Portrait of Professor Carl Wood — A portrait photograph of Professor Carl Wood, an accomplished academic and medical professional.

Robert Menzies Building at Monash University Clayton campus near Menzies fountain — View of Robert Menzies Building and Menzies fountain at Monash University Clayton campus

Old Deakin Hall building with traditional architecture and surrounding trees — Photograph of Old Deakin Hall showcasing its traditional architectural style and mature trees around the building

Demolition of the camp showing rubble and construction machinery — Image depicting the demolition of a camp with rubble and heavy construction machinery clearing debris

Demolition of camp showing machinery tearing down structures — Image depicting the demolition of a camp with heavy machinery dismantling the structures

Demolition of a camp with heavy machinery and smoke — Image showing the demolition process of a camp using heavy machinery, with visible smoke and debris.

Demolition of pro-Palestine camp at Monash University Clayton on 17th May 2024 — Image showing the demolition of the pro-Palestine camp at Monash University in Clayton, captured on 17th May 2024.

Farrer Hall building at Monash University — Front view of Farrer Hall, a building at Monash University, captured on 6th June 2005, showcasing its architectural design in daylight.

Vintage sepia-toned portrait of William Howitt with long hair and a beard — Sepia vintage portrait of William Howitt, an English historical writer, with long hair and beard, photographed in early 20th century style.

Monash University Berwick Campus entrance building with a modern architectural design under blue sky — Monash University Berwick Campus entrance building featuring modern architecture in Victoria, Australia, photographed in 2005 by Jarle Andersen

Halls of Residence at Monash University overlooking a serene lake — Scenic view of the Halls of Residence at Monash University beside a tranquil lake, highlighting campus accommodation and natural surroundings

Monash University Clayton Campus

Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, is known for its academic and research activity, campus life and cultural heritage. Its Clayton campus, in the City of Monash, is the university’s flagship and largest campus. It covers 1.1 square kilometers (110 hectares) in Clayton, Victoria, and has its own postcode, 3800.

The campus brings together modern buildings, research facilities, arts venues, libraries, sports facilities and landscaped gardens. It is also home to a large international community and student-led events.

History and significance

Monash University was established in 1958 and named after Sir John Monash, an Australian World War I general and engineer. The Clayton campus was developed on former farmland. The university’s milestones include:

1958 University established.
1961 First student cohort enrolled.
1990s Expansion through mergers and new campuses in Victoria and internationally.
1998 First overseas campus opened in Malaysia.
2001 Establishment of Monash South Africa and the Prato Centre in Italy.

A member of the Group of Eight and the M8 Alliance, Monash is recognized for work in health, sciences and social sciences. It ranked 57th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and its pharmacy and pharmacology programs ranked first globally.

The university has supported Indigenous and diverse student communities and is a major driver of local cultural and economic activity. Its motto, “Ancora imparo” (“I am still learning”), reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and diversity.

What to see

Clayton campus highlights

University House The former Vice-Chancellor’s residence, with Tudor-style architecture.
Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) Contemporary art exhibitions and public installations.
Gardens More than 2,000 native plant species, with sites honoring Indigenous heritage, including the Aboriginal Garden and a scar tree.
Libraries Louis Matheson (Arts/Commerce), Hargrave-Andrew (Engineering/Science/Technology), the Law Library and others.
Research institutes and facilities The Australian Synchrotron, Science Technology Research and Innovation Precinct (STRIP), Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Monash University Accident Research Centre. The Australian Synchrotron is adjacent to the campus and is an architectural highlight.
Academic hubs Eight faculties, major libraries and research centres.
Arts and performance venues Robert Blackwood Hall, Alexander Theatre, David Li Sound Gallery, The Count’s Jazz Club and Monash Performing Arts Centres.
Sports facilities Ovals, courts, gymnasiums, studios, swimming pools and Monash Sport facilities.
Social spaces Campus Centre, with dining, shops and services; the Notting Hill Hotel (“The Nott”); and student-run events.
Residential life Twelve residential halls and affiliated colleges accommodate over 3,000 students.
John Monash Science School Located on campus.

