Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG is Melbourne's secular cathedral — a 100,000-seat stadium where AFL footy and Boxing Day Test cricket are civic religion. Best experienced at a match (general-admission footy tickets are cheap); otherwise the 75-minute guided tour (adults $38, kids $17) walks you onto the hallowed turf and through the MCC Long Room.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to do the MCG tour or go to a game?

If there's an AFL match on, go to the game — general admission is inexpensive, the atmosphere is the whole point, and you can usually buy on the day for regular home-and-away rounds. Do the tour if you're visiting outside footy or cricket season.

When is the cricket at the MCG?

The marquee fixture is the Boxing Day Test starting 26 December, plus Big Bash games across summer. Footy (AFL) runs roughly late March to late September — between them the ground has events most of the year.

How much is the MCG tour?

Around $38 for adults and $17 for children (5-15) booked direct, for a 75-minute guided walk through the players' changerooms, the MCC Long Room, and onto the arena. Tours run roughly 10am to 3pm on non-event days — check the MCG site as event days cancel slots.

Can I just walk around the MCG without a ticket?

Yes — the external concourse through Yarra Park is public, with statues of sporting legends ringing the ground (the Shane Warne statue gets a crowd). Seeing inside requires a tour, museum ticket, or event ticket.

What can't I bring into the MCG on match day?

No alcohol, cans, or glass; bags are checked and large bags are a hassle. Food is fine to bring in, which is worth doing — stadium food queues at half-time are long.

How do I get to the MCG?

Train to Jolimont or Richmond station and walk a few minutes through Yarra Park, or tram 70 along Wellington Parade. On big match days, walking from Flinders Street along the Yarra takes about 20 minutes and beats the crush.

What is the Australian Sports Museum?

A large interactive sports museum inside the MCG covering AFL, cricket, the Olympics, and more, with simulators kids love. You can buy it standalone or bundled with the tour — the combo is the better value if you're touring anyway.

Do MCG tours run on event days?

No — tours are cancelled or curtailed when there's a match or concert. Check the fixture before planning your visit, or better yet, use the event as your reason to go.

Nearby in Ask Melbourne

• Birrarung MarrPark0.81 km · 10 min walk
• Fitzroy GardensPark0.85 km · 11 min walk
• Eau de VieBar1.13 km · 14 min walk
• PastusoRestaurant1.18 km · 15 min walk
• Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne GardensAttraction1.19 km · 15 min walk