The Optus Stadium Tour

If you’re visiting Perth and have even a passing interest in sports or stadiums, the Optus Stadium Tour is worth considering. It offers a chance to go beyond the usual stadium visits and see what really happens behind the scenes. From locker rooms to media areas, this tour provides a comprehensive look at one of Australia’s most modern, multi-purpose venues.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and well-organized it is. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the hour and a half fly by. Plus, the views from the highest vantage point are pretty spectacular—overlooking the Swan River and Perth’s skyline, it’s a setting that makes the tour memorable. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is smart, especially if it’s a hot day.

This tour would suit sports fans, architecture enthusiasts, or families wanting a fun, educational activity. It’s also a great pick if you want a relaxed way to learn about how big events are managed and staged. Budget-wise, at just over $25 per person, it’s also good value considering the depth of access and the quality of the guides.

Key Points

• Insightful Behind-the-Scenes Access: You’ll explore areas usually off-limits, like locker rooms and media zones.
• Stunning Views: The highest vantage points give you incredible sights of Perth’s skyline and Swan River.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Reviews consistently praise the guides’ passion and depth of knowledge.
• Good Value for Money: At around $25, it’s an affordable way to get a detailed look at the stadium.
• Suitable for All: The tour caters to all ages and abilities, with lifts available and easy walking routes.
• Weather-Resilient: Operates in all conditions, so dress appropriately for sunshine or rain.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Optus Stadium Tour is a well-paced, roughly 90-minute walk through one of Perth’s most impressive sports venues. It’s designed to give you a comprehensive inside look—whether you’re into sports or just appreciate the architecture and logistics of a stadium.

Your tour begins behind Gate D, underneath the City View Cafe. From here, your guide will take you through areas most visitors usually don’t get to see. Expect to visit the locker rooms of the Fremantle Dockers, West Coast Eagles, and Perth Scorchers—these are the spaces athletes prepare in before hitting the field or court. One reviewer happily mentioned walking on the ground level benches, “usually occupied by the stars of the game,” which sounds like a fun moment for sports buffs.

The tour also includes a visit to the Coaches Room and Victory Lounge. These spaces are less glamorous but fascinating—they reveal the inner workings of game day operations. You’ll learn how the stadium is managed when hosting different events, which can be surprisingly intricate.

One of the most popular highlights is standing above the field at the stadium’s highest point. The views here are often cited as a real standout. Many reviewers said they enjoyed “looking down on the field,” with an appreciation for how the stadium’s design maximizes sightlines. It’s also a chance to imagine what it’s like to be a coach or part of the media team in the press box.

The Inner Workings and Hidden Corners

A key aspect of this tour is demystifying stadium management. You’ll see areas that most visitors don’t get access to—such as the broadcast and commentary rooms, the VIP and function spaces, and the recovery and warming-up areas. These spaces highlight the stadium’s multi-use capacity, accommodating everything from sports events to concerts and community gatherings.

The media and broadcast areas are especially interesting, as they hint at how seamlessly the stadium switches between different types of events. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable guides like Bruce, Rocco, and Lyndsey make these sections come alive with facts and stories.

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to peek into the player change rooms. Several reviewers mentioned their surprise at how “clean and modern” these spaces are, and how they give you a glimpse of what athletes experience before and after games.

Views and Photo Opportunities

Beyond the interior spaces, the view from the highest vantage point is frequently mentioned as a highlight. Imagine standing above the playing field, looking out over the Swan River and the city skyline—this kind of perspective is a photographer’s dream. Many reviewers snapped photos of the panoramic vistas, noting that it’s a rare opportunity to see the stadium from this angle without a game or event in progress.

Some mention that the light and weather conditions can make a big difference in how spectacular the views are, so if the weather is clear, plan to spend a little extra time soaking in the scenery.

Guides and Group Experience

The guides consistently earn praise for their friendly, informative, and humorous style. Several reviews pointed out the patience and passion of tour leaders like Terri, Keith, Rocco, and Lyndsey, who made the experience engaging for visitors of all ages. They also helped to make the group size comfortable—most tours have a maximum of 25 people—which keeps the walking manageable and allows everyone to ask questions.

One reviewer noted that “a little extra time might have been nice,” which suggests that while the tour is quite thorough, there’s always room for a tad more exploration if it were possible. Still, most found the pacing perfect, with enough time to see everything without feeling rushed.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Thanks to lifts and easy pathways, the tour is accessible for people with mobility issues or those who prefer to avoid stairs. Since it operates in all weather, you should dress accordingly—hat, sunscreen, or raincoat depending on the forecast.

Meeting point is straightforward—behind Gate D, underneath the City View Cafe. The tour costs $25.10 per person, which many reviews agree is very reasonable for the amount of exclusive access and learning involved. Remember, food and drinks aren’t included, so if you’re planning a full day out, consider grabbing something at the stadium or nearby beforehand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits sports enthusiasts, architecture lovers, families (children should be accompanied by an adult), and anyone curious about how a major stadium operates behind the scenes. It’s especially appealing for those interested in logistics, stadium management, or just wanting a different perspective on Perth’s modern landmark.

If you’re visiting Perth and want a mix of education, great views, and behind-the-scenes access, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a relaxing yet fascinating way to spend time, particularly if you’re not a big fan of long museum visits but still crave something engaging and insightful.

FAQs

Is the Optus Stadium Tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities.

What should I wear for the tour?
Since it operates in all weather conditions, dress appropriately—wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection or rain gear as needed.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a comfortable length for most visitors.

Are lifts available for those who can’t do stairs?
Yes, lifts are available, making the tour accessible for people with mobility concerns or difficulty with stairs.

What is included in the price?
The ticket includes a guided tour with an escort/host, access to exclusive areas, and the chance to see the stadium from the highest vantage point.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexibility if your plans shift.

Final Thoughts

The Optus Stadium Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging peek into one of Perth’s most impressive venues. From the passionate guides to the stunning views and behind-the-scenes access, it’s a worthwhile experience that appeals to a diverse range of visitors. It’s not just about sports; it’s about understanding how these modern arenas operate and appreciating the scale of their logistics and design.

If you’re in Perth and curious about stadiums or sports management, this tour provides excellent value and plenty of memorable moments. It’s especially good if you prefer a relaxed, guided experience over self-guided exploration. Despite its simplicity, it delivers a surprisingly rich insight into the world of big sporting events, making it a highlight for many visitors.

Whether you’re a sports fanatic or just after a unique photo op and some local insights, the Optus Stadium Tour is a solid choice for an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Perth’s sporting heartbeat.