Official Notice: Weekend Service Updates and Moomba Festival Schedule

Moomba Festival 2026: Saturday Operations

The City of Melbourne welcomes residents and visitors to the peak of the Moomba long weekend. On Saturday, 7 March 2026, the festival grounds at Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens will operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Official programming for Saturday features the Moomba Masters Championships on the Yarra River, showcasing elite international waterskiing and wakeboarding talent. The Moomba Carnival will also be in full operation with over 30 rides available for families and thrill-seekers. Nightly fireworks are scheduled to light up the skyline at approximately 9:30 PM. Due to the high volume of visitors expected, the City of Melbourne encourages the use of public transport to access the riverfront precinct.

• Festival Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Key Activity: Moomba Masters Championship (Yarra River at Batman Avenue).
• Sustainability: Moomba remains a certified carbon-neutral event; attendees can assist by utilizing provided recycling stations.

Major Road Closures and Transit Disruptions

To facilitate essential infrastructure maintenance and safe event operations, several road closures and traffic diversions are active this Saturday. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance.

• Collins Street Maintenance

  A partial northern footpath closure and eastbound road closure is in effect between Exhibition Street and Russell Street. These works will occur from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM this Saturday.

• Macaulay Road Works

  Essential bike lane construction begins Saturday, 7 March in North Melbourne. Partial road closures are scheduled between Boundary Road and Langford Street from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

• Eastern Freeway Upgrades

  Significant changes to traffic flow continue on the Eastern Freeway. The Bulleen Road city-bound exit ramp remains closed for critical construction. City-bound lanes between Doncaster Road and Bulleen Road have been split into two sections with reduced speed limits.

Department of Health: Measles Advisory

The Victorian Department of Health has issued a high-priority health alert following an increased risk of measles transmission. Residents are urged to review official lists of public exposure sites and monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after visiting affected areas. Initial symptoms typically include fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a distinctive rash that begins on the face. Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to contact their general practitioner to discuss the MMR vaccine.

Public Safety: Designated Search Areas

Victoria Police has enacted a designated area notice covering public places in the Dandenong precinct, active through Saturday, 7 March, to support the local Ramadan Night Market. Under this declaration, police officers and protective service officers are empowered to stop and search individuals and vehicles for weapons to ensure the safety of all market attendees. This notice is part of a broader commitment to maintaining a secure environment during large-scale community gatherings.