Getting from MEL Grand Prix to Airport that evening

[newformula]

I'm planning on heading to the GP this year, and wanting to do it in a day from SYD. It's tentatively scheduled to start at 5pm, and all things being well this should mean it's finished around 7pm.

What are the chances of getting from the circuit to the airport to catch QF492 at 20:30 or QF494 at 21:00? I haven't been to Albert Park before and have no idea how hard it will be to get from there to the Airport after the race, or from Albert Park to the CBD/Bus station/Taxi Rank to get a cab or the airport bus... doable or not?

 

[tuapekastar]

Difficult I'd reckon. I've only been to one GP (last year) and hung around after to see The Who (along with ~70,000 others).

There was a lot of walking with a lot of other people after that, just to get to the tram. Trams would be the transport into the city and frankly, they're usually pretty slow.

Others with more GP experience than me may have some ideas!

 

[newformula]

I just found the GP circuit map (pdf). According to this, there is a "Taxi DROP OFF & PICK UP" at Gates 1, 2, 4, 8 & 10. Looks like these gates are either side of the circuit, and at the far end too (i.e. furthest from the city). If anyone has any experience using these I'd be grateful to hear it.

 

[thewinchester]

Well, its going to be tight.

As you've noticed, the last flight from MEL is 2100, otherwise you're stuck until 0600 the next morning.

If you're not taking any baggage and are fast on your feet, it shouldn't be too much trouble to do.

I would suggest avoiding taxis IMHO based on experience at other major events, as it will take a fair while to get out of the area and the cost to the airport is going to be quite high.

My recommendation for the most reliable method of transport would be to use Skybus to/from airport, departing MEL and Southern Cross Station every 15min, 24hrs a day. Skybus is $26 return, and you can pre-purchase and print your tickets online from their website.

Assuming you OLCI for the flight with no bags, you should depart Southern Cross Station for the airport no later than 8pm and you should make QF494 with 30min to spare for a stop at the QP bar.

I personally recommend Skybus, puts you right in the middle of the city (plus free transfers to/from hotels) quick, clean, comfortable, and fast.

After arriving at Southern Cross use the replacement bus services from Yarra Trams will get you to and from the event which will be running a 10min service frequency. Depending on which stand you're sitting in, you may need to use the City Loop to get to Flinders Street Station.

These service frequencies should hold after the event, and if things finish by 7 on the nose it gives you 50min-1hr to get to the city which is plenty of time to walk it if replacement services overflow.

To make things easier for bus, train and tram services, stop at the first ticket machine you see at Southern Cross and pick up a daily Zone 1 metcard, that that'll set you back $6.80 and is valid on all services (bus, tram, train). Most ticket machines will accept notes and EFT cards for payment to save fare fumbling.

 

[munitalP]

Well, its going to be tight.

As you've noticed, the last flight from MEL is 2100, otherwise you're stuck until 0600 the next morning.

If you're not taking any baggage and are fast on your feet, it shouldn't be too much trouble to do.

I would suggest avoiding taxis IMHO based on experience at other major events, as it will take a fair while to get out of the area and the cost to the airport is going to be quite high.

My recommendation for the most reliable method of transport would be to use Skybus to/from airport, departing MEL and Southern Cross Station every 15min, 24hrs a day. Skybus is $26 return, and you can pre-purchase and print your tickets online from their website.

Assuming you OLCI for the flight with no bags, you should depart Southern Cross Station for the airport no later than 8pm and you should make QF494 with 30min to spare for a stop at the QP bar.

I personally recommend Skybus, puts you right in the middle of the city (plus free transfers to/from hotels) quick, clean, comfortable, and fast.

After arriving at Southern Cross use the replacement bus services from Yarra Trams will get you to and from the event which will be running a 10min service frequency. Depending on which stand you're sitting in, you may need to use the City Loop to get to Flinders Street Station.

These service frequencies should hold after the event, and if things finish by 7 on the nose it gives you 50min-1hr to get to the city which is plenty of time to walk it if replacement services overflow.

To make things easier for bus, train and tram services, stop at the first ticket machine you see at Southern Cross and pick up a daily Zone 1 metcard, that that'll set you back $6.80 and is valid on all services (bus, tram, train). Most ticket machines will accept notes and EFT cards for payment to save fare fumbling.

organize a private limo to pick you up on a st kilda road exit, allow 45 mins to get to Tulla. Sky busses, trains or any public transport options are a pain in the butt when there is a big event, and you will spend 2+ hours from AP to the airport. Cough up $65 - $85 for the driver, he will be there when you want him, zero fuss and you know you wont be fighting crowds

PM me if you want my drivers number - you will need to book as far out as possible.

On another note - an AFF meet on the Sat or Sun at AP anyone? Last year 3 of us met up, would be good again if we had a few more...

Mr!

 

[thewinchester]

organize a private limo to pick you up on a st kilda road exit, allow 45 mins to get to Tulla.

Now that's an equally great call, brilliant idea which I might use sometime

 

[newformula]

thewinchester, munitalP - thanks for the detailed tips and recommendations. I've used the skybus before; but wasn't sure if I could make it to there and then on to the airport on time. The limo also sounds like a great idea - certainly cheaper than a night's accommodation which is the other option. Now just need to convince the credit card balance it can handle the trip...