Exploring Melbourne
Melbourne, the bustling heart of Australia, nestles at the head of Port Phillip Bay and is built around the spectacular Yarra River, offering stunning vistas and promenades adorned with charming green spaces. It enjoys an agreeable oceanic climate - in July, you'll experience average maximum temperatures around 15°C/59ºF.
Steeped in history, yet pulsating with a vibrant contemporary culture, Melbourne, older than many Western cities like New York and Los Angeles, is one of the most dynamic cities in the southern hemisphere. Throughout the years, it has been enriched by various cultures, the impacts of which can be seen even today: the renowned Royal Exhibition Building, the world heritage site that once held the World's Fair, the labyrinthine lanes of the Fitzroy neighborhood - now buzzing with hip cafés and eateries where one can enjoy the mesmerising rhythm of Australian indie music while savouring a delectable meal, Old Melbourne Gaol with its rich 19th-century history, the grandeur of the St. Paul's Cathedral, the splendid Royal Botanic Gardens a showcase of Victorian era landscape design and the birthplace of the classic Aussie dessert, the 'lamington' (don't forget to dust it with some desiccated coconut!). This diverse city offers a captivating blend of the historic and the modern, the perfect backdrop for our upcoming conference. Dive into Melbourne's charm, as you network, learn, and grow in the heart of Australia's cultural capital.
Australia is a land of bold contrasts and vibrant landscapes. From the 19th-21st centuries, Melbourne, the cultural capital of the nation, emerged as a thriving hub of innovation, multiculturalism, and artistic flair, showcasing an extensive spectrum from arts to technology.
This rich cultural tapestry not only defines the Australian identity, but is also vividly portrayed in the diverse culinary scene of Melbourne, particularly the fusion food that harmoniously blends different cuisines from around the globe. Melbourne is a UNESCO City of Literature, home to Austalia's major sporting, and cultural event, including Australian Open Tennis and Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Plan Your Trip
To find out more about what you can do while attending the conference, please read our GECCO2024 Welcome Pack!
This document contains information about:
- Local Poster Printing Options
- Public and Private Transport
- Bicycles and Scooters
- Food Suggestions
- Coffee Suggestions
- Points of Interest
- Walking & Tours
- Victoria (Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, High Country, Goldfields, Murray River, Phillip Island, Outdoor Activities and Possible Tours)
The Venue of the conference, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is Melbourne’s destination for big ideas and inspirational events. Only a 20-minute drive from the airport, it's surrounded by dining, shopping, and accommodation options, with over 4,300 rooms within walking distance.