AAMI PARK
Enter the vast oceanarium 10,000+ sea-dwellers call home and get a chance to meet all of them. Navigate a see-through tunnel, catching glimpses of different marine ecosystems along the way. Meet seahorses, penguins, saltwater crocodiles, turtles, snakes, lizards, lungfish, stingrays, starfish, sharks, and more – 10,000 is a huge number indeed. Touch sea stars, shark eggs, and more as you walk through multiple immersive and interactive zones. Yarra River Cruise Sail the postcard-worthy Yarra River for 2 hours, taking in beautiful parks, skyscrapers, and historic buildings along the way. From the Westgate Bridge and Herring Island to Victoria Docks and Polly Woodside, see everything there is to see in Melbourne's stunning riverside. Pass by Herring Island and see if you can tell whether it's real or not. Itinerary Ports and Docklands Cruise Route Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 19th Century sailing ship “Polly Woodside” Crown Entertainment Complex World Congress & Trade Centre Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge Shipping Channels and dock area Docklands and Docklands Stadium Melbourne CBD views Parks and Gardens Cruise Route Federation Square Royal Botanic Gardens Government House Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena | MCA, Melbourne Cricket Ground | MCG, and Rod Laver Arena Herring Island Melbourne Highlights Cruise Route All landmarks covered in both of the cruises above.
Step aboard for a journey that reveals Melbourne’s charm from its most serene vantage point: the Yarra River. As the city buzzes around you, drift along the calm waters and take in unmatched views of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks. Starting at the vibrant Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct, the cruise glides past Federation Square’s striking architecture before revealing the lush beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the intriguing Herring Island. Along the way, discover the heart of Melbourne’s sporting spirit with glimpses of world-class venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, and AAMI Park. Sail into the story of Melbourne’s past and present as you pass the 19th-century sailing ship Polly Woodside, a symbol of the city’s maritime heritage. The route continues through the bustling Docklands, offering views of modern marvels like Docklands Stadium and the World Congress & Trade Centre. Glance up at the impressive Bolte and Westgate Bridges, two engineering feats that span the city’s shipping channels, as you learn about Melbourne’s industrial prowess through expert onboard commentary. The cruise loops back, presenting the city skyline in all its glory. Capture the unique blend of historic and contemporary as Melbourne’s CBD reflects on the river’s surface. Whether you’re soaking in the view of Crown Entertainment Complex or the Government House, you'll learn about the significance of the landmarks that shaped Melbourne over the years. Route Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 19th Century sailing ship “Polly Woodside” Crown Entertainment Complex World Congress & Trade Centre Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge Shipping Channels and dock area Docklands and Docklands Stadium Melbourne CBD views Federation Square Royal Botanic Gardens Government House Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena | MCA, Melbourne Cricket Ground | MCG, and Rod Laver Arena Herring Island
For sports enthusiasts and culture vultures alike, combining a Yarra River cruise with a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) offers an unbeatable Melbourne experience. Explore the spiritual ground of Australian sports This 75-minute guided tour of the birthplace of Test and ODI cricket offers insider access to the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s player areas and media facilities. Marvel at the engineering feat of the pitch rotation system, allowing seamless transitions between cricket matches and Aussie Rules football games. Admire the 150th-anniversary tapestry outside the Long Room, depicting iconic MCG moments and symbolising its importance in Australia's cultural landscape. You’ll also visit the MCG Library, housing rare cricket treasures like a 1916 Wisden Almanack and the first dictionary mentioning cricket from the 1600s. A floating perspective of Melbourne Discover Melbourne from a unique vantage point on a leisurely Yarra River cruise. Choose from three captivating routes. The Parks and Gardens cruise sails past the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens, the historic Government House, and the sprawling Melbourne & Olympic Parks, home to the iconic MCG. Alternatively, the Portlands and Docks cruise offers a glimpse into Melbourne's industrial heritage, showcasing the historic Polly Woodside ship, the modern Crown Entertainment Complex, and the vibrant Docklands precinct. For a comprehensive experience, opt for the Highlights cruise, combining the best of both worlds with stunning cityscapes, lush greenery, and iconic landmarks. Itinerary Ports and Docklands Cruise Route (recommended for urban landscape enthusiasts) Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 19th Century sailing ship “Polly Woodside” Crown Entertainment Complex World Congress & Trade Centre Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge Shipping Channels and dock area Docklands and Docklands Stadium Melbourne CBD views Parks and Gardens Cruise Route (recommended for nature enthusiasts) Federation Square Royal Botanic Gardens Government House Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena (MCA), Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and Rod Laver Arena Herring Island Melbourne Highlights Cruise Route (recommended to see the full spectrum of Melbourne’s riverside) All landmarks from both cruise routes above.
