Attending the Victorian Homelessness Conference? Find the venue and accommodation information below, including discount codes for accommodation at the Conference venue, the Mercure Ballarat.
Venue & Discount Code
The Victorian Homelessness Conference will be held at:
Mercure Hotel Ballarat
613 Main Rd, Ballarat
The Conference has reserved a room block for delegates at the Mercure. If you are looking to book a room, kindly call reception at +613 5327 1200 or email reception at: reception@mercureballarat.com.au and use the code ” Vic Homelessness” to get 10% off the best available rate.
Other accommodation options
A number of additional hotel options are available in the surrounding area, within a 2-5 minute walk from the venue.
Sovereign Hill Hotel –Â https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/experiences/sovereign-hill-hotel/
Sovereign Hill hotel is offering VHC attendees 5% off bookings from 26 to 30 November. Enter promocode VHC2025 when booking here: https://ibe12.rmscloud.com/2700855E5F5A7C6F/1
Ballarat Suites –Â https://www.ballaratsuites.com.au/
Ballarat Suites is offering VHC attendees a special rate of $199 per room, per night (regardless of room type). To access this offer, call Ballarat Suites on 03 5329 0200 to book and state you are attending VHC 2025.
Sovereign Views Apartments –Â https://www.sovereignviews.com.au/
Accessibility
Mercure Ballarat offers a range of accessibility features to support guests with mobility needs, including:
- Ground-level access to public areas
- Accessible guest rooms (available on request)
- Accessible bathrooms and wide doorways
- On-site parking with accessible spaces
- Staff assistance available upon request
For specific accessibility requirements, please contact the hotel directly.
Phone: +61 3 5327 1200 | Email: reception@mercureballarat.com.au
Or fill out the form on their Contact Page: https://mercureballarat.com.au/contact/
Respite Accommodation
Mercure Ballarat also offers dedicated respite and accessible accommodation for guests with additional needs.
These rooms are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment, and include:
- Wheelchair-accessible rooms with wide doorways
- Roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms
- Quiet garden surroundings
- Support from trained respite professionals
- On-site amenities such as communal lounges, dining areas, and wellness facilities
- Tailored support for individual needs
For more information, visit: https://mercureballarat.com.au/respite/
Getting there
Getting to Ballarat from Melbourne
By Train (V/Line):
- Departure Station: Southern Cross Station (Melbourne CBD)
- Arrival Station: Ballarat Station
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Fare: Approximately $7–$10 (Myki or paper ticket)
- Frequency: Hourly, 7 days a week
Plan your journey: https://transport.vic.gov.au/journey
From Ballarat Station to Mercure Ballarat
Option 1: Taxi or Rideshare
- Travel Time: Approximately 7 minutes
- Estimated Fare: $9–$11
Option 2: Bus (Route 21)
- Board at Ballarat Station/Lydiard St N
- Alight at Burdeu St/Main Rd (near Sovereign Hill)
- Travel Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Fare: Approximately $2 with Myki
Option 3: Walking
- Distance: Approximately 3.2 km
- Travel Time: 40–45 minutes
Travel Tips
Taxis and Uber are readily available in Ballarat.
Myki cards are required for V/Line trains and local buses. Purchase at Southern Cross Station or online: https://transport.vic.gov.au/tickets-and-myki/myki/buy-a-myki
V/Line trains have luggage racks, but space may be limited during peak times.
Both Southern Cross and Ballarat stations are wheelchair accessible.