We’re Racing to ULTRA Melbourne at Flemington Racecourse
We’re just days away from ULTRA Melbourne and you can feel the excitement building as the weekend inches closer. This year, the festival had a venue change from the iconic Sidney Myer Bowl to the legendary Flemington Racecourse. Yes, THAT Flemington Racecourse, home of the Melbourne Cup. While the convenience of the Sidney Myer Bowl was great for getting to and from the festival, the racecourse is still accessible from most places in greater Melbourne. It also offers more space to expand the stages.
Getting to ULTRA Melbourne
Just an 8km drive from the CBD, a car may seem like the best mode of transport. However, there are a few other options that may save you time and money. Grab your Myki on the way out the door and utilize Melbourne’s vast train and tram system! Both a tram and train stop right outside the course, you’ll save yourself from the stress of post-festival parking lot madness.
If taxis and ridesharing are more your speed, that is an option too. Check out the Flemington Racecourse website for more information on how to schedule your pickup. With no separate designated area for rideshares, be sure to plan accordingly when it comes to booking your ride.
Planning Your Day
Set times are out! Which means it’s time to put some thought behind how you’ll be organizing your day at ULTRA Melbourne! One way to plan things out is to have a few artists that are your must-see selections of the day. Between those sets, you’ll have the opportunity to check out acts you haven’t seen or heard of before. With a whole stage dedicated to Aussie talent, you could rock up to see the next up-and-coming DJ from down under. Another way to sift through the lineup and find something that will suit you is to break artists down by genre. No matter your favorite genre, this well-rounded lineup will have plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Between stages, we can expect everything from food, merchandise, chill-out zones, and photo ops to fill your time to the brim with unforgettably good vibes. Stay tuned here for updates on the venue map!
Don’t Forget The Essentials
We all know that the weather in Melbourne can be a bit unpredictable. Remember the downpour that hit the festival last year? It may be a good idea to keep that in mind when packing the essentials and planning your fits. Carrying an umbrella isn’t reasonable, recyclable ponchos are a fantastic option to have on hand.
SPF is always going to be a necessity when it comes to an outing in the Australian sun. The temperature is set to top out at 19 Celsius, but cooling down at night. Cooler temperatures don’t stop the harsh UV rays from doing some damage though. Pick up a small bottle of SPF 30+ from your local shop to protect your skin as you dance away. A hat isn’t a bad idea either to keep the sun off of your face.
Staying hydrated and eating a good meal will also be key to lasting all day. Be sure to watch your water intake. Water stations and local food haunts will be set up on the grounds to give you that much-needed boost before boogying over to the next set.
My Most Looked Forward To Moments
On a more personal note, I’m keen to check out Carl Cox! The excitement is real for the Resistance stage after hearing about it for years. It’ll be exciting to see such a powerhouse of an artist for the first time, and in a city he now calls home. I will also be at Armin Van Buuren for a taste of trance goodness. Zedd for a set that will be dripping with nostalgia. Getting out of my comfort zone a bit, Darren Styles is an artist who’s been on my radar for a long time now. I’ve finally got the opportunity to experience hardstyle, and what better place to do it than in a country that loves it so much?
ULTRA Melbourne has got a lot in store for festival-goers to enjoy and it all comes to life this Saturday, April 13th at Flemington Racecourse! See you there!