Melbourne's free tram zone has been extended to the MCG and Yarra Park.
The Victorian government and AFL have officially launched the annual Footy Festival at Yarra Park, marking the beginning of four days of celebration as Melbourne gears up for Saturday’s Grand Final, which includes an extension to Melbourne’s free tram zone. Travelling to the Footy Festival and parade will be made easier with an extended free tram zone, helping fans access the events from the CBD.
The event’s main attraction, the AFL Grand Final Parade, will follow a brand-new route on Friday, allowing more fans to join the festivities as it winds through Melbourne and Olympic Park. It’s not confirmed exactly how long the free tram zone extension will last, but it’s almost certainly only going to be for the duration of the Footy Festival activities.
Footy Festival extends Melbourne’s free tram zone
- Melbourne’s free tram zone has been extended to the MCG for Footy Festival
- September 25-28: Footy Festival at Yarra Park
- September 29: AFL Grand Final Parade
- September 30: Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions at the MCG
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
More than 250,000 fans are expected to flock to Melbourne ahead of the Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions clash at the MCG. Fans from New South Wales and Queensland are also set to arrive in the city, adding to the anticipation for the event.
The 2024 Footy Festival boasts new features, including an ice-skating rink, giveaways, the AFL Play Zone, and a line-up of food trucks serving Victorian favourites. For the first time, live music and dinners from popular Melbourne eateries like Easey’s, Hella Good, and Pinchy’s will run into the night.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon introduced the 2024 Footy Festival, a massive event that will entertain footy fans of all ages. Speaking about the event, Minister Dimopoulos said, “Footy is part of this state’s cultural fabric, and the Footy Festival is a celebration of everything that makes Grand Final week so special in Melbourne – activities for the whole family, great food and live entertainment to build even more excitement for Saturday’s blockbuster clash.” He added, “We’re backing the AFL Grand Final to be bigger, better, and here to stay in the sporting capital of Australia.”
Dillon highlighted this exciting period, saying, “Grand final week in Victoria is a week like no other. The build-up, the anticipation, and there are plenty of activities for fans to get involved, highlighted by the free Footy Festival starting in Yarra Park and the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade on Friday.”
The AFL Finals are a key part of Victoria’s major events calendar, with the Grand Final locked in at the MCG until 2059. Dillon also thanked the Victorian government for their involvement, stating, “On behalf of the AFL, I want to thank Minister Dimopoulos and the Victorian government for their support in delivering these great free activities for footy fans.”
More details on the Footy Festival can be found at afl.com.au/footy-festival.
