Flying Over Melbourne’s Sporting Precinct (MCG & Rod Laver Arena)
Melbourne is famous for its passion for sport—and there’s no better way to appreciate that spirit than from above.
A hot air balloon flight over Melbourne gives you a front-row seat to the city’s legendary sporting precinct, home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena, and AAMI Park.
At sunrise, these world-class venues shine like jewels against the Yarra River and the city skyline.
The MCG: A Grand Circle of History 🏏
From the sky, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is breathtaking. Perfectly round, framed by lush green parkland, and glowing in the early light—it’s easy to see why locals call it “The ‘G.”
Built in 1853, the MCG isn’t just a stadium—it’s part of Melbourne’s identity. It has hosted Olympic Games, AFL Grand Finals, Test Matches, and unforgettable concerts. But seen from a balloon, it becomes something else entirely: a peaceful landmark filled with stories, surrounded by the quiet of dawn.
📸 Photo Tip: Aim to capture the MCG with the Yarra River curving nearby and the city skyline rising behind—it’s Melbourne in one frame.
Rod Laver Arena: Home of the Australian Open 🎾
Just a few hundred metres away, Rod Laver Arena sits at the heart of Melbourne Park. Its bright white roof contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery, and if you’re lucky enough to fly during the Australian Open season, you might even catch the early-morning buzz of preparation below.
From above, the network of tennis courts, walkways, and riverside paths looks like a perfectly designed mosaic—a symbol of Melbourne’s global sporting spirit.
📍 Fun Fact: The arena’s retractable roof is one of the first in the world built for tennis, and it’s easily visible from your balloon.
AAMI Park: The Modern Touch ⚽
The distinctive bubble-like roof of AAMI Park stands out immediately. Its futuristic design makes it one of the most unique stadiums in Australia, and from above, the white domes glisten in the morning sun.
It’s a striking contrast to the historic MCG just across the parklands—a perfect mix of old and new that defines Melbourne.
📸 Tip: Frame AAMI Park with the Yarra River beside it for a balanced, geometric shot.
The Yarra River Connection 🌅
What ties these sporting icons together is the Yarra River. As your balloon drifts overhead, you can see how the river winds through the precinct, creating a natural border between the city’s energy and its open parklands.
The reflections of the MCG and Rod Laver in the water during sunrise make for unforgettable photos.
Melbourne’s Love of Sport from a New Angle
Melbourne isn’t just a city that loves sport—it lives it. From the roar of the MCG to the cheers echoing across Melbourne Park, the precinct represents community, history, and pride.
From the air, that story feels even bigger. Floating quietly above the grounds where champions have played, you’ll see the city’s energy from a completely different perspective—peaceful, golden, and full of life.
✨ Ready to see Melbourne’s sporting heart from above?
Join us for a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the MCG and Rod Laver Arena, and experience Melbourne’s passion for sport from the best seat in the sky.