Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some questions you might have about planning your EQUITANA Melbourne Experience!
When is the next EQUITANA event?
The next EQUITANA will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale, from 15th to the 18th of November 2018.
How can I purchase tickets, and how much is it to enter EQUITANA Melbourne 2018?
EQUITANA tickets will go on sale at the start of July 2018; please register for regular email updates and earlybird ticket sales, and like EQUITANA Australia on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest news and any early bird ticket offers!
Where can I find the EQUITANA Train Timetable?
Click here to download the Train Timetable for EQUITANA
What happens if you can't find your tickets from Outix?
Check your junk folder, if the tickets are still not here please login in to your Outix account (using the email address and password you used to purchase tickets). You will then be able to resend the tickets to yourself.
Can you buy tickets at the gate?
Limited tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. We encourage everyone to purchase online to ensure you get the best seats!
Do ticket holders have wristbands this year?
Yes, all Super Ticket holders and Day Ticket holders will be given a wristband upon entry into the event, which will then be scanned for entry into the Aqualuma Grand Pavilion for the Separately Ticketed events. Super Ticket holders must wear their wristband for the full four days of the event to admission. General Admission ticket holders do not require a wristband.
What happens if I lose my Super Ticket wristband?
Super Tickets are proof of purchase and provide entrance into EQUITANA. Super Ticket wristbands cannot be replaced if lost.
Which events cannot be accessed with a General Admission ticket?
Thursday
Full Flight: 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Friday
Dressage Masterclass presented by Pedro Torres: 9:30am - 12:30pm
CDI-W Dressage Freestyle, presented by Mulawa Performance Horses and Longvue Dressage, including Para-Equestrian Display: 7:00pm -10:30pm
Saturday
EQUITANA Mane Event: 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Sunday
Horsemanship Masterclass with Stacy Westfall: 1:30pm - 2:45pm
Do I have to sit in my allocated seat every time?
Separately ticketed events require an allocated seat and you must adhere to the seat number on your ticket. If the event is open for all ticket types (including General Admission) then seats are not allocated.
Can I leave the precinct and then come back in?
Yes. Tickets are scanned when they enter and then should the ticket holder wish to exit, both the ticket and the holders hand will be stamped. Re-entry will only be permitted with both stamps.
Where are the ATM’s?
There are ATM’s in various locations within the precinct. ATM’s are located in the Grand Pavilion, Epsom Pavilion and externally from the John Deere Pavilion.
I’ve lost my child – what do I do?
If someone has lost their child, then they should head to the Pie in the Sky. They can give a description which will be distributed to Security and Volunteers so that they can find the child and bring them to the Pie.
If a Volunteer finds a child, then the Volunteer will stay with the child, alert Security and bring the child to the Pie in the Sky. Alerts are then given out over the Volunteer and Security radios until child is found.
No announcements will be made due to child safety regulations.
Where can I find ‘xxxxx’s stand?
Programs indicate all companies and their stand names. Guests can look alphabetically in the program or otherwise, our Exhibitor list can be found on the website and searches can be made by pavilion also.
Can I video at EQUITANA?
We do ask that no videos are taken during educational or masterclass sessions. Otherwise, guests are welcome to video their time at EQUITANA, as long as none of the footage is not used for commercial use.
Where are the Shuttle Bus stops?
Shuttle bus maps will be provided from the ticket box. Each shuttle stop will have a map and indicate which bus stop number the guest is at.
I’ve lost my phone?
All lost and found from the whole venue will be bought to the Information Tent located under the Pie in the Sky.
How much are tickets?
Visit the ticketing page for all ticket types and costs. https://www.equitana.com.au/ticketing
Can I purchase a ticket for the evening entertainment only?
No. All Feature Events including evening entertainment and the dressage masterclass require either a Full Day Ticket or Super Ticket.
Will there be an Event Program & where will it be sold?
Yes! We are excited to have a Souvenir 20 year EQUITANA Program in 2018! These will be $5 and available to purchase at the information booth and at the ticketing gates.
Are there Student Discounts at EQUITANA?
Concession passes are available to Pension Card holders only.
What are the opening hours of the event?
Gates open at 8:30am on Thursday and 9:00am all other days
Exhibition
The EQUITANA Melbourne exhibition will open to the public at 9:00am daily and close at 6:00pm from Thursday to Saturday. On the final day (Sunday), the exhibition will close at 4:00pm.
