The Australian Society for Biophysics
The Australian Society for Biophysics
The 2026 Australian Society for Biophysics Annual Scientific Meeting will be held at La Trobe University, Flora Hill, Bendigo, Victoria. The campus is less than 2 km from Bendigo’s city centre. Bendigo is located approximately 150 km north of Melbourne, 600 km south-west of Canberra, and 800 km south-west of Sydney, and is easily reached by direct flights to Bendigo, flights via Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, V/Line train services, or by car.
If you’re travelling with colleagues from Melbourne, Sydney, or Canberra, consider carpooling. It’s a convenient and cost-effective option that also helps reduce the environmental impact of travel. There is ample parking available in Bendigo, including free parking on the La Trobe University campus throughout the conference. Hiring a car from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is also a convenient option, particularly for groups travelling together.
Qantas operates a direct service between Sydney (SYD) and Bendigo (BXG) on weekdays. The flight takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, making it a convenient option for delegates travelling from Sydney or connecting through Sydney from interstate or overseas. The direct flight will arrive on Sunday 22nd at 12.10pm giving attendees time to settle in before the conference opens around 3pm. If departing directly from Bendigo we recommend staying an extra night in Bendigo and catching the 12.40pm flight on Friday 27th because the conference will be scheduled to conclude around 1pm on Thursday the 26th.
Bendigo Airport is approximately 10 minutes by car from the conference venue and city centre, with taxis, rideshares and hire cars available. As flight schedules are limited, we recommend booking early if you plan to fly directly to Bendigo.
For most delegates, the easiest option is to fly into Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine, MEL).
From Melbourne Airport, you have several options for travelling to Bendigo:
Hiring a car is the most convenient option, particularly for groups or those planning to explore regional Victoria. The drive to Bendigo takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via the Calder Freeway (M79). Free parking is available on the La Trobe University campus and most accommodations.
Take the SkyBus Melbourne City Express from the airport to Southern Cross Station, then transfer to a V/Line train to Bendigo. Trains depart regularly throughout the day, with a relaxing journey time of approximately 2 hours. This is the simplest public transport option for most travellers and V/Line trains now accept contactless payment via credit/debit cards, smart watches, and phones.
An alternative is the 479 bus to Sunbury from outside Terminal 4 at Melbourne Airport to Sunbury Station, where you can connect directly with most V/Line Bendigo services. This option avoids the skybus and travelling into Melbourne’s CBD but relies on an hourly communter bus schedule. Both buses and trains now accept contactless payment via credit/debit cards, smart watches, and phones.
Bendigo Airport Service provides door-to-door transfers between Melbourne Airport and Bendigo. This is a good option for delegates travelling in small groups or with significant luggage. Taxis and rideshare services are also available but are generally the most expensive option.
Bendigo is an easy city to navigate, with the conference venue at La Trobe University’s Flora Hill campus located just a few kilometres from the city centre. The walk from the heart of Bendigo — marked by the iconic Alexandra Fountain — to La Trobe University takes around 40 minutes.
La Trobe University is served by several local bus routes, including the 61 and 63. Route 63 is recommended for most delegates, operating approximately every 30 minutes between Bendigo Hospital, Bendigo Railway Station, the city centre, and La Trobe University. Many of the recommended accommodation options are just a 1–2 minute walk from this route.
Bus fares can be paid using a Victorian myki card or via contactless payment with a debit or credit card, smartphone, or smart watch.
If you are driving or hiring a car, most accommodation providers offer complimentary parking (please confirm when booking). Free parking is also available throughout the La Trobe University campus, with dedicated parking reserved for conference delegates.
Taxis and rideshare services (including Uber) are readily available throughout Bendigo. A trip between the city centre and the conference venue typically takes 5–10 minutes, making this a convenient option, particularly after the conference networking events.
The conference dinner on Wednesday evening will be held at Chateau Doré, approximately 7 km from the conference venue. Complimentary chartered buses will transport delegates directly from La Trobe University to the winery immediately following the final conference session. Return buses will depart after dinner, with drop-off available at both La Trobe University and the Bendigo city centre (approximately 10:00 pm). Delegates are also welcome to drive themselves, with parking available at the venue.
Bendigo offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels and motels to serviced apartments and short-term rentals. We recommend booking early, as accommodation can fill quickly during major events. While we have not partnered with any specific providers, we have previously hosted work colleagues at the following and found them to be clean, safe, and comfortable!
Properties 1-4 are all within a 10-minute walk of the Bendigo city centre, offer free on-site parking, and are located close to the Route 63 bus, which provides a direct service to La Trobe University approximately every 30 minutes:
1. Oval Motel: A classic country-town motor-inn style motel offering clean, comfortable rooms at one of the most affordable price points in Bendigo. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for simple, good-value accommodation within walking distance of the city centre. Twin-share rooms start at $125 with rooms sleeping up to five pax.
2. Barclay On View: Located in Bendigo’s arts precinct opposite the Queen Elizabeth Oval, Barclay On View is a popular mid-range option with modern, comfortable rooms, free parking, and an easy walk to cafés, restaurants and the Bendigo Art Gallery. Twin-share rooms start at $140 with rooms sleeping up to five pax.
3. Mercure Bendigo Schaller: A contemporary, art-inspired boutique hotel featuring original artwork throughout, stylish compact rooms, an on-site café and bar, and free parking. Located close to Lake Weeroona and Bendigo Hospital, it’s ideal for delegates looking for a more modern hotel experience while remaining within walking distance of the city centre. Twin-share rooms start at $180.
4. Hotel Ernest: A luxury, boutique hotel that occupies a beautifully restored 1860s bank building in the heart of the city. Ten bespoke suites are available with twin and double share. Rooms start from $330.
Properties 5-7 also offer free parking and are a good option for delegates travelling by car, although they are located further from the city centre and are less convenient for public transport to the conference venue:
5. All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo: Located a short drive from the city centre, All Seasons is a spacious resort-style property with an indoor pool, spa, tennis court, gym, restaurant and bar. It’s well suited to delegates travelling by car who would appreciate additional leisure facilities or are extending their stay. Twin share starts at $225 with rooms available up to 7 pax, including three-bedroom villa-style accommodation.
6. Quality Hotel Lakeside: Overlooking Lake Weeroona, Quality Hotel Lakeside offers spacious rooms and apartments in a quieter setting north of the city centre. With an on-site restaurant, free parking and easy road access, it’s a good option for delegates driving to the conference or seeking a more relaxed stay. Twin share starts at $240.
7. Big4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park: Located under ten minutes from campus, Big4 offers cabin-style accommodation at affordable prices. Budget cabins sleep up to six and start at $140. Cabins available up to 8 pax.
Apartments and Short-Term Rentals: There are also many Airbnb properties and serviced apartments available throughout Bendigo. Staying in or near the city centre is recommended, as it provides easy access to restaurants, cafes, and the Route 61 and 63 buses to La Trobe University. The suburbs closest to the university campus are Flora Hill, Kennington, and Spring Gully.
The travel and accommodation information on this page is provided as a guide only and was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Transport timetables, fares, accommodation availability and parking arrangements may change, so we encourage delegates to confirm details directly with the relevant transport providers and accommodation venues before making bookings. The Australian Society for Biophysics and the conference organisers cannot accept responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions.
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