Year 6 MCG Excursion

Last week, the Year 6 students went on an Inquiry excursion to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to learn about tourism in Melbourne and why people from all over the world visit our city. Even though it was the coldest, wettest day of the year — with pouring rain, freezing winds, and even hail — everyone stayed positive and excited. Because the weather was so soggy, we travelled around by bus before heading inside the stadium. Big shoutout to Darren for getting us there safely.

Once inside the MCG, we explored areas that most visitors never get to see. This included the interchange benches, locker rooms, change rooms, and the famous Long Room and MCC Members’ Club. We also learned about First Nations peoples and how their stories, traditions, and achievements have shaped Australian sport and culture. Hearing about the deep history connected to the MCG helped us understand why it is such an important place for so many people.

The MCG itself is an iconic part of Melbourne and one of the biggest stadiums in the world, holding more than 100,000 people. It has been renovated 17 times and is home to major events like the AFL Grand Final, the Boxing Day Test, and even the 1956 Olympic Games. We discovered fun facts, like the giant 85-metre light towers, the enormous screens that could fit dozens of cars inside their area, and the hidden tunnels and media boxes used during big matches.

A highlight of the day was visiting the Australian Sports Museum, where we saw trophies, awards, paintings, signed guernseys, and memorabilia from famous athletes such as Shane Warne, Cathy Freeman, and Don Bradman. There were also lots of interactive activities, including colouring, racing horses, watching a Shane Warne video, and checking out the giant football on display. Everyone loved collecting their special wristbands to remember the day.

By the end of the excursion, we understood why the MCG attracts more than 3 million visitors each year and is considered one of Melbourne’s most important tourist attractions. It brings together sport, history, culture, and entertainment all in one place. Even with the long bus ride and terrible weather, we had an amazing time and learned so much about what makes the MCG — and Melbourne — truly special.