A giant blow up Sherrin football in a park.

AFL fan's guide to the footy in Melbourne

Discover the best spots to watch the footy in Melbourne. Lock in some long weekend fun on the Grand Final Day public holiday. Then find the best restaurants to eat before and after the game.

When is the grand final public holiday in 2025?

The public holiday will be on Friday 26 September, the day before the AFL Grand Final. The MCG will once again host the AFL Grand Final, on Saturday 27 September 2025.

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A person holding a football in their hand against a wall

What's open on the grand final long weekend

The best free and fun events to visit during the AFL Grand Final public holiday

The MCG lit up at night.

Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne

Wondering where to watch the 2025 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne? Try these bars and pubs.

People walking beneath a large sports stadium at night

Where to eat near the MCG and Marvel Stadium

Heading to a game? Here’s where to stop off for pre or post-event feasting.

Footy fun in Melbourne

Aerial view of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) showing oval-shaped open air stadium surrounded by parklands.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and arguably Australia's sporting mecca.

Aerial view of Marvel Stadium lit up at night.

Marvel Stadium

A multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Melbourne's Docklands precinct.

Three people standing for a selfie on the ground at the MCG.
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Sports Precinct Walking Tour

Explore Melbourne's sports precinct on foot with a local guide, including a tour of the MCG.

Museum displays featuring a kangaroo and emu wearing sports socks.

Australian Sports Museum

The Australian Sports Museum proudly features the largest sporting collection in the country.

A mall group tour on the MCG field, led by a guide wearing a striped blazer, stands in the background.

MCG Tours

Take a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

More footy dining inspo

People dining in a laneway outside an old cottage-style city pub.

Melbourne’s best old-school pubs and bars

Sip your way back in time and soak in the atmosphere at these historic establishments.

Plate with pies and sausage rolls on it.

The best pies in Melbourne

Buttery pastry and tasty fillings: here's where to find Melbourne's best pies.

A crowd of people are drinking and eating a pub

Melbourne’s best pub deals

Find Melbourne's best parma deals, steak nights and cheap pub eats.

A group of three friends walking beneath fairy lights in a courtyard

Melbourne's best beer gardens

Soak up the sunshine with riverside cocktails and ales among historic architecture.

Only In The City

Winter Only in the City - Checkout the cold list

Discover more

Two NRL State of Origin players on the field in the rain, playing rugby.

State Of Origin: Game Two

Australia's greatest sporting rivalry is back at the MCG for the first time since 2024.

Collingwood AFL football player punching both arms in the air during a match.

AFL Round 11: Collingwood v West Coast Eagles

The Pies are hosting the Eagles at the 'G on a Saturday afternoon.

An ice hockey player in black and orange skating on an ice hockey rink; referee in the background.
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Melbourne Mustangs: Australian Ice Hockey League

The Melbourne Mustangs are preparing to go head-to-head with the best in Australia's premier league.

An ice hockey player in blue, skating on an ice hockey rink.
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Melbourne Ice: Australian Ice Hockey League

The Melbourne Ice are gearing up to face off against the best in the nation's premier league.