The #1 choice for affordable group accommodation in Melbourne: Urban Camp

Written By Belinda Johnston

Melbourne's group accommodation solution

Finding the perfect Melbourne group accommodation for 30, 50, or even 100+ people that's both affordable and centrally located can feel impossible. While so many group organisers we speak to say getting the location and budget right is their top challenge, Urban Camp has been solving this problem for over 40 years. Just minutes from two of Melbourne's premier venues and with purpose-built facilities for groups, we've hosted over 233,000 young people* since 1984 and they keep coming back year after year.

“Urban Camp was the perfect mix of modern comfort amongst a bush setting. We loved being able to use the stage to rehearse and the proximity to everything was perfect. 100% would stay there again!”
— Young Voices of Hobart, 2023

3 Reasons why Urban Camp is the best choice for large groups

1. Designed for large groups staying in dormitory accommodation

Urban Camp offers spacious dormitory-style accommodation for up to 128 people, with flexible room configurations including:

  • Standard dorms - 4-5 people in comfortable single bunk beds (and optional trundles)

  • Ensuite dorms - 4-5 people in comfortable single bunk beds with ensuite bathroom, for coaches, teachers or group coordinators.

  • Larger dorms - 8-10 people with bunkbeds and trundles (shared bathroom).

  • Accessible rooms and facilities throughout the property

The camp features versatile multi-purpose rooms, perfect for team meetings, dance and music rehearsals, and social gatherings, ensuring guests have ample space to connect and prepare for their events. The recreation hall has dining facilities and a large stage providing a dedicated area for warm-ups, briefings, and team bonding activities, making it a practical and engaging environment for all types of groups.

Additionally Urban Camp is located within the grounds of Royal Park, offering lots of options for sporting activities like warm-ups, practice matches and training sessions.

2. Prime Melbourne location

Urban Camp boasts a prime location just a 3-minute walk (250m) from Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre, Parkville, making it an ideal base for sporting teams and event attendees.

With easy access to public transport, including nearby tram lines (#58 and #59) and Royal Park train station (400m away), guests can travel effortlessly across the city.

 

Proximity to Key Melbourne Venues:

3. Hassle-free catering and amenities

Urban Camp provides a hassle-free stay with:

Full catering options:

  • Including full catering, part catering, barbecue packs and self-catering. 

  • Weekend catering can be provided for numbers above 30.

Spacious indoor and outdoor areas:

  • 2 large multi-purpose indoor spaces

  • Outdoor recreation area in the adjacent park

  • Two covered outdoor eating areas

Practical conveniences:

  • Limited free parking available onsite and further free parking for vehicles and buses within short walking distance

  • Secure storage for equipment and valuables

  • Fully heated and air-conditioned dormitory rooms for year-round comfort.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the facility

What makes Urban Camp different?

✔ Purpose-built for groups of 30-128 people – with flexible dormitory configurations, dedicated meeting spaces, and group-friendly common areas

✔ Unbeatable value – from just $85 per person (ex gst) per night.

✔ Comprehensive amenities – full catering options with special dietary requirements, AV-equipped meeting rooms, and recreation facilities available.

✔ Expert group coordination – our experienced team has hosted over 233,000 guests since 1984*.

✔ Certified quality – proudly accredited by the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program and School Camp Association of Victoria.

Limited Time Offer

~ 10% off Winter Bookings ~

Limited Time Offer ~ 10% off Winter Bookings ~

Book your winter stay^ June-September 2025 before May 30th and receive 10% off accommodation 

Use code WINTER10

Ready to book? Secure your group stay today!

1. 📞 Email admin@urbancamp.org.au or call our Programs Team on (03) 9328 2818 to check availability

2. 📩 Download our Group Accommodation Guide for more details

3. 📆 Complete our Booking Form for a customised package


Limited availability for peak seasons – secure your dates today!

“The Mirabel Foundation once again had an amazing stay at Urban Camp Parkville. Our group loved all spaces provided as well as play equipment for the kids. All food catered on camp was top notch and the staff were amazing to deal with in lead up and whilst on camp. 10/10!”
— Mirabel Foundation, 2024

Who Stays at Urban Camp?

  • If you're heading to Melbourne for a competition, tournament, or training camp, finding the right accommodation can make all the difference in your team's performance. Urban Camp offers the perfect base for your team with:

    ✔ Large spaces for team meetings, strategy sessions, and recovery activities
    ✔ Nutritious catering options to support peak athletic performance
    ✔ Close proximity to major sporting venues such as Melbourne Sports Centre Parkville, the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, and MSAC
    ✔ Affordable group accommodation to fit within club or group budgets

    Examples of visitors in this category:

  • Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, attracting musicians, dancers, theatre troupes, and festival performers. These groups need accommodation with rehearsal and performance spaces that’s close to Melbourne’s renowned arts venues.

    ✔ Spacious multipurpose rooms and a recreation hall with a stage for practice and warm-ups
    ✔ Easy access to venues like Arts Centre Melbourne, the Princess Theatre, and Sidney Myer Music Bowl
    ✔ Affordable lodging for youth performance troupes, traveling theatre companies, and cultural delegations

    Examples of visitors in this category:

    • School and university orchestras & choirs performing in national competitions

    • Dance and calisthenics teams attending state championships

    • Drama and theatre groups performing at Melbourne arts festivals

    • Film crews and production teams needing temporary city accommodation

  • Community groups travelling to Melbourne prioritise a safe, comfortable, and community-oriented space.

    ✔ Quiet, self-contained accommodation suited gatherings and retreats
    ✔ Close proximity to community centers, and event venues
    ✔ Affordable group lodging for community organisations

    Examples of visitors in this category:

    • Meditation and wellness retreats needing peaceful, central accommodation

    • Migrant support organisations hosting cultural exchange programs

  • Faith-based organisations often gather in Melbourne for conferences, retreats, or spiritual events. These groups prioritise a safe, comfortable, and community-oriented space.

    ✔ Quiet, self-contained accommodation suited for faith-based gatherings
    ✔ Close proximity to places of worship and event venues
    ✔ Affordable group lodging for church groups, youth groups, and faith-based organisations

    Examples of visitors in this category:

    • Youth groups attending faith-based conferences

    • Faith-based community groups participating in religious gatherings

  • Educational groups, study tour programs, and professional exchange initiatives visit Melbourne for learning experiences, academic conferences, and cultural exposure.

    ✔ Affordable accommodation near universities, museums, and business districts
    ✔ Close to Melbourne’s public transport network for easy city exploration
    ✔ Suitable for students, professors, and professional study groups

    Examples of visitors in this category:

    • International exchange students attending short-term university courses

    • Overseas school groups on study tours of Melbourne’s institutions

    • History and museum groups exploring Melbourne

    • Professional development teams attending training programs

  • Melbourne is home to major annual events, conventions, and celebrations, attracting large groups of friends, family, and social clubs.

    ✔ Accommodation tailored for groups attending festivals, award ceremonies, and conventions
    ✔ Close to Melbourne’s nightlife, shopping districts, and entertainment hubs
    ✔ Affordable alternative to high-cost city hotels, perfect for groups traveling together

    Examples of visitors in this category:

    • Groups attending concerts & music festivals e.g. Melbourne International Jazz Festival

    • Families and supporters attending graduation ceremonies or award nights

    • Social clubs & hobby groups traveling for large meetups or conventions like Comic-con

    • Shopping & sightseeing groups looking for a budget-friendly city stay

*Impact Report, Urban Camp, 2024

^Offer subject to availability. Offer for new bookings only. Minimum 30-person group size required.

Belinda Johnston
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