Birthday Parties

We ask that you and your guests arrive at least 15 minute prior to your party start time. This will ensure that your party experience begins on time and that none of your guests miss out on any of the fun!

You will check in at the ticket booth inside Gate 3 of the MCG, and we’ll handle the rest! Our staff will facilitate the transitions from the MCG Tour, to the Paddock Café (if optional food package is selected) and to the Australian Sports Museum.

This can be done only if the parent/guardian organising the party is present at Gate 3 to greet party guests. They will then be in the booking holder’s duty of care.

Any additional adults not included in the original booking will be charged at the full adult rate. If space allows, they may join the birthday tour; otherwise, they will be placed on a public tour.

Please note that we do not have a designated waiting area for parents, so we strongly encourage families to drop and go where possible. This helps us manage space effectively and ensures the best experience for the birthday group.

There is no car parking available at the MCG. There is parking available in the Eastern Plaza Car Park on Olympic Boulevard and limited street parking along Wellington Parade, Jolimont Street and Jolimont Terrace, which are a short walk away from the MCG.

You do not have a designated staff member that is with you for the entire day. On arrival our staff will facilitate the transitions from the MCG Tour, to the Paddock Café (if optional food package is selected) and the Australian Sports Museum.

We require a minimum of 10 children and one supervising adult for all birthday party bookings.

Once the number of children reaches 11 or more, an additional supervising adult is required to accompany the group.

For example:

• 10 children = 1 adult
• 11–20 children = 2 adults
• 21–30 children = 3 adults

This helps ensure adequate supervision and a smooth experience for all guests.

We offer birthday party start times of 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30 pm (Standard Birthday) and 11:00am or 1:00pm (Birthday Party Package).

Please note that the optional food package can only be selected with the 11:00am or 1:00pm start time.

Parties will typically begin with a 30-minute Game On!  session followed by a 45-minute MCG Tour and conclude at the Australian Sports Museum. Your group is welcome to stay and enjoy the Australian Sports Museum until it closes at 5:00pm*.

*Please note that availability may vary due to the MCG events calendar. Tour route and opening hours are subject to change.

Yes! The more information you share when making the booking (eg. team of support), the more the Tour Guide can tailor the experience based on the birthday child’s interests.

Party invitations are available! Download your birthday invitations here to share digitally or print at home.

Tours typically include access to the players change rooms and boundary line of the arena, however this is subject to availability based on the MCG event schedule*.

*Please note that availability may vary due to the MCG events calendar. Tour route and opening hours are subject to change.

If for any reason you need to make an amendment to your party booking, please get in touch with us by phone (03 9657 8879) or email (contactus@australiansportsmusuem.org.au). If you need to cancel your party, we ask that you inform us at least five business days prior to the party to receive a full refund of your deposit.

No, this is an optional add on. You can book the MCG Tour and Australian Sports Museum party package without food if you prefer.

No outside food can be consumed inside Paddock Café or the Australian Sports Museum. You are welcome to bring your own food to have a picnic in Yarra Park after your party, however we are not able to store this for you.

If you choose the food package, your party group will be dining in the Paddock Café inside Gate 3. A staff member will drop your group off there after the Game On session and Paddock Café staff will look after all catering needs.

The food package includes platters of food with chicken nuggets, sausage rolls, burgers and chips! It also includes one bottle of water or juice per child.

Adults are able to purchase food from the standard Paddock Café menu on the day of the party.

Yes, these will all be provided if the food package is selected. The café will have plates, cutlery and serviettes set up ready on the birthday table.

We strive to accommodate all dietary requirements to the best of our ability. You will be able to liaise directly with our catering partners from Paddock Café regarding any dietary requirements.

We recommend allowing a one-hour break in Paddock Café for your food package.

If your group finishes early, please notify the staff at the ticket booth and they will be happy to transition you to your next activity ahead of schedule, where possible.

Yes, we can store gifts in a safe place for the duration of the birthday party.

Yes, if the food package is selected you can bring your own birthday cake, which can be refrigerated in Paddock Café. You will be emailed a Food Disclaimer and Indemnity form that is to be filled out, signed and brought with you. There is no additional cost to bring your own cake.

Yes, basic decorations such as balloons are permitted if you choose the food package. Our staff will direct you to Paddock Café where you can set them up on the birthday table.