Frequently Asked Questions
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade will determine whether patrons will be able to light candles during a hot day.
This page provides answers to frequently asked questions for Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight® at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. For information about watching the event on the big screen at Federation Square, visit: Federation Square
On this page:
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets have sold out.
Other ways to celebrate Christmas Eve with us include:
Where is it?
In the gardens of King's Domain Park, close to Linlithgow Avenue in the City of Melbourne. Melways reference 2F K8.
Access to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl via public transport including trams, trains and buses is relatively simple. The Music Bowl is easily located with permanent directional signs to guide visitors. For further information on how to get to the venue by public transport, visit the Metlink website or phone 131 638. TTY is available on (03) 9619 2727
For guests outside of Melbourne requiring more information about accommodation, food and wine, activities and attractions, please visit www.visitvictoria.com.
How do I get there?
Travelling By Train
Catch any train into Flinders Street Station, and from there walk south (away from the city) along St Kilda Road. This is approximately a ten minute walk into the Gardens. If disembarking at Richmond Station, walk east along Swan Street towards the Gardens. This is a fifteen minute walk.
Tram
Catch trams travelling along St Kilda Road which are numbered 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 and 72 and disembark at Stop 16 or 17. The main gates of the Music Bowl are a three minute walk from the stop.
Bus
Catch buses 216, 219 or 220 along St Kilda Road or Bus 605 along Swan Street. For more information about travelling to the venue by bus, visit the Metlink website.
Car
Street parking around the Sidney Myer Music Bowl (Linlithgow Avenue and St Kilda Road) is extremely limited. If driving into the city, patrons have the option of using the Arts Centre car park which is located at the rear of the Arts Centre (off Sturt and Kavanagh Streets).
Taxi
The closest rank to the Bowl is outside Flinders Street Station. You may also like to carry the number of a taxi company and call them as you are getting ready to leave the venue.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteers are invaluable to the success of Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight®. If you are interested in volunteering please contact our Volunteer Services team on 1300 84 74 66.
What should I bring?
In addition to Christmas cheer, patrons are encouraged to bring rugs, cushions, low backrests, picnics, sunhats and sun cream. Sealed or empty plastic water bottles up to 650mls can be brought in and free tap water is available.
What shouldn't I bring?
There are a number of items that patrons are not permitted to bring to the venue. These include and are not limited to alcohol, elevated and high-backed seating, breakable drinking glasses, glass bottles, open soft drink containers, hard-sided hampers, coolers and eskies, video cameras, animals (except Seeing Eye Dogs), any item which may impede other people's enjoyment of the show or deemed dangerous.
Please ask the Arts Centre about conditions of entry at time of purchase. Also note, security will conduct entry checks and items which are not permitted will need to be disposed of or be kept in the cloak room and returned to patrons on exit.
Important: Please also note that opened bottles will be confiscated and that flash photography and video taping the show is not permitted. The use of cameras is permitted.
If you have any further questions about conditions of entry, please ask the Arts Centre at time of purchase.
What will happen if the weather is bad?
The show has never been cancelled in 71 years and it will proceed even if it rains.
In the unlikely event that the weather creates extremely hazardous conditions such as extreme flooding or potential fire danger, risk assessors at the event will determine the appropriate action.
Vision Australia also recommends that patrons bring along sunscreen and appropriate cover such as hats and long sleeve tops - particularly if arriving early.
What emergency services will be available?
Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight® is serviced by:
- St John volunteers
- The Fire Brigade
- Police and ambulance services
- Security guards
These services are on standby to assist in the unlikely event of an emergency, and to assist all patrons if required.
When entering or leaving the venue we ask all patrons to follow all reasonable requests and directions from security and emergency personnel.
Security guards patrol the area inside and outside the venue, and work with the City of Melbourne and Emergency Services personnel to ensure pathways are well lit and patrolled. There will also be directional signage to help patrons find their way quickly and safely to and from the venue.
Vision Australia strongly urges all individuals and families to take all the regular precautions, particularly in relation to the safety of children.
What should I do if I lose property at the event?
On the night there will be a lost and found service. Please ask any event staff for assistance.
Can I buy a DVD and CD of previous events?
DVDs and CDs are not available to purchase.
How can I provide feedback?
Your feedback is highly valued. Please forward your comments to info@visionaustralia.org or by mail to Vision Australia, 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong Vic. 3144.
Who can I contact?
Please phone our Customer Service Call Centre on 1300 84 74 66 if you require any further information.
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All proceeds raised from Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight® will be used to support children who are blind or have low vision to access and participate in every part of life they choose. Read more about five-year-old Layla and our Christmas Child's Play Program Appeal.
To make a donation please visit our secure online donation page or phone 1300 84 74 66.