BATTLE ARENA MELBOURNE 14 TRAVEL GUIDE

BATTLE ARENA MELBOURNE 14 TRAVEL GUIDE

 

INTRO

Battle Arena Melbourne is more than the biggest fighting game tournament in Australia, it’s also a great way to check out Melbourne, one of the biggest cities in Australia. Frequently voted as one of, if not topping the list, the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne brings together everything you’d want out of a city. A love of the arts & culture, an unbridled passion for a unique and physical sport, and one of the most celebrated coffee cultures in the world, all tied together with the largest tram network in the world.

 

If you’ve never been to Melbourme, or have stopped by once or twice, we hope that this guide helps you out in some way to experience our lovely city. 

 

VISA REQUIREMENTS

To enter Australia, you will require a Visa, in addition to holding a current passport. While there are a number of different Visa types depending on what you’re planning to do in Australia and the length of your stay, the one that’s most appropriate is the Electronic Travel Authority, which will allow you entry into Australia for 90 Days. There is a $20 AUD fee and the application process is done entirely via an app (Apple / Android), but the application process is very quick to let you know if you’re approved for entry into Australia.

 

Another option, particularly if you’re coming from the United Kingdom or other parts of the European Union is the eVisitor Visa, which you can apply for online via the Department of Home Affairs website. Much like the ETA, you’ll know within a day or so whether your Visa is approved, but unlike the ETA, there is no cost for applying for this Visa.

 

GETTING INTO MELBOURNE

 

If you’re flying into Melbourne, the closest airport to the city is the Melbourne Airport (IATA: MEL). Unlike most major transit hubs, there isn’t a convenient train line to the city, so there’s two ways to head into town. While you can get a taxi or rideshare to the city, one potentially cheaper option is the Skybus, which stops at each of the terminals before heading into the city, stopping at Southern Cross Station. A return trip is $40, and each way takes around 30-35 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION

There’s plenty of places both around the BAM venue and within proximity to public transport to rest your head after a long day of competition. Here’s a few recommendations for relatively accessible accommodations that should hit a variety of budgets.

Close to Venue (1-2km from venue, within 20-30 min walk)
Quest Moonee Valley | Moonee Ponds Serviced Apartment | Moonee Ponds Accommodation – (Across from Venue)

Royal Hotel, Essendon, VIC – Close to Essendon Station

Home – The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds (Across from venue)

 

Within Driving / Long Walking Distance (2-5km from Venue)

Alexander Motor Inn

Essendon Hotel Accommodation Melbourne | Punthill Apartment Hotels

Essendon North Hotel Accommodation | Punthill Apartment Hotels

Essendon Motor Inn

Parkville Motel

The Parkmore Hotel

Park Squire Motor Inn and Serviced Apartment

Melrose Apartments Melbourne

 

Close to Flinders St Station (20-25min train ride to Moonee Ponds Station)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Melbourne – Flinders Street

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Adelphi Hotel

Hotel Collins

City Square Motel

THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE

At any given time there’s always something on in Melbourne. The following is but a small sampling of events happening around the time of BAM, and venues and locations that showcase our city at its finest. If you’re after something a bit more specific, we highly recommend the City of Melbourne’s What’s On website, which has a much more detailed list of events across our fine city.

The Princes Bridge, featuring Federation Square and Flinders St Station

 

  • Federation Square is a great meeting place right near Flinders St Station, the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr, with plenty of open space, close proximity to bars and art galleries.
  • Catch an AFL Match, it’s a sport unique to our nation and an experience like none other! In particular, the Hawks / Crows game at the MCG is a chance to see one of the biggest stadiums in the Southern Hemisphere. 
  • The MCG is also home to the Australian Sporting Museum, which celebrates our sporting achievements. You can buy a ticket specifically to the museum, or pair it with a tour of the stadium.
  • The Rising Festival promises to take over the city with a slew of unique installations and performances, and it’s always a treat. It is worth battling the wintery cold to experience some of the best artistry the city has to offer.
  • The Melbourne Museum and adjacent Carlton Gardens are a must visit. The museum has a fantastic series of permanent collections, including plenty celebrating Indigenous Australians. The Museum is also home to one of the largest IMAX theaters in the world.

