Heading to Firelight Festival 2025? Here’s Why You Should Start (or End) Your Night at The District Docklands

The Firelight Festival 2025 is set to ignite Melbourne from 4 to 6 July, returning its signature mix of fire, light, music, and entertainment back to the Docklands. As one of Melbourne’s most exciting winter events, it draws thousands of visitors—and if you’re heading into the city for the action, there’s no better place to begin or end your night than at The District Docklands.

Looking for parking before heading to the event? Keep it stress-free at The District!

The District Docklands offers great-value, all-day parking—just what you need for a fuss-free festival experience. The first 90 minutes are free, with no booking required. Plus, we’re located within the Melbourne Free Tram Zone, making it easy to park your car and hop straight onto the tram or take a short walk to the Firelight festivities.

With two secure, undercover multi-level carparks and a maximum daily rate of just $18, it’s the smart and convenient choice for your winter night out. For more details on road closures, scroll to the end of this page.

Fuel Up Before the Flames

Need to warm up and fill up before the fun begins? Explore 30+ dining options right here at The District, with something for every taste and appetite. Settle in for a craft beer and pub favourites at Urban Alley Brewery, or grab a hot chocolate or late-night coffee at The Coffee Club or San Churro. After something fast and easy? KFC and other popular favourites are ready to go. It’s the perfect way to fuel your evening before stepping into the glow of Firelight.

Here Comes the Main Event!

Take a short stroll from The District and you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the Firelight Festival. Whether you’re planning your route or looking for the best vantage points, the map below can help guide your night.

Keep The Night Going at The District

Once you’ve experienced the fire sculptures, live music, and roaming performers, swing back to District After Dark to keep the night alive. Catch a late-night movie at HOYTS, challenge your friends at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, or get up for a team competition at Prison Island. Top it all off with a dessert or drink—everything’s open late and just minutes from the festival action.

WIN the Ultimate Winter Weekend in Docklands!

Make your Firelight Festival weekend even more memorable. Enter the City of Melbourne’s competition for a chance to win one of two Docklands experience packs, featuring a two-night stay at Nesuto Docklands, tickets to top attractions from our District partners, a District Docklands gift card, and many more!

Not Driving? Here’s How to Get Here

• By Train: Hop off at Southern Cross or North Melbourne stations for a quick, easy walk.
• From the Airport: Reach The District in just 20 minutes via the Footscray Road exit on Citylink.
• By Tram: Take advantage of the Free Tram Zone—we’re right on the Route 86 line. (70, 75, and 35 won’t be working from 3.30pm)
• By Bus or Coach: Travelling in a group? There’s plenty of space for buses and coaches too.

Road Closures

Please note the following road closures from Friday 4 July to Sunday 6 July, between 4pm and midnight:
– Harbour Esplanade will be closed between Bourke Street and La Trobe Street (northbound and southbound)
– Local access only to Wattle Road, Pearl River Road, Glenti Place, Doepel Way, Rakaia Way, St Mangos Lane and Aquitania Way.

Due to AFL games at Marvel Stadium, please note additional road closures on Saturday 5 July:
– Harbour Esplanade closure will be extended to Dudley Street from Bourke Street between 9pm and 11pm
– La Trobe Street will be closed between Harbour Esplanade and Adderley Street between 10pm and 10.40pm.

However you choose to experience Firelight Festival 2025, make The District Docklands part of your night—for great food, easy parking, and everything you need to make the most of Melbourne’s ultimate winter celebration.