Melbourne sports tours are a great way for any sporting enthusiast to learn more about Aussie culture. Well known as Australia’s Sporting Capital, this sports lovers’ guide to Melbourne will help you figure out what games or events you can see while you are visiting.

As the sporting capital of a pretty sports-mad country, Melburnians their sport. The city has hosted an Olympics and Commonwealth Games, the annual the grand slam Australian Open, Australia’s only formula one race, and the horserace that stops a nation… The Melbourne Cup.

Oh, and they also have Australian Football known as AFL.

A Sport’s Lover’s Guide to Melbourne

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Melbourne’s Iconic Sporting venues

Most Melbourne Sports tours will include a visit to one or more of these:

Flemington Racecourse – Home of the Melbourne Cup, the world’s richest horserace, Flemington has been used for races since the 1840s. Racing fans might enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the track and facilities.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – Known colloquially as The G the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere. Home of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the first cricket match between Australia and England. There is so much history here, and the atmosphere of 80k plus sports fans watching any sport is very special.

Melbourne Park – Tennis (Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena) – Tennis and rock concerts are the two most popular events held at Melbourne Park.

Melbourne F1 Grand Prix Circuit – Albert Park street circuit is a 5km track that travels around Albert Lake.

Melbourne’s Sporting Calendar

If you want to attend any of the major events listed here, I suggest you buy your tickets in advance. Head to the official websites linked below for dates and tickets.

January

• Commonwealth Bank Series One Day Cricket Internationals, MCG
• Australian Open Tennis Championships, Melbourne Park

April

• Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park – April 7-10

March – September

• Toyota AFL Premiership Season, MCG and Etihad Stadium
• Telstra National Rugby League Premiership Season (Melbourne Storm), Olympic Park

August to February

• Hyundai A-League Football (soccer) Competition (Melbourne Victory), Etihad Stadium

November

• Melbourne Cup Carnival, Flemington Racecourse

December

• Cricket International Boxing Day Test Match, MCG

WHy consider a Melbourne Sports-based tour?

The easiest way to see Melbournes iconic venues on a short trip is to take a tour. Offerings range from in-depth luxury-style experiences to cheap and cheerful walking tours for under $30 so there is something for everyone.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Tour

The perfect tour for cricket tragics, over 75 minutes you gain access to players changing rooms and viewing area, the media center, MCC members’ facilities, and the famous MCG Long Room, and also take a walk on to the arena.

Your guide provides lots of behind-the-scenes details. Don’t miss the great Melbourne skyline view from the terrace.

Tip: Check the playing schedule as you may not have access to the pitch on game days.

Check current prices and availability of this tour

Melbourne Sports Walk and Stadium Tour

This 3-hour afternoon tour covers over 9km on foot and begins with a walk along the path built for the 2006 Commonwealth Games to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

After completing a stadium tour, you will move on to AAMI Park, home of the local NRL team the Melbourne Storm, and the 2 Melbourne A-League clubs Melbourne Victory and Melbourne FC.

You also visit the stadium built for the 1956 Summer Olympics and the Melbourne Tennis Park, home to Rod Laver and Margaret Court Arena.

Check prices and availability here

Melbourne Sports Walk – Budget

This tour will cost you less than $20 and does not include entry to any of the stadiums, but what you do get is a great introduction to the sporting culture and history of Melbourne. The guides are full of stories and it’s a really enjoyable way to learn more about the city’s love affair with sports.

The tour runs for 90 minutes. Check price and availability here

The Ultimate Melbourne Sports Tour

This one is for serious fans only at 9 hours of sporting goodness, those with just a passing interest should deposit their partners or friends at the gate and head off to find their adventure.

The tour includes guided behind-the-scenes tours of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena, home of the Australian Open. You drive the F1 Albert Lake Circuit, visit Flemington Racecourse, the home of the Melbourne Cup and spend time at the National Sports Museum. You also visit Etihad Stadium and have lunch (included) in Docklands.

This tour makes a great special gift. Book this one early as places are limited.

These tours all offer free cancellation and refund up to 24 hours before departure

Australian Sports Museum

The Australian Sports Museum provides the opportunity to learn more about Australian culture through our love of the sport. No matter what your sporting interest this museum covers it all from the summer and winter Olympics, The Australia Cricket Club museum, and the Australian Racing Museum, and exhibits all forms of football, boxing, basketball, and netball.

Plenty of interactive exhibits will keep kids entertained while adults will find plenty of detail about their favorite sports.

You can also book an MCG Tour or head to the MCG Shop where you can find a huge range of sports merchandise.

You can pre-book your Melbourne Sports Museum tickets or check prices here.

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