We can’t wait to welcome you to Strummingbird Ballarat. Chances are, the time you’re planning to arrive and leave will be a similar time to everyone else. To make your day as cruisy as possible, make sure you’re across the best ways to get to and from the festival below.
BEST WAY TO & FROM STRUMMINGBIRD: BALLARAT SHUTTLE BUS
The easiest and speediest way to get to and from Strummingbird is via our event shuttle bus.
Services operate between Ballarat Civic Hall and the festival, running from 11:45am until 4:45pm, with return services departing the festival from 9:00pm
Return shuttle tickets are $30 and must be prebooked HERE by Wednesday 7 October.
If you’re getting dropped off at the event and still haven’t thought about how you’re getting home, MOTM will also be running one way shuttles to Ballarat at the end of the night.
One way shuttles from Strummingbird to Ballarat are $15.00 and you can pay directly on the bus. Card only.
MOTM COACH TRANSFERS
Getting There: MOTM buses will be running bus routes across metropolitan and regional areas to get you to and from Strummingbird with ease.
Pre-booking is essential and tickets will be available up until Wednesday 7th October – You can see a full list of MOTM routes and book your transfers HERE.
Getting Home: MOTM buses will depart from the same location as you were dropped off, so head back there at the end of the festival. Look for the sign that corresponds to your drop off location and jump in the queue!
Buses will leave shortly after the event finishes and won’t wait around for stragglers, so don’t wait too long to make a move.
TRAINS
Getting There: With half price public transport in Victoria why not jump on the V/Line! Regular services will be departing from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Railway Station. You can plan your journey HERE.
From Ballarat Railway Station, we recommend catching our return shuttle bus from Ballarat Civic Hall. Ballarat Civic Hall is a short 5 minute walk from Ballarat Railway Station.
Return shuttle tickets are $30.00 and must be prebooked HERE.
Getting Home: There will be additional services heading back to Melbourne following the event with the last train departing Ballarat at 12:55am. You can view train times HERE
RIDESHARES/TAXIS AND DROPOFF
Getting There: If you’re getting dropped off in a car, taxi or rideshare, you’ll need to head to our designated drop off area just off of Sturt Street. From here, there is a short walk to the festival entry.
Getting Home: Car, taxi or rideshare pick ups will be in the same location as the drop off, so head on back to Sturt Street at the end of the night.
Please encourage your driver to only use the dedicated drop off and pick up locations – these designated areas are in place to reduce road congestion and keep pedestrians safe!
DRIVING
Getting There: There are a limited number of parking spaces available. If you wish to drive to Strummingbird you will need to purchase a Parking Pass HERE.
The car park is located on Poplar Avenue, with access via Russell Street. The event car park is approx. 20-25 mins walk from the main entry. Follow the directional signage to the main entry gate.
Getting Home: Follow the same route back to the car park at the end of the night and you’ll be able to jump straight in your car and go!
Please allow for some delays leaving the event as there may be traffic congestion and road closures in surrounding areas. Please follow the directions from our traffic crew, their goal is to get you out as quickly and safely as possible.
There is limited accessible parking available and these spaces must be reserved ahead of time. If you require access to accessible parking please email accessibility@strummingbird.com.au.
ROAD CLOSURES
For the duration of the event only, vehicles with valid passes for the campgrounds, event day parking, and accessible parking will be able to drive through Victoria Park.
Surrounding streets will remain open but please expect some delays in the area due to traffic congestion.
TRAVEL TIPS
- Plan ahead to make sure you know where you’re heading and you’ve got enough time for your journey so that you’re not rushing to get in and see your fave acts.
- Follow the signs and directions of event staff, traffic controllers, and Victoria Police in and around the festival, and treat staff with kindness and respect – everyone wants to get you into and out of the festival as quickly and safely as possible!
- Make a note of where you’ve been dropped off so you know where to head at the end of the night
- If you’re catching the V/Line back to Melbourne, the last train from Ballarat leaves at 12:55am!
- Tapping out early is the best way to beat the rush. If you’re sticking it out til the end, take your time making your way to the exit. Lots of food vendors and market stalls will stay open for a little longer to help re-energise you for the trip home.
- If you’re stuck trying to get home at the end of the night, MOTM will be running one-way shuttles to Ballarat for $15.00. Look for the Ballarat Shuttle signs and pay as you get on the bus!
