Melbourne International Film Festival's MIFF Schools program takes place at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) Cinemas at Federation Square in the Melbourne CDB (opposite Flinders Street Station), and at Hoyts Melbourne Central, on the corner of Swanston and La Trobe streets in the CBD. Both venues are easily accessible by public transport, and in the following information we'll also outline the best places for coach drop off and pick-up, as well as parking.
During the booking process, you will be asked if any of members of your group have any access needs. Please make sure you let us know in as much detail as possible and we’ll be happy to accommodate you wherever possible.
MIFF accepts the National Companion Card; a companion on the card does not use one of the free teacher allocations.
ACMI and Hoyts Cinemas are wheelchair accessible, offer assisted listening devices and accessible toilets, and have lifts. ACMI Cinemas offer a separate school groups' entry and dedicated school groups' area.
ACMI Cinemas | Physical Access
Federation Square, Melbourne
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The main entrance to ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) is from Federation Square. Wheelchair access is provided at the main entrance and via the accessibility entrance located at the Flinders Street facade, where a lift can take visitors up to Entry Level.
The central lifts provide disabled access to the Cinemas Level.
Wheelchairs are available for loan from the Ticketing & Information Desk if required.
Visually impaired warning markers are located on the floor before each step to provide a clear signal of a change of level.
ACMI offers assistive-listening devices that can be requested at the Tickets & Information desk.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Wheelchair accessible seating in ACMI Cinema 2 is located at the rear of the cinema, at cinema entry level. There are two wheelchair bays in total. ACMI Cinema 1 has two reserved wheelchair spaces (one at the rear of the auditorium that is accessible via the elevator, and one at cinema entry level).
For more information about accessing ACMI visit: acmi.net.au/visit
Accessible Toilet
Toilet facilities for people with a disability are located to the right of the escalators on Level 1. The cinemas are located on Level 2.
Transport
Public Transport
Located in the Melbourne CBD, ACMI Cinemas are easily accessible by public transport.
Arriving by train: ACMI is opposite Flinders Street Station.
Arriving by tram: Tram numbers 70, 71, 75 and the City Circle tram stop on Flinders Street outside Federation Square. Tram numbers 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 stop outside Flinders Street Station.
For information on buses and further timetable and journey planning information, please contact Public Transport Victoria by calling 1800 800 007 or visit their website at ptv.vic.gov.au.
Parking
The City of Melbourne offers excellent resources on accessible parking, public transport, taxis, vehicle hire and getting mobile on Melbourne's footpaths. For more information, visit the City of Melbourne website.
For a list of council-provided on-street parking spaces for holders of Disabled Persons’ Parking Permits, visit the City of Melbourne website.
Paid parking is available at Federation Square Car Park – entry via Russell Street or the service road on Batman Avenue.
Paid parking is available at Federation Square Car Park – entry via Russell Street or the service road on Batman Avenue.
Coach Drop Off and Pick Up
Map of Bus Parking within City of Melbourne (pdf, 230kb)
The safest and closest drop-off zone for ACMI is behind Federation Square on Russell Street extension. It is a drop off zone only and coaches cannot stand there. Buses can also drop students off at Federation Square on Flinders Street (please observe the times and conditions of street signs). The closest bus parking is along St Kilda Road, opposite the Arts Centre and NGV, a short walk from Federation Square and ACMI.
Hoyts Cinemas, Melbourne Central | Physical Access
Level 4, Melbourne Central shopping precinct.
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Lift access is available between Level 3 and Level 4. Upon arrival at Level 3, please see a MIFF staff member or volunteer who will escort you to the lift.
Melbourne Central Directory map
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Wheelchair accessible seating in Cinema 11 is located at the rear of the cinema, at cinema entry level. There are five seats in total.
Parking
There are designated on-street Disabled Parking Bays available at the following locations:
- La Trobe Street (between Queen and Elizabeth) 1 space, 2 hours
- La Trobe Street (between Swanston and Russell) 3 spaces, 2 hours
- Little Lonsdale Street (between Queen and Elizabeth) 1 space, 2 hours
- Little Lonsdale Street (between Swanston and Russell) 2 spaces, 2 hours
- Elizabeth Street (between Little Lonsdale and La Trobe) 2 spaces, 2 hours
Further Information
Providing mobility assistance, information and equipment hire, Travellers Aid is an excellent source of support and information: travellersaid.org.au.
For assistance and enquiries regarding accessible travel in metropolitan Melbourne, phone the Metlink Information Centre on 131 638 or TTY 9619 2727 or head to metlinkmelbourne.com.au/accessible-transport.
Access Enquiries
If you have an access enquiry or requirement, please make sure you advise us, wherever possible, at the time of booking.
If you would like more information please contact boxoffice(at)miff.com.au or call the MIFF Office on 03 8660 4888.
MIFF is also contactable through the National Relay Service on 133 677 then MIFF Office 03 8660 4888.
You can also email any enquiries, comments and suggestions to boxoffice(at)miff.com.au.
FAQs
Please see our FAQs page for detailed answers to all your queries.