How To Get To Every AFL Stadium

[Matchu]

As the world gets smaller, more and more people feel the need to travel and watch their team play away games. This thread is intended to give everyone an idea of how to get to any AFL stadium in the country. I will add each state individually and if I get anything wrong or miss something please let me know and I will add/change it. I will start with the home of football.

Victoria

Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne)

TRAIN

Jolimont Train Station - East Melbourne, Melbourne
Cost: Free (Pre-purchased ticket is required)
Parking: Unsure.
Distance: 5 minute walk to stadium.

Docklands Stadium (Melbourne)

Kardinia Park (Geelong)

 

[Matchu]

New South Wales

Sydney Cricket Ground (Sydney)

Stadium Australia (Sydney)

Sydney Showgrounds Stadium (Sydney)

 

[Matchu]

Queensland

The Gabba (Brisbane)

TRAIN
The closest train station to the Gabba is South Bank which is located approximately 1.5 kms west of the stadium. A free shuttle runs from the station for ticket holders but quite a few people chose to walk. Both South Bank station and the Gabba are located on Vulture Street. Train travel is free for ticket holders.

SHUTTLE BUS - TO THE STADIUM
The shuttle bus areas allow for patrons to take the bus ride to the stadium. These areas include:

Roma Street Train Station - Roma Street, Brisbane
Cost: Free (Pre-purchased ticket is required)
Parking: Unsure.
Distance: 10 minute drive on bus.

Carrara Stadium (Gold Coast)

CAR - DROP OFF/PICK UP
The official drop off/pick up area is Emmanuel College (Birmingham Road, Carrara) which is a 1.5km walk from the stadium.

SHUTTLE BUS - TO THE STADIUM
The shuttle bus areas allow for patrons to either be dropped off at and ride the bus to Metricon Stadium or park and then take the bus ride to the stadium. These areas include:

Victoria Park - Corner of Gold Coast Highway & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach (Opposite Jupiters Casino on the Convention Centre side)
Cost: Free (Pre-purchased ticket is required)
Parking: Not allowed.
Distance: 15 minute drive on bus.
Runs: 2 and a half hours before game and 1 hour after game.

Boowaggan Park 'n' Ride - Corner of Robina Parkway & Boowaggan Road, Merrimac
Cost: Free (Not sure if ticket is required)
Parking: Allowed.
Distance: 10 minutes drive on bus.
Runs: 2 and a half hours before game and 1 hour after game.

Helensvale Train Station - Town Centre Drive, Helensvale
Cost: Free (Pre-purchased ticket is required)
Parking: Limited
Distance: 8 minutes on the train, 4 minutes drive on the bus.
Runs: 2 and a half hours before game and 1 hour after game.
Note: You must take the train from Helensvale to Nerang and then take the shuttle bus to the stadium from Nerang. Essentially, they just don't want people parking at Nerang.

Southport Sharks - Corner of Musgrave Avenue & Olsen Avenue, Southport
Cost: $10 (Must be a Sharks member - Sharks membership costs $6)
Parking: Limited
Distance: 12 minutes drive on the bus. Bus departs behind the scoreboard.
Booking: Bookings must be made at (07) 5532 1155.

SHUTTLE BUS - GOING FROM THE STADIUM
Shuttle buses from the stadium can take patrons to Nerang Station (Nerang), Victoria Park (Broadbeach), Boowaggan Road (Merrimac), Cavill Avenue (Surfers Paradise) and Southport.

TRAIN
Carrara Stadium is not near a train station so patrons will need to get to Nerang station and take the free shuttle bus to the stadium. Currently the Gold Coast has 7 train stations: Beenleigh, Ormeau, Coomera, Helensvale, Nerang, Robina and Varsity Lakes. Using the train service is free to ride if passengers have already pre-purchased their game ticket and may be asked to present the ticket before or while on the train.

TAXI
A taxi rank operates in the Yellow Car Park just north of Metricon Stadium out the front of the Carrara Indoor Stadium. It is located closest to gate 3. This area is both the pick up and drop off area designated for taxi drivers.

MY SUGGESTION
Seeing as a lot of people like to stay in Surfers Paradise the best option to get to the game would be to take a bus/taxi to Victoria Avenue (opposite Jupiters Casino, takes 10 mins max) and take the free shuttle bus to Metricon Stadium. There is free shuttle bus that runs straight to Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise after the game so you should have no problems getting back. If you are worried about getting lost then take the safe option and stay in a hotel in Broadbeach and take the same free shuttle bus. Victoria Avenue is located next to several nightclubs, bars and nice hotels. Some say Broadbeach is better than Surfers Paradise anyway. Of course Broadbeach does have the advantage of a major shopping centre and a casino which Surfers Paradise does not (at least not yet).

From June 2014 onward there will be a tram service running from Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach. I am 99% sure it will be free to use with a pre-purchased ticket so if you are attending a game on the Gold Coast after June 2014 don't bother wasting your money on a bus or taxi to get to Victoria Avenue for the free shuttle to the stadium.

