On this page
We hope everyone who wants to join the 2024 Walk Against Family Violence feels comfortable, supported and safe to join.
This page has practical information about what to expect from this event on the day, including accessibility information. If you have questions about accessibility that are not answered on this page, please email contact@respectvictoria.vic.gov.au.
Where is the Walk Against Family Violence in 2024?
The Walk will begin at Birrarung Marr Hilltop (Birrarung Marr, Upper Terrace) and end at Treasury Gardens.
Who should come to the Walk Against Family Violence?
People of all genders and ages are welcome. Bring your workmates, friends, family, chosen family and dogs – or come by yourself! It’s a great opportunity to come by during your lunch break if you work close to the city.
How can I get there?
We highly recommend arriving by public transport or taxi/rideshare. Sections of Batman Avenue and Flinders Street will be closed during the Walk, approximately 11:30am-12:00noon. Reduced speeds in these areas will begin from 10:30am.
If you do need to drive, nearby car parks are:
- Wilson Parking Federation Square – Federation Square Car Park
- Wilson Parking Flinders Gate – 172 Flinders Street
- Wilson Parking Exhibition Street – 11 Exhibition Street
For accessible on-street parking, check the City of Melbourne accessible parking map.
Public transport near the start of the Walk
The tram stops near Birrarung Marr are:
- 35 and 75 trams: Flinders Street / Spring Street
- 1, 3, 5, 16, 64, 67 and 72 trams: Federation Square / Swanston Street
- 70 tram: William Barak Bridge/Melbourne Park
Flinders Street Station (Swanston Street exit) is the nearest train station.
Public transport near the end of the Walk
The tram stops near Treasury Gardens are:
- 48 and 75 trams: Lansdowne Street / Wellington Parade
- 11, 12, 48 and 109 trams: Spring Street / Collins Street
Parliament Station (Collins Street and Macarthur Street entrances) is the nearest train station. These closest entrances are accessed by stairs to the station, and escalators to the platforms. The entrance with ramp access to the station and lift access to the platforms is on the corner of Lonsdale and Spring Streets.
Flinders Street and Jolimont stations are also nearby.
What will happen at the Walk Against Family Violence?
- The event will officially begin at 11:00am at Birrarung Marr Hilltop (Birrarung Marr, Upper Terrace). This is a grassy open space, accessed by sealed footpaths.
- At 11:10am, there will be approximately 20 minutes of opening speeches, including a Welcome to Country, safety information, and introductions to the walk and the 16 Days of Activism. There will be Auslan interpretation, which will be seen best from the front of the group.
- At 11:40am, the Walk will commence. The Walk is 700m long. The route follows sealed footpaths and roads.
- The Walk will move at a slow speed. There may be 3,000-4,000 people in the crowd and there may be noise like music, chanting and clapping. It will take 20-30 minutes for everyone to move from Birrarung Marr to Treasury Gardens.
- The section of Treasury Gardens we are meeting on is near Lansdowne Street and Wellington Parade. There will be Walk Against Family Violence signage. This is a grassy open space, accessed by sealed footpaths. There is a narrow brick border (~30cm) between the paths and the grass
- While the crowd arrives at Treasury Gardens (around 12:00noon), the Djirri Djirri dance group will perform.
- At 12:15pm, speeches will begin. There will be approximately 20 minutes of speeches, as well as speaking from the emcee. Speakers may reference physical and sexual violence, so please take care.
- There will be Auslan interpretation, which will be seen best from the front of the group. There will be a limited amount of seating available. You can also sit on the grass if you would like and are able.
- At 12:35pm, the official parts of the event will finish with a musical performance from Mama Alto.
- You are welcome to stay in Treasury Gardens after this. There will be two food vans and a coffee cart, where you can buy food and drinks. There will be small businesses selling items at market stalls. You can bring your own food.
- The businesses and Respect Victoria will pack up at 2:00pm. You can stay as long or as short as you like.
- The Walk is a public event and there will be people and media taking photographs and videos.
What should I wear?
Make sure to check the weather forecast and dress in a way you’ll be comfortable. If you can, wear something orange, the colour used to represent a future free from violence. But wearing something you’re comfortable in is the greater priority, like comfortable walking shoes and clothes that protect from the sun.
Respect Victoria will be handing out free orange hats on the day, on a first-come, first-served basis.
You may also choose to wear a face mask to protect yourself from the spread of viruses. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, you can stay safe at home and join the Walk on social media using the hashtags #WAFV2024 and #WhyWeWalk.
What should I bring?
You might like to bring:
- a drink bottle
- a picnic blanket and picnic lunch
- sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses
- any medication you might need, like hay fever or asthma relief
- a face mask
- sensory items like ear defenders or fidget tools.
Many people at the Walk also bring a sign with a supportive slogan written on it. We definitely encourage these, but they are not a necessity.
Where are the nearest toilets?
There will be portable all-gender toilets set up for the event in Treasury Gardens, including two wheelchair accessible portable toilets.
There are also permanent public toilets in Birrarung Marr Park, Federation Square, Treasury Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens. The City of Melbourne Access Map lists these as accessible.
Who should I look for if I need help?
Walk Marshals will be wearing bright orange vests. They will be at Birrarung Marr, on the sides of the Walk, and at Treasury Gardens.
If you are injured or become unwell during the Walk, let a Walk Marshal you need help.
If you are injured or become unwell at Birrarung Marr or Treasury Gardens, there will be medical vans with professional first aid.
The first aid team is also trained in accessibility and mental health if you need their assistance on the day.
The mood of the Walk Against Family Violence is usually optimistic, but can bring up difficult feelings for victim survivors and their loved ones, and the loved ones of those who did not survive violence. First aid workers on site can support with mental health triggers, and you can also contact crisis and support organisations for counselling and support if you need.
Is there more support for people with mobility requirements?
We are partnering with Travellers Aid for this event.
Travellers Aid team members with a limited number of power assist wheelchairs can assist you:
- during the Walk, moving from Birrarung Marr to Treasury Gardens
- after the Walk and festivities, getting from Treasury Gardens to Parliament Station (until 1:00pm).
Please email contact@respectvictoria.vic.gov.au before the event so we can let Travellers Aid know to expect you. On the day, call the Travellers Aid duty phone number (0498 023 959) or look for the Travellers Aid signs where the Walk is starting at Birrarung Marr.
Travellers Aid will be available to help from 11:00am until 1:00pm. This service has no cost to users.
Can I come for part of the event? Do I need to be there the whole time?
You can come and go from the Walk as you need. Whether you have other commitments, need to take a break from the crowd, or want to join the group in Treasury Gardens, you are welcome to do what suits you best.
The Walk is held in open public spaces, so you can move in and out of the crowd if and when you need.
If you prefer to attend only to hear the speakers, plan to be in Treasury Gardens at 12:00noon.
Will there be food and drink available?
After the speeches are finished, you are welcome to stay for a picnic lunch in Treasury Gardens. There will be three stalls/vans selling food and drinks in the gardens:
- A1 Bakery: Lebanese street food. Vegetarian and vegan options. Halal.
- The Li’l Dumpling Van: four flavours of dumplings, including vegan.
- Captain and Co coffee cart: hot and iced coffee drinks, tea, hot chocolate. Milks: full cream, skim, oat, almond, soy.
There are drinking fountains in Birrarung Marr and Treasury Gardens.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.