Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): a historic stadium, home to AFL, cricket, and the Australian Sports Museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): a historic stadium, home to AFL, cricket, and the Australian Sports Museum.
"A must-visit spot in Melbourne, rich with sporting history and atmosphere, especially if you are a cricket fan."
🎯 Best Seats for Views
Second tier, mid-wicket to long-on (M2-M11) offer great field views. Level 4 GA seats are good value if you arrive early.
🚶 Walk from Federation Square
Enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk along the Yarra River to reach the MCG from the CBD.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Arena
Main Stadium
Experience the immense scale of this iconic sporting cathedral, home to legendary AFL and cricket matches.
Australian Sports Museum
Level 1, Northern Stand
Dive into Australia's rich sporting history with interactive exhibits and fascinating memorabilia.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Various locations
Go beyond the stands with a guided tour, accessing player rooms, media areas, and more.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Seats for Views
Second tier, mid-wicket to long-on (M2-M11) offer great field views. Level 4 GA seats are good value if you arrive early.
🚶 Walk from Federation Square
Enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk along the Yarra River to reach the MCG from the CBD.
🥧 Must-Try Food
Grab a classic meat pie or a hot jam donut at halftime for an authentic stadium experience.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring a hat and sunglasses, especially for afternoon games, as the sun can be intense.
Where to sit at MCG
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Seats for Views
Second tier, mid-wicket to long-on (M2-M11) offer great field views. Level 4 GA seats are good value if you arrive early.
🚶 Walk from Federation Square
Enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk along the Yarra River to reach the MCG from the CBD.
🥧 Must-Try Food
Grab a classic meat pie or a hot jam donut at halftime for an authentic stadium experience.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring a hat and sunglasses, especially for afternoon games, as the sun can be intense.
📱 Use the MCG App
Check event schedules, stadium maps, and transport info on the official MCG app.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for its immense historical significance and vibrant atmosphere, especially during major sporting events. The guided tours and the Australian Sports Museum are highlighted as excellent ways to experience the venue's rich heritage. Some guests have noted long security queues on event days, advising early arrival.
"Visiting the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the first time was truly a memorable experience. The sheer history of this iconic stadium is impressive, and the guided tour brings it to life in a unique way. Our guide, Jerry, was knowledgeable and engaging, making the 60–70 minute tour informative and enjoyable. The tour takes you deep inside the MCG, including exclusive areas like the players' seating boxes, and members' lounges. One of the highlights was the bird’s eye view from the top, which gives you a real sense of how massive the ground is.
There are a few facilities on site including a small café and a gift shop for souvenirs. Parking can be tricky since it’s not available inside the stadium, but we were lucky to find street parking easily on a weekday.
For cricket fans, timing your visit is key. The stadium often hosts football games, so the pitch is not always set up for cricket. The best time to experience it in its full cricketing glory is during the Boxing Day Test match around Christmas. Overall, it’s a must visit spot in Melbourne, rich with sporting history and atmosphere especially if you are a cricket fan."
Yasser Jamal
"This is the second largest cricket ground. We were welcome to visit the cricket ground. Each and everything of the auditorium was clearly presented to us. We saw the cricketers landing area , their changing rooms , Physio therapy rooms , resting rooms . The ground was being maintained. We also saw the place where the speakers sit , the management sitting area cafeteria and so on . The best part is the museum. Very informative. Must visit whole you are at Australia don’t miss it."
Inthira
"Went to see the Lions v the Wallabies. What a venue. 90,000 + people so great atmosphere. Even though it's normally an AFL and cricket ground, didn't feel too far from the pitch.
Was lucky enough to be on hospitality, great fun."
Colin Henderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MCG is easily accessible by public transport. Trams run frequently along Wellington Parade and Brunton Avenue from the CBD. Trains to Jolimont Station are also a short walk away. Many visitors enjoy the scenic 15-minute walk from Federation Square.
On-site parking is limited and usually reserved for event personnel or premium ticket holders. Street parking in the surrounding areas can be difficult and expensive on event days. Public transport is highly recommended.
For major AFL games, public transport is the most efficient. Trains and trams are the preferred methods. Arriving early is advised to avoid crowds.
Yes, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from Federation Square in the CBD. Follow the path along the Yarra River for a scenic route.
