Capital city matchday experiences for footy fans

By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Friday, March 19, 2021

The footy season has made a triumphant return, so break out your guernsey and scarf, paint your face in your team’s colours and take a trip to support your club on the road.

Maybe you want to visit Melbourne and watch the Crows take centre stage at the MCG, or how about seeing Port Adelaide take on the Eagles in Perth?

While the game might be your main reason for travelling, there’s plenty to see and do while you’re in each town.

We have a few ideas to keep you entertained either before the bounce or after the final siren has sounded.

Perth

Perth is the perfect place for a late autumn or winter escape, particularly early in the footy season when the average temperature in the Western Australian capital is a stunning 25°C.

You’re spoilt for choice in Perth, with beautiful beaches like Cottesloe and trendy suburbs like Fremantle just 30 minutes from the CBD. If you have a spare day before or after the footy, jump on the ferry, head across to Rottnest Island and come face-to-face with quokkas – small, adorable marsupials, famous for appearing in visitors’ Instagram selfies.

On the mainland, you may want to stroll through Kings Park along the Treetop Walkway, which provides stunning views of the Perth skyline.

Two people sitting looking at the Perth skyline from Kings Park.

The view of Perth from Kings Park. Image: Tourism Australia

If you’re a history buff, visit the Perth Mint or Fremantle Prison. Explore the halls of this historic prison, with tours operating during the day and at night.

Like the sound of a footy trip to WA? RAA Travel is offering an exclusive package to the West Coast Eagles and Port Adelaide clash at Optus Stadium on 3 April.

You can choose from RAA Travel’s gameday packages, which include 3 nights’ accommodation in Perth, reserved seating and the opportunity to meet 5-time Port Adelaide premiership player, David Hutton.

Melbourne

Melbournians love footy, brunch and quality coffee. Before you head off to the game, you’re going to want to fuel up.

Visit Ned’s Bake in South Yarra and you’ll be welcomed by an array of delectable pastries and freshly baked bread. If you have time, pull up a seat in the restaurant and enjoy breakfast or lunch.

Powered up by an espresso, it’s time to explore. Next stop, Fed Square. Here you can immerse yourself in digital art at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

After being closed for almost 2 years, ACMI has reopened with lively, revamped displays, including social media, video games, TV and costume design.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Fed Square. Image: Tourism Australia

All of this sits alongside LED artworks inspired by theatre special effects, ancient shadow puppets, Victorian-era magic lanterns and arcade games you can play for free.

Before you stroll down to the MCG or Marvel Stadium, you might want to check out Melbourne’s many laneways. You never know what you might find around each corner.

Be wowed by Union Lane’s street art or visit a garden in the sky at Loop Roof – an oasis with a striking view of Melbourne’s skyline. Climb the long staircase at Meyers Place and emerge above the city.

At Loop Roof you’ll find a cocktail menu carefully curated around sustainability. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, be sure to book online before visiting.

Sydney

Sydney might be smack-bang in the middle of rugby league’s heartland, but it’s home to 2 AFL teams – the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants.

The Swans play at the SCG, close to the city centre, while the Giants’ home is Sydney’s Olympic Park.

Sydney is a tourist mecca with so much on offer that you’ll have trouble deciding what to do – so here’s a few tips from us.

At the top of the list is the popular BridgeClimb Sydney – a favourite among visitors.

If you want to keep your feet on the ground, walk around Circular Quay, up to the steps of the Sydney Opera House and snap an iconic photograph of Sydney Harbour.

Next, jump on a ferry and head to Taronga Zoo, home to more than 4000 animals.

The view from Taronga Zoo. Image: Tourism Australia

Hear daily keeper talks, enjoy the free-flight bird show and watch Australian and Californian sea-lions as they impress you with their grace and skill.

With all this exploring, you’re probably going to want to find a place to eat before heading off to the game.

Chinatown in Haymarket provides a mix of classic Cantonese eateries, sushi bars and Korean barbecue. You’ll also find Ho Jiak, which serves crowd-pleasing Nyonya cooking and Malaysian classics.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, check out Jimmy’s Falafel in George St for fresh pita pockets stuffed with falafel and eggplant.

Need a late-night snack post-game? Head to the Pastizzi Café in Newtown. Open until 11pm, this local institution serves up Maltese pastries filled with a variety of delicious fillings.

Brisbane

Brissy is another great city to visit to watch the AFL. In winter, the average temperature is about 20°C, making it the perfect place to escape from Adelaide for a few days during our colder months.

For those looking for a bit of a thrill before heading to the Gabba for the footy, climb Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge. Dawn, day and night climbs are available, giving visitors the chance to see Brisbane’s skyline at various times.

Don’t like climbing, but still want a view of the skyline? Visit the Wheel of Brisbane – an iconic landmark on the South Bank.

You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Brisbane.

Story Bridge, Brisbane. Image: Tourism Australia

If you’re not a fan of heights, explore Brisbane by ferry. Jump onboard a CityCat or ride for free on a City Hopper.

CityCats run along the Brisbane River between Brisbane City, QUT Gardens Point, South Bank and Kangaroo Point, all the way around to St Lucia.

If you’re looking for a tailored experience, cruise on Brisbane’s famous paddle wheeler while enjoying dinner and live entertainment.

Speaking of food, you might want to wrap your chops around a steak while you’re in Brisbane.

As the capital of a beef-producing state, the city is stacked with amazing steak restaurants, so it’s easy to satisfy your red meat cravings. Check out Black Hide, Walter’s or Fatcow Steak and Lobster.

Gold Coast

While the Gold Coast isn’t a capital city, it’s still home to the Suns, who play at Carrara – only 20 minutes from Surfer’s Paradise.

If you’re an adrenaline junky, you might want to explore one of the Gold Coast’s theme parks and enjoy the many thrill-seeking rides.

You can also ascend the awe-inspiring SkyPoint Climb – Australia’s highest external building climb on top of the Gold Coast’s iconic Q1 building.

Seeking a little RnR before or after the game? The Gold Coast has plenty of beaches where you can throw down your towel and chill for a bit, including at Tallebudgera Creek.

This eye searingly blue estuary is fringed by one of the best beaches on the southern Gold Coast where you can swim without fear of being tumbled by a vicious wave.

For a truly breathtaking introduction to this part of the Goldie, park your car at Burleigh Hill. Walk just 15 minutes around the headland and the creek, where beaches will greet you through the trees.

Tallebudgera Creek, Gold Coast. Image: Tourism Australia

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