You've flown halfway round the world, survived the long-haul, found your hotel and done a full day at the 'G. The sun's finally gone down, the songs are still going, and the question on every travelling fan's lips is the same: where now?
This guide is for cricket fans visiting Melbourne this summer, especially everyone who's come over from England. It covers what's on at the MCG, how to get from the ground back into the city, how to shape a night out from your CBD hotel, and why the evening should finish on King St.
Cricket in Melbourne this summer: the dates
The MCG hosts three big men's international fixtures this summer, and two of them feature England.
- Saturday 21 November 2026: Australia v England, men's T20 international, MCG, 7:15pm. The first match of a five-game T20 series, so expect a late finish and a lively city afterwards.
- Saturday 26 to Wednesday 30 December 2026: the Boxing Day Test, Australia v New Zealand, MCG, from 10:30am. One of the biggest crowds of the Australian summer, with five days of cricket running into New Year's Eve week.
- Thursday 11 to Monday 15 March 2027: the 150th Anniversary Test, Australia v England, MCG, day-night, from 2pm. A once-in-a-lifetime Test, played under lights.
Dates and start times are from the MCG and cricket.com.au fixture pages as at November 2026. Always check those pages for any changes before you travel.
Whichever match brought you here, the pattern is the same: the cricket ends, the crowd pours out of Yarra Park, and the city is just getting going.
Getting from the MCG back into the city
The MCG sits in Yarra Park, on the eastern edge of the CBD. You've got four easy ways back into town:
- Walk it. Flinders Street Station is about a 20-minute walk (1.6km) from the MCG, over the William Barak Bridge and through Birrarung Marr. On a warm evening it's the best way to do it, and from Flinders Street, King St is a short walk west.
- Tram. Routes 70 and 75 run along Flinders Street, and route 48 along Collins Street, between the city and the MCG area. Expect queues straight after the final ball.
- Train from Jolimont or Richmond. Jolimont (also called MCG Station) is a five-minute walk from Gate 2 and runs through the City Loop to Southern Cross, a short walk from King St. Richmond Station is about 850m from the ground, past Punt Road Oval.
- Taxi or rideshare. Demand spikes after a big match. Walk a few blocks away from the ground before you book, and agree a pick-up spot with your group.
After a big crowd, the stations get congested, so a lot of fans simply walk into the city and let the crowds thin out. Check the PTV app or website for timetables and any disruptions on match day.
Richmond, the MCG and the CBD: where to base yourself
Plenty of travelling fans split their time between the pubs and bars around Richmond, the parkland around the MCG and the city centre. Each has its place:
- Richmond is right next door to the ground, with Swan Street and the streets around Richmond Station handy for pre-match plans.
- The CBD is where most visitors stay, and where the late-night options are. If your hotel is in the city, you're never far from home at the end of the night.
- King St, on the western edge of the CBD, is an easy walk from both Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations, which makes it a natural last stop on the way back to your hotel.
For more on making the most of a city hotel stay, see our guide for CBD hotel guests.
Making a night of it: a cricket-day running order
There's no wrong way to do a night in Melbourne, but here's a run that suits a match day.
After stumps: decompress and freshen up
Head back to the hotel, get out of the sun, drink some water and change. Melbourne's summer days can be long and hot, and a shower and a change of shirt work wonders before a big night.
Dinner: get a proper feed
Melbourne is famous for its food, from Chinatown dumplings to laneway Italian and serious steakhouses. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday nights or during the Boxing Day Test week, when the city is full.
The second innings: King St
This is where Centrefold Lounge comes in. Our late-night King St guide covers late food, getting around and where the night goes next.
Late: a bite on the way home
The CBD has plenty of late-opening noodle bars and souvlaki spots. Something warm before bed never hurt anyone.
Boxing Day Test week: Melbourne's nightlife between Christmas and New Year
The Boxing Day Test turns the week between Christmas and New Year into one long Melbourne event. Day one falls on Saturday 26 December this year, so the first night of the Test is a Saturday night in the city.
Centrefold Lounge keeps normal hours on public holidays and through December, including Christmas Eve (Thu 24 Dec) until 4am, and closes only on Christmas Day. That means:
- Sat 26 Dec (Boxing Day): open 7pm to 7am.
- Sun 27 Dec: open 8pm to 5am.
