Family Footy Finals Fun

Get your team colours on and get the family to Melbourne for all the fun of the footy finals.

Finals Fever

There’s no better time to spend a long weekend in Melbourne than during the footy finals. Not only can you catch all the action on the field, it’s also a chance for a cheeky family getaway. Whether your tribe is a party of four or full mini-van, Melbourne has options for everyone.

Get to the game in style with a Melbourne Water Taxi [Southgate Berth 4, Southbank Promenade] to the MCG [Brunton Avenue, Richmond], or catch a tram directly to Marvel Stadium [740 Bourke Street, Docklands]. Feel the buzz as you spot fellow fans decked out in team colours. There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of game day in Melbourne.

The next day, take a stroll or bike ride along the Yarra Trail. Following the Yarra River through the north-eastern suburbs, it’s mostly easy-going, flat terrain, which is great for littlies. For brunch, feed the whole family at The Farm Cafe [18 St Heliers Street, Abbottsford] at Collingwood Children’s Farm before meeting the resident animals and exploring the extensive gardens. Family entry to the farm for two adults and up to four kids is $20.

The Grand Finale

This is it folks, the final match-up of the season. It doesn’t really matter if your team made it through — a Grand Final in Melbourne is definitely something worth ticking off your bucket list.

Friday is parade day, and you can’t call yourself a footy fan if you miss this one. Crowds can reach more than 100,000 people, so getting there early is a sound plan. Got the post-parade munchies? Head to Roule Galette [241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne] creperie in Port Phillip Arcade for a pork sausage crepe with emmental cheese, or an old-fashioned ice-cream, banana and chocolate crepe.

While you’re in town, take the family to a show like no other. Impossible Occurrences [Melbourne Marriott, Exhibition Street, Melbourne] is a magic show for adults and kids (aged 10 and up) alike, but it’s not just tricks and illusions. It’s also an opulent feast for the eyes that takes full advantage of its luxury surroundings at the five-star Melbourne Marriott.

The big day has arrived! No tickets? No worries. The big screen at Federation Square [Corner Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne] is a great place to watch the Grand Final, complete with an audience of fellow fans to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

The day after the Grand Final, check out the free MCG Open Day [MCG, Brunton Avenue, Richmond]. Spend the day exploring the areas of the MCG that are normally off-limits to the public, including the famous hallowed turf and the player change rooms.

Hero image credit: SDP media