PAX Aus is returning to Melbourne for more video games, more tabletop, more RPG, and more fun!
PAX Aus is the largest gaming event in Australia, a must-attend event on a grand scale for geeks. To be fair, it’s not even the solo event: PAX Aus is part of the even bigger Melbourne International Games Week, filled with industry awards nights, family events, special museum exhibitions, and plenty of fun features. PAX Aus still remains the crowning event, bringing in people from across Australia and beyond. Covering every element of gaming life, PAX Aus stands out from other conventions due to the variety and inclusivity of its activities. Visitors are often blown away by all that’s on offer, making it a little overwhelming to prepare for the grand event.
Travelling for events like PAX Aus doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, travel planning for PAX Aus can be almost as much fun as the event itself. The trick is to pace yourself and follow the vibe. To make it easier, we have a 10-step plan to help you make the most of your PAX Aus weekend and look forward to next year too.
Step 1: Tickets
Ideally, you want to purchase a 3-Day pass for PAX Aus. Three (3) days is a great amount of time to pace yourself around the exhibition floor, including a few panels and community events, and not forget to eat (it has been known to happen). For 2025, PAX Aus will be open from Friday, 10 October, to Sunday, 12 October. Daily passes cost around AUD$80, while the 3-Day pass is priced at around AUD$185. For more detailed information, visit the official PAX Aus website here.
However, if this is the first time you are hearing about PAX Aus 2025, then I have some bad news for you. All 3-Day passes and Saturday passes have sold out. You can still purchase Friday and Sunday, and I promise you it will still be an awesome event.
It’s also good to note that each day has a ‘vibe’ to it:
- Friday is Media and Industry: A great time for indie creators to attract publishing companies. Many panels on this day typically focus on game development.
- Saturday is Gamer Day: The hardcore gamers come out! It’s busy and loud, and the lines for the Big Name Games are huge. It is also the day for Cosplayers, with community meet-ups and photo opportunities everywhere. Panels tend to be more playful but are edged towards mainstream pop culture.
- Sunday is Family Day. It’s a little more relaxed and casual. By Sunday, most exhibitors are starting to tire, and the mad rush is slowly dying down after lunch. Those with 3-Day passes are coming around for a final look at their budget for the last-minute sales. It’s a great time to pick up some closing deals (if they haven’t sold out), and discover the real People’s Choice without the marketing glamour.
If you are still considering purchasing tickets, consider buying a Friday and Sunday ticket. You can use Saturday to step outside the Convention and see other MIGW events, such as the Game Worlds playable exhibition (see the official ACMI site here).
Step 2: Transport
Melbourne residents already know how to use public transport. You’re good. Out-of-towners and newbies need to consider transport right now. Flights seem like the obvious option: Quick and easy, but definitely not cheap. If you are flying into Melbourne, seriously consider the Melbourne SkyBus for transport directly from the airport to the CBD and return. It’s fast, well-priced (around AUD$42 return), and you can book your tickets in advance. It takes you directly from the airport to Southern Cross Station, and it doesn’t get much easier than that.
Alternatively, you can also travel by train from most major cities to Melbourne. For example, the Intercity Express Train from Sydney to Melbourne takes approximately 11 hours and costs around AUD$150 per person (for standard seats). While it’s not as quick as a plane, it is more affordable and offers plenty of space to move around and meet other gamers. During a previous trip, I found myself in a train car filled with games, setting up many tables for the trip down. However, the return trip overnight to Sydney was horrible and uncomfortable, so it can be a little hit-and-miss.
When you do arrive in Melbourne, the CBD has a fantastic tram network, including a Free Travel Zone. This zone extends to most of the CBD; however, it does not extend to the Convention Centre. If you are sticking to the Free Travel Zone, make sure you hop off at Batman’s Park, located on the CBD side of the bridge, before the MCEC.
Step: 3: Accommodation
To be honest, this is all a personal choice depending on availability and affordability. At the end of the day, you just want somewhere to wash and crash. If you are considering cosplay outfits, you may want a bit more room for storage and dressing. If you are looking for somewhere close to MCEC and cheap, my best advice is to buddy up and save on accommodation costs at Melbourne YHA. You can take a standard bunk in a shared room for about AUD$70 per night. You could also book out an entire 4-share room and split AUD$300.
If you are willing to travel a little further, the Free Travel Zone helps connect the MCEC with the other side of the Melbourne CBD, offering cheaper options that are a bit farther away. For example, Ibis Melbourne Hotel and Apartments is closer to Victoria Markets and Chinatown, but it offers 2-bedroom apartments plus a breakfast buffet.
Step 4: Fuel up with Food
It’s easy to forget, but remember to eat and, most of all, REMEMBER TO HYDRATE. It’s easy enough to bypass this essential step, and to be fair, the food at the Convention Centre is not great. Across the road at the Casino, there is a much better food court with plenty on offer. Some places also offer special deals through the PAX Aus app. It’s best to stock up on snacks to save yourself the walk back and forth. Keep an eye out for Woolworths Metro and Coles Express (and everything else) in the area. There is one at Southern Cross Station, giving an opportunity to stock up before you start the day.
At the end of the day, finding a place to eat can be exhausting. In keeping with the gaming vibe, Fortress in Emporium Melbourne welcomes walk-ins and offers a full menu featuring pizza, burgers, fish and chips, and other delicious treats. It’s also a site worth visiting in its own right: a modern-age gaming tavern which allows tabletop games at your table, or consoles hooked up at your booth.
Step 5: Dress for the Occasion
Okay, now we’re hitting the real experience: What to wear. You essentially have two options: cosplay or casual. Either way, the key factor is to wear comfy shoes. The exhibition hall has a flat concrete floor. I have always chosen solid hiking boots or super comfy sneakers, and I swear it is the only thing saving me by Sunday night. PAX Aus is huge, spread across three (3) buildings on multiple levels. You will be walking a lot, so: wear comfy shoes.
