Sustainable and community-focused accommodation: why group organisers keep coming back to Urban Camp

In the heart of Melbourne, Urban Camp is simply trying to do accommodation a bit differently. We've found that when you combine thoughtful sustainability with genuine community focus, something wonderful happens—and we're delighted that group organisers seem to really appreciate this approach.

Sustainability that actually makes sense

When your group arrives at Urban Camp, you'll notice they don't just hear about our environmental efforts—they get to experience them firsthand. Our recent bathroom renovation might sound mundane, but it's had a genuine impact that you can see and understand, reducing our daily water consumption by 38.5% (from 7.8 to 4.8 kilolitres per day). It's a tangible example of how thoughtful choices can make a real difference.

Your group will also see our upgraded solar panel system (expanded from 12 to 40 panels) and experience our Closed Loop composting system in action. Every week, we transform 120kg of food waste into nourishment for Melbourne's community gardens, diverting 4 tonnes from landfill annually and preventing 7,500kg of CO₂ emissions. These aren't just numbers they're meaningful when you are part of the process.

"It's not just theory," one visiting teacher shared with us. "Our students can watch their breakfast scraps becoming compost and really understand that their daily choices matter."

The community magic happens naturally

What we absolutely love is how our spaces encourage connection without any forcing. You'll find your group naturally striking up conversations in our communal dining areas, and sharing facilities teaches everyone a bit of give and take. Our evening reflection sessions become special moments where teams can talk through their Melbourne experiences together.

The North West Lightning Hockey Club captured this beautifully: "Fantastic facility that allowed our hockey teams to spend time together socially within walking distance of Melbourne Sports Centre Parkville." For groups like yours competing in events such as the Hockey Victoria Senior Country Championships, having that social space alongside our convenient location really seems to work magic.

Learning happens everywhere (and it's pretty cool)

Educational groups consistently tell us that Urban Camp becomes an extension of their classroom, though we never set out to be particularly educational it just happens! Your students will discover learning opportunities in our sustainability practices, from water-efficient fixtures to the waste separation systems that everyone gets involved with. They'll learn about reuse and recycling through our creative examples, like watching old furniture become games tables or leftovers transform into compost for the garden.

It's wonderfully convenient, too

We know you appreciate that choosing more sustainable accommodation doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or convenience for your group. Our central Melbourne location means less travel hassle and puts you within walking distance of the city's fantastic attractions. Having fully equipped facilities reduces waste from single-use items, and our flexible spaces can accommodate your group's unique needs without requiring extra resources.

We also work hard to make the booking process as smooth as possible. As Switch Camp mentioned after their swing dancing workshops: "Urban Camp really tailored to our needs, and were very responsive in the booking process." That's exactly what we aim for with every group.

More groups are discovering what you'll love

We're excited to see more sporting teams, performance groups, community groups, and international travellers looking for accommodation that aligns with their values. It's wonderful that groups want their choices to reflect what they care about. We keep working to improve our offerings because we believe every group deserves an experience that feels right and meaningful to them.

We'd love to welcome your group!

Whether you're organising an educational trip, sports tournament, or community gathering, we're genuinely excited to show you what Urban Camp offers. You'll find accommodation that matches your values whilst meeting all your needs and enhances your Melbourne adventure.

Or contact our team today for a personalised quote on group accommodation that won't blow your budget. Urban Camp is delighted to host sporting teams, arts organisations, community groups, faith-based groups, educational travellers, and event attendees looking for sustainable, community-focused accommodation in Melbourne.

Ready to book? Secure your group stay today!

1. 📞 Email our team at admin@urbancamp.org.au or call our Programs Team on (03) 9328 2818 to check availability

2. 📩 Download our Group Accommodation Guide for more details

3. 📆 Complete our Booking Form for a customised package

“Urban Camp really tailored to our needs, and were very responsive in the booking process.”

— Switch Camp, Swing dancing workshops

Who Stays at Urban Camp?

