AFL 2026 Accommodation in Melbourne CBD

Brady Hotels’ central Melbourne CBD locations put you close to a wide range of attractions and events that make a trip to the city memorable around both the AFL season and the holiday period.

Even if your primary focus is match day travel, many guests like to combine a footy weekend with iconic Melbourne experiences. Nearby seasonal highlights include:

Cultural and Entertainment Highlights

• Laneway dining and cafes on Hardware Lane

• Arts and performances at Arts Centre Melbourne

• Live theatre at the Princess Theatre and Regent Theatre

• Federation Square for exhibitions and outdoor events

Sports and Game-Day Hotspots

While in Melbourne for an AFL match, you’ll be perfectly positioned to combine the footy with city experiences:

• Pre-game meals and drinks in the CBD laneways before heading to the Melbourne Cricket Ground

• Post-match celebrations along Southbank or in Docklands after a game at Marvel Stadium

• Easy tram access back to Brady Hotels after the final siren

From festive displays and markets to world-class food and entertainment, the areas surrounding Brady Hotels give you plenty to enjoy alongside your AFL match weekend in Melbourne.

• Best for Easy Game Transport – Brady Apartment Hotel Flinders Street is ideal if you want quick access to public transport, especially if you’re coming from interstate or heading back after a match. Situated near Southern Cross Station and with the free tram network at your doorstep, it’s one of the simplest bases for travelling to the Melbourne Cricket Ground or Marvel Stadium on match days.

• Best for Social AFL Weekends – Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane puts you right in Melbourne’s vibrant laneway dining and nightlife scene. After an evening game, you’re surrounded by bars and restaurants, making it a favourite for fans spending the weekend in town.

• Best for Classic City Stay – Brady Hotel Central Melbourne sits beside Melbourne Central, giving you quick access to shopping, trams and late-night options, which is great for AFL visitors who want central convenience plus plenty of food, drink and transport options.

• Best for Boutique Style and Evening Plans – Brady Hotel Jones Lane blends a boutique feel with a quieter city location close to arts, theatre and dining. It’s a great choice if you want footy plus culture and a slightly more relaxed CBD experience.

Yes. All Brady Hotels are located within Melbourne CBD and inside the Free Tram Zone, making it easy to travel between your hotel and Melbourne’s major AFL venues.

Getting to the MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is easily accessible from all Brady Hotels via tram or train.

• Take a free tram through the CBD and connect to routes servicing Jolimont Station

• Or catch a train from Southern Cross Station or Melbourne Central to Jolimont Station

• Many guests also choose to walk from the CBD, which takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes

On major match days such as Anzac Day, King’s Birthday and the AFL Finals Series, public transport frequency increases to accommodate crowds.

Getting to Marvel Stadium

Marvel Stadium is even closer to the CBD.

• It is within walking distance from Brady Apartment Hotel Flinders Street

• Easily reached by free tram from all other Brady Hotels

• Directly accessible from Southern Cross Station

Why It’s Easy

Because all four Brady Hotels are centrally located, you avoid the need for taxis or parking near the stadiums. Public transport is frequent, well organised on match days and designed to handle AFL crowds efficiently.

Staying in Melbourne CBD means you can move between your hotel, pre game venues and the stadium with minimal hassle.

Yes. Brady Hotels provide facilities and services that work well for business travellers visiting Melbourne during the AFL season.

Whether you’re combining work with an AFL match weekend or travelling for conferences, client meetings or corporate events in the city, Brady Hotels deliver practical comfort and convenience.

Key Business-Friendly Features Across Our Melbourne CBD Properties:

• Free Unlimited WiFi in all rooms and common areas, ideal for video calls, emails and remote work

• Spacious Room Options ranging from well appointed hotel rooms to larger apartment-style suites with dedicated work zones

• Central Melbourne Locations close to major office districts, transport hubs, trams and business services

• Easy access to Melbourne’s key venues for corporate events, exhibitions and meetings during the season

Properties such as Brady Apartment Hotel Flinders Street and Brady Hotel Central Melbourne are particularly suited to business travellers who value quick connections to transport, including Southern Cross Station and Melbourne Central, as well as proximity to cafés and business facilities.

Staying with Brady Hotels in Melbourne CBD gives business travellers a comfortable and functional base while still being close to AFL venues, dining precincts and transport routes throughout the season.

Yes. Brady Hotels offer convenient luggage storage for guests when your check in or check out time does not align with your travel plans. This is especially useful during the AFL season if you are arriving early for a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or Marvel Stadium, or have a late flight after the final siren.

You can drop your bags at reception and explore Melbourne hands free, whether that means heading to pre match drinks in the CBD, enjoying post game celebrations along Southbank, or fitting in shopping and dining before departure.

Our luggage storage service makes your AFL trip to Melbourne smoother and more flexible, so you can focus on the game, not your bags.