Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
4.2
About
At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, visionary ideas come to life, and the world's thought leaders gather. This iconic venue is an outlet for Melbourne’s signature culture, hosting dynamic exhibitions, conferences, galas, and concerts—everyone who visits leaves buzzing with inspiration and excitement.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.2
375 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
157
Average
45
Poor
11
Terrible
6
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,552 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
My wife and I visited this place to attend the following exhibition:
Quote from their website:
"Travel the natural world and journey across the seven continents in one epic experience narrated by David Attenborough. This immersive exhibition brings together state of the art audio visual technology and breathtaking footage from BBC Studios Seven Worlds, One Planet on an unrivalled scale. The BBC EARTH EXPERIENCE is not to be missed."
The show was spectacular. Melbourne is the first city outside of the UK to host this Exhibition, so it was a privilege to be able to attend, albeit by paying an entry fee.
Quote from their website:
"Travel the natural world and journey across the seven continents in one epic experience narrated by David Attenborough. This immersive exhibition brings together state of the art audio visual technology and breathtaking footage from BBC Studios Seven Worlds, One Planet on an unrivalled scale. The BBC EARTH EXPERIENCE is not to be missed."
The show was spectacular. Melbourne is the first city outside of the UK to host this Exhibition, so it was a privilege to be able to attend, albeit by paying an entry fee.
Written November 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hugary1
Sydney, Australia9,870 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This was an excellent mini exhibition of the masters works. The electronic show, similar to one but much shorter in Bureaux, with music was fascinating.
A few of his original 500 year old works were there. There was also a place you or the kids could paint of draw and an electronic scan that produced an image of your as Leonardo would have pained it.
There is also the option to have a meal at the Medici Cafe which we took and it was a great plavce to completely absorb the show as well as enjoy a 90 min meal. Not cheap but well worth the expensive for a very different experience.
A few of his original 500 year old works were there. There was also a place you or the kids could paint of draw and an electronic scan that produced an image of your as Leonardo would have pained it.
There is also the option to have a meal at the Medici Cafe which we took and it was a great plavce to completely absorb the show as well as enjoy a 90 min meal. Not cheap but well worth the expensive for a very different experience.
Written October 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kufunda
12 contributions
May 2023 • Business
I attended the Rotary International Convention and returned with memories of a wonderful networking experience. The place is well-suited for large conferences, clean, clean, with a tram system that takes you to the front of the complex. At no time did I feel lost because of the clear signage. The Exhibition Hall area was well laid out, and a helpful IT support system supported the breakaway rooms. During the breaks, restaurants are nearby, and one can walk along the Yarra River bank with its backdrop of the city and splendid architecture. Well worth the visit!
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,552 contributions
Jan 2023
My wife and I visited this place to see the Exhibition called "Monet and Friends" at The Lume, which is located at the far end corner of the Exhibition Centre, near the Factory Outlets.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is a very large building. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. It is an excellent infrastructure asset for Melbourne to have.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is a very large building. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. It is an excellent infrastructure asset for Melbourne to have.
Written January 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,552 contributions
Feb 2022
My wife and I were here to visit the Van Gogh art exhibition at The Lume, which is Australia's first digital art gallery.
We have been to this Exhibition Centre a few times over the years to attend Travel Exhibitions before the Covid-19 pandemic ended those events.
This place is massive, so be prepared to do a lot of walking.
We have been to this Exhibition Centre a few times over the years to attend Travel Exhibitions before the Covid-19 pandemic ended those events.
This place is massive, so be prepared to do a lot of walking.
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary H
1 contribution
Jun 2022
Very stressful using the convention centre carpark for the children's disability expo. Limited disabled parking. Steep hill and sharp turns. Ended up on the base of the pole when trying to do a sharp turn. $36.45 for 3 hours even though we used the convention centre no discounts. Won't be back. Mary
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Mary, we are sorry to hear you've had a negative experience. MCEC car park rates are independently controlled & managed by Wilson Parking. You can also contact management directly at: wmel@wilsonparking.com.au or +61 3 9224 0301 for further feedback.
Written July 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,735 contributions
Oct 2022
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is an impressive space devoted to exhibitions and public events. The building is massive, it can handle all sorts of shows. MCEC is easily accessible by public transport. It has made Melbourne a more interesting place for visitors and residents alike. By the way, the distinctive architecture, reminiscent of modernist Soviet era public buildings, helps the MCEC stand out.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vesna M
Zagreb, Croatia275 contributions
Sep 2019
It's huge, so several conventions can go on at the same time. Nice location - on the river bank and next to numerous restaurants. It has all the amenities a respectable convention center is expected to have. People at the front desk are willing to print out a boarding pass or such small jobs for active participants. Within walking distance of public transportation. Airport shuttle stops in front.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BPB2012
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1,187 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I have been attending International Conventions for last more than 40 years throughout the world and attending one at this in June 2024 had a wonderful experience. This surely is among the very large convention centres anywhere in the world with multiple locations for holding events/meetings of different capacity. The facilties are world class. Of course needs physical fitness as one has to walk and walk for going from one location to another.
