The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) sits within Yarra Park in East Melbourne, and visitors can choose from a range of hotels, apartments and motels within walking distance or a short train ride. According to Booking.com, properties such as the Mantra on Jolimont Melbourne and Pullman Melbourne On the Park are among the most-booked options near the stadium. This guide compares neighbourhoods, transport links and price bands to help you find the right base for your visit.
Last checked: 2026-05-19
Landmark: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ·
City: Melbourne ·
Country: Australia ·
Transport from Melbourne Central: 3 routes (Melbourne Central Station to MCG) ·
Transport to Southbank: 4 ways via train (MCG to Southbank) ·
Accommodation types from searches: Hotels, Motels, Airbnb, Mantra, Cheap, Luxury, with Parking, walking distance
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-19.
Sources reviewed: official hotel websites (Accor, Quest, Mantra, Urban Rest), online travel agencies (Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Trivago, Agoda, Wotif, Lastminute.com.au), review platforms (Tripadvisor, Hideaway Mag), and official tourism sources (Visit Victoria, Melbourne Cricket Club).
We did not conduct on-site visits, staff interviews, or independent verification of real-time pricing or availability.
Accommodation Near MCG: Key Facts at a Glance
Closest Hotel
- Pullman Melbourne On The Park is directly opposite the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wellington Parade (Accor).
Walking Distance
- Quest East Melbourne is approximately 7 minutes’ walk from the MCG via Wellington Parade and Jolimont Road (Quest Apartment Hotels).
Train Access
- Jolimont Station and Richmond Station are the nearest rail stops for the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Club).
Budget Floor
- Nightly rates in the MCG catchment start from approximately AU$90–AU$94 on some dates (Lastminute.com.au).
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Landmark | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) |
| City | Melbourne |
| Country | Australia |
| Transport from Melbourne Central | 3 routes (Melbourne Central Station to MCG) |
| Transport to Southbank | 4 ways via train (MCG to Southbank) |
| Accommodation types from searches | Hotels, Motels, Airbnb, Mantra, Cheap, Luxury, with Parking, walking distance |
| Organic results count | 5 |
| Search volume | Unknown |
Where to stay if going to the MCG?
Three areas stand out for event-goers: Richmond (where the MCG is physically located, with its mailing address on Brunton Avenue), Southbank, and the Melbourne CBD. Each offers a different balance of convenience, atmosphere and price.
| Area / Suburb | Proximity to MCG (walk/transit) | Typical Accommodation Types | Price Range (indicative) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southbank | Short tram or train ride (multiple routes via Flinders Street) | High-rise hotels, serviced apartments | AU$150–AU$400 per night | Evening dining, river views, entertainment |
| Richmond | Walking distance (MCG is located in Richmond) | Boutique hotels, motels, apartments | AU$100–AU$250 per night | Event-goers, budget-conscious travellers |
| Melbourne CBD | Walking distance via Yarra River pedestrian bridge (~20 min) | Full-service hotels, hostels, apartments | AU$120–AU$350 per night | First-time visitors, shopping, dining |
| East Melbourne | Immediate proximity (Pullman opposite, Quest 7 min walk) | Upscale hotels, serviced apartments | AU$180–AU$500 per night | Luxury stays, ultimate convenience |
Pros and cons of staying in the immediate MCG precinct (East Melbourne / Richmond)
Pros
- Walk to the stadium in under 10 minutes
- Skip event‑day traffic and parking costs
- Easy access to Jolimont Station for city trips
Cons
- Premium pricing on match days
- Limited late‑night dining and retail compared to the CBD
The bottom line: First‑time visitors should weigh the convenience of East Melbourne against the wider dining and transport options of the CBD.
Hotels near Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia.
Online travel agencies such as Booking.com and Hotels.com list dozens of properties within two kilometres of the stadium. The most consistent names across platforms are:
- Pullman Melbourne On The Park – directly opposite the MCG; guest score 9.0/10 (Booking.com).
- Mantra on Jolimont Melbourne – metres from the ground; score 8.2/10 (Booking.com).
- Quest East Melbourne – 7‑minute walk; serviced apartments ideal for longer stays.
- Urban Rest Lanbruk Richmond Hill – 0.8 km away; Expedia Australia rates it 9.6/10 (Expedia Australia).
- Quest Collingwood – about 1.6 km from the MCG; Hotels.com guest rating 9.8/10 from over 100 reviews.
