Arrival and expo
Wednesday 6 OctoberRunners collect bibs at the expo. Companions can split off for a half-day.
- Half-dayHot air balloon at sunrise
- EatChin Chin
Melbourne Marathon 2027: spectator guide and weekend itinerary
8 to 10 October 2027 · ExpectedMelbourne, Australia
Melbourne Marathon takes runners a few hours and spectators all day. This guide gives supporters cheer points they can reach by public transport, plans the expo day and race eve around tired legs, and fills the recovery day in Melbourne.
Airport to Finish inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne airport (MEL) has the SkyBus to Southern Cross in 20 to 30 minutes.
Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
Public transport directions to Finish inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Southern Cross and the CBD west | Chain hotels near SkyBus. |
| Mid-range | Southbank and St Kilda | River or beach, trams to Albert Park. |
| Splurge | Collins Street | The "Paris end" grand hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Ibis Melbourne Hotel and Apartments
- Mid-range: Novotel Melbourne St Kilda
- Splurge: Crown Towers Melbourne
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual marathon weekend schedule for 8 to 10 October 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Day before the race
Thursday 7 OctoberRunners rest their legs: pick seated or slow outings, then an early pasta dinner.
- Easy outingLaneways and coffee walking tour
- EatPellegrini's
Race day
Friday 8 OctoberSpectators: pick two cheer points you can reach by public transport, then meet at the finish.
- Cheer pointSt Kilda Road.
- Cheer pointThe MCG finish lap.
- EatLune Croissanterie
Recovery day
Monday 11 OctoberSore legs: boats, buses and long lunches beat walking tours today.
- Easy outingMCG tour and sports museum
- Rain or heat backupMelbourne Museum.
Family-friendly picks
- Melbourne Zoo.
- Scienceworks.
- SEA LIFE Melbourne.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Rooftop bars and the laneways.
7 tours worth booking for Melbourne Marathon
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Hot air balloon at sunrise | Half day | Everyone |
| Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles | Full day | Families |
| Yarra Valley wine tour | Full day | Food lovers |
| Laneways and coffee walking tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| MCG tour and sports museum | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Puffing Billy steam train | Half day | Families, Tired legs |
| Phillip Island penguin parade | Evening | Families |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- NGV.
- ACMI screen museum.
- Melbourne Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Trams are free in the CBD zone; Myki cards elsewhere (contactless rolling out).
- Tap on with a contactless card on trains, trams, buses and ferries in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
- Uber, DiDi and taxis are easy; distances outside the centres are long.
Day trips from Melbourne
- Great Ocean Road: 2 hours
- Phillip Island: 2 hours
- Yarra Valley: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Melbourne Marathon.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Melbourne Marathon 2027?
The next edition is 8 to 10 October 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Finish inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground?
Melbourne airport (MEL) has the SkyBus to Southern Cross in 20 to 30 minutes. Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
Where should I stay for Melbourne Marathon?
For most visitors the best base is Southbank and St Kilda: River or beach, trams to Albert Park.
What else can we do around Melbourne Marathon?
Good short outings in Melbourne include Laneways and coffee walking tour, MCG tour and sports museum, Puffing Billy steam train. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Melbourne Marathon?
Family-friendly picks: Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles, Phillip Island penguin parade, MCG tour and sports museum. Melbourne Zoo.
How far is Finish inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Melbourne centre?
About 2 km in a straight line. Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
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