Thursday 15th November - 9:00am to 6:00pm
Friday 16th November - 9:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 17th November - 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday 18th November - 9:00am to 4:00pm
Daily competition
Competitions on the Rowville Competition Arena will conclude at 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. Events on the Rowville Competition will be accessible to all ticket holders.
Separately Ticketed Events
Thursday
Full Flight: 7:30pm - 10:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
Friday
Dressage Masterclass presented by Pedro Torres: 9:30am - 12:30pm (doors open at 9:00am)
CDI-W Dressage Freestyle, presented by Mulawa Performance Horses and Longvue Dressage, including Para-Equestrian Display: 7:00pm -10:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Saturday
EQUITANA Mane Event: 7:30pm - 10:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
Sunday
Horsemanship Masterclass with Stacy Westfall: 1:30pm - 2:45pm (doors open at 1:10pm)
Please note these programs are separately ticketed (not included in a General Admission ticket).
Do I get free public transport with my EQUITANA Ticket?
Yes, EQUITANA ticket holders do get free public transport on Metro zones 1 & 2 for the day of their valid ticket. Ticket holders must present their ticket (either E-Ticket or printed ticket) to any Metro staff when requested. Please visit the PTV website for a full timetable.
Will I get a refund if it rains?
EQUITANA is an indoor/outdoor event. It will keep going no matter what the weather. No refunds are given due to inclement weather.
Can I buy food at the event?
There will be a variety of food and beverages outlets on site. Hot and cold food, healthy options, some Gluten free options, coffee carts and a fully licensed bar will be located throughout the EQUITANA Precinct including the Royal Cafe and the centrally located Outdoor Food Court. Those with specific dietary requirements are encouraged to bring their own catering. You are permitted to bring your own food to the venue.
Are there wheelchairs available here?
The EQUITANA Melbourne precinct is a wheel chair friendly venue. There will be a limited number of wheelchairs available to hire for free on event days. We also have a viewing platform in the Aqualuma Grand Pavilion, specifically designed for patrons in wheelchairs. EQUITANA also offers a pass for carers that can be organised directly through our ticketing agency.
Where are the Melbourne Showgrounds?
The Melbourne Showgrounds are located on Epsom Road, Ascot Vale (in near proximity to Flemington Racecourse). The Melbourne Showgrounds are only a 15 minute drive from the Melbourne CBD and a 15 minute drive from Melbourne International Airport. They are located on Epsom Road, Ascot Vale, Victoria 3032.
How can I get to the Melbourne Showgrounds?
Public transport on Metropolitan Zones 1 & 2 in included for the date(s) shown on your ticket.
- TRAINS to the Showgrounds Station (on event days only) take approximately 15 minutes from Flinders Street Station stopping at Southern Cross Station and North Melbourne Station. A detailed timetable will be available a week before the event
- TRAM number 57 runs from the corner of Flinders Street and Elizabeth Street, Melbourne City along Epsom Road. Alight at Stop 32, which is front of the Showgrounds Village shopping centre, then walk along Epsom Road where you'll see the entrance to EQUITANA via Gate 1. Visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au for detailed timetables.
- BUS numbers 404 Footscray, Moonee Ponds and 472 Williamstown, Moonee Ponds go via the Melbourne Showgrounds. Visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au for detailed timetables.
- CAR PARKING is available at the Melbourne Showgrounds off Langs Rd. Parking fees will apply.
- TAXIS from the city to the Showgrounds take about 15 minutes. A taxi rank is located outside the Melbourne Showgrounds main entrance on Epsom Rd.
- V LINE V/Line has services to Melbourne from all over Victoria, taking you to Southern Cross Station, the city’s transport hub. From here, catch a metropolitan train direct to the Melbourne Showgrounds. For more information visit www.vline.com.au
Is there parking at the Melbourne Showgrounds?
There will be plenty of parking near the venue. Event Parking will be $20 per day, available off Langs Road and a Shuttle Bus is a free service that will run from the carpark to the gate.
Is there accommodation close to the Melbourne Showgrounds?
There is limited accommodation in Ascot Vale and Flemington in near proximity to the venue, so a good thing to remember is that you can stay anywhere around Melbourne CBD and travel to the Showgrounds on the train! It only takes 15 minutes.
Will there be ticket and accommodation packages available?
Yes, there will be ticket and accommodation packages (flights, accommodation & tickets) available when event tickets are on sale. More information coming soon.
How do I stay informed about all the ticketing and event information?