Yes, the MCG is accessible via public transport with accessible stations and tram stops nearby. Information on accessible routes can be found on the Public Transport Victoria website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at the MCG are primarily sold through Ticketek Australia. It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially for popular events like AFL matches and the Boxing Day Test.
For cricket, seats around the mid-wicket to long-on area on the second tier (e.g., M2-M11) offer excellent views of the entire ground. General Admission seats on Level 4 can also provide good value if you arrive early.
Generally, there are no bad seats at the MCG due to its design. Even seats further back on Level 4 offer a good perspective of the game.
General Admission tickets allow access to unreserved seating areas, typically on Level 4. Arriving early is recommended to secure your preferred spot.
For major events, it's advised to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the start time to allow for security checks and to find your seats without rushing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can visit the Australian Sports Museum, take a guided stadium tour, or enjoy the atmosphere on non-event days. The MCG also hosts concerts and other large-scale events.
The MCG offers a variety of food and beverage outlets, including classic stadium fare like pies and hot dogs, as well as more diverse options. Hot jam donuts are a popular treat.
Yes, personal photography is generally permitted for non-commercial use. However, tripods and professional camera equipment may be restricted during events. Always check the specific event's policy.
Parts of the MCG are covered, particularly sections in the Ponsford Stand and Members' areas. However, if it's raining heavily and windy, some seats may still get wet. Check the MCG's undercover seating guide for details.
The MCG has robust security measures, including bag checks and metal detectors. Arriving early is crucial to avoid long queues, especially for large events.
📸 📸 Photography
For panoramic views, head to the upper levels. The player tunnels and change rooms offer unique perspectives during tours. The exterior architecture is also photogenic.
Selfie sticks and tripods are generally not permitted inside the stadium during events to ensure the safety and viewing experience of all patrons.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Yes, drone usage is strictly prohibited within the airspace of the MCG and surrounding parklands due to safety and security regulations.
For capturing action, a telephoto lens is useful. For general atmosphere and wider shots, a standard zoom lens or a prime lens like a 35mm or 50mm works well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many tours are family-friendly, and the sheer scale of the stadium is often awe-inspiring for younger visitors. Ensure you check the MCG's website for any specific family-friendly events or facilities available on your visit date.
💰 Budget Travelers
Walking from the CBD is a free and enjoyable way to reach the MCG, saving on public transport fares. On non-event days, exploring the exterior of the ground and the surrounding parklands is a great free activity. Look out for special offers or package deals that might include museum entry or tours.
🏏 Cricket Enthusiasts
Even if there isn't a match, a guided tour will take you through the cricket history of the ground, including the players' facilities and the MCC Long Room. The Australian Sports Museum also has extensive cricket exhibits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding MCG Seating
For AFL and cricket, seats in the Ponsford Stand (Gates 1-4) and Olympic Stand (Gates 31-36) are often favored for their central views. Seats around mid-wicket to long-on are generally considered prime viewing spots. General Admission (GA) tickets typically grant access to unreserved seating on Level 4, meaning arriving early is crucial to snagging a good spot.
It's important to note that certain areas, like the AFL Members Reserve (often marked in red), are exclusively for AFL members. For other games, sections might be reserved for club members. Always check the seating plan when purchasing tickets and consider factors like shade and proximity to the action based on your preferences.
The MCG Guided Tour Experience
One of the most thrilling parts of the tour is walking through the player's tunnel and emerging onto the hallowed turf, imagining the roar of the crowd. You'll also get a bird's-eye view from the stands, truly appreciating the stadium's immense capacity and iconic status. The tour provides a deep dive into the MCG's rich history, from its early days to hosting major international events.
For an even more exclusive experience, consider the premium access tour, which may include additional areas and a more personalized itinerary. Regardless of the tour type, it's a must-do for sports enthusiasts and anyone wanting to understand the cultural significance of the MCG in Australia.
The Australian Sports Museum
Visitors can explore the evolution of sports equipment, relive iconic sporting moments through engaging stories, and even test their own athletic skills in interactive zones. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of Australia's sporting achievements and the cultural impact of sport on society. It's an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum. It's a fantastic complement to attending a live event at the MCG or can be a destination in its own right for a deeper dive into Australian sporting culture.
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