Hotels in Melbourne for Cat Lovers Festival
Sorted by distance to Melbourne — each room priced against Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Trip.com and Hotels.com
Which hotels are closest to Melbourne?
The closest bookable hotel to Melbourne for Cat Lovers Festival is Quest Flemington Central, about a 9-minute walk (0.68 km) from the start line. In total, 2 hotels sit within a 15-minute walk of Melbourne Showgrounds, ranging from 0.68 km to 1 km away. Live nightly prices for 17–18 October 2026 are on the booking page, compared side-by-side with Booking.com and Expedia.
Quest Flemington Central
Readyset on Gatehouse
A Chic & Comfy 2BR Apt Near to Flemington Races
Pride Moonee Ponds 1B2B Nest
Spacious Urban Oasis in Central Location
Footscray Motor Inn
The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds
Australian Home Away @ Moonee Ponds
Which nights should you book for Cat Lovers Festival?
Exhibitors should consider booking for at least three nights: the night before 17 October (to allow time for stand build), the night of 17 October, and the night of 18 October (to accommodate breakdown after the festival closes). If you are attending only on one day — for example, just Saturday 17 October or Sunday 18 October — a single night’s stay either the night before or the night of your visit will likely suffice. Visitors planning a day trip may not need accommodation at all, but those arriving from regional Victoria or interstate may prefer to stay nearby to avoid early morning travel.
How do you get to Melbourne Showgrounds?
Hotels beyond walking distance are still well connected: the Craigieburn train serves Melbourne Showgrounds. Apartments Melbourne Domain Docklands is about 48 minutes away on public transport. Services thin out late — check the last departure before you travel.
The Melbourne Showgrounds is accessible on foot from all listed hotels — the closest, Quest Flemington Central, is 0.68km away, and the furthest listed option is 2.14km away. None of the distances provided include walk times, so actual walking duration will depend on pace and route. Public transport options include buses serving the Flemington area; a train station is within the Melbourne Showgrounds precinct. Ride-share drop-off is available at the venue entrance. Services thin out late — check the last departure before you go.
Where do you eat and drink after the exhibition?
After the festival closes, there are cafés, pubs, and casual dining options in Flemington and Moonee Ponds, within easy reach of all listed hotels. Some venues may offer takeaway or late-night snacks, but no specific post-event programming or extended hours are confirmed for this event.
What is the area around Melbourne Showgrounds like?
The Melbourne Showgrounds sits in Flemington, a mixed-use suburb with residential areas, local shops, and transport links. Nearby Moonee Ponds offers additional retail and dining options along its main strip. The area is low-rise and generally quiet outside event days, with wide footpaths and local parks. It is not a tourist or nightlife hub, but it is practical and well-connected for exhibitors needing reliable access to the venue.
Frequently asked questions
How close is the hall entrance to the nearest hotel?
Quest Flemington Central is 0.68km from the Melbourne Showgrounds — the shortest distance among the listed options. No walk times are provided, so actual walking duration will vary.
Can I store stand materials or samples at my hotel?
None of the listed hotels specify storage facilities for trade stock or exhibition materials. You should contact the hotel directly to confirm whether luggage storage, oversized item handling, or secure storage space is available.
What time do the halls open?
The event description does not state opening or closing times for the Cat Lovers Festival. Check the official event schedule closer to the date for confirmed hall access times.
Is parking available at the hotels?
Parking availability is not specified for any of the listed hotels. Contact each property directly to confirm if on-site parking is offered, and whether it is included, reserved, or subject to additional fees.
Should I book now?
Yes — especially if you are an exhibitor requiring early arrival for stand build. Hotels near major venues like the Melbourne Showgrounds often fill quickly for exhibitions, and proximity is a key priority for this audience.
Event details are sourced from the venue's public calendar and may change — always confirm with the official ticket seller. Hotel availability and prices are live on the search page.