Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Tour

If you’re heading to Melbourne and want to get a true sense of its sporting soul, the MCG tour is an experience worth considering. For just around $25, you’ll spend about 75 minutes exploring one of Australia’s most famous stadiums, with guided insights that bring the history and culture of this sporting titan to life. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit areas normally closed to the public—think the players’ changing rooms, the MCC Long Room, and the library that dates back to 1873. For those wanting to deepen the experience, an upgrade option offers access to the Australian Sports Museum, a treasure trove of memorabilia and stories that celebrate Australia’s sporting legends.

What we love most about this tour is the personalized storytelling from passionate guides who make the history of the stadium and its iconic figures come alive. Plus, the stunning views from the City Terrace, overlooking Melbourne’s skyline, are a real highlight. It’s a rare chance to get behind the scenes of a stadium that’s been the stage for cricket, AFL, and countless memorable moments.

A possible consideration? The tour’s limited access to some areas, like the main changing rooms, might be a disappointment for those expecting a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into match-day operations. Also, the tour is relatively short—around 75 minutes—so if you’re craving a more in-depth exploration, you might find it’s a taste rather than a deep dive.

This experience suits sports fans, history buffs, and curious travelers who appreciate authentic venues. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy guided storytelling and want a manageable, well-paced tour that covers the highlights without taking up your entire day. Families with children who are interested in sports or Melbourne’s iconic venues will also find this a rewarding outing.

Key Points

• Accessible and well-organized: Easy meeting point at Gate 3, with tours running daily and flexible departure times.
• Authentic behind-the-scenes access: Visit areas usually off-limits, including the MCC Library and players’ facilities.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Brian and Clare are praised for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.
• Great value for money: At just over $25, the tour offers a good balance of insight, access, and scenery.
• Optional museum upgrade: Adds a rich layer of history with memorabilia of cricket and AFL legends.
• Limited access to some areas: Certain high-profile spaces like main changing rooms may be unavailable or subject to change.

Introduction: Why a Visit to the MCG Matters

Melbourne’s Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) isn’t just a sports stadium; it’s a symbol of Australian sporting culture. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast, an AFL fanatic, or someone who simply appreciates the atmosphere of a storied venue, touring the MCG offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a place where countless legendary moments have unfolded.

This tour combines the thrill of walking through the stadium, guided commentary that makes history come alive, and optional access to the Australian Sports Museum, which houses a wealth of memorabilia. It’s a compact but rich experience, perfect for a quick yet meaningful visit.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Starting Point: Gate 3 and Guided Introduction

The adventure begins at the Gate 3 entrance, where a friendly guide greets you and sets the tone for the tour. An intimate group—usually no more than 10 travelers—means that you’ll get plenty of personal attention and the chance to ask questions.

Main Highlights

• Guided walk through the stadium: You’ll explore iconic parts of the MCG that often aren’t open during matches, like the cricketers’ viewing room, the player change rooms, and the MCC Long Room—the private club for members and cricket insiders. Several reviews, such as SONYRAJ_S’s comment, highlight how the tour “got the privilege to visit most of the areas of the Ground,” making it feel exclusive.

• The MCC Library: Dated from 1873, this library is a treasure trove for sports history buffs. Walking through it, you’ll get a sense of the MCG’s century-plus legacy.

• City Terrace and Views: The City Terrace offers stunning perspectives over Melbourne’s skyline. Many reviewers, like Simone_G, enjoyed snapping photos and taking in the panoramic views.

• Museum Option: For an extra fee, you can upgrade your visit to include the Australian Sports Museum, which houses iconic memorabilia from legends like Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, along with exhibits celebrating AFL and cricket.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

Some of the most valued aspects—like walking into the cricketers’ viewing room and the player change rooms—are highly praised, but keep in mind that certain spaces, especially the main change rooms, might be sometimes unavailable due to ongoing events or restrictions. As one review notes, access to some areas is “subject to availability” and might not be guaranteed during your visit.

The Guides: Knowledge and Enthusiasm

Reviewers repeatedly praise guides like Clare, Brian, and Ian for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. Their storytelling makes the experience engaging whether you’re a cricket fanatic or new to sports venues. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide made this a totally great tour,” emphasizing how much a passionate guide can enhance the experience.

The Value: Is It Worth the Price?

At just $25.09 per person, this tour offers good value. For that price, you get access to exclusive areas, a knowledgeable guide, and the chance to learn about the stadium’s history and its legendary figures. If you upgrade to the Australian Sports Museum, the added cost is minimal compared to the wealth of stories, memorabilia, and photos you’ll encounter.

Many visitors, including those who aren’t cricket fans, find the tour surprisingly enjoyable. As Tracey_B states, “I am not a cricket fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed the history and seeing areas generally off-limits.” This speaks to the universal appeal of the stadium’s history and the engaging guides.

The Experience in Practice: What to Expect

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing. The small group size ensures that everyone can hear the guide clearly and ask questions freely—a feature that many reviewers appreciate.

Accessibility and Timing

Tours run daily, with various departure times, allowing flexibility. Entry to the tour and museum is straightforward, located at Gate 3. The tour is suitable for people with moderate physical fitness, as it involves some walking and steps, but nothing overly strenuous.

Additional Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention that certain areas may be restricted or that the guide’s commentary can be hard to hear at times. It’s wise to arrive a little early, especially during busy periods or events.

Authentic Reviews: Real Opinions from Visitors

• “A well explained detailed Cricket Ground tour!!” – SONYRAJ_S highlights the quality of the explanations.
• “Tour guide knowledgeable and affable” – Amanda_M appreciates the guides’ friendliness.
• “Great experience with a lot of history” – Mark_B notes how close the stadium is to Melbourne’s city center.
• “Boring, no anecdotes” – Gaurikamboj points out that some visitors might wish for more storytelling, but this is rare.

The reviews paint a picture of a well-managed, engaging tour that offers authentic access and informative storytelling.

Final Thoughts: Is the MCG Tour for You?

This tour is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a manageable, affordable, and authentic sporting experience in Melbourne. It’s especially good for those who value guided insights and want to see the hidden corners of one of Australia’s most iconic venues. Families, sports enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike will enjoy the mix of history, views, and behind-the-scenes access.

While it may not satisfy those craving a deep, in-depth exploration of every corner, it’s a compelling snapshot that captures the stadium’s essence without overextending your schedule.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, providing a concise yet comprehensive visit to the stadium’s key areas.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time since tours run daily with limited group sizes, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Are there different departure times?
Yes, the tour offers various departure times each day, giving you flexibility to fit it into your schedule.

Can I upgrade to include the Australian Sports Museum?
Absolutely. For a small additional fee, you can add museum access to deepen your understanding of Australia’s sporting legends.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.

What parts of the stadium are off-limits?
Some areas, including certain changing rooms and high-security zones, might not be accessible during your visit, depending on availability and ongoing events.

If you want to stand in the same spot where legends have played and see the stadium’s most iconic spaces, the Melbourne Cricket Ground tour offers a solid, authentic experience for a very reasonable price. The knowledgeable guides bring the history alive, and the optional museum visit adds a layer of depth that fans and curious visitors will appreciate.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy a guided narrative, want a quick but meaningful glimpse into Australia’s sporting heart, and are content with a moderate walk through history and behind-the-scenes areas. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast, AFL supporter, or just a lover of iconic venues, this tour will reward your curiosity with stories, sights, and a touch of stadium magic.