You can also book a tour of the nearby Royal Exhibition Center rooftop for some great views of the Garden, and if there’s an event on, the Exhibition Center is a beautiful heritage listed building. Requires an entry fee to get into the museum, in addition to fees for the rotating exhibits.

  • Check out the State Library of Victoria, which is not only completely free to enter, but also has a bunch of permanent and rotating exhibits. Be sure to take in the incredible and iconic LaTrobe Reading Room, and if you’re into chess, the Ian Potter Queens Hall is a great place to get a game in.
  • If you’re after art, the National Gallery of Victoria has two sites: The Ian Potter Center in Fed Square & NGV International that can’t be matched. Free to enter both sites, though some exhibitions may require a fee.
  • The Lume is currently running an immersive Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition, detailing the life of the legendary artist like never before. 
  • The Arts Center is one of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings (notably thanks to its spire!) and is host to some of the best cultural events on the calendar.
  • Every Sunday, there’s a market on the road between the NGV and Hamer Hall, so if you’re after some unique souvenirs, this is a great place to pick them up!
  • The Melbourne Zoo is surprisingly close to the Moonee Valley Race Course, and if you need a great place to walk before your game, take in some exotic wildlife beforehand! If you have time and don’t mind a fair bit of travel, the Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo are also worth a look!
  • The Astor Theatre is a short train and tram ride out of the city, but it’s a heritage listed cinema that’s been in operation since the 30’s, mostly focusing on revival screenings of classic movies with some new ones. Tickets are very affordable, and the atmosphere is incredible. 
  • ACMI is worth a visit at Federation Square. Entry is Free, and while there are rotating exhibits that will require a fee, the permanent exhibit The Story of the Moving Image is worth a visit, and is also free! This space also holds frequent movie screenings across several theaters.
  • The Eureka Skydeck provides an incredible view of the city. Does require a fee, and there’s additional parts of the viewing area that will require fees.
  • If you’re after some comedy in your evenings, Comedy Republic has nightly comedy stages to laugh well into the evening.
  • If you’re looking to catch a musical, two of the biggest and most well known shows are currently running in town: Chicago & Wicked!
  • Question if your friends are sus at Saboteurs!


The LaTrobe Reading Room at the State Library of Victoria

 

PLACES TO EAT IN MELBOURNE

Melbourne’s CBD is home to some truly incredible eating, no matter what your tastes or requirements are. There’s far too many places to truly list, so while we’ll include a small list of our favourites, we urge you to look up resources like Broadsheet or the City of Melbourne for more specific needs.

  • For Japanese, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen is right near ACMI, and their Yuzu broth is incredible. Hakata Gensuke (QV Melbourne for Chicken broth, Russell Street for Tonkatsu) are affordable and delicious bowls of ramen. While the Russell St branch is always in demand, there’s another Gensuke Tonkatsu branch over on Lonsdale St. Yamato on both Exhibition & Russell Sts are a small restaurant with a homely vibe, specializing in a broader palate. For a pricier option, Tetsujin is a fantastic barbeque place with a great aesthetic.
  • If you’re after an American feast, Fancy Hanks & Operator Diner provide a great BBQ and diner experience, respectively. 
  • For Gaming and pub grub, head into Fortress, a dedicated gaming arena, tavern and LAN centre, down New Caledonia lane.
  • Up for some Italian? Take a wander down Lygon St in Carlton to sample some favourites such as Papa Ginos or Il Gambero.

 

AROUND THE BAM AREA

 

Near the Moonee Valley Race Course there’s a huge range of eateries and amenities. 

  • Moonee Ponds Central has a Coles & Aldi for snacks and groceries, several fast food and restaurants.
  • There’s lots of options for fast food and dining experiences. Nearby fast food restaurants include KFC, Guzman Y Gomez & Grill’d, but other options include plenty of local Greek, Italian and Asian cuisine.
  • Closer to the the racecourse there are restaurant and pub food options.
  • If you’re after a movie, whether it’s the latest blockbuster or something more artsy, the nearby Palace Penny Lane is the go.