ICRER is coming to Melbourne, Australia!
About your host city
Best City To Live In The World 2026, by Time Out
Melbourne is one of Australia’s best-connected business event destinations, renowned for its vibrant blend of innovation, culture, and world-class infrastructure. The city seamlessly brings together leading business, research, and entertainment precincts within a dynamic, walkable CBD framed by beautiful parks and gardens.
The Traditional Owners of Naarm (the Melbourne region) are the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. The city centre, known for its iconic laneways and cultural precincts, sits alongside the Yarra River, which winds through the heart of the city and connects many of its destinations.
Beyond the CBD, Melbourne offers easy access to some of Victoria’s most celebrated regions. Discover the coastal beauty of the Great Ocean Road, explore world-class wineries in the Yarra Valley, unwind in the seaside villages of the Mornington Peninsula, or experience native wildlife along the Phillip Island.
When you visit, be sure to allow time to experience Melbourne’s vibrant city life and explore its diverse and memorable surrounds.
Things to do in Melbourne (and around)
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![Night view of the National Gallery of Victoria building illuminated with purple and pink lights, displaying large white illuminated letters 'NGV' on the wall.]()
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. Situated over two magnificent buildings – NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia – the Gallery hosts a wide range of international and local artists, exhibitions, programs and events; from contemporary art to major international historic exhibitions, fashion and design, architecture, sound and dance. And it’s free!
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![Scenic view of the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks off the coast of the Great Ocean Road in Australia, with sandy beach, green vegetation, and blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky.]()
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a world-renowned 242-kilometer scenic coastal drive in Victoria, Australia, stretching from Torquay to Allansford. Built by WWI veterans as a memorial, it features dramatic limestone cliffs, surf beaches, rainforests, and the iconic Twelve Apostles, offering a top destination for road trips, surfing, and wildlife viewing.
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![People gather outside Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, Australia, with some sitting on benches and others walking by under large umbrellas, in front of market stalls and greenery.]()
Queen Victoria Market
Also known affectionately as ‘Vic Market’ or ‘Queen Vic’, the Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. An historic landmark spread over two city blocks, it’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.
The Market is open five days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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The Royal Botanic Gardens
At nearly 180 years old, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a scenic haven for recreation and a key centre for education, conservation, science and horticulture. Located on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD in the arts precinct, it sits alongside the Shrine of Remembrance, Arts Centre, National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and nearby Melbourne Town Hall.
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![People gathered outside the H&M clothing store in a historic building with arched windows and columns, some sitting on steps and others standing, with bicycles and a seating area in front.]()
Bourke Street Mall
With global brands and local favourites, it is well worth a visit to the bustling hive of commerce that is Bourke Street Mall. Emerge hours later, arms laden with shopping bags and your ears reverberating with the sounds of lively buskers.
Melbourne's retail heart links Swanston and Elizabeth Streets and is only open to trams and pedestrians. Listen out for the bells of approaching trams as you drift between department stores and the flagships of fashion retailers.
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![Vineyard with rows of grapevines in a lush green field, with hills in the background and a sunset in the sky.]()
The Yarra Valley
This region is a stunning natural playground of gourmet eateries and farm gates, quaint villages and – need we say – world-famous vineyards. Ready to sniff, swirl and sip for a bit? There are more than 80 exceptional cellar doors to sidle up to.
Melbourne on a budget
Australia is a long trip for many delegates, and flights are usually the biggest cost. Once you land, Melbourne offers great value – from laneway cafés and local markets to beach walks and world-class museums, there's something for every budget.
Getting around
Free
Hop on and off trams anywhere in the city centre's Free Tram Zone.
Coffee
$5–7AUD
Outstanding coffee is part of daily life in Melbourne.
≈ €3–4.50 · £2.65–3.70 · US$3.50–5
Dinner specials
$20–30AUD
Weekly deals at pubs, bars and restaurants across the city.
≈ up to €18 · £16 · US$21
Conversions are approximate and vary with exchange rates.
Hungry for a bargain?
Find happy hours, cheap eats and weekly specials across the city.
Stay a little longer
ICRER 2027 is a chance to pair great science with an Australian experience. Enjoy Melbourne's hospitality, connect with colleagues from around the world – and consider extending your trip to discover Australia's remarkable landscapes and wildlife.
Want insider tips?
Ask one of the Australians on our organising committee – we're happy to share our favourite spots.
Contact usVisa Information
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a valid visa is required for entry, with the visa issued in the visitor’s own country and entered in the passport pre-travel date. Once arrived in Australia, a visa is not needed to enter South Australia from another state.
There are a number of visa types. A tourist visa is intended for those visiting Australia for a holiday, sightseeing, or visiting friends or relatives.