Plan your visit to Melbourne to take in cricket and explore the iconic city, with Visit Victoria.
You’ve flown halfway around the world, dodged jet lag, Christmas leftovers, and the neighbour’s inflatable snowman, all for this moment. And you’re not alone. Thousands of Brits will be touching down in Melbourne with bucket hats, sun cream, ready for the iconic Boxing Day Test match.
The city feels it too. Melbourne loves a big event, but the Boxing Day Test hits different. The buzz builds from dawn, follows you through laneways, pulses through the tram network and crescendos as you turn the corner towards the mighty MCG. Strap in. This is going to be special.
Your game plan sorted
Breakfast like a champion
Looking to fuel up before a big day at the ‘G? Melbourne’s got you. Head to top brunch spots like Higher Ground, Hardware Societe and Top Paddock for a tasty breakfast and excellent coffee. Or pick up a few pastries from LUNE – it’s a Melbourne institution for a reason.
Getting to the ‘G
There’s no faffing about in Melbourne: the MCG is walkable from the city, and the trams run like clockwork. Follow the sea of shirts, flags, and occasionally questionable fancy dress – you literally can’t miss it.
Inside the cathedral of cricket
The mighty MCG. 100,000 seats. Generations of history. Countless Ashes memories. This is where legends are made, hearts get broken, and every English fan swears “I’ll never forget being there”. Soak it in. Sing loud. Hydrate appropriately. And don’t forget the sun cream.
Making the most of Melbourne
Explore beyond the boundary
Sure, you’re here for the cricket, but Melbourne is far too good to ignore between overs. This is a city built on creativity, culture and caffeine – so give yourself time to roam its laneways, poke your head into a few bars, and discover why locals are so smug about living here. Discover local gems on a walking tour with Hidden Secrets or delve into Melbourne’s thriving sport culture with Sporting Capital Tours.
Market meanders
Melbourne’s inner-city markets are a must-do, packed with fresh produce, hot food, local crafts, and plenty of atmosphere. Check out the iconic Queen Victoria Market in the heart of the city or head to Prahran Market and South Melbourne Market for a more local neighbourhood vibe.
Melbourne’s best neighbourhoods
Each of Melbourne's vibrant inner-city neighbourhoods is diverse and distinct with its own personality. Discover sandy beaches, breezy bars and a nightly penguin parade in the seaside playground of St Kilda. Head to Fitzroy for colourful street art, quirky boutiques and craft-beer bars aplenty. Or wander through Carlton’s leafy streets, home to pasta, pizza, gelato and charming terrace cafes.
The pre and post-match fuel up
Drink & dine in style
Melbourne’s restaurant scene is a flavour-packed Test match all on its own. Whether you’re going high-end, grabbing something quick or hunting down the newest opening, the city serves up something memorable every time. Feast on modern British-inspired fare at Reed House, slurp down steaming dumplings in Chinatown or indulge in the finest Victorian produce at Farmer’s Daughters.
Post-play pints & plates
Celebrate, commiserate or debate selection choices at Melbourne’s best bars and pubs. Sink a few pints and get a hearty pub feed at coveted local watering holes like the London Tavern, Corner Hotel, Mitre Tavern and Royal Saxon. For cocktails and city views, you can’t go wrong with Arbory Afloat and HER Bar’s buzzing rooftop.
Get your caffeine hit
Melbourne takes its coffee as seriously as its sport. You won’t find a bad brew, but there are a few must-sip stops. Market Lane is your classic Melbourne coffee experience. Industry Beans nails smooth, modern roasts served in stylish spaces. And Axil Coffee delivers the strong, no-nonsense caffeine hit you’ll need after a long, sun-soaked day at the ‘G.
150 years of Test cricket at the 'G
If the Boxing Day Test has only whetted your appetite, or if you missed out on tickets this year and are still feeling the sting, then here’s the silver lining: the next truly unmissable moment in cricket history is already on the horizon.
March 2027 marks the 150th anniversary of the very first Test ever played – an origin story that unfolded right here at the mighty MCG. One hundred and fifty years of rivalry, legacy, legends and unforgettable moments, all coming full circle on the hallowed turf where it all began. You don’t want to miss this once-in-a-generation cricketing milestone at the world’s most storied ground. Get planning early. Because if Melbourne is electric now, just wait until then…
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Don’t miss out. To find out more and book your trip, go to https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/uk/en/promotions/visit-victoria.html
To learn more about Melbourne and Victoria, head to: www.visitmelbourne.com
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