The AFL Finals Series is one of the biggest events on Melbourne's calendar, building over five weeks to the Grand Final at the MCG in front of more than 100,000 fans. If you're planning a trip for finals season — whether that's a Wildcard Round upset or Grand Final day itself — here's your essential guide to booking accommodation that puts you in the heart of the action.
Richmond sits directly across Punt Road and Brunton Avenue from the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), putting you closer to the action than almost anywhere else you can stay in Melbourne. On Grand Final day — Saturday 26 September 2026 — that means walking to your seat instead of fighting finals traffic, and walking home again afterwards instead of queuing for a tram with the rest of the crowd. Richmond is also home to Swan Street and Bridge Road, two of Melbourne's best strips for a pre-match feed or a post-match celebration (or commiseration).
If Richmond's booked out, MAC's apartments in South Yarra, St Kilda, and Middle Park are all a short tram or train ride from the ground — close enough for finals season without missing a beat of the rest of Melbourne.
Book early.
Grand Final teams aren't confirmed until the preliminary finals, but rooms near the MCG start selling out from the Wildcard Round (11–12 September) onward. Lock in your stay early and look for flexible cancellation so your plans can move with the ladder.Middle Park · Armstrong St
Skip the car.
Yarra Park's car park is closed for the rest of the 2026 AFL season, and roads around the MCG close on finals days. Jolimont and Richmond stations, plus trams 48, 70 and 75, are the way in — or simply stay within walking distance.
Know the dates.
The AFL Grand Final Parade runs through the city on Friday 25 September, and Footy Fest takes over Yarra Park with free entertainment from 23–26 September. Build a night or two either side of the game into your trip.
Melbourne Apartment Collection has been locally run since 1986, and we know finals season better than most. Our apartments are comfortable, honestly priced, and come with no hidden fees and no corporate gloss — just a genuinely great base for your trip, backed by our best-rate guarantee.
Finals season is a great excuse to see more of the city than just the inside of the MCG. Spend the days either side of the game exploring Richmond's cafés and bars, Chapel Street's shopping in South Yarra, or the beach and Acland Street nightlife in St Kilda — all easily reached from a MAC apartment.
What is the best place to stay for the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne?
Richmond. It sits directly across the road from the MCG, so you can walk to the ground in under fifteen minutes instead of dealing with finals-day transport and road closures.
When is the 2026 AFL Grand Final?
Saturday 26 September 2026, starting at 2:30pm AEST at the MCG in Melbourne.
Should I drive to the AFL Grand Final?
No. Yarra Park's car park is closed for the rest of the 2026 AFL season, and roads around the MCG close on game day. Public transport via Jolimont or Richmond stations, or trams 48, 70 and 75, is the way in — or simply stay within walking distance in Richmond.
How early should I book accommodation for the AFL finals?
As early as possible, ideally as soon as your team is in finals contention. Grand Final teams aren't confirmed until the preliminary finals, but accommodation near the MCG starts selling out from the Wildcard Round onward.
Ready to lock in your finals season stay?
Richmond – 47 Rowena Parade
Studio apartments moments from the MCG, tucked on a quiet backstreet between Swan Street and Bridge Road.
South Yarra – 46 Arthur Street
A one-bedroom apartment a short walk from Chapel Street's shopping, cafés and restaurants.
St Kilda Blessington St – 36 Blessington Street
Studio apartments opposite the Botanic Gardens, close to Fitzroy Street's bars and restaurants.
St Kilda Acland St – 5 Acland Street
Studio apartments near the beach and Acland Street's cafés and nightlife.
Middle Park – 8b Armstrong Street
One and two-bedroom apartments in a quiet residential pocket near Albert Park and the bay.