AFL-Lovers Guide to Melbourne

AFL season’s back! Why not make the most of a weekend away filled with pubs, food and fun?
If it’s your first visit to Melbourne, or you’ve been numerous times, we’ve compiled an AFL-lovers guide to Melbourne so that you can watch the game in a pub, or live at the stadium and make the most of your day in between.


What’s near the Melbourne Cricket Ground - the MCG and also known as the ‘G?

 

Kick start your evening dinner at Boundary Line Bar & Kitchen, between salt and pepper squid to Boundary Line Parmigiana, there’s something for every craving.

boundary-line-kitchen
Pictured: Boundary Line Bar & Kitchen, Jolimont


Getting there
 
  • Train - The ‘G is right in the city centre, and the closest station is Jolimont (also known as MCG Station). Just a five minute walk through Yarra Park will take you straight to the stadium too.
  • Car - Onsite parking is available at MCG Stadium however after the game; pedestrians are given priority, which can cause up to 25 minutes delay prior to exiting the park.
  • Tram - Tram number 75, 48 and 70 all provide access to MCG Stadium.
  • Bus - Take bus route 246 and stop at Punt Road.

What’s near Etihad Stadium?

 

If you’re heading in to Etihad Stadium, grab a meal at Momami in Docklands beforehand. Start your night with the local calamari with spice crush flash fried and served with yuzu ketchup, followed by red braised duck leg with baby bok choy and smoky sweet potato.

momami-restaurant
Pictured: Momami Restaurant, Docklands


Getting there
  • Train - Southern Cross Station is adjacent to Etihad Stadium and accessible via the Bourke Street pedestrian footbridge. Night trains run hourly on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • Car - The stadium holds more than 2,500 car parks and is open 24 hours, so if you want to leave your car overnight, you can.
  • Tram - The city tram will connect you from the city centre to Etihad Stadium.
  • Bus - The bus arrives at Southern Cross Train Station and is just a short walk across the Bourke Street pedestrian footbridge.

Place for a steak:

From pubs to grills, find yourself a juicy steak at one of these delicious options.

bistro-bakini-steak
Pictured: Bistro Bakini

 

 

La Luna, Carlton North

 

Contemporary Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. La Luna uses Gippsland beef and has a strong focus on the paddock to plate concept.

320 Rathdowne Street,

 

 

San Telmo, Melbourne City Centre

 

Bringing a little taste of Argentina to Melbourne, San Telmo’s menu is best shared, creating the social element integral to Argentine culture. This is a cosy, rustic-style venue space.

 

 

Bistro Bakini, St Kilda

 

Locally sourced produce with an Italian flair set in a minimalist space with dark timber floors and sleek interior.


Breweries in Melbourne:

Warm up for the match at one of these local breweries.

best-breweries-melbourne

 

 

 

Henry St Brewhouse, North Melbourne

 

One of the smallest commercial breweries in Australia, Henry St Brewhouse is a local brewery set in a cosy, concrete space.

 

 

Westside Ale Works, South Melbourne

 

Inspired by America’s West Coast, made up of mismatch furniture and beers packed by hand, with a laid-back vibe.

 

 

Moon Dog Brewery & Bar, Abbotsford

 

Set in Abbotsford Industrial Quarter, this eccentric set up includes a giant projector screen and eight taps on offer.

 

 

Mountain Goat Brewery, Richmond

 

Victoria’s second oldest brewery is set in a warehouse with limited-edition beers. Brewing tours are held on Wednesday evenings for those with a fascination of craft-beer too.

 

 

Colonial Brewing Co, Port Melbourne

 

Bring the outdoors in, with sun umbrellas and trees along with a glass garage door and overhanging lights interior. On a Saturday, this space comes to life with the live AFL matches playing and entertainment for the kids.


Looking for a place to stay near the stadium?

Take a look at all of our Mantra Melbourne properties here.

mantra-city-central
Pictured: Mantra City Central


Popular Posts

Honolulu is a Hawaiian paradise! Discover the best things ... Continue Reading
Start planning your next school holidays getaway with these ... Continue Reading
From the Melbourne Zoo to Luna Park Melbourne, there ... Continue Reading
Ring in the New Year with fireworks, festivities and ... Continue Reading
Discover the best things to do in Sydney with ... Continue Reading
From world-class surf breaks on the North Shore to ... Continue Reading
From city attractions to Kakadu National Park and saltwater ... Continue Reading
Gateway to the Kimberley region, Broome is bursting with ... Continue Reading
Planning a city getaway? Check out our guide to ... Continue Reading
Arrive
Depart
Adults
Children
Infants