- Mon 28 to Wed 30 Dec: open 8pm to 4am.
New Year's Eve falls on the Thursday straight after the Test, so plenty of visitors stay on for both. Hours on public holidays and big event nights can change, so check our FAQ before you head in.
Travelling with the lads: tips for English fans in Melbourne
Whether you've come with a supporters' group like the Barmy Army or just a few mates on tour, a few things are worth knowing about a night out in Melbourne:
- Bring your passport (or a UK photo driving licence). Entry to Centrefold Lounge is strictly 18+ and you'll need valid government photo ID. For overseas visitors, that usually means your passport.
- Leave the team shirt at the hotel. Our dress code is smart casual. Neat t-shirts, jeans and closed-toe shoes are fine, but sportswear, singlets and thongs (flip-flops, to you) aren't. If you've come straight from the cricket, pack a change.
- Melbourne does things its own way. Australian venues follow responsible service of alcohol rules, and staff will let you know if they think you've had enough. Pace yourself and the night goes further.
- Stick together. Agree a meeting spot in case anyone wanders off, keep your phone charged and know your route back to the hotel.
Why King St should be on the list
Centrefold Lounge at 22 King St is Melbourne CBD's premium 18+ gentlemen's club. It's a polished, grown-up night out: live showgirl performances on stage, five bars across three levels, and a team that looks after you from the door onwards.
- Open late, seven nights: Monday to Thursday 8pm to 4am, Friday and Saturday 7pm to 7am, and Sunday 8pm to 5am.
- Easy to reach: a short walk from Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations, with taxis and rideshare dropping off out front.
- Women and couples welcome, with the same 18+ and ID rules.
- Meet the team on our showgirls page.
New to gentlemen's clubs, or just new to Melbourne's? Our first-night FAQ explains what to expect.
In town the following week? Miss Centrefold 2027, Friday 27 November
If you're staying on after the T20, or flying back through Melbourne, Centrefold Lounge crowns Miss Centrefold 2027 on Friday 27 November: 11 finalists, 11 themed shows and one crown. Join the free guest list for free entry before 9pm. Read more about the night.
Bringing a group?
Big touring groups are welcome every night of the week. Packages are for groups of 10 or more, priced per group, and club entry is extra. Smaller group? Get in touch and we'll see what we can put together. See our group packages or contact the team with your date, group size and arrival time, and book ahead for Friday and Saturday nights.
Cricket fans' FAQs
What time does Centrefold Lounge open?
Seven nights a week: Monday to Thursday 8pm to 4am, Friday and Saturday 7pm to 7am, and Sunday 8pm to 5am. We keep normal hours on public holidays and through December, including Christmas Eve (Thu 24 Dec) until 4am, and we're closed only on Christmas Day.
How do I get from the MCG to King St?
Walk about 20 minutes (1.6km) from the MCG to Flinders Street Station over the William Barak Bridge, then head a short walk west to King St. You can also take a tram along Flinders Street, a train from Jolimont to Southern Cross, or a taxi or rideshare.
Is Centrefold Lounge open on Boxing Day?
Yes. Saturday 26 December 2026 is a normal Saturday for us: 7pm to 7am.
What ID do overseas visitors need?
Valid government photo ID. For most visitors from the UK, that means a passport. Entry is 18+ only.
Can I wear my cricket shirt?
Our dress code is smart casual, and sportswear isn't permitted, so it's best to change before you come in.
When are the cricket matches at the MCG this summer?
Australia v England T20 on Saturday 21 November 2026, the Boxing Day Test (Australia v New Zealand) from 26 to 30 December 2026, and the 150th Anniversary Test (Australia v England) from 11 to 15 March 2027. Check the MCG's website for changes.
Can we book for a group?
Yes. Packages are for groups of 10 or more. Send us your date, group size and arrival time.
Pick your match, sort your ride back from the 'G, and leave room for a late one. When stumps are drawn and the city's still buzzing, King St is waiting.
Ready for a late one on King St? Get in touch with your date and group size, or see our group packages and book ahead for Friday and Saturday nights.
This guide isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Cricket Australia, the ECB, the MCG or the Melbourne Cricket Club.
Sexually Explicit Entertainment May Offend. Management Reserves all rights. RSA 18+ applies.
22 King St Melbourne, Victoria, Australia