Cazaly's Stadium (Cairns)

SHUTTLE BUS - TO THE STADIUM
A free shuttle bus from the Cairns CBD on Lake Street will run to the stadium on game day. The shuttle runs express between Lake Street Bus Terminal and Cazaly's Stadium and begins running 3 hours before the bounce and 2 hours after the final siren.

TAXI
On game day a taxi rank operates on Tills Street between Earl and Mann Street, just west of the stadium. This area is both the pick up and drop off area designated for taxi drivers.

 

[Matchu]

South Australia

Adelaide Oval (Adelaide)

 

[Matchu]

Western Australia

Subiaco Oval (Perth)

 

[Matchu]

Tasmania

Bellerive Oval (Hobart)

York Park (Launceston)

 

[Matchu]

Australian Capital Territory

Manuka Oval (Canberra)

 

[Matchu]

Northern Territory

Marrara Stadium (Darwin)

Traeger Park (Alice Springs)

 

[speedybundy]

Victoria

Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne)

TRAIN

Jolimont Train Station - East Melbourne, Melbourne
Cost: Depends on where travelling from, Myki is required
Parking: Unsure.
Distance: 5 minute walk to stadium.

Richmond Train Station
Cost: Depends on where travelling from, Myki is required
Parking: Don't think there is any? Parking available inside the G for $
Distance: 5 minute walk from stadium

Tram
There is a tram stop next to Rod Laver Arena that is a 3 minute walk from the MCG

Docklands Stadium (Melbourne)

Train
Southern Cross Train Station
Cost: Free (Pre-purchased ticket is required)
Parking: Parking available at station and stadium, costs something but unsure how much
Distance: 5 minute walk from stadium

Tram
Stop at Spencer Street/Bourke St is directly next to Southern Cross Station

Kardinia Park (Geelong)

Train
South Geelong Train Station
Cost: Approx $10 from Melbourne, think a prepaid is required as of September this year (myki)
Parking: Parking is available at Station and surrounding streets for free but check parking signs, inside Stadium costs $
Distance: 5 minute walk from stadium

Car
Former Princess Highway (LaTrobe Tce) goes straight past Kardinia Park, access to parking available however can be difficult to turn right. Easier access available from other surrounding streets

 

[brucetiki]

Public Transport is NOT included in any match tickets for matches at the MCG or Etihad. You will need a valid Myki to take the train to/from the MCG/Etihad.

Adelaide Oval is still TBA at the moment. Hoping for a 'free travel with match ticket' deal, but expecting Victorian system of no PT included in match ticket.

 

[Stewies Power]

Public Transport is NOT included in any match tickets for matches at the MCG or Etihad. You will need a valid Myki to take the train to/from the MCG/Etihad.

Adelaide Oval is still TBA at the moment. Hoping for a 'free travel with match ticket' deal, but expecting Victorian system of no PT included in match ticket.

If the Government were serious about getting people to use PT instead of their cars then they'd make it free with a match ticket. If they were to abolish the Footy Express and expect everyone to pay for regular PT then that'd be a disaster.

 

[magic_johnson!]

Pretty sure the pt system would crash if any more people used it for big mcg games. Pretty much maxed out the usage, so why abolish profit?

 

[Stewies Power]

Pretty sure the pt system would crash if any more people used it for big mcg games. Pretty much maxed out the usage, so why abolish profit?

When trams are as packed as they are for big MCG games, how often do you find a ticket inspector asking to see peoples tram tickets?

 

[newcs]

Kardinia Park (Geelong)

Train
South Geelong Train Station
Cost: Approx $10 from Melbourne, think a prepaid is required as of September this year (myki)
Parking: Parking is available at Station and surrounding streets for free but check parking signs, inside Stadium costs $
Distance: 5 minute walk from stadium

Car
Former Princess Highway (LaTrobe Tce) goes straight past Kardinia Park, access to parking available however can be difficult to turn right. Easier access available from other surrounding streets[/quote]

Very closely check parking signs if in surrounding streets, Geelong's parking inspectors are deadly (3.5 million dollars in revenue per year). One of their favourites is fireplugs (must park one metre away) they are very erraticly positioned in the surrounding streets.

 

[Sunners]

New South Wales

Sydney Cricket Ground (Sydney)

Train: The nearest train station is Central station. From there you can either walk (about 15-20 minutes) or catch a bus. The easiest route to walk is up Foveaux & Fitzroy Streets.

Bus: Most buses depart & arrive from the bus terminal on the opposite side of Driver Avenue from Gates A, C & E.

From the city: Special Event Bus service run from Central station in Chalmers St to the SCG as well as Young St at Circular Quay, another station on the Sydney Trains network. SCG games aren't integrated ticketing events so you have to buy a ticket for them.

From UNSW: The University of New South Wales is a common parking space, 650 free parking spaces. Express buses leave at Gate 14 in Barker St, Kensington.

From North West Sydney: The Swans have a supporter base in North West Sydney and thus, organise charter bus services. 3 from Castle Hill (via Baulkham Hills) & 2 from Dural (via West Pennant Hills). Timetables become available on the Swans website prior to the match.

In the stadium, 'Last buses' are advertised on the big screen so be sure to keep your eye out for them.

