Here are answers to some questions you might have about planning your EQUITANA Experience!

When is the next EQUITANA event?


EQUITANA in Australia is now an annual event, alternating between Melbourne and Sydney. The next EQUITANA will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale, from 15^th to 18^th November 2012.

How can I purchase tickets to EQUITANA Melbourne 2012?

Tickets to EQUITANA traditionaly go on sale at the beginning of July. Please register for regular email updates or like EQUITANA Australia on facebook to always receive the latest announcements about the event and tickets on sale.

WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF THE EVENT?

EQUITANA Melbourne will open to the public at 9:00am daily and the exhibition will close at 6:00pm from Thursday to Saturday.  On the final day (Sunday), the exhibition will close at 4:00pm. 

Thursday 15th  November  -  9:00am to 6:00pm
Friday 16th November  -  9:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 17th November -  9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday 18th November -  9:00am to 4:00pm
There is also an evening program on each day of the event. Please note these programs are separately ticketed (not included in the general admission to the event).
Thursday, Friday & Saturday night: 7pm - 10pm
Sunday afternoon: 4pm - 7pm

WHERE IS THE MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS?

The Melbourne Showgrounds is located on Epsom Road, Ascot Vale (in near proximity to Flemington Racecourse). The Melbourne Showgrounds is only a 15 minutes drive from the Melbourne CBD and a 15 minute drive from Melbourne International Airport.

HOW CAN I GET TO THE MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS?

TRAINS to the Showgrounds Station (on event days only) take approximately 15 minutes from Flinders Street Station stopping at Southern Cross Station and North Melbourne Station.

TRAM number 57 runs from the corner of Flinders Street and Elizabeth Street, Melbourne City to the front of the Melbourne Showgrounds along Epsom Road (Stop 23).   Visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com,au for detailed timetables.
BUS numbers 404 Footscray, Moonee Ponds and 472 Williamstown, Moonee Ponds go via the Melbourne Showgrounds. Visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com,au for detailed timetables.
CAR PARKING is available at the Melbourne Showgrounds of Langs Rd. Parking fee will apply.

TAXIS from the city to the Showgrounds take about 15 minutes. A taxi rank is located outside the Melbourne Showgrounds main entrance on Epsom Rd.
V LINE
V/Line has services to Melbourne from all over Victoria, taking you to Southern Cross Station, the city’s transport hub. From here, catch a metropolitan train direct to the Melbourne Showgrounds. For more information visit www.vline.com.au

IS THERE ACCOMODATION CLOSE TO THE MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS?

There is limited accommodation in Ascot Vale and Flemington in near proximity to the venue so a good thing to remember is that you can stay anywhere around Melbourne CBD and travel to the Showgrounds on the train! It only takes 15 minutes.

WILL THERE BE TICKET AND ACCOMODATION PACKAGES AVAILABLE?

Yes, there will be ticket and accommodation packages (flights, accommodation & tickets) available through the Event Travel Office when event tickets are on sale. 

CAN I BUY FOOD AND BEVERAGES AT THE EVENT?

There will be a variety of food and beverages available to purchase at the event. Hot and cold food, healthy options, coffee carts and a fully licensed bar will be located throughout the EQUITANA Precinct including the Royal Cafe and the centrally located Outdoor Food Court. Exhibitors will also have access to the exhibitor’s lounge which will serve hot and cold meals throughout the day as well as coffee and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
 

HOW DO I STAY INFORMED ABOUT ALL EVENT HAPPENINGS AND TICKETING INFORMATION?

Simply register your details (name & email) on the EQUITANA website. Benefits include regular EQUITANA updates, early bird ticketing announcements and a monthly EQUITANA e-newsletter sent directly to your email. To become an EQUITANA member please register by filling out your name and email in the "Sign up" box on the top left hand side of this page.

IS THERE DISABLED PARKING?

The EQUITANA Melbourne precinct is a wheel chair friendly venue. There will be a limited amount of wheelchairs available to hire on event days.
 

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO SPEND AT EQUITANA?

One day is not enough! Most visitors find it useful to spend at least two days at EQUITANA. With hundreds of exhibitors to visit, many specialist events to attend, numerous education sessions, competitions and interactive areas to experience, make sure you experience it all!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO EQUITANA?
It will be spring in November and usually very warm, but Melbourne weather can be quite unpredictable so be prepared for all conditions! Although EQUITANA is mainly an indoor event, there are still some elements of the show which are outdoors and will still go ahead rain, hail or shine. Make sure you wear lots of layers so that you can adapt to the temperature. Most importantly – wear comfortable walking shoes! The EQUITANA precinct is quite large so comfortable shoes are a must!

  EQUITANA Melbourne will be the perfect event to showcase your product or service directly to a large equine demographic. To find out more information about becoming an exhibitor at EQUITANA click here or email the Exhibition Manager, Susan Moir at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

HOW DO I BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT EQUITANA MELBOURNE?

Our volunteers are a valued part of our EQUITANA team, every year they help us make each day run smoothly. If you would like to join the Volunteer Team please fill out the on-line application form which will be available on the volunteer webpage from the end of February 2012.