Think of a sport. Tennis? AFL? Cricket, perhaps? It doesn’t matter which one you think of first. Chances are that it has a huge following in Melbourne.
Melbourne has a world-class reputation for its entertainment and sports venues. From Flemington racecourse to Marvel Stadium and AAMI Park to Melbourne Arena, it is hard to find anywhere else better equipped for some of the world’s biggest sporting events.
And if you are a sports lover. You will probably be looking for the best places to celebrate your team’s latest win (Or to drown your sorrows after a defeat). Again; Melbourne comes fully loaded with some of the best entertainment venues around.
Enjoy live music. Take in a show. Or laugh the night away with some good old fashioned comedy. Here are some of Melbourne’s best sporting and entertainment venues to visit.
Melbourne & Olympic Parks
Melbourne and Olympic Parks include the Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, MCA and Melbourne Arena. Melbourne Park is where you will find the 15,000 seat Rod Laver Arena and the 10000 seat Melbourne Arena. Other attractions include the oval, Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Park Function Centre and the national tennis centre.
Heading over to Olympic Park, you will find AAMI Park. A futuristic looking bubble-dome just a stone’s throw from the Melbourne City. The Olympic Park Oval, Holden Centre and Gosch’s Paddock training fields are also situated in Melbourne Olympic Park.
Throughout the year sporting, music and entertainment events including rugby and football are held here. Head along and show your support for Melbourne City FC at any one of their upcoming games against Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar FC, Perth Glory and the Central Coast Mariners.
Address: Olympic Park, 60 Olympic boulevard, Melbourne, 3004.
Festival Hall
Festival Hall plays host to some of the most iconic musicians from around the world. Icons including Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, oasis and the Foo fighters have all played here. Check out the 2019 events calendar for festival Hall here.
This 2019, artists including Lauryn Hill, Ziggy Alberts, Iggy Pop and The Architects are all featuring at this Melbourne music hq. Festival Hall is located just a short 20 minutes walk or a 15-minute tram ride from Crowne Plaza Melbourne.
Address: 300 Dudley Street, West Melbourne, 3003.
Flemington Racecourse
Just a short train ride from Crowne Plaza Melbourne is Flemington racecourse. This National heritage-listed site has been home to Australian horse racing for the last 179 years. With a rich and diverse history covering fashion, drama and racing, it is one of Australia’s must-visit sporting venues.
The biggest and the best race is held every November on the first Tuesday of the month. Women don their finest glad rags for a Melbourne sporting event to be seen at. Aside from horse racing, you will also find the largest public rose gardens not only in Australia, but the entire southern hemisphere.
Address: Flemington drive, 428 – 550 Epsom road, Flemington, 3031.
Marvel Stadium
Formerly known as the Etihad Stadium, the Marvel Stadium is a major entertainment and sporting events venue. From some of the world’s biggest and best-known musical artists, including Bon Jovi and Robbie Williams to rugby, cricket and AFL, Marvel Stadium has it all. Check out the upcoming events for 2019. Reaching the Marvel Stadium from Crowne Plaza Melbourne is just a short stroll. Located 800 m from the hotel.
Address: 122 – 148 harbour esplanade, docklands, 3008.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Throughout the year, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre plays host to some of the world’s biggest and best musical artists and comedians. From the Melbourne symphony orchestra performing Star Wars to comedy performances from the stars of RuPaul’s drag race, entertainment is guaranteed.
Located directly opposite Crowne Plaza Melbourne, you can go from hotel to the MCEC in a matter of minutes. Aside from musical and comedic performances, a wide variety of fairs, trade shows and expos take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Check out the 2019 events calendar to see what’s happening when you next visit Melbourne.
Address: 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, 3006
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Throughout the year, Melbourne Cricket Ground plays host to some of Australia’s premier sporting events. Also known as the G, you can enjoy more than just cricket here. Why not take in an AFL game, the traditional Boxing Day test match or some of the biggest and best home and away matches.
Explore Australia’s sporting culture at the National Sports Museum. Or enjoy some great food and a few drinks while absorbing all of the pre-game action inside the G. The MCG is the perfect blend of sport and socializing and makes for a great family day out.
Address: Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002, Australia
Affordable Melbourne City Accommodation
Whether you are heading to Melbourne City to watch the football, enjoy the cricket, spend a day at the races or to attend a music concert, one thing is for sure; you are spoiled for choice when it comes to sporting and entertainment venues and complexes.
Crowne Plaza Melbourne is the city’s only absolute riverside hotel and places you in the heart of the city within easy reach of all the venues on this list. Enjoy sweeping views of the City skyline and the Yarra River from modern, recently refurbished rooms.
Conveniently located near to major public transport links and with the FREE tram travel zone on the hotels doorstep, exploring Melbourne City without a car has never been easier. When it comes to affordable accommodation, fantastic rates and plenty of nearby places of interest, Crowne Plaza Melbourne is the smart travelers choice.
Check out our promotions to save even more off of your next Melbourne getaway and enjoy your stay, your way. Our comfortable and stylish rooms are perfect for business travelers, families and romantic getaways. And with our best price guarantee, booking with us directly means you will get the best rate around for the room of your choice.