Easiest Public Transport Option: SkyBus to Southland

SkyBus Peninsula Express provides an airport service to Melbourne’s bayside suburbs, including a stop at Westfield Southland in Cheltenham. The airport-to-Southland journey is approximately 70 minutes, although participants should allow additional time for traffic and transfers.

Step by step:

1. After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to the SkyBus departure area.

2. Board the Peninsula Express service travelling towards Frankston.

3. Leave the SkyBus at Southland Shopping Centre/Karen Street.

4. From Southland, book an Uber or taxi to your accommodation.

5. The drive from Southland to central Cheltenham is generally only a few minutes.

SkyBus tickets must be purchased separately and are not covered by a myki public transport card. Tickets can be purchased online, through the SkyBus app or at airport ticket kiosks.

View SkyBus Peninsula Express

Alternative: SkyBus Through Melbourne City

If you are staying in Melbourne’s CBD:

1. Take the Melbourne City Express SkyBus from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station.

2. From Southern Cross Station, take a metropolitan train to Flinders Street Station if required.

3. Change to a Frankston Line train.Cheltenham, Mentone or Parkdale or

4. Change to Sandringham Line and leave the train at Sandringham Station and walk to your accommodation if nearby.

5. Leave the train at the station closest to your accommodation, usually Cheltenham, Mentone or Parkdale.

The Melbourne City Express operates seven days a week.

Travelling to Adult Ballet Centre

Factory 6, 3 Arnold Street, Cheltenham

From Cheltenham Railway Station

Adult Ballet Centre is located in Cheltenham’s Arnold Street precinct.

For dancers carrying costumes or dance bags, the simplest option is to take a short Uber or taxi from Cheltenham Railway Station or your accommodation. or altenativly Southland Railway Station is a short walk 9oo meters to Arnold Street Studio

If walking, enter the complete address into Google Maps or Apple Maps before departing, as the studio is located within a commercial complex:

Factory 6, 3 Arnold Street, Cheltenham VIC 3192

Please allow additional time to locate Factory 6 when attending for the first time.

Travelling to Shirley Burke Theatre

64 Parkers Road, Parkdale

By Train

Parkdale Railway Station is the closest station to Shirley Burke Theatre. The theatre is approximately a short walk from the station.

From Cheltenham Station:

1. Board a Frankston Line train travelling towards Frankston.

2. Travel two stops:

   • Mentone

   • Parkdale

3. Leave the train at Parkdale Station.

4. Walk along Parkers Road to Shirley Burke Theatre.

5. Follow the AABC signage and venue directions when you arrive.

Allow approximately 20–30 minutes for the complete journey, including waiting and walking time.

From Parkdale Station

1. Exit Parkdale Station towards the Parkers Road shopping precinct.

2. Walk east along Parkers Road.

3. Shirley Burke Theatre is located at 64 Parkers Road.

Travelling Between the Two AABC Venues

Uber or Taxi

Uber or taxi will generally be the easiest option when travelling directly between Adult Ballet Centre and Shirley Burke Theatre.

Allow approximately:

• 10–15 minutes under normal traffic conditions

• Additional time during peak periods

• Extra time if travelling with costumes, props or a group

Please do not rely on the shortest possible travel estimate when you have a scheduled performance, feedback session or masterclass.

Train

If using public transport:

1. Travel from Adult Ballet Centre to Cheltenham Railway Station.

2. Take a Frankston Line train towards Frankston.

3. Leave the train at Parkdale Station.

4. Walk to Shirley Burke Theatre.

For most dancers carrying performance belongings, Uber or taxi will be more convenient.

Uber and Taxis

Uber and other rideshare services operate throughout Melbourne.

When booking, enter the full destination:

• Adult Ballet Centre, Factory 6, 3 Arnold Street, Cheltenham VIC 3192

• Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale VIC 3195

Melbourne taxis can be booked through:

• 13cabs

• Silver Top Taxis

Please allow extra travel time on Sunday morning before the competition and after the final session, when multiple participants may be requesting transport simultaneously.

Where possible, arrange to share transport with other dancers staying nearby.

Hiring a Car

Hiring a car may be helpful if you:

• Are travelling with several costumes or large luggage

• Are attending every day of the festival

• Are sharing accommodation with other participants

• Plan to explore Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula

• Are staying away from the Frankston railway line

Car hire is available at Melbourne Airport and through local branches around Moorabbin and Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. Local operators include Hertz, SIXT and Europcar.

Before confirming your booking, check:

• Whether your accommodation includes parking

• Daily parking charges

• Toll-road arrangements

• Insurance and excess conditions

• Additional-driver fees

• The company’s fuel and return policies

Melbourne toll roads do not accept cash. Ask your rental provider how toll charges will be added to your booking.

Public Transport in Melbourne

Melbourne’s trains and buses use the myki ticketing system. SkyBus requires a separate ticket.

Before travelling:

1. Use the official Transport Victoria journey planner.

2. Check for weekend disruptions or replacement buses.

3. Allow extra time when travelling to a scheduled AABC activity.

4. Keep the addresses of both venues saved on your phone.

Plan your public transport journey

Important Travel Advice

Travel times are estimates and can change because of traffic, public transport disruptions or event-day demand.

We strongly recommend that dancers:

• Arrive in the area well before their first scheduled activity

• Allow generous travel time on competition day

• Pre-book transport when travelling early in the morning

• Confirm parking arrangements with their accommodation

• Check live directions before beginning each journey

Indicative Travel Costs

The following estimates are provided to help participants plan their visit. All prices are in Australian dollars and may vary according to availability, traffic, booking dates and demand.

Apartment or hotel near Cheltenham Approximately $180–$300 per night

Private holiday rental. Approximately $150–$350+ per night

SkyBus from Melbourne Airport. Approximately $25–$35 each way

Uber or taxi: Airport to Cheltenham. Approximately $80–$130

Uber or taxi: Southland to Cheltenham. Approximately $10–$25

Uber or taxi: ABC to Shirley Burke Theatre Approximately $15–$25

Melbourne public transport Approximately $5–$12 per day

Small hire car Approximately $60–$120 per day

Café breakfast Approximately $15–$30

Casual lunch Approximately $18–$35

Restaurant dinner Approximately $30–$60

Coffee Approximately $5–$7

Please note: These figures are planning estimates only and were last reviewed in September 2026. Prices may be higher during busy travel periods. Participants should confirm current prices directly with accommodation and transport providers before booking.

Sharing your experience and costs

Dancers sharing an apartment, airport transfer or rideshare may significantly reduce their individual travel costs. Once registered for your Participation in AABC you will be invited into the organisation AABC Festival WhatsApp group where you maybe able to team up and come together as a group.