Social Program

Make the most of your time in beautiful Melbourne!

You will be met with very cold weather when you land in Melbourne in August – but it is also the perfect time to walk the laneways and gardens and visit the galleries and cafes. Here are a few ideas to help plan your downtime during the ANZTCT Annual Scientific Meeting week (24–28 August 2026).

Key ANZTCT ASM social events

Welcome Drinks & Poster Display

Wednesday 26 August 2026 • 5:00–6:00pm • MCG

Ease into the ASM at our casual welcome function and explore the Poster Display, where our talented researchers and clinicians will be presenting their latest work. It’s a great way to kick off conversations that continue throughout the week. (Included in ASM registration)

‘Paint the Town Red with Arrow’ Conference Dinner

Thursday 27 August 2026 • From 6:30pm • The George on Collins, Melbourne

This is the social highlight of the ASM – a relaxed evening in the heart of Melbourne with great food and even better company. Whether you’re keen to catch up with peers, make new connections, or just enjoy a fun night out while supporting a wonderful cause – this is not to be missed.

Ticketed event – more information here →

It is easy to explore Melbourne on foot or via short tram rides from the MCG where the ANZTCT ASM is to be held.

On Foot from the MCG

Walk around the MCG (take a behind-the-scenes tour) and nearby Melbourne Park
Cross the Morell Bridge over the Yarra River to Anderson Street and find the beautiful Botanical Gardens (cafes are on Domain Road or inside the gardens)
Miander along the Yarra River through Birrarung Marr and you will pop up in Federation Square on the doorstep of the National Gallery of Victoria and Southbank
Walk down Wellington Parade toward the city and you can find the Fitzroy Gardens (James Cook Cottage and Fairy Tree) and the Treasury Gardens.

Easy CBD via tram (10–15 minutes away)

Tram to the ‘Paris’ top end of Collins Street and window shop at least!
Visit the beautiful Block Arcade and laneways – i.e. Hardware Lane for Dining; Degraves St for coffee; Hosier Lane for street art
Queen Victoria Market for food, produce, and local shopping (good for Aussie souvenirs!)
Eureka Skydeck for panoramic city views

For more ideas, explore Melbourne’s vibrant events calendar during August – there’s always something happening across the city.

Dining Close to the MCG

Roccella Italian Restaurant – heart of East Melbourne
Richmond has great pubs – The Kingston Hotel, Club Hotel, The London Tavern Hotel are all close
Wellington Parade strip includes: Geppetto Trattoria; Tippler & Co; Hanashi Izakaya
Lennys Wine Bar – for casual drink and snacks and can order pizza from next door

Dining in the CBD

The European and City Wine Shop across from Parliament House on Spring Street
Top end of Bourke Street – Pelligrinis Cafe is an institution; Florentino’s Cellar Bar are flanked by eateries
Flinders Lane has lots of restaurants – Cumulus, Supernormal, Tonka
China Town – from Chin Chin, Secret Kitchen to HuTong Dumpling Bar
Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria on Little Bourke for Italian or find Kirks Bar on Hardware Lane and above is the French Saloon
Melbourne loves its Rooftops and most are covered and heated – La Bomba; Rooftop at QT; Loop Roof to name a few!

Further afield, but still close and tram-able – Gertrude St, Smith St and Brunswick St for shopping and food galore or catch a tram down to the St Kilda foreshore.

And of course – what is a Melbourne winter without an AFL game?! Two games are scheduled at the MCG on the weekend leading into the ASM and the Wildcard Round due to kick off as the ASM ends! Enjoy Melbourne!