Getting to Ballarat

By Bus from Tullamarine Airport

Ballarat Airport Shuttle Bus (www.airportshuttlebus.com.au) is the quickest way to get to Ballarat with minimal transport changes from Tullamarine Airport. It will leave you at Ballarat Railway Station - Lydiard Street. Bus Bay 3. To get to the Mercure you will need to take a short Taxi ride to the Mercure or to your hotel. The Mercure is 3km from the station.

Cost:  $69.00 Return  
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

By Train from Southern Cross Station on VLine Regional

Spencer Street
Docklands VIC 3008

Cost: $7.70 - $22.20 One Way. Return option only available same day.
Duration: 1hr 13 min - 1hr 30 min

Timetable and pricing varies substantially depending on type of ticket (adult, concession and off/on-peak). You will need a Myki Card.

Driving - Get Directions to Mercure Ballart Hotel & Convention Centre

Dinner & Show Information

APSCON has historically been a very social event where APS members got to meet each other and create everlasting friendships.  For many of the delegates, it has been a yearly expedition to enjoy their love for  photography and reunite with friends as they include APSCON into their yearly social itinerary.

We have included two very dynamic social dinner and show events that are fun and offer a unique experience as well as ample photo opportunities.
 

Kryal Castle  - Private Photo Shoot followed by Dinner & Entertainment

Thursday 12th September 5:00pm – 9:30pm
3 Course Meal & Entertainment $55.00 pp
121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352

Legendary Land of Myth & Adventure

Amazing Private photoshoot with the Knights and Ladies of the Castle and "Valiant" the stallion followed by a 3 course dinner in the Abbey with entertainment. A medieval themed night with the castle actors providing entertainment during dinner. Bus transport to and from Kryal Castle, departing Mercure Hotel 5.00pm and returning 9.30pm, is included.

Sovereign Hill Dinner & Spectacular New Show
**AURA**

Saturday 14th September 5:30pm – 9:30pm
2 Course Dinner & Show - Cost $107 Adult, $94.20 Concession
Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350

Explore Space

Delve into the Dreamtime, and re-live Australia’s most important rebellion all while travelling under the night sky. AURA is the story of how gold revolutionised Australia.

Atmospheric Storytelling

Over 64 acres, hundreds of stunning projections create an immersive storytelling experience that transports you back in time. The Wadawurrung creation story is told with projections on a magnificent lake, gunfights and protests erupt under the night sky, and the gold rush is brought to life as never before.

Multi-Sensory Experiences

Feel the vibrations as stars explode in front of your eyes, watch as the land is transformed by the gold rush, and dive into the chaos of the Eureka Rebellion as you witness the creation and discovery of the world’s most precious metal.

Open-Air Immersion

AURA is Sovereign Hill’s totally new immersive theatre experience. Designed by Creative Director Andrew Walsh AM and his Accolade Event Management team of local and international talent, AURA features cutting-edge 3D projection technology to be seen only at Sovereign Hill.

A Living Breathing Museum

Before the show, why not spend a day at Sovereign Hill? A town that brings the 1850s gold rush to life. With shops, schools, a theatre and more, Sovereign Hill is Australia’s foremost outdoor museum. See the spectacular $160,000 gold pour, venture underground to explore the gold mines or catch a horse-drawn coach and tour the town. You can purchase your ticket when booking for AURA.