Car: There are spots available at UNSW (see above) as well as at the nearby Sydney Boys High and Sydney Girls High on Cleveland St. There are 750 spaces collectively at a flat rate of $20. The car parks open 3 and 2 hours, respectively, prior to the game. There is also car parking at Moore Park and the Entertainment Quarter but you are competing with shoppers & movie-goers for space.

Stadium Australia (ANZ) (Sydney)/Sydney Showgrounds Stadium (Giants Stadium) (Sydney)
Note: Swans games are 'integrated ticketing' events meaning you can use public transport for free provided you have a match ticket. Giants games are not meaning you have to purchase a ticket to get on to public transport including trains, buses, ferries and light rail services. Both venues are in the Olympic Park precinct and modes of transport are just about the same. There are only minor differences (such as public transport ticketing)

Train: The most popular form and quickest form of transport is to catch a train to Olympic Park Station and both grounds are a few minutes walk. For Giants games, one must catch a train on the Western Line or Southern Line to Lidcombe station (regardless of where you are travelling from in the Sydney Trains network) and then change on to a shuttle service to Olympic Park. For Swans games, there are direct trains from Central station (in the Sydney CBD) in addition to the Lidcome-Olympic Park shuttle services, that run around every 10 minutes. These trains stop at Redfern and Strathfield so you can get on or off these trains from other lines such as the Newcastle line from Strathfield. These trains do take around 30-40 minutes to get to Central station and Olympic Park station can get quite crowded post match although Swans fans often leaving early if they are losing, especially against Collingwood because ANZ is to Swans fans what Etihad is to Hawthorn & Richmond fans, they hate the joint. Be prepared to stand and wait in a swarm of people for at least 15 minutes and be progressively let onto the platform. For Giants games many fans drive & stay after the match for kick-to-kick on the ground so trains shouldn't be busy at all.

Buses: For Swans games Major Event Buses run to and from Sydney Olympic Park. Timetables differ dependant on route and are confirmed in the week leading up to the game.


1A – Warriewood via Dee Why
1B – Warriewood via Mona Vale
2A – Glebe via Gladesville
2B – Glebe via Hunters Hill
3 – Marsfield
4 – Maroubra
5A – Castle Hill
5B – Rouse Hill
6 – Menai
7 – Cronulla via Miranda
8 – Dural

Ferry: There is a ferry wharf but 3.6km away from ANZ & Giants Stadium. It takes around 30 minutes to get there in the first place and once there you can either take a 40 minute walk or take the 526 bus, which takes around ten minutes.

Bicycle: It takes around an hour and a half to ride out to Olympic Park. There are bike racks around and bikes can be safely left outside both ANZ & Giants Stadium as long as you lock them up. The rides are relatively easy if you take quiet back streets. This map shows some good routes, I always use one from the city via Canada Bay, Concord St & North Strathfield station when cycling there. http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au.../394297/web_size_map_-_Get_to_SOP_by_bike.pdf

Parking: For Giants games parking is relatively easier than Swans games because there are around 10,000 spaces available but there are often other events on at Olympic Park and roads can be very busy on Friday and Saturday nights (always the time of Swans games at ANZ) so driving isn't recommended. The simplest route to Olympic Park is via Parramatta road but there are alternate routes such as Victoria Road & Silverwater Road. It is possible to pre-book parking.
http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/maps/parking-at-sydney-olympic-park

 

[Dirty Bird]

Parking: For Giants games parking is relatively easier than Swans games because there are around 10,000 spaces available but there are often other events on at Olympic Park and roads can be very busy on Friday and Saturday nights (always the time of Swans games at ANZ) so driving isn't recommended. The simplest route to Olympic Park is via Parramatta road but there are alternate routes such as Victoria Road & Silverwater Road. It is possible to pre-book parking.
http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/maps/parking-at-sydney-olympic-park

Are you seriously recommending Parramatta Road?
Victoria road >>>>>> Parramatta road.
ps. Your alternative route is a inefficient. You go past the stadiums north of it then cut back.
The best way is this.
Victoria Road, then in Ryde (2 suburbs before Ermington when you get onto Silverwater road), turn left onto Devlin street. This turns into Church Street, which turns into Homebush Bay Drive. At the DFO, turn right onto Australia Avenue. Approx 1.1km later, there is a carpark on the right. This is only 600m from the stadium (vs 1.4km from the stadium which is where the carpark that Silverwater road lines you up to is)

 

[Arwib]

BUS

Manuka there's several bus routes from Civic that go through the area, which are infrequent due games being on weekends. Specifically the 980, 935 or 938.

Cash fares for the bus are $4.20 for a single ride, or $8 for a daily ticket. With the prepaid Myway smartcard it's $2.10 for a weekend trip, and a daily cap of $4.83.

(location marked in yellow)



There's also usually free shuttle buses somewhere.

TAXI

Cabs to and from Civic probably cost about $15 or $20. I'm not sure about the logistics of getting a cab immediately post-game from Manuka, however.

CAR

You're probably fine driving and parking around nearby streets if you've got access to a car.