Guide to visit Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Every cricket lover wishes to visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It is one of those cricket grounds that is very popular among the cricket lovers, especially Indians. I am not a sports fan, but visiting MCG was surely on my list and I wanted to visit it. Even though I lived in Melbourne for a few months, I had not got the opportunity to visit. But the last time I visited Melbourne with a friend, we decided to do a MCG tour.

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About Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Located in the Yarra Park of Melbourne, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is an Australian sports stadium. Built in 1853, the MCG is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and the 11th largest in the world. Also known as “The G”, the MCG is famous for hosting many sporting events such as Olympics in 1956 and Australian Commonwealth Games in 2006.

The MCG can accommodate a capacity of around 100,024 people in the stadium. Today, the stadium provides a venue for cricket and AFL matches. And it also is a venue for musical events, National sports museum and more.

If you are a cricket lover, then you may want to visit Bowral, Don Bradman’s home in Australia.

A few of the facts of MCG are:

• Locals adorably call the MCG as “The G”.
• Even though the stadium is named after cricket, it hosts many other sporting events.
• The ground of MCG holds 96 sprinklers.
• MCG is listed on the Victoria Heritage register and was included in Australian National Heritage list in 2005.
• The MCG was the birthplace for test cricket in 1877.

MCG also has a library where visitors can go use them. One need not be a club member to use the library.

Note: There are chains around and one cannot step on the grass.

How to get to MCG?

Driving

The MCG is just around 2.5 kilometres from Melbourne Central Business District (CBD). It takes only 10 minutes to drive from the CBD to the stadium. There are many car parking spaces available at the stadium.

As the stadium is so close to the city, I suggest not driving but either walking to the stadium (it is just 10 minutes walk) or taking a public transport as it is easier.

Public transport

The best and easiest way to reach MCG is by public transport. There are tram stations that is just opposite to the stadium (approximately 300 metres). Up to date information can be found on Public Transport Victoria (PTV).

Guided tour at MCG

One can take a guided tour at MCG. The guided tour of the stadium is around 60 minutes and the guide takes the visitors through to different levels (there are three levels) and behind the scenes. You can ask as many questions as you want and most often the guide has answers to everything. The tour is totally worth and it is a great way to learn about the history and the information about MCG.

Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.

Our guide Belinada was really awesome and she gave us detailed information about every event and everything about the stadium. As part of our tour, we had the opportunity to see where the players hung out including practicing during the matches, the lounge where the VIPs hang out and where all the players had their food.

You can also take as many pictures as you want. Also the guides are friendly and they do take pictures of you with the stadiums and stands.

When you are at MCG, do not forget to get a picture with the photograph of Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. I believe there are only a handful of them that have been signed by Don Bradman and one is this original photograph. The photograph is near the VIP lounge.

Cost and booking

The tours can be booked on the official MCG website and the tours run between 10 AM and 3 PM everyday. Cost of the tour that includes the National Sports museum visit is about AUD 40 per person. Ensure to be at the stadium at least 10 minutes before the tour starts. Also, I highly suggest not taking the last tour as there wouldn’t be sufficient time to visit the shop to buy souvenirs and the museum.

We were told by our guide that sports lovers usually apply for club membership when their kids are born as there is a waiting period of more than 30 years for getting the club membership to MCG.

Safety for solo female travelers

Melbourne is very safe for solo female travelers. I lived in the city for many months and I had so issues whatsoever. However, I did face some problems when I traveled to the outskirts of Melbourne city on the trains. Be careful especially at night and know your surroundings at all times.

Are you new to solo traveling? Or do you have lot of questions regarding solo travels? Read my guide to solo travel.

Closing Notes

The MCG is one of those things that definitely need to be on your bucket list, especially if you love cricket. I highly recommend visiting MCG during your travel to Melbourne. Even if you are not a sports lover like me, I still suggest visiting the stadium as it is one of those iconic landmarks in Melbourne.

Have you visited MCG? Or do you have it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below.

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