Capital city matchday experiences for footy fans
Posted 18 March, 2021
Jeremy Rochow
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.
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.
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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.
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.
