Accommodation Near The MCG, Melbourne
Heading to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the AFL season, Boxing Day Test, BBL|16 fixtures, or the 150th Anniversary Test? Stay at Havenly Escape at West Side Place, opposite Southern Cross Station, with convenient tram and train connections across to Yarra Park.
Direct Answer: MCG Accommodation
Havenly Escape offers premium 2-bedroom (sleeps 6) and 3-bedroom (sleeps 8) short-stay apartments at West Side Place, 260 Spencer Street in Melbourne CBD. Located directly opposite Southern Cross Station, guests can easily reach the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) via Route 70 or 75 trams along Flinders Street, or suburban train connections to Richmond and Jolimont stations. Enjoy full kitchen amenities, private laundry, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to a heated indoor 25m lap pool and gymnasium.
AFL Blockbusters, BBL|16 & the 150th Anniversary Test
With a capacity exceeding 100,000 spectators, the Melbourne Cricket Ground stands as the cultural beating heart of Australian sports. From March to September, the G erupts weekly with marquee AFL clashes, blockbuster rivalry rounds, and the legendary AFL Grand Final.
As summer arrives, international cricket takes centre stage. The revered Boxing Day Test (26–30 December 2026) draws fans from across Australia and overseas. Furthermore, for the 2026–27 season, Big Bash League cricket features heavily at the venue, with BBL|16 MCG fixtures scheduled for 18 December 2026, and 1, 4, 7, 14, and 16 January 2027 as both the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades light up the turf.
In March 2027, the MCG will mark one of the grandest milestones in world sports: the 150th Anniversary Test match between Australia and England (11–15 March 2027), celebrating 150 years since the historic inaugural Test match contested on this ground in 1877. Demand for CBD accommodation across these dates is extraordinarily high.
100,024
Ground Capacity
26–30 Dec
Boxing Day Test
11–15 Mar
150th Test 2027
Getting to the MCG from West Side Place
The MCG is situated in Yarra Park, East Melbourne, on the opposite side of Melbourne CBD. Walking across town is not a practical walk for most match attendees. Public transport offers convenient, high-capacity connections:
Tram Routes 70 & 75 along Flinders Street
Walk south down Spencer Street to Flinders Street and board an eastbound Route 70 (towards Wattle Park) or Route 75 (towards Vermont South) tram. Both routes run along Flinders Street and Batman Avenue directly past Melbourne Park to Yarra Park.
- Destination Stops: Disembark at the Melbourne Park or MCG / Yarra Park tram stops. Footpaths lead directly across the grassy park to Gates 1 through 7.
- Ticketing Notice: Zero-fare city grid travel concludes at Spring Street. Because the stadium sits in ticketing Zone 1, passengers must carry and touch on a valid myki card or mobile myki.
- Match Day Specials: Extra trams are dispatched along Flinders Street before and immediately following major AFL games and international cricket matches.
Source: Public Transport Victoria (ptv.vic.gov.au) Network Planning & Tram Schedules.
Southern Cross to Richmond or Jolimont
Cross Spencer Street into Southern Cross Station. Catch any eastbound train via Flinders Street to either Richmond Station or Jolimont Station depending on your seating gate at the ground.
- Richmond Station: Best for Gates 4, 5, 6, and 7 (Shane Warne Stand and Olympic Stand). A broad footbridge crosses Punt Road straight into Yarra Park.
- Jolimont Station: Catch Hurstbridge or Mernda line trains. Best for Gates 1, 2, and 3 (MCC Members Reserve and Ponsford Stand), a short stroll through parkland.
- Ticketing: Standard Zone 1 train fare applies via myki.
Source: Melbourne Cricket Ground (mcg.org.au) Getting to the 'G Transport Guide.
Why Supporters Choose Havenly Escape
Going to the footy or Test cricket with family or mates is an Australian ritual. Squeezing into separated, expensive hotel rooms ruins the social buzz of the trip.
