Additional Information for Visitors

On this page, I've collected a few pieces of additional information that might be of use to people visiting our research group (particle physics) at Monash University. This is obviously not exhaustive but can give a first point of reference for visitors who have not been here before.

The map shows locations of interest on both Monash Campus (like my office, the School of Physics and Astronomy Secretariat, on-campus eating, etc.), nearby accommodations, the local watering hole, and a few accommodation options nearer to Melbourne City centre (called the CBD in local parlance).

Options for Accommodation

Around Campus

We are located at Monash University's main campus in the suburb of Clayton, which is 19km from the centre of Melbourne. Typically, we put our visitors up in nearby (short walking distance to campus) university-affiliated accommodation in either

  • Normanby House (not catered, but with a small kitchenette). Last checked Feb 2023; pricing for visitors (2023) is $100/night (studio) or $115/night (2 bedrooms). See web site for exact prices. (If the web site is not accessible from outside Monash, please get in touch with us; we would normally be the ones to book these options for you anyway.)
  • Mannix College (Gryphon House, with UK college style dining room). Last checked Feb 2023; pricing between $110 - $175 / night, depending on room size and duration of stay.
  • Clayton Serviced Apartments. Also very near campus, 5 mins walk away. Monash has a corporate agreement with them that significantly reduces rates. In 2023, the corporate rate varied from $160/night for the smallest (54m2) one-bedroom apartment to $340/night for the largest (140m2, 2-bathroom) town house, with small discounts for longer stays.

If these options are not available or not suitable, alternatives nearby (which are not affiliated with the university though we might still be able to get you a better rate) include:

  • Clayton Motor Inn. Reasonable alternative which is still within short walking distance of the campus. Rooms are somewhat dated but it is conveniently located, prices are reasonable for the area, and the owner is very nice and friendly.
  • A more expensive nearby option, which is slightly further away but still walkable and a very short drive by car is Gateway on Monash. Note however that some of the options closer to the city may be cheaper than Gateway and, with a public transport "myki" card, not significantly more difficult to get to campus.

Nearer to Melbourne City but with good connections to campus

There are obviously many options to stay in Melbourne. Note that it is generally not a cheap destination. The options below are just a few that have been used by us / visitors so far.

  • Punt Hill Appartments South Yarra. Reasonable rates, a short walk from the South Yarra train station from where there are good connections both in to the heart of Melbourne and out to Monash. (Note that although the web site says there is free wifi, previous visitors have reported having to pay for it.)
  • Visitors traveling with infants/children and who are able to afford slightly higher prices may want to look into a "suite" option: Quay West Suites is located right by the Yarra River and the Arts Centre. Also very near Flinders Street station from which connections go to Monash campus.

Getting to/from Campus and City Centre / Airports

Visitors who intend to use the public transport system should get a "myki" card. This can be purchased in many places, notably at railway stations (staffed counters or at "myki machines"), in buses, and also many retail outlets (like seven-eleven).

Also note that there is a "Free Tram Zone" in Melbourne's city centre, inside which you do not need a ticket or myki card to travel around, see the "Melbourne CBD Free Tram Zone map" on PTV Maps.

The following links are useful for getting around:

  • PTV: Public Transport Victoria. From/to journey planner app, maps, timetables, and more.
  • SkyBus: Transfers to/from Melbourne's Tullamarine (or Avalon) airports. (International travelers arrive at Tullamarine. Avalon only services JetStar domestic destinations.)
  • Also note that Uber operates in Melbourne, in addition to local taxi companies like SilverTop and 13 Cabs.

Getting to Monash Clayton Campus by Public Transport

Be aware that Monash University has several campuses, so make sure you go to the right one. We (the School of Physics and Astronomy) are located at the main campus, in Clayton, 19km from Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD).

To get here by public transport, you need to hop on the Pakenham, Cranbourne, or Dandenong train lines and get off at Huntingdale Station, from which the 601, 630, or 900 buses connect to the Clayton Campus bus loop. See Monash by Public Transport for more information (scroll down to Clayton).