• Sporting teams and athletic groups

  If you're heading to Melbourne for a competition, tournament, or training camp, finding the right accommodation can make all the difference in your team's performance. Urban Camp offers the perfect base for your team with:

  ✔ Large spaces for team meetings, strategy sessions, and recovery activities
  ✔ Nutritious catering options to support peak athletic performance
  ✔ Close proximity to major sporting venues such as Melbourne Sports Centre Parkville, the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, and MSAC
  ✔ Affordable group accommodation to fit within club or group budgets

  Examples of visitors in this category:

  • Junior and senior sports teams: rugby, football, basketball, netball, cricket, baseball, hockey

  • Martial arts and cheerleading squads attending tournaments

  • Cycling and running groups participating in city-wide events such as the Melbourne Marathon, Run Melbourne, The Bloody Long Walk, Connor’s Run, Stadium Stomp

• Performance groups and arts organisations

  Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, attracting musicians, dancers, theatre troupes, and festival performers. These groups need accommodation with rehearsal and performance spaces that’s close to Melbourne’s renowned arts venues.

  ✔ Spacious multipurpose rooms and a recreation hall with a stage for practice and warm-ups
  ✔ Easy access to venues like Arts Centre Melbourne, the Princess Theatre, and Sidney Myer Music Bowl
  ✔ Affordable lodging for youth performance troupes, traveling theatre companies, and cultural delegations

  Examples of visitors in this category:

  • School and university orchestras & choirs performing in national competitions

  • Dance and calisthenics teams attending state championships

  • Drama and theatre groups performing at Melbourne arts festivals

  • Film crews and production teams needing temporary city accommodation

• Community groups

  Community organisations often gather in Melbourne for conferences, retreats, or special events. These groups prioritise a safe, comfortable, and community-oriented space.

  ✔ Quiet, self-contained accommodation suited for gatherings and retreats
  ✔ Close proximity to community centers, and event venues
  ✔ Affordable group lodging for community organisations

  Examples of visitors in this category:

  • Meditation and wellness retreats needing peaceful, central accommodation

  • Migrant support organisations hosting cultural exchange programs

• Faith-based groups

  Faith-based groups often gather in Melbourne for conferences, retreats, or spiritual events. These groups prioritise a safe, comfortable space.

  ✔ Quiet, self-contained accommodation suited for faith-based gatherings and retreats
  ✔ Close proximity to places of worship and event venues
  ✔ Affordable group lodging for church groups, youth groups, and faith-based organisations

  Examples of visitors in this category:

  • Youth groups attending faith-based conferences

  • Faith-based community groups participating in religious gatherings

  • Meditation and spiritual retreats needing peaceful, central accommodation

• International and educational travel groups

  Educational groups, study tour programs, and professional exchange initiatives visit Melbourne for learning experiences, academic conferences, and cultural exposure.

  ✔ Affordable accommodation near universities, museums, and business districts
  ✔ Close to Melbourne’s public transport network for easy city exploration
  ✔ Suitable for students, professors, and professional study groups

  Examples of visitors in this category:

  • International exchange students attending short-term university courses

  • Overseas school groups on study tours of Melbourne’s institutions

  • History and museum groups exploring Melbourne

  • Professional development teams attending training programs

• Event attendees and social groups

  Melbourne is home to major annual events, conventions, and celebrations, attracting large groups of friends, family, and social clubs.

  ✔ Accommodation tailored for groups attending festivals, award ceremonies, and conventions
  ✔ Close to Melbourne’s nightlife, shopping districts, and entertainment hubs
  ✔ Affordable alternative to high-cost city hotels, perfect for groups traveling together

  Examples of visitors in this category:

  • Groups attending concerts & music festivals e.g. Melbourne International Jazz Festival

  • Families and supporters attending graduation ceremonies or award nights

  • Social clubs & hobby groups traveling for large meetups or conventions like Comic-con

  • Shopping & sightseeing groups looking for a budget-friendly city stay

*Impact Report, Urban Camp, 2024