Free day between matches
A half-day in the city and a long lunch.
- Half-dayPuffing Billy steam train
- EatQueen Victoria Market
- FreeRoyal Botanic Gardens.
Rugby World Cup 2027 in Melbourne 2027 in Melbourne: weekend guide and things to do
1 October to 13 November 2027 · ProvisionalMelbourne, AustraliaAustralia hosts the 2027 men's Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup 2027 in Melbourne means days in Melbourne with a match or session and plenty of time either side. This guide covers rest days, evenings, family outings and rainy-day backups.
Know before you go
- World Rugby confirms which pool matches each city hosts. Check the schedule before booking.
- October and November is spring in Australia: warm days, cool evenings.
Airport to Melbourne Cricket Ground and AAMI Park
Melbourne airport (MEL) has the SkyBus to Southern Cross in 20 to 30 minutes.
Both are a short walk or tram ride from the CBD.
Public transport directions to Melbourne Cricket Ground and AAMI Park
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 test weekend schedule for 1 October to 13 November 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Full day out of town
The best use of a two- or three-day gap.
Before an evening session
Keep it light and close to the venue.
- Easy outingLaneways and coffee walking tour
- EatChin Chin
Family day
Something everyone can do, kids included.
- Family pickPhillip Island penguin parade
- FreeHosier Lane street art.
Rainy or very hot day
Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backupMCG tour and sports museum
- Rain or heat backupNGV.
Evening after the match
Dinner and something after dark.
- After darkRooftop bars and the laneways.
- EatPellegrini's
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 Rugby World Cup 2027 in Melbourne
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Puffing Billy steam train | Half day | Families, Tired legs |
| 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 |
| 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 Rugby World Cup 2027 in Melbourne.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Rugby World Cup 2027 in Melbourne 2027?
The next edition is 1 October to 13 November 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Melbourne Cricket Ground and AAMI Park?
Melbourne airport (MEL) has the SkyBus to Southern Cross in 20 to 30 minutes. Both are a short walk or tram ride from the CBD.
Where should I stay for Rugby World Cup 2027 in Melbourne?
For most visitors the best base is Southbank and St Kilda: River or beach, trams to Albert Park.
What can we do between sessions at Rugby World Cup 2027 in Melbourne?
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 Rugby World Cup 2027 in Melbourne?
Family-friendly picks: Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles, Phillip Island penguin parade, MCG tour and sports museum. Melbourne Zoo.
How far is Melbourne Cricket Ground and AAMI Park from Melbourne centre?
About 2 km in a straight line. Both are a short walk or tram ride from the CBD.
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