The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, better known as the MCG, is one of the biggest sports stadiums in the world.

Kris Madden

With a capacity of 100,000 people, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the largest stadium in Australia, the 10th largest stadium in the world, and the world's largest cricket stadium. It’s part of the Melbourne Sports Precinct at Yarra Park, which also includes the Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and AAMI Park. In winter the ground hosts Australian football (also known as Aussie rules, or AFL) matches, while in summer it's the stage for cricket. The G, as it's affectionately known, has been the scene of many great events in Australian sporting history since its debut in 1853.

Don't miss

• Catch a game of Aussie rules in winter
• Watch a cricket Test match in summer
• Go behind the scenes and see Australia's sporting history

Top things to do at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Catch a game of Aussie rules in winter

Australian football (also known as Aussie rules, or AFL) is a fast-paced contact sport whose origins can be traced back to matches played in 1858 based on early forms of rugby and Gaelic football. It's uniquely Australian. Thousands of passionate fans turn up every weekend to cheer on their teams. Buy a ticket and enjoy the spectacle.

Watch a cricket Test match in summer

Cricket is hugely popular in Australia in summer. The MCG is the home of the Melbourne Cricket Club and there are few events in the Australian sporting calendar that evoke as much passion as the Boxing Day Test match, between Australia and a visiting team such as England, South Africa or India. Test matches run for five days. 

Take a tour of the stadium

A behind-the-scenes tour of the MCG reveals more than 150 years of Australian sporting history. Explore the stadium's inner sanctum and walk on the hallowed turf. You can even get up on the stadium's roof and zip-line from one side of the stadium to the other.

Visit the National Sports Museum

The National Sports Museum features thousands of sporting artefacts showcasing the highlights of Australia's sporting history, such as cricket legend Don Bradman's baggy green cap, Cathy Freeman's gold medal-winning running suit and Ian Thorpe's full-body swimsuit. It also houses the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Watch Australian Open tennis

A stone's throw from the MCG is Melbourne Park, made up of the Rod Laver and Hisense arenas. The Rod Laver Arena is home to the annual Australian Open tennis Grand Slam tournament. Hisense Arena is a multi-purpose venue that hosts basketball, netball and cycling.

Storm, Rebels, Victory and Heart

Cheer on one and all at rectangular AAMI Park, where you could see National Rugby League side Melbourne Storm; rugby union team Melbourne Rebels; or A-League football (soccer) teams Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart.

See the Parade of Champions

The Yarra Park precinct surrounding the sporting stadiums is a green expanse perfect for a stroll along the Yarra River. Follow a trail of Australian sporting heroes on the Tattersall's Parade of Champions, which celebrates elite sportsmen and women who have competed at the MCG.

Wander around Birrarung Marr

Birrarung Marr is a major park near the MCG, named by the Wurundjeri Aboriginal people who originally lived in the area. It features many sculptures and artworks celebrating Victoria’s Aboriginal culture. Have a picnic by the Yarra River and listen out for the Federation Bells, which ring three times a day.

Stay close to the action

If you want to stay close to the heart of the sporting action, there are several hotels within easy walking distance, including Hotel Lindrum Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel, Pullman Melbourne on the Park, Quest East Melbourne, Quest Jolimont and Mantra on Jolimont.

How to get there

The MCG is about one kilometre (0.6 miles) from Melbourne city centre. There are two train stations close to the stadium, or it can be reached by tram or bus.