For those a little more creative, cosplay is super popular and super appreciated. It is an inclusive event and a celebration of your own passion within the gaming community. Over the years, I have seen everything from magnificent full-body sets to subtle t-shirt compilations. The majority of cosplayers love to show off their creations on Saturday, and you’ll see many of them with photographers in the walkway between the two main buildings or along the grassy area outside. The cosplay community is very warm and welcoming, but please remember to always show respect. Cosplay is NOT consent. Always ask first before taking photos. And try to ignore the out-of-costume comfy shoes peeking out from under the heavy mage robe.
Step 6: Video Games
The video games section is the most popular of all PAX Aus, from Day One and from the gates opening every day. There are many Big Names attending PAX Aus, including Nintendo, Xbox, Bethesda, Devolver Digital and Massive Monster, Gearbox, and Ubisoft. These areas can be big, busy, and loud–depending on the big-name releases during the year. It’s always worth checking the official PAX Aus website to see which exhibitors are planning to be there, and what they may have on offer.
However, it’s also worth noting the popularity of the Indie section; specifically the Aus Indie Showcase. This is an opportunity to showcase the amazing local talent, including some finalists from the AGD awards. Next to Showcase, you can easily lose a few hours exploring all of the new indie games in PAX Rising. There’s a long list to work through, and it will keep you busy for most of a day at least.
Step 7: Tabletop Games
There is only one piece of advice for the Tabletop Games: Whatever time or money you estimate for the area needs to be tripled. Thankfully, the organisers keep this section open until late at night, so you have plenty of time to play as many games as possible.
The tabletop area is split into a few sections: big name releases and stores selling your faves, PAX TT Library, where you can hire a few games with friends, and PAX Rising, with brand new games looking for test subjects. It may seem smaller than the video game section, but it is a far deeper dive and will take more of your time as you explore all that is on offer. At least you can sit down for most of it. The secret to success is the Power of Yes. If someone invites you to join in, say yes and give it a go!
Step 8: Take Time Out with Panels
Panels are a great place to stop, catch your breath, and gain a feel for what’s happening behind the scenes. Topics range from game design to cosplay creations, and even Video Game Tourism (Friday, 10 October at 8.30 pm in the Dropbear Theatre). There are discussions on representation in games, how to utilise games for educational support, legal ramifications within the industry, and in-depth analyses of your favourites.
It’s important to note which panels are live-streamed and which ones are not. For example, most of the Dropbear Theatre panels are not recorded; if there is something you want to see, make the effort to attend. Most panels are also set up for large groups, though there are rare occasions where seating is filled, and you will have to hear about it on social media instead. Plan a little bit ahead with the schedule; better yet, keep track on the PAX Aus app and look for any conflicts. If you are travelling with others, you can always split the responsibility.
Step 9: Merchandise
If you are flying to PAX Aus in Melbourne, I strongly recommend including at least one (1) checked bag in your return flight. Some tabletop games can be large and surprisingly hefty. And that’s not even reaching the merchandise loot bags. On a slightly smaller level, you should be able to fit your pins in your carry-on. Oh yes–PAX is all about the Pin Collection. You will see attendees flaunting their collections all over the place. Even one single pin can be enough to attract the masses; I still have my very special Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild pin from 2017.
While I don’t know what the official themed pins are for this year, it is also worth keeping an eye out for special pins offered by various exhibitors around the place. For example, I predict that Nintendo will have a Pokémon pin to complement the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Step 10: Recovery Mode
If you’ve made it this far, you are more than ready for PAX Aus! Don’t rush the recovery. Take your time to savour the games, re-read your panel notes, and eat something healthy (compared to Convention Centre food–everyone gives in at least once). Be kind to your body, because there is always a chance you’ll catch a cold or two while you are there. Convention Crud is real, folks.
It’s also worth taking the time to reach out to any special Indie creators who made an impression. Let them know what you liked about their game, and share their details with friends. Also, allow them a week to recover, as well. Most of them will be grateful that you reached out.
Bonus Round: Sightseeing in Melbourne
If you need a break from the Convention Centre, or you simply have a day free before/after/during PAX Aus, Melbourne has a lot to offer.
ACMI (formerly the Australia Centre for the Moving Image) is located in Federation Square, about a 20-minute walk from PAX Aus. It has a fascinating collection of history covering art, television, movies, and video games in Australia. You will notice more than a few PAX favourites and learn a great deal about the cultural history of Australia. Right now, they have a special exhibit available: Game Worlds. Covering over 50 years of play, Game Worlds features more than 30 video games from the 1970s to today. It includes more than 40 playable moments, original builds, hands-on prototypes, and rare design materials. There also four (4) new microgames made exclusively for ACMI, and exclusive merchandise featuring the massive hit Hollow Knight: Silksong. Tickets are around AUD$30 for the special exhibit, with free entry to the main section.
Melbourne is also known for its laneway culture and street art. One of the best ways to explore it during PAX Aus is to take the longer route. Look for a side-alley coffee shop; Melbourne is infamous for its coffee! Some of the most spectacular bars and cafes are found in unassuming lanes, like Storyville. The cocktail menu starts at 7 pm and draws inspiration from many of our favourite literary fandoms. ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ is a Wonderland-inspired teapot for two. For single-serve indulgence, try the ‘Queen Bee’ with vodka, honey whiskey, coffee chai, dark chocolate liquor, and honeycomb; a homage to Roald Dahl’s Royal Jelly.
PAX Aus is a flagship geek event that continues to shine each and every year. If you ever want a geeky holiday, plan for PAX Aus and explore everything Melbourne has to offer. There is surely something for every fandom.
