About Melbourne

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia and has been voted the world’s most liveable city six years running. Divided into two parts by the Yarra river, Melbourne’s multicultural population finds its home amongst lush parklands and Victorian era architecture. The arts, culture, and food are a large focus of Melbourne’s 4 million plus residents and the Victorian government. The city is noted for its many and varied exhibitions and festivals.

Full screen interactive map can be found here.

The Hosting Universities

Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne University is the primary local host for DiGRA 2017. It is located in the heart of the urban suburb of Hawthorn which is a short train or tam ride from the city. Places to sample a variety of cuisines and catch up with other delegates abound, although this suburb is primarily known for its Indian and South East Asian cuisine.

http://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/life/campuses/hawthorn/

Accommodation near SUT includes:

Quest Hawthorn

616 Glenferrie Rd
Hawthorn VIC 3122
+61 3 8803 7700

CONFERENCE HOTEL DEAL AVAILABLE TO DIGRA2017 DELEGATES

Property:                   Quest Hawthorn, 3rd July – 6th July
Room Type:               Studio Apartment
Rate:                           $189.00 per night including WiFi

Instructions:

Guests to email: and quote in subject “DiGRA Conference Accommodation” and the rate of $189.00 per night will be applied to the booking. Credit Card details and contact information is needed to complete the reservation. Payment won’t be needed upon confirmation, however, will be processed upon check in at the property. A reservation confirmation will be emailed after booking confirmation.

The Glenferrie Hotel

324 Burwood Rd
Hawthorn VIC 3122
+61 3 9818 6530 

RMIT University

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology is the workshops host for DiGRA 2017 and the central campus is located on the corner of Swanston and Latrobe streets, very near the middle of Melbourne’s thriving CBD. Places to eat and sample tourist attractions abound, as does accommodation.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-locations-and-facilities/locations/melbourne-city-campus

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne will be hosting some of the DiGRA 2017 social events and is located in Parkville, just outside of the Melbourne CBD. There are many places to eat and drink, on campus and nearby. Accommodation is plentiful and will put you in close proximity to RMIT University also.

https://maps.unimelb.edu.au/parkville

Accommodation near RMIT University and the University of Melbourne includes:

Ibis Melbourne Swanston Street

609 Swanston St
Carlton VIC 3053
+61 3 9347 3027

Property:                   Ibis Melbourne Swanston Street, 3rd July – 6th July
Room Type:               Studio Apartment
Rate:                           $139.00 per night including WiFi and breakfast for one

Instructions:

Email or phone the hotel reservations team direct and quote “DIGRA CONFERENCE” to receive the discounted rate. Our rate offer is $139 in a standard room, which includes breakfast for one person and complimentary WiFi access. The reservation email is and the contact number is +61 3 9347 3027

Transportation for DiGRA 2017

MYKI

To travel on public transport in Melbourne a MYKI card is needed. Please refer to the information here for purchasing a MYKI card:

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/ef1d0f60a/buying-your-myki/

To reach Swinburne University of Technology

The best way to reach SUT from the city is by train.

Train: From any train station in the city centre, catch any train on the Lilydale, Belgrave, or Alamein lines. Get off the train at Glenferrie station (there are “Swinburne University” signs on the station platforms), go down the ramps and through the barriers by the ticket office. Turn right at the ticket office, then left into campus and head along the path until reaching John St. Turn right into John St and walk towards Burwood Rd. AMDC is the last building on your left. Take the escalators up two floors to level 3.

Campus Map: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/media/swinburneeduau/about-swinburne/docs/pdfs/hawthorn-map.pdf

To reach RMIT city campus

AS RMIT is located in the heart of the city, numerous trams and trains will get you there.

Please see the below link for information on how to reach RMIT’s city campus:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-locations-and-facilities/locations/melbourne-city-campus/transport

Campus Map: https://www.rmit.edu.au/content/dam/rmit/documents/maps/pdf-maps/city-campus/2015-City-Campus_FINAL-WEB_2.pdf

To reach the University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is best reached using Melbourne’s extensive tram network.

Please see the below link for information on how to reach The University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus:

https://static.ptv.vic.gov.au/PDFs/Campus-brochures/1487915944/Public-transport-to-and-from-University-of-Melbourne-Parkville.pdf

Campus Map: https://maps.unimelb.edu.au/parkville

 

Visas

If coming from overseas, you will need a  visa to enter Australia for the conference. Please see the link below to determine the best visa for you. For most people it will be the Electronic Travel Authority visa:

https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Appl/Visitor

To do in Melbourne 

Melbourne has a vibrant and thriving arts and culture scene, including numerous games themed places to gather.

A favourite gathering place of the DiGRA 2017 organising committee is Bar SK:

http://barsk.com.au/

Please see the link below for the rest of the Urban List top five games themed spots:

https://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/melbournes-best-video-game-bars

The National Gallery of Victoria is a beautifully curated, world renowned gallery.  Australian art can be seen at the NGV Federation Square Ian Potter location.

https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/

Other galleries available here:

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Placestogo/Galleries/Pages/Galleries.aspx

A list of the many other attractions in Melbourne can be seen here:

http://www.visitmelbourne.com/