Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Tour

If you’re heading to Melbourne and have even a passing interest in sports, especially cricket and AFL, a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is pretty much unavoidable. This tour promises a chance to see behind the scenes of one of Australia’s most beloved sports venues. We’ve looked into the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what this experience offers—and whether it’s worth your time.

One of the things we love about this tour is the access to areas normally off-limits to the public, like the players’ changing rooms and the MCC Long Room. These spaces are rarely open to visitors, so the chance to step inside is genuinely exciting for sports fans. Another highlight is the opportunity to hear stories about the ground’s history from passionate guides, adding context that brings the tour to life.

However, a potential consideration is the limitation of accessibility—some parts of the tour are subject to availability, which can mean missing out on certain areas depending on the day. Also, it’s a fairly short experience at just over an hour, so if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit limited.

This tour tends to suit those who want a quick but meaningful peek into the MCG’s inner workings, with a focus on cricket and Australian sports. It’s especially ideal if you’re keen to learn stories and see the stadium from a different perspective without spending a full day on the visit.

Key Points

• Behind-the-scenes access to areas like players’ change rooms and the MCC Long Room
• Flexible departure times to fit different schedules
• Optional add-on of the Australian Sports Museum for a more comprehensive experience
• Knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and insights
• Affordable price point at around $26.54 per person for a 75-minute tour
• Small group tours (maximum of 10 travelers), ensuring a more personal experience

What to Expect from Your MCG Tour

The meeting point is at Gate 3 of the MCG, where your guide will be ready to lead you through the stadium’s hidden corners. The tour lasts about 75 minutes, and it’s designed to give you a close-up look at parts of the stadium not accessible to the general public. The pace is comfortable, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.

Inside the Stadium

Once the tour begins, you’re likely to visit some of the standout locations. First up is the MCC Long Room, a storied part of the ground filled with history and tradition, often associated with cricket legends. It’s a space that sports fans dream of seeing up close. Next, you will walk onto the arena itself, standing where cricketers and AFL players have performed countless times.

Player and Media Areas

A highlight is the players’ change rooms—not the actual dressing rooms used during matches, but still a behind-the-scenes space that offers a rare glimpse into the preparations athletes undertake. The cricketers’ viewing room is another stop, giving a sense of what players see as they watch the game unfold.

The Library and Gallery

For a touch of history, your guide might take you to the MCG Library, established in 1873, which houses a wealth of memorabilia and historical documents. There’s also the MCG tapestry and portraits of cricketing icons like Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, providing a visual connection to the sport’s legends.

Views and Additional Highlights

You’ll get breathtaking views of Melbourne’s skyline from the City Terrace, a spot that offers perfect photo ops. Depending on the day, some areas might be unavailable due to ongoing events or maintenance, so it’s worth keeping expectations flexible.

Optional Museum Visit

If you’re interested, you can upgrade your ticket to include admission to the Australian Sports Museum. This addition broadens the experience, offering a deeper dive into Australia’s sporting achievements and memorabilia collection.

How the Experience Looks in Practice

Many reviewers rave about the knowledgable and passionate guides who make the tour special. For example, Emily from the reviews mentions that her guide Marie was “passionate and knowledgeable,” making the hour-long tour feel more engaging.

Others appreciate the ease of access and stunning views. Dawn highlights how “the information and views are amazing,” and the tour’s proximity to public transportation makes it easy to join.

The small group size—capped at 10—keeps the experience intimate, allowing for questions and personalized attention. However, some reviews note larger groups, like a 25-person tour, which slightly detracts from the otherwise personal feel.

What People Love Most

• The chance to see the inner workings of the stadium
• The stories and insights shared by guides, often described as “excellent” or “passionate”
• The photo opportunities, especially of the Melbourne skyline from the terrace
• The value for money, given the access and the stories shared in just over an hour

Potential Downsides

Some visitors found the tour somewhat limiting if they expected an even more in-depth experience. For example, one reviewer noted that some areas were not accessible, such as the actual dressing rooms used during matches, which is understandable given security and event restrictions.

A few guests mentioned difficulty hearing guides at times, particularly when the group was larger. It’s worth noting that the tour is led by volunteers, which adds to the friendly atmosphere but can sometimes affect clarity.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At $26.54 per person, the tour is quite reasonable for the access and stories provided. For sports fans, especially cricket enthusiasts, it’s a good value, especially if you opt for the museum upgrade.
• Duration: About 75 minutes—a perfect quick immersion for a sightseeing afternoon.
• Group Size: Limited to 10 (or up to 25 in some cases), which generally ensures a more intimate experience.
• Accessibility: Some parts of the tour depend on availability, so it’s good to be flexible.
• Timing: Multiple departure times are available daily, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Children: Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult, but note that some walking and standing are involved.
• Booking: You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour, which is handy if plans change unexpectedly.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a sports enthusiast wanting to see the legendary stadium from a different angle, this tour will hit the mark. It offers behind-the-scenes access and insider stories that add depth to your visit. You’ll love the stunning city views and historical context, especially if you’re interested in cricket or AFL.

For those who enjoy guided storytelling and learning about iconic sports venues, the enthusiastic guides and well-curated stops will keep you engaged. However, if you’re expecting a lengthy, exhaustive exploration or access to the actual dressing rooms used during matches, this might fall short.

It’s also perfect if you’re after a value-packed experience. For less than the cost of a ticket to a game, you get a comprehensive look at the stadium’s inner workings and history, along with optional museum entry, making it a worthwhile addition to your Melbourne itinerary.

FAQs about the Melbourne Cricket Ground Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are allowed if they are accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind that there is some walking involved, so consider how that might suit younger kids.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, the tour offers various departure times throughout the day, letting you pick what works best for your schedule.

What areas are included in the tour?
You’ll visit the MCC Long Room, the players’ change rooms, the cricketers’ viewing room, the MCC Library, and the City Terrace with views of Melbourne’s skyline. Some areas are subject to availability, depending on the day.

Is there an option to visit the Australian Sports Museum?
Yes, you can upgrade your ticket to include access to the museum, which showcases Australia’s sporting achievements and memorabilia.

How long does the tour last?
The guided tour takes approximately 75 minutes, making it a quick but immersive experience.

What is the cost, and is it worth it?
At roughly $26.54 per person, the cost is quite reasonable given the behind-the-scenes access and stories. Many visitors find it good value, especially with positive guide reviews and the opportunity to see the stadium like a VIP.

Final Thoughts

The Melbourne Cricket Ground tour offers a solid, well-rounded look at one of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues. It balances accessible, fascinating sights with engaging storytelling, all wrapped into a manageable 75-minute experience.

Ideal for sports fans wanting a behind-the-scenes peek, this tour provides a closer look at the inner sanctums of the G, along with stories that bring the stadium’s history to life. The option to include the Australian Sports Museum makes it even more worthwhile for those eager to dive deeper into Australia’s sporting culture.

It’s a value-for-money experience, especially if you appreciate passionate guides and beautiful city views. Just remember that some areas might be unavailable on certain days, so flexibility is key.

If you’re in Melbourne and craving a quick, authentic glimpse behind the scenes of a legendary stadium, this tour is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re a cricket fanatic or simply love stadiums with a story, the MCG will likely leave you with plenty of memorable moments.