Photo: Jorge Wada / Google MapsAustralian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair 2027 hotels in Melbourne
Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair 2027 runs 28 February to 3 March at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Melbourne. 4,000+ retailers and buyers, around 200 exhibitors (2026)
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Where to stay for Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) 2027: the closest hotels to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) are in South Wharf and Southbank, with Melbourne CBD a short ride away. Rooms near the venue sell out first, so book a free-cancellation rate early. Add your company name and tax number at checkout for an itemised company invoice.
The Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair, run by the Australian Toy Association and often called the Melbourne Toy Fair, comes to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in South Wharf from Sunday 28 February to Wednesday 3 March 2027. It is strictly a trade only event for retailers, wholesalers, buying groups and others in the toy, hobby and licensing industry, and the place where buyers get a first look at products headed for release in the coming year. Exhibits span toys of every kind, from games, dolls, construction sets, ride ons and plush to outdoor and water products, plus a hobbies section with model cars, model railways, collectables and remote control, licensed products and nursery items. The 2026 fair drew around 200 exhibitors and more than 4,000 retailers and buyers, and the programme includes industry sessions and the association's awards, from Product of the Year to the Hall of Fame. MCEC sits beside the Yarra, a few tram stops from Southern Cross station, so hotels in South Wharf, Southbank, the CBD and Docklands all work. This page shows live hotel rates for your dates. Fair registration is free and separate from your hotel booking.
Popular areas for attendees: South Wharf · Southbank · Melbourne CBD · Docklands.
- Melbourne hotels for the Toy Fair sorted by distance to MCEC, from South Wharf and Southbank to the CBD and Docklands
- Live rates for 28 February to 3 March 2027, with dates you can change for a single buying day or the full four days
- Free cancellation rates shown where the hotel offers them, useful while buying appointments and stand plans settle
- An itemised company invoice emailed at booking, plus an exhibitor or buying group quote within 24 hours through our enquiry form
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 28 Feb to 3 Mar 2027
- Venue
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
- City
- Melbourne, Australia
- Airport
- MEL
- Attendance
- 4,000+ retailers and buyers, around 200 exhibitors (2026)
Live rates near the venue
Hotels near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair 2027
Free cancellation first
Flexible rooms prioritised so plans can change without penalty.
Company invoice
Itemised invoice billed to your company, emailed the moment you book.
Stay close to the venue
Hotels ranked by walking distance to the halls.
Lock today's rate
Reserve at the current price and book several rooms for the team.
Plan your stay
Rates shown for a 3 night stay, Sat, Feb 27 → Tue, Mar 2, arriving the day before the fair opens, or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
The venue, your hotel options and where to eat, all in one view. Tap the map to explore it full screen.
Booking hotels for a team or company?
Book several rooms near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), keep every stay on a free-cancellation rate, and add your company name and tax number at checkout to receive an itemised invoice for your accounts, emailed the moment you book.
- Itemised company invoice, emailed instantly
- Bills to your company name and ABN / VAT / tax number
- Free-cancellation rates prioritised for changing plans
- Book multiple rooms for the team in one place
Send this page to colleagues so everyone books their own room near the venue, all at today's rate.
Exhibiting or sending a team? Tell us how many rooms you need and we will send a personalised quote within 24 hours, with the distance from every hotel to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). If the closest hotels are nearly full, we split your team across neighbouring hotels a few minutes apart. Corporate accommodation for Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair)
Free Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) Insider Guide
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- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
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Need to expense this trip? Business invoices available at checkout.
How do you get to Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair)?
From Melbourne Airport (MEL)
- SkyBus Melbourne City Express runs between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station, with departures every 10 minutes, the operator says
- From Southern Cross Station, tram routes 96, 109 and 12 reach MCEC in just a few stops, the organiser says
- Taxis and rideshare are available at the terminals; if you are dropped off, the Clarendon Street entrance is closest to the Exhibition Centre
- Interstate visitors arrive at the same airport, so the same SkyBus and tram route works for everyone
By car and on foot
- MCEC is at 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC 3006
- Wilson Parking runs a secure underground car park at MCEC that can be booked online; nearby car parks include South Wharf Retail, Siddeley Street, Freeway and Montague Street
- If you are getting a lift to the Convention Centre side, the entrance near DFO is the closest drop off point
- From Flinders Street it is a short walk up Clarendon Street to the venue
How do you get around during Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair)?
