Things to Do at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Complete Guide to Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne
About Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
What to See & Do
MCG Museum and Australian Sports Museum
A surprisingly comprehensive collection that goes well beyond just cricket and AFL. You'll find Olympic memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and some interesting artifacts that give you a sense of how sport has shaped Australian identity.
Behind-the-scenes stadium tours
These guided tours take you into areas usually off-limits to the public - the players' changing rooms, the Long Room, and out onto the famous turf itself. The guides tend to be pretty knowledgeable and share stories you won't hear anywhere else.
The Great Southern Stand
This is where you'll get some of the best views of the ground and the Melbourne skyline beyond. On a clear day, you can actually see quite far across the city, which gives you a nice sense of the MCG's place in Melbourne's geography.
The MCC Members' Reserve
While you might not be able to access this exclusive area during events, the architecture and history of this section is worth observing from the outside. It represents the traditional, somewhat stuffy side of cricket culture that still persists.
The Olympic Stand
Built for the 1956 Olympics, this stand has a different architectural feel from the more modern sections. It's a decent reminder of the MCG's role beyond cricket and AFL in major international events.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Stadium tours typically run daily from 10am-3pm on non-event days, though times can vary significantly during cricket season and AFL finals. The museum is generally open 10am-5pm, but it's worth checking ahead as event schedules can affect access.
Tickets & Pricing
Stadium tours cost around AUD $30-35 for adults, with museum entry often included. Match tickets vary wildly - you might pay $25 for a regular season AFL game but several hundred for Grand Final tickets. Boxing Day Test cricket tickets are particularly sought after and tend to sell out quickly.
Best Time to Visit
For tours, weekdays tend to be less crowded. If you're after the full experience, try to catch a game - AFL season runs March to September, cricket season is roughly October to March. The Boxing Day Test (December 26) is iconic but incredibly busy.
Suggested Duration
Stadium tours take about 75 minutes, and you could easily spend another hour or two in the museum. If you're attending an event, factor in arrival time - this place fills up with 100,000 people, so getting in and out takes a while.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Just across the Yarra River, these gardens are beautiful and offer a peaceful contrast to the intensity of the MCG. Perfect for a pre-game stroll or post-match decompression.
About a 15-minute walk away, Fed Square is Melbourne's main cultural hub with galleries, restaurants, and that distinctive modern architecture that people either love or hate.
If you want to see Melbourne from above (including a bird's eye view of the MCG), this observation deck on the 88th floor offers pretty spectacular views, though it can be pricey.
A bit further out but worth the trip if you're looking for food, souvenirs, or just want to experience one of Melbourne's most famous markets. The coffee and fresh produce are particularly good.
Home to the Australian Open tennis tournament, it's literally next door to the MCG. Even outside of tournament time, you might catch some interesting matches or just appreciate the modern sports complex architecture.