Why these weekends are unmissable
Few sporting weekends pack the punch of Grand Final season in Australia. In Melbourne, the AFL Grand Final turns the MCG into a 100,000-seat cauldron of noise, colour, and passion. A week later in Sydney, the NRL Grand Final electrifies Accor Stadium as league's fiercest rivals collide. Together, they're not just games—they're bucket-list experiences every fan should live at least once.
Getting there: how to travel like a pro
Flying in
Sydney <> Melbourne takes just 90 minutes. Book early and you'll snag seats from $150-$500; leave it too late and you could be paying close to $900. Tip: check Avalon (AVV) flights for cheaper Jetstar deals.
To Sydney from Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth & beyond: Sydney Airport (SYD) is the main gateway, just 20 minutes from the CBD and about 40 minutes from Olympic Park by train. Fares range from $150-$350 return if booked 8–12 weeks out; they can spike to $600+ close to the game.
Pro move: Set flight alerts now and lock in refundable tickets. Peak demand makes prices move fast.
Train travel
Melbourne > Sydney / Sydney > Melbourne (XPT): A scenic 11–12 hours overnight or daytime, with fares from $65 (if you grab saver tickets early), perfect if you want to relax and avoid airport chaos.
From Adelaide? Jump on The Overland train to Melbourne—11 hours of vineyards and countryside views from about $108.
Brisbane > Sydney (XPT): Around 14 hours overnight or daytime, fares from $65-$100.
Great if you prefer to avoid airports and enjoy a slower pace (plus extra luggage allowance compared to flights).
Coach services
Greyhound, Firefly & Premier Motor Service run regular return services from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
Overnight buses cost as little as $59 to Melbourne. Depending on route and timing, the typical fares range between $60 and $120.
Sleep your way to the big dance and save on a night's accommodation.
Road trip options
Melbourne > Sydney: ~9–10 hours via the Hume Hwy; fuel costs around $120-$150. Great for groups who want to split costs and crank up the pre-game playlist.
Brisbane > Sydney: ~10 hours via Pacific Hwy; fuel costs around $130-$150. Break it up with stops at Byron Bay or Coffs Harbour.
Canberra > Sydney: just over 3 hours—an easy day trip option.
Adelaide > Melbourne: ~8 hours via Dukes/Western Hwy; fuel costs around $120-$150. Break the trip into two legs with an overnight in Horsham or Ballarat for a more leisurely pace.
Insider hack: If flights look expensive, consider a "rail-and-fly" combo: train to Sydney from Melbourne or Brisbane for the journey in, then fly home Monday when fares are cheaper.
Where to stay: sleep close to the action
Melbourne (MCG, East Melbourne/CBD)
- Splurge: Pullman on the Park (directly across from the MCG).
- Smart mid-range: Mantra on Jolimont, steps from the gates.
- Stylish riverside stay: Amora Hotel Riverwalk, a short tram ride from the MCG with leafy Yarra-side views and relaxed charm.
- Budget: YHA Melbourne Central or Space Hotel, both lively bases with tram/train links.
Sydney (Accor Stadium, Olympic Park)
- Luxury: Pullman at Olympic Park—you'll spot players in the lobby.
- Mid-range: Novotel—family-friendly and fan-friendly.
- CBD alternative: Novotel Sydney Darling Square, close to Darling Harbour with easy train connections to Olympic Park.
- Budget: ibis Sydney Olympic Park—value and convenience in one.
- Shoestring: Stay in the CBD at YHA Central or Wake Up! Sydney and hop the train direct to Olympic Park.
Pro move: book early, even if it's cancellable. Rooms near the grounds vanish months in advance.
Match day transport made simple
MCG (Melbourne): Take the train to Jolimont or Richmond. Trams 70/75/48 also get you close.
Accor Stadium (Sydney): Train to Lidcombe, then the special T7 Olympic Park line. On Grand Final day, your ticket usually includes free public transport.
What to do beyond the siren
In Melbourne:
- Wander graffiti-lined Hosier Lane and laneway cafes.
- Marvel at the NGV art collection.
- Fill up at Queen Vic Market.
Extend your stay: sip wine in the Yarra Valley or cruise the Great Ocean Road.
In Sydney:
- Tour the iconic Opera House or conquer the Harbour Bridge Climb.
- Ferry to Manly or Watsons Bay for coastal views.
- Explore Barangaroo and The Rocks for dining and nightlife.
Stay longer: escape to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley.
And check out the events and specials listed on our website (link).
Smart planning hacks
- Lock dates: 2025 AFL GF Sat 27 Sept; NRL GF Sun 5 Oct.
- Use overnights: Train or coach doubles as travel + a night's "accommodation."
- Bundle transport: Grab a myki (Melbourne) or use the included event transport in Sydney.
- Itinerary trick: Fan zone & sports museum on Friday, game Saturday/Sunday, iconic landmark Monday = perfect long weekend.
Make it more than a game
Think of the Grand Finals as your anchor—then build a mini holiday around it. Taste wines, climb landmarks, and explore galleries. The finals are the hook, but the real story is the city you discover around them.
Don't just dream it—start planning your Grand Final adventure today. Book refundable flights, hold a hotel room, and sketch your weekend itinerary. The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the contest, and the buzz of Melbourne or Sydney await. The earlier you lock it in, the better your seats, prices, and memories.
Looking for somewhere to celebrate?
Don't miss the biggest Grand Final Day Watch Parties happening across Australia. From Perth's riverside venues to Brisbane's lively pubs, Sydney's harbourfront hotspots and Melbourne's iconic laneway bars, you'll find the perfect place to cheer on the game.