StepUP! for Down syndrome 2025 is here! If you’ve secured your tickets, here you’ll find everything you need to know about arriving safely and enjoying the day.
Online registrations have now closed, but if you are yet to book in – never fear – you are welcome to purchase tickets on the day via the registration tent. Registration opens at 10:00am.
Read on for everything you need to know about attending StepUP! Melbourne 2025!
The weather is looking warm and lovely this Sunday 19 October, it’s time to have some fun!
It’s shaping up to be such a great day. You’ll start your morning with our wonderful MCs Jo Stanley and Katherine Mansour followed by a group walk around Princes Park, after a fabulous warm-up with Emily Woodward. After the walk the festivities will continue with a lineup of live music, market stalls, entertainment, face-painting and a huge range of activities. Don’t forget to have your photo taken at the Carer Gateway marquee for your keepsake magnet! You’ll also have the chance to meet some of the team from Down Syndrome Victoria.
When you arrive, be sure to pop by the DSV registration tent first thing to tick your name off, collect your wristband and say hello!
Planning your trip
Date: Sunday 19 October 2024
Address: Princes Park, Royal Parade, Carlton North
Start time: 10:30am (registration open from 10am)
End time: 1:30pm
Please note that Princes Park is quite large so head to Lawn 3, next to Ikon Park.
Parking
Parking is available around the venue including in the surrounding streets of Bowen Crescent, Garton Street, Royal Parade, Princes Park Drive and Levers Street.
Public transport
Tram route 19 from the city takes you right along the park’s western border to tram stop #17. Alternatively, you could also use routes 1 or 6 and make your way to the park from Lygon Street.
By train, take the Upfield Line and get off at Royal Park Station.
Alternatively, bus numbers 250, 251 and 504 take you to Princes Park.
For more information and public transport options visit: Journey planner – Public Transport Victoria
You can also download a map of the course that includes details about pitstops, first aid and start/finish lines that you may like to refer to on the day HERE.
When you arrive: registration
If you have already registered online, please check in with staff at the pre-registration marquee where we have some show bags for registered children.
If you intend to register on the day, please check in with staff at the registration marquee.
Registration is open from 10:00am.
Ticket costs range from $0 (children under the age of 5) to $20 (adult). We also offer concession tickets.
Please note that no physical tickets will be issued, however registration is required upon arrival.
Other details:
Merchandise
A range of StepUP! merchandise will be available to purchase at the DSV merchandise marquee on the day including t-shirts and caps. Our DSV badges will also be on sale, featuring the artwork of Victorian artist Josie Jarvis!
Toilets
You will have access the toilets at Ikon Park. There will be an accessible toilet located close to the marquees in the Ikon Park car park.
Food and drinks
Food vendors will have food and drinks available for purchase on the day, as well as the Fitzroy Rotary Club sausage sizzle.
Alternatively, you can bring along a picnic rug and self-cater. Drinking water will be available so remember to bring along your drink bottles!
Food vendors include Blind Beans, Fitzroy Rotary Club, Dylan’s Delicious Delights, Feed Me Group, Wazzup Falafel, Dulce Gelati Cart, and Who 8 My Cake.
Gluten free options:
- Make sure you visit Wazzup Falafel for vegan and gluten free food including delicious stuffed falafel or falafel balls accompanied by salad and hummus.
- Dylan’s Delicious Delights will be selling gluten free lemon coconut slice and tasty red velvet cupcakes!
- Feed Me Group with many options including gluten free & vegan.
- Who 8 My Cake also has creamcheese brownies and macaroons as gluten free options.
Market stalls
We have a range of market stalls, which include over 16 small business owners with Down syndrome. It’s a great time to start your Christmas shopping so remember to bring along some cash, while some traders will have EFTPOS available.
Raffle
We have some great prizes on offer this year so please remember to bring your loose change. Raffle tickets are being sold at $5 each or three for $10.
Questions?
Please contact as at events@dsav.asn.au with any questions big or small.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you this Sunday 19 October 2025.
Proudly supported by: Carer Gateway
Down Syndrome Victoria are excited to announce that StepUP! Melbourne is once again proudly supported by Carer Gateway – Holstep Health.
Carer Gateway is a nationwide program funded by the Australian Government, led by Holstep Health in Victoria. It provides free services and support to help carers manage daily challenges, reduce stress and improve wellbeing. To learn more about Carer Gateway, call 1800 422 737 on Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm or visit www.carergateway.gov.au.
DSV would like to thank Carer Gateway for their support of StepUP! Melbourne 2025.
Photographs courtesy of KJG Photography Geelong and Connor Cesa