Time difference
Melbourne is 7 hours ahead of Nairobi. The Forum opens at 9 am, which is 2 am at home.
Getting here
Most international flights land at Melbourne Airport (MEL), about 25 kilometres from the city centre.- Melbourne Airport
- Arrivals, terminal maps and live flight times. melbourneairport.com.au
- SkyBus
- Express bus to Southern Cross Station, running every 10 minutes for most of the day. About 30 minutes. Buy tickets at the airport or online. SkyBus timetable and tickets
- Taxi or rideshare
- Ranks and pick-up zones are signposted outside every terminal. Allow 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Uber DiDi Silver Top Taxi 13cabs
- Visas
- Most delegates need a Visitor visa (subclass 600). Apply early, as processing can take several weeks. Request an invitation letter after you register. Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Getting around
The city centre is compact, flat and easy to walk.- Free Tram Zone
- Trams are free within the city centre. Look for the green Free Tram Zone signs at stops. Yarra Trams Free Tram Zone map
- Beyond the city
- Trains, trams and buses use a myki card, sold at stations and 7-Eleven stores. Touch on when you board. Public Transport Victoria journey planner
- Walking
- Most city hotels are 5 to 15 minutes on foot from the venue.
The venue
In central Melbourne. We announce the venue soon, with directions.- Arrival
- Registration opens at 8.30 am. Bring photo ID or your pass on your phone.
- Accessibility
- Step-free access throughout. Tell us about any requirements and we will arrange them before you arrive.
- Cloaks and luggage
- A staffed cloakroom is available all day, including for cabin bags if you fly out that evening.
Faith and food
We want every delegate to feel at home for the whole day.- Prayer room
- A quiet room is set aside at the venue all day, with wudu facilities nearby, prayer mats and a qibla direction. Ask at registration.
- Places of worship
- We list places of worship near the venue when we announce it.
- Forum catering
- All meat served at the Forum is halal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available. Tell us about other needs when you register.
- Eating nearby
- Melbourne has a wide choice of halal, kosher and vegetarian restaurants.
Good to know
The small things that make a trip easier.- Weather
- April is autumn. Expect 10 to 20°C, with changeable skies. Bring a light coat and an umbrella. Bureau of Meteorology forecast
- Money
- Australian dollars (AUD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is not expected.
- Power
- Type I plugs with angled flat pins, 230 volts. Bring an adaptor.
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi at the venue. Network and password are printed on your pass.
Before and after the Forum
Stay a Little Longer.
Melbourne hosts more than 8,000 festivals and events a year. The City of Melbourne's What's On guide lists what's happening, where to eat and what's free while you're here.
Federation Square
NGV Australia
The national collection of Australian art, including First Nations works. Free entry.
ngv.vic.gov.au
Federation Square
ACMI
Australia’s museum of screen culture: film, television, games and art.
acmi.net.au
Next to Federation Square
Birrarung Marr
Riverside parkland on Wurundjeri Country, home to the Federation Bells.
City centre
The laneways
Street art, small bars and some of the city’s best coffee.
Emergency
000
Police, fire and ambulance. Free from any phone.
Email
delegates@australiaafricaforum.com
Before you travel. We reply within one business day.