StepUP! for Down syndrome 2026 is here! If you’ve secured your tickets, this is where you’ll find everything you need to know about arriving safely and enjoying the day.
Online registrations have now closed, but never fear – you are welcome to purchase tickets on the day at the registration tent. Registration opens at 9:30am.
Read on for everything you need to know about attending StepUP! Melbourne 2026!
The weather is looking warm, sunny and lovely this Sunday 18 October, it’s time to have some fun!
When you arrive, be sure to pop by the DSV registration tent first thing to tick your name off and say hello!
It’s shaping up to be such a great day. You’ll start your morning with our wonderful MC’s Kath Mansour and Jack Williamson followed by a group walk around Princes Park, after a fabulous warm-up with Natalie Van Damme.
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.
Planning your trip
Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
Address: Princes Park, Royal Parade, Carlton North
Start time: 10:30am (registration open from 9:30am)
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 Ievers 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 Public Transport Victoria’s Journey Planner.
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.
Eastern Freeway weekend closure – a note for those travelling from the east
From 10:00pm Friday 16 October to 5:00am Monday 19 October, the Eastern Freeway will be closed in both directions between Chandler Highway and Tram Road.
Thompsons Road will also be closed in both directions between Bulleen Road and the Bulleen Park and Ride from 10:00pm Friday 16 October to 5:00am Monday 19 October.
During the closure delays of up to 90 minutes are expected during peak times.
We encourage motorists to plan their journey, allow extra time and avoid the area if possible. For longer trips to the city or airport, consider using alternative arterials including the Monash Freeway or the M80.
For more information visit: Disruptions – Victoria’s Big Build.
When you arrive: registration
Whether you have pre-registered or decide to come along on the day, please head to the registration marquee when you arrive at the event.
Registration is open from 9:30am.
Ticket costs:
- Child 0-5 | Free
- Person with Down syndrome | Free
- Support person, companion card | Free
- Child 6-16 | $10
- Concession | $10
- Adult $25
Please note that no physical tickets will be issued, but 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, drink bottles and caps. Our DSV badges will also be on sale, featuring the artwork of Victorian artist Josie Jarvis!
Toilets
You will have access to the toilets at Ikon Park. There will be an accessible toilet located close to the marquees in the Ikon Park car park. There are also three toilets around the Princes Park walking track which you can locate on the walking map here.
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, MDA Twista Potato, Dulce Gelati Cart, and Who 8 My Cake.
Gluten free options:
- Make sure you visit MDA Twista Potato for various gluten free options.
- Dylan’s Delicious Delights will be selling berry bliss balls (gluten free/vegan), orange coconut slice (gluten free), lemon coconut slice (gluten free) and red velvet cupcakes (gluten free)!
- Feed Me Group with many options including gluten free and vegan.
- Who 8 My Cake also has a few gluten free options.
Market stalls
We have a range of market stalls, which include over many 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 18 October 2026.
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 2026.
Photographs courtesy of Connor Cesa