Monash Monument

The Monash Monument in Melbourne’s city centre honors Sir John Monash and commemorates his contributions as a military leader and engineer during World War I. It is a symbol of Australian history and a focal point for commemorative events.

Practical visiting information

Hours and admission

Campus access is free, as are outdoor areas, gardens and many communal spaces. MUMA is also free to enter. Some special exhibitions, events, performances and sports facilities may require tickets or fees; galleries, libraries and other buildings may have restricted hours.

The visitor information gives general campus hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. A Clayton campus guide lists hours of 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, while most facilities are listed as operating 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Individual facilities have their own hours. MUMA is open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday–Saturday.

The Monash Monument is open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free.

For current campus information, see Monash Visitor Information.

Tours and events

Guided tours are periodically available at Clayton and other Monash locations, offering insight into the university’s history, architecture and campus life. Tours are popular with prospective students and tourists, and advance booking is often required. A Clayton campus guide says tours can be booked through the visitor centre; tours are also available during Orientation Week and Open Days. Register via the official website and check the event calendar for details.

Self-guided digital tours are available through the Monash app, and a Clayton guide describes them as always available. Public lectures, art exhibitions and cultural events take place throughout the year.

Guided tours of the Monash Monument are available on weekends and public holidays. Major ceremonies are held there on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, including wreath-laying and military parades. Occasional art installations and cultural exhibitions also take place.

Accessibility

Monash campuses have wheelchair-friendly pathways, ramps, elevators, accessible parking spaces and restrooms. Assistance and support services are available on request. See the Monash Accessibility page for details and to request support. The Monash Monument has wheelchair access and nearby parking.

Getting there

Clayton campus can be reached by public transport from central Melbourne. Multiple bus routes serve the area, and the 601 shuttle and other shuttle buses connect the campus with nearby train stations at Huntingdale and Clayton. For route planning and schedules, use the Public Transport Victoria website or PTV.

The Monash Monument is accessible by tram and bus.

Parking

Paid visitor parking is available on campus, but spaces are limited, particularly during peak times. Parking near the Monash Monument is also available.

Tips for visitors

Confirm opening hours for the campus and individual facilities before visiting.
Register early for tours during busy periods.
Use the Monash app for navigation and live updates.
Public transport is an alternative to limited campus parking.
Dress comfortably and plan for Melbourne’s variable weather.
Respect Indigenous sites and cultural protocols.
Photography is permitted in most public areas; respect people’s privacy and follow signage in restricted zones.
At the Monash Monument, the best photographic opportunities are in the early morning or late afternoon. The surrounding green spaces offer places to relax and take photos.

For audio guides and event information about the monument, download the Audiala app. Monash also shares news and upcoming events through its social media channels.

Nearby places

Near Clayton campus, visitors can explore:

Chadstone Shopping Centre A major retail and dining destination and Australia’s largest retail complex.
Dandenong Ranges Known for walking trails and scenic beauty.
Australian National Aviation Museum
Jells Park

Near the Monash Monument are the Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, museums, cafes and shops.

FAQ for visitors

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: General campus hours are listed as 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The Clayton campus guide lists 7:00 AM–10:00 PM daily; most facilities operate 8:00 AM–6:00 PM on weekdays. MUMA is open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tuesday–Saturday. The Monash Monument is open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: General campus areas and MUMA are free to enter. The Monash Monument is also free. Special exhibitions, events, performances or sports facilities may have fees.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Campus tours are offered periodically, including during Orientation Week and Open Days; advance booking is often required. Self-guided tours are available through the Monash app. Monument tours are available on weekends and public holidays.

Q: Is the campus accessible?
A: Yes. The campus has accessible pathways, ramps, elevators and facilities, with assistance available on request. The Monash Monument has wheelchair access.

Q: Is visitor parking available?
A: Yes, but campus spaces are limited and fees apply. Parking is also available near the Monash Monument.

Q: How do I reach Clayton campus by public transport?
A: Take a train to Huntingdale or Clayton, then use a shuttle bus, including the 601 shuttle, or a local bus route.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Photography is permitted in most public areas. Respect privacy and follow signs in restricted zones; the Monash Monument has several vantage points.