Leading the Way in Innovation

Located under Melbourne Museum, our car park is open 7 days a week from 5.30am to midnight daily. Enter via Rathdowne Street or Nicholson Street.

Terms and conditions apply. All rates include GST. A credit card processing fee of 2.2% will be added to all credit card transactions. Lost tickets incur maximum day rate. This car park is under 24-hour video surveillance.

Book your car park online. 

Evening rate: Enter after 4pm and exit before midnight for a $15 flat fee.

You can pay for your parking at the pay stations before returning to your car. The pay stations are located in the lift lobbies on P1 or at the Nicholson Street and Rathdowne Street entry/exits. Pay stations accept card payment only.

We recommend booking the following car parking in advance:

• Lygon Street Parking: 204-218 Lygon St, Carlton – Lygon Street Car Park.
• Wilson Parking: 90 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne – 90 Victoria Parade Car Park.
• Secure Parking: 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne – 50 Lonsdale Street Car Park.
• Secure Parking: 28 La Trobe Street, Melbourne – 28 La Trobe Street Car Park.

The car park height clearance is 2.15m.

Two Delta Energy Systems AC EV chargers fitted with type 2 connectors are located on level P2 Nicholson Street. There is no additional cost to use the chargers.

Yes. You do need an ABN or be a current Bowens Benefit or Trade Account holder to attend the Bowens Building + Innovation Expo 2026.

If you bring a guest to the event with you, they do not need to have an ABN or a Bowens Account. However, they do need to be registered with an email address.

Yes! You can register multiple attendees; however, each attendee must be registered with their own unique email address. Duplicate email addresses cannot be accepted due to ticketing, food and drink allocations and competition requirements.

To go into the draw to win our major prize, a 2026 KGM Musso XLV Ultimate 4WD, simply register to attend the Bowens Building + Innovation Expo 2026. Once your registration is confirmed, you will automatically receive one entry into the prize draw.

One winning entry will be drawn at 7:50pm. The winner must present themselves at the main stage after their name is announced to claim the prize. If the prize is not claimed within a reasonable timeframe, a new winner will be drawn. Redraws will continue until the prize is claimed.

Please note:

• Entrants must be 18 years of age or older
• Bowens employees and Expo exhibitors are not eligible to enter
• Please refer to the official Terms & Conditions for full competition details.

We understand that families may want to join in on the fun, so we are happy to announce that kids are welcome to attend the event. Please note, however, that while children are welcome, the venue will not take responsibility for their supervision or safety. We kindly ask that parents and guardians ensure their children are supervised at all times during the event.

Due to the anticipated high attendance, we kindly ask that you leave your furry friends at home, with the exception of guide and assistance dogs, which are always welcome. Please note that Museums Victoria staff reserve the right to request that animals be removed from the event site if necessary.

Absolutely! Each registered attendee will receive food and drink vouchers on entry to redeem throughout the event.

Food will be available from 2:15pm to 7:30pm. To redeem your meal, simply visit the food station and present your name badge, which will be marked by our staff.

Alcohol will be served from 4:00pm to 7:30pm. 

Note: This event adheres to Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) laws. Venue & security staff reserve the right to check ID and refuse service to intoxicated guests.

We are committed to ensuring that the Bowens Building + Innovation Expo 2026 is accessible to everyone. We cater to people with wheelchair and disability access. Please use Gate 3 for easy entry and lift access to gallery levels. If you require additional support, let us know upon arrival at the registration desk or at any of our information desks located throughout the venue.

Please be advised that there will not be ATMs available at the venue. However, you will be able to purchase products using Square and EFTPOS systems throughout the event.

No. This event does not accept cash payments.

If you require a cloakroom, let us know upon arrival at the registration desk or at any of our information desks located throughout the venue.

Bus bookings will be available through the Expo registration page, with each Bowens store coordinating its own group bookings. If you’re unable to travel to the event, Bowens will be providing bus transport from selected stores. If you would like to secure a seat, please indicate your interest during the registration process. Bus registrations will close Monday 31st August 2026.

No worries. Speak to Bowens staff next time you’re at your local Bowens store to register for the bus service. If you change your mind, feel free to email your store the changes prior to the event. 

Buses will depart metro stores at 2 pm on the day of the expo. All regional stores which include Shepparton, Belmont, Phillips Island and Warragul, will depart at 1pm.

Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, Vic 3053. Click for location details.

Plan your trip using PTV’s Journey Planner.

Transport options include:

• Tram route 86 or tram route 96 to Stop 11 Melbourne Museum, corner of Nicholson and Gertrude Streets (Some tips to stay safe while on board or around trams)
• Free City Circle Tram to Victoria Parade
• City loop train to Parliament Station
• Bus routes 250, 251 and 402 to Rathdowne Street
• Making a trip to the city? Take a V/Line train.

Local bicycle facilities include bike lanes on Rathdowne St and Canning St. There is also a shared pedestrian/bike path on Nicholson St.

Bicycle racks on the Plaza provide ample bike parking just outside the front door.

Smoking and vaping is strictly prohibited inside the Royal Exhibition Building, the loading dock and within 10 metres of any entry or exit door.

To receive your retro Bowens hoodie, all you need to do is spend at least $100 for a limited-edition Bowens Retro T-Shirt, at least $200 for a limited edition Bowens Retro Hoodie, or at least $300 for a limited-edition Bowens Retro Pack.^

^Read the full T&Cs here.