Parking near Melbourne International Film Festival

Film lovers from around the world look forward to the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) every year. The event, dubbed as the largest film festival in Australia, takes place between July and August and runs for three weeks.

The first MIFF ran in 1952 in Olinda, a Melbourne suburb east of the CBD.  It became notable for showcasing local movies that weren't seen in regular cinemas and also featured films from Canada, Russia, and China.

The organisers did not expect close to a thousand viewers in its inaugural year; and thus, decided to move the venue to the city's business district in 1953. As the MIFF's popularity grew, the organisers also extended the festival's run to at least 17 days.

Today, the festival screens about 400 local and international movies from 50 countries for an average of 200,000 people. Attendees are mostly fans and film enthusiasts, but the MIFF has also become an important event for industry insiders.

In between movie premieres, the MIFF hosts the 37°South Market, a four-day conference where filmmakers, producers, and distributors participate in seminars or network with each other. The event culminates with an awards show, which has become the tradition since 1962.

How To Get There

The Forum Theatre is the site of many entertainment events in Melbourne. Located in Flinders St., it is also near bars, restaurants, shops, and workspaces. As it is situated in the heart of the city, the Forum Theatre is easily accessible to all types of transportation.

Melbourne's Metro Trains have scheduled routes that take commuters directly to the Flinders St. Station. Trams, on the other hand, have drop off points at Flinders and Swanson streets.

There are at least six bus routes that bring passengers to Flinders or Russel streets, and you could also leave the venue via the taxi rank on Swanson St.  

If you decide to drive your own car to the Melbourne International Film Festival, finding a good parking space could be inconvenient. A busy district with thousands of people going to and coming from the event is a recipe for parking nightmares.

Rent a Parking Space

You might be planning to attend the MIFF for more than a day to watch different features; thus, it’s a good idea to book a parking space, so you won’t have to scramble for a spot.

Whilst there are options for preferred parking spaces around the venue, the rates might not be up to your budget. On average, all-day parking from Mondays to Fridays costs $32.  It’s $7 if you park on weekdays after 4pm. It’s also a $7 for all-day parking on weekends, but you could be competing with a number of people.

Save yourself the hassle and trouble. Instead, look forward to enjoying an enriching film experience at the Melbourne International Film Festival by booking a convenient and secure parking spot via Parkhound.