitan Public Transport Network.

To travel on buses, trams and trains you need a ticket called a “Metcard”.  This card allows you to swap between any of the mentioned modes of transport without the need to purchase a new ticket each time. There are important things to be aware of before purchasing your Metcard, these include; appropriate zone, fare, and time allocation of the ticket.

Melbourne’s metropolitan area is divided into three ticket zones, for the purposes of the Convention location; Zone 1 will be most applicable. You will only need a Zone 2 or 3 if you plan to travel outside the CBD or inner suburbs of Melbourne.  If you are travelling in a single zone purchase a Metcard for that zone only.  If you are travelling through multiple zones you must buy a Metcard for all the zones in which you will travel.

Metcards are available in Adult and Concession fares.  You will need to produce a valid concession card if you are travelling on a concession ticket.  

Choose a ticket that will suit the duration time of your journey. Metcards are available in: Two-Hour, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly tickets.  There are also special “10 x 2 Hour”, and City Saver tickets available. City Saver tickets enable travel for one trip only within the City Saver Zone, this is a small circle around and including the Melbourne CBD. 

Validate your Metcard every time you travel.

Phew! Now that I have confused you all you can find more information about timetables, zones, fares, and maps, at the official transportation website:   http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

If you are travelling with limited mobility, please visit the following website for more information and assistance: http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/accessibletransport

Buses

There a number of bus routes that run along Exhibition Street and pass by Rydges Hotel.  These routes include:

• No. 250 = Garden City / Port Melbourne - City - La Trobe University Bundoora

• No. 251 = Garden City - Northland Shopping Centre

• No. 253 = Garden City – North Carlton

• No. 605 = Gardenvale - City (via Kooyong Road)

• No. 479 (Sat/Sun Only) = Moonee Ponds - Sunbury (via Melbourne Airport)

For more information including timetables, visit:  http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

Trains

Rydges Hotel is only a 10-minute walk from Parliament (Underground) Station.  Take the Bourke Street exit and walk a block to Exhibition Street.  Turn left up Exhibition Street.  Rydges Hotel is located at 186 Exhibition Street, between Bourke and Little Bourke Street’s.

For more information including timetables, visit:  http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au 

Trams

As trams do not run directly along Exhibition Street, you will need to catch any tram that runs along Bourke Street and disembark on the corner of Bourke and Exhibition Streets, then walk up Exhibition Street to Rydges Hotel.  Trams routes along Bourke Street are:

• No. 86 = Bundoora R.M.I.T - Docklands

• No. 96 = St Kilda Beach - East Brunswick

 For more information including timetables, visit:  http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

Parking

For those mad enough to drive into Convergence 2, Rydges will be providing on site undercover parking at a discounted rate for con members of $10.00 per exit.

There are over 1000 parking spaces in the block the hotel is located on.  Most of these have special day and weekend rates but they do close overnight.  Check at the parking station for closing times, rates and special conditions.

Airport Shuttles:
Skybus

Skybus operates between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross (Spence Street) Station, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. Skybus departs every 15 minutes between 6:00am and 9.30pm and half hourly or hourly at other times.  For more information, visit the official Skybus website: http://www.skybus.com.au/

Sunbus

Sunbus runs services between Avalon Airport and the Melbourne CDB. City stops are at Southern Cross (Spencer Street) Station Transit Centre (Firefly Coaches sales booth) and outside Hotel Bakpak at 167 Franklin Street. If pre-booked 48 hours in advance, buses will pick-up at CBD Hotels.

Services also operate to Hotel and accommodation venues up to 6kms from Melbourne CBD, and from Werribee RSL in Synott Street.

For more information visit the official Sunbus website: www.sunbusaustralia.com.au 

Taxis

Taxis are available from the ground floor level of Melbourne Airport, outside the International Terminal both domestic Terminals. Expect to pay around A$80 to A$85 for a return trip between the CBD and Melbourne Airport.

A $2.00 taxi parking fee applies at Melbourne Airport. This $2.00 per vehicle fee only applies to passengers leaving Melbourne Airport from a taxi rank. A $3.00 per vehicle pre-booked taxi fee also applies for passengers catching a limousines or taxis from the Premium Parking area opposite T2.

 Information compiled by Sally Frost
            Updated: November 25, 2006.