Pricing bands (per night, approximate)
- Budget (AU$90–AU$130): Motels and basic apartments in Richmond and Collingwood. Wotif reports more than 5,500 options in the wider catchment, starting from about AU$94 (Wotif).
- Mid‑range (AU$140–AU$250): Quest East Melbourne, Mantra on Jolimont, and many CBD hotels with good transit connections.
- Upscale (AU$260+): Pullman on the Park, Urban Rest Lanbruk, and other 4‑5 star properties in East Melbourne and Southbank.
Which part of Melbourne is best to stay in?
For first‑time visitors
Most first‑timers choose the Melbourne CBD or Southbank. A Tripadvisor forum contributor notes that “any hotel in the CBD is within walking distance of the MCG” via the pedestrian bridge along the Yarra River. The CBD also offers the widest range of dining and transport options.
For budget travellers
Richmond and Collingwood offer lower room rates and are within walking distance of the stadium. Motels such as those listed on Lastminute.com.au start around AU$90 per night. Wotif shows over 5,500 options in the wider area, giving budget‑conscious travellers plenty of choice.
For luxury travellers
East Melbourne is the prime luxury pocket. Pullman Melbourne On The Park and the boutique Urban Rest Lanbruk (9.6/10 on Expedia Australia) offer premium rooms within a few minutes’ walk of the MCG.
For families
Serviced apartments such as Quest East Melbourne and Mantra on Jolimont provide kitchen facilities and more space. The nearby Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne Park add family‑friendly attractions within walking distance (Visit Victoria).
The pattern: Each traveller type has a natural fit – budget in Richmond, luxury in East Melbourne, families in serviced apartments, and first‑timers in the CBD. For event-goers, such as those attending Cricket in Australien und Indien, accommodation near the MCG is ideal.
Our pick: Best accommodation for different readers
- First‑time visitor: Melbourne CBD – any hotel near Flinders Street gives you the city experience and a 20‑minute walk to the MCG.
- Event‑goer (AFL, cricket, concert): Pullman Melbourne On The Park – directly opposite the MCG; skip the queue and walk to your gate.
- Budget‑conscious traveller: Quest East Melbourne – 7‑minute walk, full kitchen, and rates that often undercut the big chains (starting ~AU$140 per night).
Is Southbank close to the MCG?
Southbank is roughly 2–3 km from the MCG, linked by multiple public transport options. The MCG’s nearest stations are Jolimont and Richmond (Melbourne Cricket Club), and trains from Flinders Street to Richmond run every few minutes. A ride from Southbank takes about 10 minutes door‑to‑door. Walking along the Yarra River is also possible but takes around 35 minutes.
“Any hotel in the CBD is within walking distance of the MCG” – Tripadvisor forum contributor
Related reading: Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Melbourne
trivago.com, agoda.com, hideawaymag.com, tripadvisor.in, tripadvisor.co.nz
For a broader overview of places to stay across the city, consult our comprehensive Melbourne hotel guide covering every neighborhood from Docklands to St Kilda.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest station to the MCG?
Jolimont Station and Richmond Station are the nearest rail stops, both within a 5‑minute walk of the stadium (Melbourne Cricket Club).
Is there a train from Melbourne Central to MCG?
Yes, trains from Melbourne Central Station connect via the City Loop to both Jolimont and Richmond stations. The journey takes about 15 minutes and trains run frequently during event times.
What is the posh area of Melbourne for accommodation?
East Melbourne, particularly the section around Wellington Parade, is home to upscale properties such as Pullman Melbourne On The Park and Urban Rest Lanbruk. Southbank also offers premium high‑rise hotels.
Are there cheap hotels near MCG?
Yes. Wotif and Lastminute.com.au list motels and basic apartments in Richmond and Collingwood starting at approximately AU$90–AU$94 per night on certain dates.
Are there luxury hotels near MCG?
Yes. Pullman Melbourne On The Park (5‑star, Accor) and Urban Rest Lanbruk (boutique, 9.6/10 on Expedia Australia) are within walking distance and offer premium rooms.
Can I find accommodation near MCG with parking?
Several properties, including Quest East Melbourne and Mantra on Jolimont, offer on‑site parking (for an additional fee). Check the hotel’s own site or Booking.com for details.
What are the best hotels near MCG according to Booking.com?
Booking.com’s top‑booked properties for MCG proximity are Mantra on Jolimont Melbourne (8.2/10) and Pullman Melbourne On the Park (9.0/10) (Booking.com).