Major Event Delays: Grand Prix and Moomba Kick Off in Melbourne

Major Event Disruptions: Formula 1 and Moomba Begin

Commuters and visitors should prepare for a significant increase in activity across the Melbourne CBD and inner-southern suburbs today, Thursday, 5 March 2026. The simultaneous start of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Moomba Festival along the Yarra River will lead to heavy pedestrian traffic and substantial changes to the transport network. Commuters are advised to allow at least 20 to 30 minutes of additional travel time throughout the day.

Public Transport Changes

To accommodate the influx of fans heading to the lakeside circuit and the city festivities, Public Transport Victoria has implemented several service modifications starting today:

• Route 12: Buses will replace trams between Flagstaff Station and Stop 138 Luna Park from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Route 96: Buses will replace trams between the temporary stop at Spencer and Collins Streets and Luna Park to facilitate gate access for the Grand Prix.
• Route 30: Trams will operate only between Central Pier and Victoria Gardens from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Route 64: Services will be truncated, running only between East Brighton and Stop 30 St Kilda Junction until 7:00 pm.
• Route 35 (City Circle): This service will operate on a restricted schedule, running only between 11:30 am and 3:30 pm.

While most metropolitan train lines are currently running a standard weekday service, expect higher-than-usual passenger loads on the Sandringham and Frankston lines as they serve as primary feeders to the Albert Park precinct.

Roadworks and Freeway Updates

Major infrastructure projects continue to impact key arteries. Drivers should take note of the following disruptions:

• Eastern Freeway & Bulleen Road: The city-bound exit ramp at Bulleen Road remains closed 24/7 for North East Link works. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes for city-bound traffic, with lanes currently split into two sections between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road.
• CityLink: Resurfacing works continue tonight. Expect lane closures and a reduction to a single lane in both directions between the Burnley Tunnel and Toorak Road from 8:00 pm. The Gibdon Street entry ramp (inbound) will also be closed from 9:00 pm.
• Werribee: In the west, Heaths Road faces its final scheduled day of major resurfacing, with northbound and eastbound lane closures between Shaws Road and Derrimut Road.
• Melbourne Airport: If you are heading to Tullamarine for a late flight, be aware that Public Pick-up Lane 2 will close from 11:00 pm for ongoing Naarm Way Stage 2 upgrades.

For those driving into the CBD for Moomba, please be aware of local street closures around the Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr throughout the afternoon and evening. Using the outer-fringe car parks and completing your journey via the rail network is highly recommended.