Getting to MCEC each day
- Tram routes 96, 109 and 12 stop at Stop 124A Casino/MCEC, right by the Clarendon Street entrance
- Tram routes 70, 75 and the City Circle reach Flinders Street (Stop D5), a short walk from MCEC
- Southern Cross is the closest railway station, a few tram stops away
- The fair opens 9:00 to 17:00 from Sunday to Tuesday and closes at 14:00 on Wednesday 3 March
Where to stay in Melbourne
- South Wharf, around MCEC itself, is closest and suits exhibitors with early stand starts
- Southbank, along the river next to the venue, has large hotels and restaurants for client dinners
- The CBD is across the river with the widest hotel choice, linked to MCEC by tram
- Docklands, near Southern Cross, is handy if you arrive on SkyBus; check each hotel's position on the map before you book
Do you need a visa for Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair)?
ETA or eVisitor
- Holders of an ETA eligible passport can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app; Home Affairs lists a service charge of AUD20 and stays of up to 3 months at a time
- European passport holders may be eligible for a free eVisitor (subclass 651) visa, also allowing stays of up to 3 months at a time
- Both cover business visitor activities, which Home Affairs says include taking part in a conference, trade fair or seminar, provided the organisers do not pay you to take part
Visitor visa (subclass 600), Business Visitor stream
- Other passport holders may need a Visitor (subclass 600) visa; the Business Visitor stream lets you take part in a conference or trade fair for up to 3 months
- You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the decision is made, so apply well before February
Documents to carry
- The passport your ETA, eVisitor or visa is linked to
- Your Toy Fair registration and business identification showing you work in the toy, hobby or licensing industry
- Your hotel booking and return or onward ticket
Australian visa rules and charges change from time to time, so check the current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before you book.
First time at Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair)?
- Registration is free but required for every visitor, and you need proof that you work in the toy, hobby or licensing industry; registrations open in January 2027
- Bring business identification: the organiser asks registrants to present it when registering
- No one under 13 is admitted, apart from babies under one in a pram or suitable harness, and cameras and recording may not be permitted
- Each registration admits one person only, so every member of your buying team needs their own
- The last day closes at 14:00, so plan key appointments for Sunday to Tuesday
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- The awards ceremony, including the Hall of Fame and Product of the Year, is a good moment to see which lines buyers are talking about
- The organiser lists discounted rates at selected hotels; Event Escapes is independent and not affiliated with the Australian Toy Association, and you book a named hotel directly with us at the rate shown
- A South Wharf or Southbank hotel lets you walk to MCEC and avoid the morning tram crowds on the Sunday opening day
Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) travel FAQs
When is Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) 2027?
Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) takes place 28 Feb to 3 Mar 2027 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia.
Where is Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) held?
Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) is held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia. The nearest airport is MEL.
When and where is the Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair 2027?
The fair runs from Sunday 28 February to Wednesday 3 March 2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf. It opens 9:00 to 17:00 on the first three days and 9:00 to 14:00 on the last day.
Can the public visit the Melbourne Toy Fair?
No. It is strictly a trade only event. Retailers, wholesalers, buying groups and others in the toy, hobby or licensing industry can attend, and you need proof that you work in the industry. Children are not admitted.
Is the Toy Fair free to attend?
Yes. Registration is free and is required for all visitors. The organiser says registrations open in January 2027.
Where should I stay for the Toy Fair?
South Wharf and Southbank are closest to MCEC. The CBD and Docklands are a short tram ride away via Southern Cross or Flinders Street. Check each hotel's position on the map before you book.
How do I get from Melbourne Airport to MCEC?
Take SkyBus Melbourne City Express to Southern Cross Station, then tram route 96, 109 or 12 a few stops to MCEC's Clarendon Street entrance. Taxis and rideshare are also available.
Does booking a hotel include Toy Fair registration?
No. Your hotel booking and your fair registration are separate. Registration is handled by the Australian Toy Association.
Register for your attendee badge
Your entry badge is separate from your hotel. Get it from the official Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) portal before you travel. We handle the travel; the event handles the badge.
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Which hotels are closest to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)?
The closest hotels to the venue with the distance, the walk or ride time and an indicative nightly rate, refreshed weekly. Live prices for your exact dates are in the booking section above. Last checked 2 November 2026.
Cheap and 3 star hotels near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Western Melbourne City Hotel★★★ | 0.4 km | ~6 min walk | A$171 |
| Great Southern Hotel Melbourne★★★ | 0.5 km | ~8 min walk | A$189 |
More hotels close to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Metropol Melbourne★★★★★ | 0.1 km | ~1 min walk | A$518 |
| Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG★★★★ | 0.2 km | ~3 min walk | A$464 |
| Hannah St Hotel Melbourne★★★★ | 0.3 km | ~5 min walk | A$315 |
| Hyatt Centric Melbourne★★★★★ | 0.5 km | ~7 min walk | A$297 |
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (Melbourne Toy Fair) or its organizers. Dates and venues can change. Verify with the official event site before booking travel.