Welcome all Crows supporters to the Crow friendly city of Ballarat, located a comfortable 90 minutes from the MCG and Optus Oval and only one hour from Skilled Stadium (Kardinia Park).

Accessible bus and train travel, and two lane freeways has made Ballarat a viable destination to stay when following the Crows fortunes out east.

Since the 1998 Finals series Ballarat has seen an influx of supporters using the City's accommodation alternatives to retreat amidst the historic and natural beauty of our region after the big game.

This guide offers a variety of information and facilities available when visiting our region.

• Accommodation
• Dining in Ballarat
• Travel Information:   
  Train
  Football Buses
• Directions to Venues
• Attractions of interest
• Ballarat Tourism and Accommodation Directory

Directions to Venues/Parking Options

MCG

By Car
Travel time by car - Approximately 90 minutes
Directions NO TOLLS
Take Western Freeway to Melbourne, stay on Western Highway through Deer Park and Sunshine suburbs to Western Ring Road - turn right onto Western Ring Road.
Stay on Western Ring Road until the Geelong/City signage (Geelong to the right, City to the left) keep left and follow City signage onto the West Gate Bridge Freeway.
Over the West Gate Bridge (taking in wonderful views of the city and the bay) remain on freeway and take the exit "Power Street" (Sign City, Southbank ) before the Burnley Tunnel  Tollway and then turn right into City Road at the traffic lights.
Follow City Road (becomes Alexandra Avenue) along the Yarra river to the first bridge (Swan Street Bridge) turn left over the bridge (the MCG  is now walking distance) -  continue on into Swan Street (go straight on - don't turn right onto the SE Freeway) to find parking.

MCG Parking Options

Swan Street ( reasonable option - usually a fairly quick getaway)
1. Olympic Park - 1/2 km from Swan Street Bridge on right - open air (again be early) $7
2. Left side of Swan Street - just before Olympic Park - open air - -approx. $6

MCG Car Park ( poor option - tend to get stuck in traffic)
1. Continue down Swan Street turn left into Punt Road (first left) continue to MCG Car Park -(Gate 5) sign.
Updated 05-07-01
Melbourne Arts Centre ( good option - quick getaway, lovely walk along Yarra River to the "G") This is the best option for a big game ed.
1. Take the Power Street (City, Southbank) ramp off the freeway  (This is just before the Burnley Tollway Tunnel)  keep in right lane.
2.Take a  right turn around 100 mtrs. along this ramp, Kavanagh St.
3. Continue along Kavanagh St. (200mtrs.) you will come to Southbank Blvd. turn right, and then immediately left, it is still called Kavanagh St., the left lane is the entrance to the Arts Centre Car Park.
5. Walk north towards City from Arts Centre over Yarra River bridge - first turn right over river - Batman Avenue. 15 minute walk to MCG 
6. Turn right on leaving the car park (this is the only exit) and then left into Sturt St.
The turn off  to the freeway is only 500mtrs. down Sturt St.

Telstra Dome

Take Western Freeway to Melbourne, stay on Western Highway through Deer Park and Sunshine suburbs to Western Ring Road - turn right onto Western Ring Road.
Stay on Western Ring Road until the Geelong/City signage (Geelong to the right, City to the left) keep left and follow City signage onto the West Gate Bridge Freeway after going over the West Gate Bridge keep in left lane and then take the turn off sign posted Docklands, City, Telstra Dome, there is parking available next to the ground and underneath the stadium.

Transport Options from Ballarat

Bus - Ballarat Coachlines ( Phone: (03) 5333 4660)
Ballarat Coachlines has a regular charter service to all AFL games, bookings are essential.
Bus departs from their terminal at 202 Lydiard St Nth (over the railway line from the Ballarat Railway Station) with ample parking at the rear of the building.
Pick up in Ballarat can be arranged depending on numbers.
For Saturday afternoon games departure time is 9.30am, returning at approximately 7.00pm. For other games please contact Ballarat Coachlines for information.

Bus - Go.2000.com Football Bus
Is a licenced Travel Agent which operates a range of Vehicles between Ballarat and various sporting & other venues in Melbourne and Geelong.  This service operates on specific dates including transfers when any A.F.L. teams from Adelaide are playing in Melbourne or Geelong.

Train - V-Line Train (Passenger enquires (03) 5337  8565, Reservations 132232)
Travel time approximately 80 minutes.
V-Line Timetable,  (Special Event Timetable Information)
V line sometimes have off peak fares to Melbourne which are very reasonable and it's a great way to get to the footy.
Ballarat V-Line Train and Bus terminal is located in Lydiard Street North - 2 blocks north of the Ballarat Post Office (located on the north east corner of Sturt/Lydiard Street).
All Ballarat trains and buses are terminated at the Spencer Street Interstate Terminal in Melbourne.
You can reach the MCG by either foot (30 Minutes) or catch the tram heading east up Flinders Street - this will take you to the north side of the Ground, or walk south towards the Yarra River on Swanston Street to Batman Avenue (city side of the river) -  15 minute walk to south side of the ground. (a much nicer walk).
OR
Free City Circle tram to corner of Flinders St & Spring St., walk up Wellington Pde. to the MCG, or travel on tram No.48 or 75 from opposite Spencer St. Station to Jolimont Railway station

Entering Ballarat
If your entering Ballarat via the Western Highway from Adelaide we recommend entering via the Avenue of Honour and Arch of Victory - the turn off being just past the township of Burrumbeet
( it is well signed).

Other Information:
For more information on Ballarat and the region contact the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5332 2694 or 1800 648 450
For a comprehensive Internet tourist guide of Ballarat and our region visit our home page -
Ballarat Tourism and Accommodation Directory Internet website