Pre-Match Entertaining
Gather in spacious open-plan living rooms to review lineups, watch pre-game commentary, and share drinks before heading out to the ground.
Indoor Heated 25m Pool
Relax tired legs after walking stadium ramps with a swim in West Side Place's Level 6 heated indoor lap pool, followed by sauna and steam room downtime.
Large Group Capacities
With options for 6 and 8 guests—or both combined which sleeps 14 across two apartments—your entire group stays in luxury together under one booking.
Free Secure On-Site Parking
Drive into Melbourne without stress. Our 3-bedroom apartment includes one dedicated secure on-site garage parking bay in the building.
Luxury Apartment Options
Choose between our 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom configurations at West Side Place, or book both which sleeps 14 across two apartments.
2-Bedroom Apartment
Sleeps up to 6 Guests
Ideal for footy supporters, couples, and small families visiting the MCG. Features 2 queen bedrooms, 2 full modern bathrooms, a comfortable living lounge sofa bed, and a full kitchen setup.
- Level 6 heated indoor 25m lap pool & gym access
- Direct access to Spencer Street retail & Coles supermarket
- Private in-apartment washer and clothes dryer
3-Bedroom Apartment
Sleeps up to 8 Guests · Includes Free Parking
Generous high-rise luxury with 3 private bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, sweeping city views, and 1 included free secure on-site garage parking space. Access to Level 11 executive resident amenities.
- 1 free secure on-site vehicle parking bay included
- Level 6 pool & gym plus exclusive Level 11 sky amenities
- Expansive dining setting and full European kitchen
Travelling with a sporting club, regional footy group, or large family delegation?
Explore Melbourne CBD Group Accommodation (sleeps 14 across two apartments) →Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful information for sports fans and event attendees staying at Havenly Escape for MCG matches.
Q.How do I get to the MCG from Havenly Escape at West Side Place?
Travel south from West Side Place to Flinders Street and catch the eastbound Route 70 or Route 75 tram to the Melbourne Cricket Ground / Yarra Park tram stops. Alternatively, catch a suburban train from Southern Cross Station travelling via Flinders Street to either Richmond Station (for the Great Southern Stand and Olympic Stand) or Jolimont Station (for the Ponsford Stand and Members Reserve).
Q.Is the MCG within walking distance from West Side Place on Spencer Street?
No. The MCG is located on the opposite edge of the city grid in East Melbourne. A walk across Melbourne CBD is not a practical walk. Guests can use the Free Tram Zone to cross the central grid, then connect to local services, catch suburban trains to Jolimont or Richmond stations, or take a rideshare.
Q.What are the major cricket events scheduled at the MCG for 2026–27?
Key MCG cricket highlights include BBL|16 fixtures (with matches on 18 December 2026, and 1, 4, 7, 14, and 16 January 2027), the iconic Boxing Day Test match starting 26 December 2026, and the historic 150th Anniversary Test match between Australia and England from 11 to 15 March 2027.
Q.Is public transport to the MCG free from the CBD?
No. Zero-fare city travel applies strictly within the central grid boundaries up to Spring Street. The stadium precinct sits in Zone 1. Passengers on tram routes 70 and 75, as well as train passengers travelling to Richmond or Jolimont Station, must touch on with an active myki card or mobile myki.
Q.What group accommodation options are available for footy or cricket groups?
Havenly Escape provides a 2-bedroom apartment accommodating up to 6 guests and a 3-bedroom apartment accommodating up to 8 guests at West Side Place (260 Spencer Street). Footy clubs and interstate travelling groups can reserve both apartments, which sleeps 14 across two apartments.
Q.Is vehicle parking included for guests travelling to Melbourne for MCG events?
One free secure on-site garage parking bay is included with reservations of our 3-bedroom apartment. Guests staying in our 2-bedroom apartment can access multiple commercial multi-deck parking facilities located within walking distance along Spencer Street.
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