Dispense your free STI/HIV test kit

Discreet. Anonymous. No awkward waiting room.

Test in four simple steps

From the kit collection to results - here's exactly what to expect.

1. Collect

Find the STI-X vending machine in your town (see below). You'll need your mobile number to receive your kit — the machine sends a quick verification code. Select a penis or vagina test kit. The whole process takes under 90 seconds.

2. Test

Take your kit home (or somewhere private). Inside you’ll find step-by-step picture instructions, everything you need to collect your sample, and a prepaid return label. Follow the instructions carefully — it takes about five minutes. Don't throw away the box, you'll need this to return your test kit.

3. Post

Seal the test samples and pack them into the box. Apply the return label to seal the box and post it in your nearest Australia Post box. You don't need stamps, a post office, or a printer. The box is plain and unmarked.

4. Results

Your sample is tested at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. If your result is positive, someone will contact you directly to talk through your options and next steps — confidentially. If you haven’t heard back within two weeks, call Melbourne Sexual Health on (03) 9341 6200.

See how it works

The STI-X vending machine is a discreet, anonymous and free option available to people who would like an STI/HIV test

How do I know if I need an STI test?

If you answer 'yes' to any of these, it's time to test.

# You have a new sexual partner since your last test
# You've never been tested and you're sexually active
# You've had unprotected sex since your last test
Inside the penis test kit

Which kit is right for me?

Both penis and vagina kits test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and come with an Atomo Rapid HIV-screener.

Both kits come with swabs to test oral, anal or penis/vaginal, depending on which sites are relevant to you.

100+ kits dispensed across Victoria since 2025

Join the Victorians already taking control of their health

Free

No Medicare card needed

Fast and easy

Self-collect your sample in under 2 minutes

Anonymous

Results sent your phone

Ages 16+

Open to anyone ages 16 and over

Find a vending machine

We currently operate two vending STI-X vending machines which are moved to new locations every 12 months.

Mildura

Address

Mildura Waves, 190 Deakin Ave, Mildura (in the disabled toilet off the Café)

Ballarat

Address

Ballarat City Library 178 Doveton St North, Ballarat Central (upstairs in the disabled toilet)

About the STI-X vending machines

The STI-X project, developed by The Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health (CERSH) in partnership with Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), brings free sexually transmitted infection (STI) test kit vending machines to regional Victoria for the first time.

Pick up a free STI test kit from our vending machine in Mildura or Ballarat — no appointment, no waiting room, all anonymous. Test in private and post it back. Results come straight to your phone.

Learn more about the project

STI-X vending machine in Echuca

Frequently asked questions

  • STI-X is smart vending machine that dispenses free STI test kits without the need to visit a healthcare provider. It allows people to self-collect samples and test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV in the comfort of their own home, and post the kit to Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for testing.

  • STI-X is available to all people over the age of 16 who would like to check their sexual health but would prefer not to attend a clinic in person.

  • You should consider getting tested if:

    • You have never had an STI test and are sexually active.
    • You have had vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom.
    • A sexual partner has told you they have an STI.
    • You have had a new partner/s since your last STI test.
    • Your regular partner has other partners It has been a while since your last STI test.
    • You simply want peace of mind about your sexual health.

  • STI-X vending machines are located inside public toilet facilities to provide a private and discreet way to access testing. The nurses at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre are experts at protecting your privacy. You won't receive any letters or calls home or to your GP. Your results are only discussed with you, at a time that suits you.

  • A registered nurse from Melbourne Sexual Health Centre will contact you within 2 weeks and arrange for you to receive care close to home, including any prescriptions and medication required.

    Often an e-sript will be sent to you via text, but if you do not want this to occur, or you do not have Medicare, the nurse will discuss your treatment options with you

  • Within two weeks of posting your kit. If you haven't received your results within two weeks, please contact Melbourne Sexual Health Centre on (03) 9341 6200.

  • Yes, your sample is sent to an accredited Australian medical laboratory and follows established quality assurance processes to ensure results are accurate and reliable.