Set off on a 1-hour Yarra River cruise, where you’ll explore Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, all set against the city’s stunning natural backdrop. You'll encounter Federation Square, a hub of culture and design, and the grand Government House, a symbol of Melbourne’s colonial history. As you cruise along, enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, home to over 8,500 plant species, with its lush greenery and scenic views stretching along the riverbanks. AAMI Park, with its eye-catching, bubble-shaped roof, adds a modern touch to the landscape, showcasing Melbourne’s fusion of nature and innovative design. Next, venture into Melbourne’s sporting precinct, a world-class area that includes the iconic MCG, Rod Laver Arena, and other famous venues. You’ll catch glimpses of where history is made, from the AFL grand finals to the Australian Open. Keep an eye out for Herring Island, the only artificial island on the Yarra. This picturesque spot offers a peaceful retreat, surrounded by nature and a stark contrast to the bustling city life. Route Federation Square Royal Botanic Gardens Government House Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena | MCA, Melbourne Cricket Ground | MCG, and Rod Laver Arena Herring Island
Got a sporting bucket list? Let us help you tick it off on this small-group guided tour. Stroll along the Yarra River into Melbourne’s legendary sporting precinct and uncover 170 years of history. Visit world-famous venues like Rod Laver Arena, the stage for tennis greatness; Melbourne & Olympic Parks, a hub of international events; the eye-catching AAMI Park; and the iconic MCG, the home of cricket and AFL. Discover why Melbourne is the beating heart of Australian sport. Go behind the scenes with the official MCG tour Upgrade your experience to access exclusive areas on the Official MCG Tour. After the general walking tour, explore restricted zones like the historic Long Room and the players change rooms, with stops that go deeper into the stadium’s role in global events like the Olympics. The upgraded tour offers even more in-depth stories– perfect for fans. This option enriches your understanding of the MCG’s lasting impact on sports. Dive into history at the Australian Sports Museum For a full immersion into Australia’s sports legacy, add on the Australian Sports Museum visit. Following your walking tour, step into the museum, where interactive exhibits let you try virtual sports and explore extensive memorabilia. From Indigenous athletes’ achievements to Olympic stories, this museum captures the spirit of Australian sports across generations. This add-on is ideal for fans of all ages eager to experience the energy and evolution of sports in Australia.
Immerse yourself in the rich sporting culture of Melbourne with this captivating walking tour. Starting at the corner of Flinders St and Russell St, your journey begins with a picturesque view of the Yarra River, setting the tone for an adventurous day ahead. Discover Melbourne's sporting passion, alongside a seasoned guide whose knowledge and anecdotes will be the backbone of the tour. As you tread the path that welcomed athletes for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, your first stop will be the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This isn't just a cricket stadium; it's a world-class arena that has hosted both a Cricket World Cup Final and the 1956 Olympics. Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the change rooms, media areas, and even the ground itself. A kaleidoscope of Melbourne's sporting venues Continuing the journey, you will uncover a series of major sporting venues. Marvel at Melbourne Park, the world's largest tennis venue and home of the Australian Open - one of the four Grand Slams of tennis. Discover AAMI Stadium, known for its bubble-like glowing exterior and hosting multiple sporting events including rugby and soccer. The stadium also serves as the headquarters of the Melbourne Storm and Melbourne Rebels rugby teams, as well as the Melbourne Victory soccer team. Feel the intense rivalry at the training grounds of local Aussie Rules giants, Richmond Football Club and Collingwood Football Club. As the tour culminates along the Yarra River, you'll be left with a newfound appreciation for Melbourne's sports culture. Itinerary Meet your guide at Federation Square 75-minute guided tour of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Pass by Punt Road Oval, home of the Richmond Tigers Pass by Gosch's Paddock, training ground for Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne Victory & Melbourne Demons Pass by AAMI Park, Melbourne's home of rectangular sports Pass by Melbourne and Olympic Parks, home of the Australian Open and other sports Pass by Yarra River Return to Federation Square