The Melbourne Cricket Ground is more than just a stadium — it’s a cornerstone of Australian sport and culture. From AFL grand finals and Boxing Day Test matches to major concerts and international events, the MCG regularly welcomes crowds of over 90,000 people. With that scale comes strict crowd-control and security procedures, particularly around what visitors are allowed to bring inside.
Why the MCG is different from most venues
Unlike many modern arenas, the MCG is vast, open-air and surrounded by parkland. Entry points are spread around the stadium, and most visitors walk significant distances from nearby transport hubs before even reaching the gates. Once inside, you’ll be navigating long ramps, stairways and seating sections — all of which are far more comfortable if you’re carrying as little as possible.
The venue is extremely well connected, with Jolimont Station directly beside the ground and Richmond Station a short walk away. Trams also serve the area heavily on event days. Because so many people arrive at once, security screening needs to move quickly, which is one reason bag rules are tightly enforced.
MCG bag policy explained
The Melbourne Cricket Ground operates a small-bag-only policy for most events. While exact rules can vary slightly depending on the event, the general expectations are:
- Small bags only: Bags should be compact and easy to carry. As a rule of thumb, anything larger than an A4-sized bag may be refused.
- No large backpacks or luggage: Suitcases, travel backpacks, duffel bags and oversized items are not permitted inside the stadium.
- No general luggage storage: The MCG does not offer a dedicated, public luggage storage service for visitors attending events.
- Security screening: All bags are subject to inspection, and prohibited items will not be allowed through the gates.
- Event-specific restrictions: High-profile matches and concerts may apply tighter rules, so checking your ticket information before arrival is always advised.
Security staff have final discretion on what is allowed inside, and arriving with a borderline or oversized bag often leads to delays or being turned away.
What to bring (and what to leave behind)
If you’re heading to the MCG, the safest option is to bring only the essentials:
- A small cross-body bag or compact backpack containing phone, tickets, wallet and medication.
- Avoid rigid bags, camera backpacks or anything bulky, even if it seems manageable.
- Remember that you may need to carry your bag for several hours, particularly at long AFL or cricket matches.
Attending the MCG while travelling
The MCG is a popular stop for travellers who are passing through Melbourne, especially those arriving earlier in the day via Southern Cross Station or from the airport. It’s also common for visitors to attend an afternoon or evening match after checking out of accommodation.
In these cases, arriving at the stadium with a suitcase or large backpack simply isn’t practical. With no on-site luggage storage and strict bag size limits, you’ll need to organise storage elsewhere before heading to Jolimont or Richmond.
Storing bags before heading to the ground
For visitors who need to store luggage before an event, Stasher offers luggage storage across central Melbourne, including locations around the CBD and major transport hubs. This allows you to leave larger bags behind, travel to the MCG with just a small personal item, and enjoy the event without worrying about security issues. You can check out the Melbourne luggage storage options here and choose a location that suits your plans. Storage is booked online, and some locations may price differently depending on bag size.
Local tips for a smoother match day
- Arrive early — queues at the gates can be long, especially for finals, derbies and international matches.
- Use public transport where possible; road closures are common around the stadium on event days.
- Keep your bag light and accessible to speed up security checks.
- If rain is forecast, check whether umbrellas are permitted and consider compact alternatives.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground enforces a strict small-bag policy and does not provide on-site luggage storage for visitors. Large bags, backpacks and suitcases are not allowed, and security screening is thorough at all entry points. Whether you’re attending an AFL blockbuster, a cricket test or a major concert, planning ahead and travelling light will ensure a far more enjoyable experience at Australia’s most iconic stadium.