Written July 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,735 contributions
Jun 2020
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is the brainchild of Jeff Kennett, former Premier of Victoria. It's built in "Russian Constructivist" style, which is why it looks a bit odd. It is a favourte venue for conferences and shows, and trade exhibitions. MCEC has good in-house catering, with up-to-date technology and flexible spaces. It's also close to the South Wharf entertainment area and across the street from the Crown entertainment complex. It's a very good facility that brings billons to Melboune every year.
Written June 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
I was just wondering what the seat sizing is like and if the arms go up? I am hoping to see an event there next month but due to arthritis in my hips I have to have certain seating.
Thanks for your help.
Written July 24, 2022
Hi,
Unfortunately I cannot answer your question - the exhibition I attended at the centre was a trade show and the only seating was at the kiosk.
Written July 26, 2022
Are there any restaurants in the evening near to the convention centre? We are trying not to go too far from the pan pacific or novotel
Written May 5, 2022
Hi there. In the plenary how many rows are in Tiered4? Is row W too far back tosee anything?
Thx so much
Written September 21, 2018
I found the tiered seating easy to view all areas i am not 100% where the row you are asking is.
Written September 21, 2018
I will have an event in this place later on this August. Can anybody give me suggestion on where can I stay that is close to this place that is reasonable price other than novotel or Pan Pacific hotel? I prefer service apartment that is walking distance. And maybe a good restaurant or things to do around this area. Info about airport service is very welcome... thank you
Written May 6, 2018
Yes the pan Pacific we found better good rooms good service and close to everything u would love it Jessica. The south wharf dfo is beautiful .lots to see .not sure airport services as we live in melbourne vic
Written May 20, 2018
Hi, i am thinking of seeing KD Lang here in July 2017 but at present the only available seats that I can afford are Balconly 2 & 3 and Balcony 7 & 8 which on the website look like they are right up the back of the hall and on the side.
These seats are $141 each but I really do not want to spend that much if I am right up the back and its only going to be a "spec" I can see on the stage.
Has anyone else been to a music concert here and had to sit right up the back in the balcony area.
I'm guessing the sound quality would be good but just not the viewing part of it up the back.
Thanks
Written March 7, 2017
I have been to a play there and it was awful. You can only see the stage from the big Rv screens, so it is definitely not worth spending that sort of money for distant seats. The only seats worth having are up close.
Written March 7, 2017
Hi, in the Flat Floor Seating section, which rows are best? Is the front row too close to the stage to be able to get a comfortable view (do you need to twist your neck up at the stage to see?).
Is veiwing still comfortable from the back row of the Flat Floor Seating? I'm just wondering how high the stage is and if the people infront would block out a lot of the view.
Thanks in advance :)
Written January 31, 2017
MCEC
Melbourne, Australia
Hi Aimee,
It depends entirely on your preferred viewing experience and the type of production you are seeing.
On average, the best sound and sight lines are from around Gala Seating Rows D-G (normally in front of the sound desk), however this means you might not get that "Oooh I can almost touch them" experience that a lot of people like when they are sitting closer to the stage and performer/s.
The best seating selection is entirely dependent on what type of production you are seeing – For example, if you are watching a ballet its difficult to see the dancers footwork if you are sitting closer to the stage in the Flat Floor section. Many people often prefer the Gala Seating or further back for these types of shows.
On average, the stage is set to 1 metre high, so generally (depending on your height) you will be looking up if you are sitting in the front row. The view from the back row of Flat Floor Seating is good but like any Flat Floor seat you run the risk of getting a "big head" sitting in front of you that you can’t see over. The benefit of a seat in the Gala Section is that they are elevated, so you give yourself a better chance of seeing the stage.
We hope this helps guide you a little in your seating choice!
Kind regards,
MCEC
Written February 1, 2017
Claris1292
Metro Manila, Philippines
Is public transportation (such as bus) available going to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre?
Written February 2, 2016
Lesley B
Toorak, Australia
What is row D lower level like for viewing Mrs Browns boys
Written January 28, 2016
Sorry not been there for a concert but most venues have seating plans which should give you an idea of where row D is located
Hope you enjoy it
Written January 29, 2016
I would like to see Mrs Brown's boys however there isn't much information on what seating is like at this venue. Can anyone shed some light and provide some feedback ie any bad seats? Thank you.
Written October 15, 2015
Hi Kat, I don't think there would be any bad seating, but last preference for me would be flat seating at front... First preference is first area of tiered seating...have a look at a seating plan. There are no obstructions to viewing the stage. This is a magnificent theatre...pretty big... Only reasoning on flat seating..get a big head on front of you..Grrrr!
Written October 15, 2015
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