AFL Grand Final Week: Ballooning Over the MCG
Few weeks capture Melbourne’s spirit quite like AFL Grand Final Week — the colour, the crowds, and the electricity in the air.
And there’s no better way to see it all than from above, drifting silently in a hot air balloon as the city wakes up for the biggest game of the year.
From sunrise to siren, this is Melbourne at its most alive — and your morning flight offers the best view of it all.
1. The MCG from the Sky
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the heart of Australian sport, and seeing it from the air is nothing short of breathtaking.
During Grand Final Week, the area around the MCG glows with excitement — flags waving, media tents set up, and thousands of fans gathering even days before the match.
As your balloon rises over the city, the MCG stands out below like a perfectly round symbol of Melbourne pride, surrounded by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Yarra Park, and the city skyline beyond.
If the wind is kind, you may even drift right over the stadium itself — a view that few ever get to experience.
2. A City Buzzing with Energy
Grand Final Week transforms Melbourne into a festival.
The streets are full of colour, the parade winds through the city, and banners line every street.
From the basket, you’ll see it all from a peaceful distance — the contrast between the quiet dawn and the excitement building below.
As the sun rises, the Yarra River, Federation Square, and Flinders Street Station sparkle with the early light, setting the perfect tone for the weekend ahead.
3. The Ultimate Morning Before the Match
For visitors in town for the game, a sunrise balloon flight is the perfect start to Grand Final weekend.
It’s calm, reflective, and distinctly Melbourne — before the energy of the big day begins.
After landing, celebrate with an optional champagne breakfast, then spend the rest of the morning exploring the city or visiting the MCG precinct.
You’ll already have the photos, the memories, and the feeling of having seen the Grand Final atmosphere from a completely new perspective.
4. Tips for Grand Final Week Flights
Book early: Grand Final Week flights sell out quickly, especially for Friday and Saturday mornings.
Stay in the city: Choose accommodation near the CBD or Southbank to make your early morning easier.
Bring your team colours: Many guests wear their scarves or jerseys for photos in the basket!
Watch for flyovers and fireworks: Some years include pre-game air shows or practice displays — incredible to see from above.
5. Beyond the Game
Even if you’re not going to the match, this week is one of the best times to be in Melbourne.
The city feels festive, and a balloon flight lets you enjoy that excitement without the crowds — quiet in the sky, celebration on the ground.
It’s the perfect experience for visitors, couples, or lifelong footy fans who want to see the MCG and Melbourne in its most iconic moment.
Melbourne, From Goal to Goalpost
A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the MCG during AFL Grand Final Week captures the best of both worlds — the calm of dawn and the thrill of Melbourne’s biggest event.
It’s not just a view; it’s a moment in history, floating above the stadium that holds a nation’s attention.
✨ Ready to see the Grand Final from a new angle?
Book your Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne during AFL Grand Final Week and watch the city — and its beloved MCG — wake up for Australia’s biggest sporting event.