Spilt Milk is the biggest it’s ever been and while it’ll be the greatest day of your year, this many people means some longer wait times getting in and heading home. Chances are, the time you’re planning to arrive and leave will be the same as everyone else. At most festivals, over 70% of people arrive within the same hour (normally 2-3PM) – which causes longer lines getting in, at the bars and at the restrooms during that time. To make your day as cruisy as possible, make sure you’re across the best ways to get to and from the festival below (and be prepared for some lines)
BEST WAY TO & FROM VICTORIA PARK: FREE SHUTTLE BUSES
Getting There: The best way to get to the festival is on the free shuttle bus loops running from 9:30AM to 6:30PM which will drop you off right outside the festival on Gillies St South.
If you’re catching the train in, you can jump on the buses right outside the Ballarat Train station on Mair Street.
The East City Shuttle Loop will stop at Ballarat Central City Motel, Eureka Lodge, Eureka Stockade Holiday Park and Miners Rest Retreat.
The South City Shuttle Loop will stop at Ballarat Central B&B (Pick up cnr Eyre & Dawson, drop off cnr Dana & Dawson), Red Lion, Sovereign Hill, Goldfields Holiday Park, (drop off cnr Main & Clayton) and Ballarat Suites, as well as Federation Uni residences (FedLiving).
If you’re staying at Windmill Big4 there will be shuttle buses picking up every half hour from Coltman Plaza on Dyson Drive, a quick 10 minute walk from the holiday park and right next to Maccas and KFC.
Getting Home: From 7PM the buses will start picking up from the same spot on Gillies St South and drop off at the same locations as above
TRAINS
Getting There: PTV have capped their regional train prices meaning it only costs $10 each way on the train from Southern Cross station to Ballarat! If you’re coming in on the train, get off at Ballarat Train Station where you can jump on a free shuttle bus right outside to the festival. Regular services will be departing from Southern Cross station to Ballarat.
Getting Home: Shuttle buses will be picking up from Gillies St South and dropping off out on Mair St, out the front of the Ballarat station. Trains will be running on the normal schedule back to Melbourne. There will also be an additional train service leaving Ballarat station at 11:34PM and 12:34AM back to Southern Cross station.
Please note, the last train of the night will be busy so make sure you look at other alternatives in case you miss out.
RIDESHARES/TAXIS AND LIFTS
Getting There: If you’re getting dropped off in a car, taxi or rideshare, you’ll have to get dropped off just off of Sturt Street against Victoria Park, which is a short walk to the festival gates.
Getting Home: Any car, taxi or rideshare pick up will be in the same location as the drop off, located on Sturt Street.
CAR PARKING LOCATIONS
Getting There: There are a limited number of day parking spaces available. You’ll need to book a parking pass in advance from Moshtix to book your spot. The day car park is in the La Trobe St car park, accessible off La Trobe St. Follow the directional signage to find the entry.
If you’re camping, the camping car park entrace is on Poplar Ave, off Russell St. You’ll need to book a camping parking pass in advance from Moshtix.
Getting Home: If you parked at the festival day parking, you’ll be able to jump into your car and drive out the same way you came in.
MELBOURNE ON THE MOVE
Getting There: Melbourne on the Move buses will be running from regional areas, as well as Melbourne city, straight to the Melbourne on the Move drop off zone on Brazenor St which is a short walk from the festival gates. Pre-booking is essential – Book here now
Getting Home: Melbourne on the Move buses will depart from the same place as drop off. Please make sure you check with Melbourne on the Move what time your bus will be departing
E-SCOOTERS
You won’t be able to ride a Neuron e-scooter right up to the festival gates, but there will be a designated area for scooter parking, which you can find in the app. From there, you can walk to the festival. If you intend to use one to get home from the festival, please remember to be safe for both yourself and other road users. It is also illegal and dangerous to ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
ROAD CLOSURES
No cars will be able to drive through Victoria Park, unless you’re parking in the camping car park on Poplar Ave off Russell St.
Gillies St South will be open to westbound traffic only until 5pm.
All streets alongside Gillies St South are closed to all traffic except for Shuttle buses.
TRAVEL TIPS
- Plan ahead to make sure you know where you’re heading and you’ve left enough time for your journey so you don’t miss any of your fave acts.
- Follow the signs and directions of event staff in and around the festival, and be respectful of any event staff or police who are trying to help you get into the festival as quickly as possible.
- Make a note of where you’ve been dropped off or the last train times so you know how to get home when the festival ends
- If you’re tapping out early, this will be the best way to beat the rush. But if you’re sticking it out til the end, take your time making your way to the exit. Several of the food operators and stalls will stay open for another 30mins to help re-energise you for the trip home.