Transport & Accommodation

Accommodation

The convention venue has 4 star amenities and over 70 rooms available. The venue is offering special rates for NACAA attendees: single rooms @ $159 including breakfast, and twin share rooms @ $179 including breakfast.

These rates are only available by booking directly with the hotel, mentioning the NACAA Conference, by calling 03 5327 1200, or by sending an email to reception@mercureballarat.com.au.

Other close by accommodation can be found here. Please note the discounts offered by businesses supporting the Ballarat Observatory. Some of the nearby accommodation provide easier access to the Observatory for mobility impaired attendees. Contact us if you need our help in choosing the best accommodation for your needs.

Location

Map of location of Mercure Motel and Ballarat Observatory

Transport

Planes

There are no commercial flights to Ballarat. There is a Ballarat Airport Shuttle Bus which travels from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Ballarat Railway Station.
Also there is a regular bus service from Tullamarine Airport to Southern Cross Railway Station where you can catch a train to Ballarat. Alternatively, there are several car rental vendors available.

Trains

Trains to Ballarat depart from Southern Cross Railway Station in downtown Melbourne. Mercure Ballarat and Ballarat Observatory are 10 minutes from Ballarat Railway Station. For bookings and timetables go to VLINE Journey Planner. You will need a Myki Card or ticket to travel on the trains and trams, which are available at train stations and other outlets. If you have a Seniors Card, you can obtain a Seniors' Myki Card.

For those that have not visited Ballarat for some time, there is now another station past Ballarat called Wendouree, and country timetables departing from Southern Cross will list this as the end station for the journey.

Buses

Route 21 stops right in front of the Mercure Ballarat leaving from the Ballarat Railway Station. Route 23 stops within sight of the Ballarat Observatory just around the corner. Easter Holiday Timetables will be in operation.

Local

Taxis generally have a quick response time on 131 008. The address for Mercure Ballarat is 613 Main Road, Ballarat. The address for the Ballarat Observatory is 439 Cobden Street, Mt Pleasant at the Magpie Street Entrance. If anyone needs help with transport, contact Judith on 0429 199 312 and sharing of a vehicle is possible.

Help

Click on the following links if you need any further help organising your transport or accommodation.