Getting to Fringe Common Rooms
Fringe Common Rooms is centrally located in Carlton, just 5 minutes from Melbourne CBD, in the heart of the city's vibrant arts and culture precinct. The venue is housed in the historic Victorian Trades Hall, situated near RMIT University, a short walk from Lygon Street cafés, restaurants, and shops, and close to Carlton Gardens and the Melbourne Museum.
Its central location makes it easily accessible for city and suburban guests, whether attending events, weddings, or creative workshops.
Address
Fringe Common Rooms
Trades Hall
Corner of Lygon Street & Victoria Street
Carlton VIC 3053
Nearby landmarks:
Next to RMIT University
2 blocks from Lygon Street dining & shopping
5-minute walk to Carlton Gardens
8-minute walk to Melbourne Museum
Getting Here by Public Transport
Fringe Common Rooms is easy to reach by tram, train, and bus, with multiple stops within a short walking distance.
Tram
Swanston Street Trams
Routes: 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72
Stop 7: RMIT University – approx. 450 metres (6-minute walk) to Trades Hall
Stop 4: Queensberry Street – approx. 450 metres (6-minute walk)
Both stops are Accessible Platform stops
These trams travel through Melbourne CBD, making it convenient to walk past Melbourne Central or State Library on the way to the venue.
La Trobe Street Trams
Routes: 30 and 35
Stop 7: Russell Street & La Trobe Street – approx. 5-minute walk
Not an Accessible Platform stop
Walk north along Russell Street past Carlton Gardens to reach Trades Hall.
Train
The closest train stations are Melbourne Central Station:
Approx. 800 metres from Trades Hall (13-minute walk)
Accessible platforms and lift access to street level
Directions: From Melbourne Central, head north along Swanston Street. Turn right onto Victoria Street, then continue a short distance to reach Trades Hall, located at the corner of Lygon and Victoria Streets, next to RMIT University.
And State Library Station:
Approx. 750 metres from Trades Hall (10‑minute walk).
Lift access to street level at Swanston Street and La Trobe Street entrances
Directions: Exit State Library Station toward Swanston Street, walk north along Swanston Street then turn right onto Victoria Street. Trades Hall is located on the corners of Lygon and Victoria Streets, next to RMIT University.
Bus
Closest Bus Routes
Routes: 200 and 207
- Trades Hall / Lygon Street stop – approx. 25 metres from the main entrance
- Queensberry Street / Lygon Street stop – approx. 170 metres (2-minute walk)
Most buses on these routes have low floors or ramps, though accessibility may vary.
Other Nearby Bus Stops
- Victoria Street / Rathdowne Street – Routes: 205, 251, 402 – 280 metres (4-minute walk)
- Carlton Gardens / Victoria Street – Route 402 – 450 metres (7-minute walk)
Parking Near Fringe Common Rooms
There is no onsite parking at Trades Hell, however there are a number of commercial street car parks outside Trades Hall on Victoria Street and Lygon Street, including an accessible parking bay, and some kerbside parking in the surrounding areas.
GreenCo Parking is nearby at 43 MacKenzie St.
Secure Parking carpark is located at 28 La Trobe Street, approximately a six minute walk from Trades Hall.
Lygon Street carpark is located at 204 – 218 Lygon Street, approximately a six minute walk from Trades Hall.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber can drop off directly outside Trades Hall on Lygon Street, making arrival quick and convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Fringe Common Rooms is just 5 minutes from Melbourne CBD. You can reach it by tram, train, bus, taxi, or walking. If walking, head north along Swanston Street, turn right onto Victoria Street, and Trades Hall is on the corner of Victoria and Lygon Streets, next to RMIT University.
Nearby Swanston Street trams: 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72.
Nearby La Trobe Street trams: 30, 35.
- Swanston Street stops: RMIT University (Stop 7) and Queensberry Street (Stop 4) – approx. 6-minute walk, Accessible Platforms.
- La Trobe Street stop: Russell Street & La Trobe Street – approx. 5-minute walk, not an Accessible Platform.
Melbourne Central Station is the closest, about 800 metres (13-minute walk). The station has accessible platforms and lifts, and you can walk north along Swanston Street, then right onto Victoria Street to reach Trades Hall.
Closest bus stops:
- Trades Hall / Lygon Street – Routes 200 & 207, right outside the entrance
- Queensberry Street / Lygon Street – Routes 200 & 207, 2-minute walk
Other nearby stops: Victoria Street / Rathdowne Street (Routes 205, 251, 402) and Carlton Gardens / Victoria Street (Route 402). Most buses offer low-floor or ramp access, though accessibility may vary.
There is no onsite parking at Trades Hall. Nearby options include:
- GreenCo Parking – 43 MacKenzie Street
- Secure Parking – 28 La Trobe Street, approx. 6-minute walk
- Lygon Street Car Park – 204–218 Lygon Street, approx. 6-minute walk
Street parking is available on Victoria Street, including accessible bays, with limited kerbside parking nearby.
Yes. Fringe Common Rooms is fully accessible and designed to welcome guests with mobility needs. Key features include:
- Stair-free access throughout the venue, with a wheelchair lift at the main Lygon Street entrance. Assistance is available — contact the Duty Manager at 0451 232 089.
- Lift access to the first-floor Ballroom.
- Accessible bathrooms on both ground and first floors.
- Within the Ballroom, the stage can be made accessible using a temporary mobi-lift (please discuss with the Venue team before your event).
- Other features: lowered bar section, wide doorways, and guide dogs/assistance animals are welcome.
- Minor step (<10 cm) from Ballroom to balcony.
Transport accessibility:
- Trams: Swanston Street (Routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72) and La Trobe Street (Routes 30, 35) are nearby, with Accessible Platforms at key stops.
- Train: Melbourne Central Station is 800 m away (13-minute walk) and has lifts to street level.
- Bus: Routes 200, 207, 205, 251, 402 are within a short walk; many have low-floor or ramp access.
Parking: Nearby carparks include GreenCo (43 MacKenzie St), Secure Parking (28 La Trobe St), and Lygon Street Car Park (204–218 Lygon St), some with accessible bays.
For full accessibility details, including lifts, bathroom access, stage access, and sensory information, please visit our Accessibility Information page or contact the Common Rooms team at [email protected]
Yes. Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, etc.) can drop off directly outside Trades Hall on Lygon Street for easy access.