Simply register your details (name & email) on the EQUITANA website. Benefits include regular EQUITANA updates, early bird ticketing announcements and a monthly EQUITANA e-newsletter sent directly to your email. To become an EQUITANA member please register by filling out your name and email in the 'E-NEWS SIGNUP' box on the top right hand side of this page.
Is there disabled access?
The EQUITANA Melbourne precinct is a wheel chair friendly venue. There will be a limited amount of wheelchairs available to hire on event days. We also have a viewing platform in the main arena, specifically designed for patrons in wheelchairs. EQUITANA also offers a pass for carers that can be organised directly through our ticketing agency.
How long do I need to spend at EQUITANA Melbourne?
One day is not enough! Most visitors find it useful to spend at least two days at EQUITANA. With hundreds of exhibitors to visit, many specialist events to attend, numerous education sessions, competitions and interactive areas on offer, make sure you allow enough time to experience it all!
What should I wear to EQUITANA?
November is springtime in Melbourne and is usually very warm, but Melbourne weather can be quite unpredictable so be prepared for all conditions! Although EQUITANA is mainly an indoor event, there are still some elements of the show which are outdoors and will still go ahead rain, hail or shine. Make sure you wear lots of layers so that you can adapt to the temperature. Most importantly – wear comfortable walking shoes! The EQUITANA precinct is quite large so comfortable shoes are a must!
Can I bring a small child to sit on my lap?
All children aged two (2) years and over attending a separately ticketed event must hold a valid ‘Day’ or ‘Super Ticket’ ticket and occupy a seat. Super Tickets include allocated seating for evening programs and everyone attending reserved ticketed events must have a ticket, including children sitting on your lap under the age of two.
Our reserved ticketed events run for up to three hours at a time in a quiet performance atmosphere with no long intervals. If a baby becomes upset we respectively request you move to the foyer so as not to disrupt the performance and the audience. Please note prams/strollers/pushers are not permitted into the stand and must be left in a specific pram storage area.
How can I exhibit?
EQUITANA Melbourne is the perfect event to showcase your product or service directly to a large equine demographic. To find out more information about becoming an exhibitor at EQUITANA click here or email the Exhibition Manager, John Mitchell at .
How do I become an EQUITANA Volunteer?
Our volunteers are a valued part of our EQUITANA team, every year they help us make each day run smoothly. You must be over sixteen to participate in the Volunteer Team and places are hotly contested, so please put your application in early! For more information click here.
When can I find out the event timetable?
A Main Events timetable will be made available in the coming months on the EQUITANA website including a detailed schedule of all education sessions.
Are there storage facilities on site?
There are limited storage facilities on site in the form of lockers for a small fee, but please be advised these are not designed for the likes of large suitcases. On the final day of EQUITANA (Sunday) there will be a designated large suitcase storage area available.
Can I upgrade my ticket from a General Admission to a Day Ticket/Super Ticket?
Yes, provided that the event has not sold out. Head to either ticket box and they can upgrade your ticket and pay the difference between the two types.
Does EQUITANA Melbourne have Official Charity?
Yes, the Official Charity of EQUITANA Melbourne 2018 is RSPCA Victoria.
Ticket Purchase Terms and Conditions
- Ticket Prices include GST and are in Australian dollars.
- Tickets are strictly non-refundable and will not be replaced if lost.
- Concession applies to Aged Pensioners on a pension card and Disability Pensioners on the accredited Centrelink card.
- International concession cards are not accepted.
- You will be required to show your concession card ID when your ticket/s are scanned at the event entrance.
- Child prices apply to children 5-14 years and children under 5 are free (for General Admission only).
- All children 2 years and older attending clinics and evening programs must occupy a seat.
- A credit card processing fee will apply.
Things to remember when making a booking
- Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted only.
- If you want to sit together for reserved seating events with your friends/family it is recommended that you purchase the same type of ticket together in one transaction.
- You can view the seating plan on the OuTix website.
- Super Ticket secure reserved seating for Thursday night ‘Full Flight’, Friday ‘Double Dressage’, Saturday ‘The Mane Event’ and the Sunday ‘Western Stars’.
- All Day tickets secure reserved seating for the date specific Feature Events
- Eventing Masterclass with Chris Burton is only Masterclass that does not require reserved seating.
- Individual Masterclass or Evening Only tickets are not available - they are only included in Super Ticket or Full Day tickets.
If you need to update your email address or re-send your tickets after the order has been confirmed please go to your Outix account at www.outix.co and login to update the details.
Don't forget to read the terms and conditions and agree to them before completing your order.