Get ready to buckle up — Formula 1 is roaring into Melbourne in a whole new way!
For the first time ever, the Formula 1® Exhibition is coming to Australia, bringing an immersive, high-octane experience that celebrates the sport’s past, present, and future. Running from 29 November 2025 to 19 April 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), this exhibition is set to be a major highlight for families looking for something different these school holidays.
Whether you’ve got a budding race car engineer, a mini thrill-seeker, or a teen obsessed with Drive to Survive, this one’s bound to impress.
What to Expect at Melbourne’s Formula 1 Exhibition
Spread across seven purpose-built rooms, the Formula 1 Exhibition is designed to take visitors deep inside the world of F1. Expect a mix of history, technology, and hands-on fun — perfect for families who love interactive experiences.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Championship-winning cars up close, including both modern machines and historic icons.
- Rare artefacts and memorabilia from the F1 archive — many on public display for the first time.
- Immersive displays and cinematic storytelling that trace the sport’s evolution, from Enzo Ferrari to today’s superstars.
- Behind-the-scenes insights into rivalries, innovations, and the people who shaped Formula 1.
- Interactive racing simulators, where kids (and parents!) can test their reflexes on the virtual track.
Even if your family isn’t made up of die-hard motorsport fans, this exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into design, teamwork, and technology — and might just spark a new interest along the way.
Why It’s Great for Families
While Formula 1 may be known for speed and competition, this exhibition has been built with accessibility and storytelling in mind. Families will appreciate that it’s indoors, fully accessible, and set within the MCEC, right on South Wharf — making it easy to pair your visit with lunch, a riverside walk, or a browse through DFO.
You can take your time moving through the themed rooms — there’s plenty to see, and it’s all designed to capture your attention with dramatic visuals and soundscapes. The exhibition is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, so families can plan a morning or afternoon visit that fits around naps, meals, or school schedules.
For younger kids, the interactive displays and simulators will likely be the highlight. Teens and tweens who’ve seen Drive to Survive will enjoy the deeper storytelling — and parents will find plenty of nostalgia in the archive footage and artefacts.
Tips for Visiting F1 Exhibition with Kids
- Arrive early or book an early session to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends or during school holidays.
- Allow at least 60–90 minutes to explore — longer if your kids are keen to try every interactive feature.
- Combine your visit with a family meal at nearby restaurants like The General Assembly or BangPop, or grab something easy at DFO South Wharf.
- Bring headphones for sensitive kids, as some immersive rooms may feature loud sound effects.
- Book in advance — this is the first time the exhibition has come to Australia, and it’s expected to be very popular.
FAQs: Formula 1® Exhibition Melbourne
When and where is the exhibition being held?
The Formula 1 Exhibition runs from 29 November 2025 to 19 April 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, located at 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf. Entry is via Exhibition Bays — Door 18–19.
What are the opening hours?
The exhibition is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
How much are tickets?
Tickets start from $49.90 for adults and $24.00 for children. Family packages and concession rates may also be available closer to opening — check the official website for updates.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes. The exhibition is designed to be immersive and accessible for all ages. However, some areas may include loud sounds or darker lighting effects, so parents of very young children might want to prepare them in advance.
How long should we plan to spend there?
Most families will spend around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how long you linger in each room or take part in interactive elements.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes — this is a ticketed event, and pre-booking is highly recommended. You can join the waitlist now for exclusive pre-sale access before tickets go on general sale.
Are there food and drink options nearby?
Absolutely. MCEC is right next to DFO South Wharf, where you’ll find plenty of family-friendly cafes and restaurants. You can also bring water bottles into the exhibition. Read our post: Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Southbank Melbourne
Is the venue pram and wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The MCEC is fully accessible, with lifts, wide pathways, and accessible toilets. Prams are welcome.
Can we take photos?
Photography is generally encouraged, though some areas with archive material or film footage may have restrictions. Check signage as you go.
What’s the best way to get there?
The MCEC is easily accessible by public transport, with trams stopping right outside. If you’re driving, parking is available nearby at DFO South Wharf or South Wharf Retail Car Park (paid parking).
Final Thoughts
If your family loves hands-on experiences and stories that mix technology with human achievement, the Formula 1 Exhibition is well worth adding to your Melbourne to-do list. It’s an exciting mix of engineering, entertainment, and inspiration — and a fun way to fuel your kids’ curiosity about how things work.
