EXPERIENCE MELBOURNE

Melbourne has had the honour of hosting some of the most significant sporting events in the history of sports. The Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG is a gigantic stadium located in the heart of the city, easily accessible by car from Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank. It’s the 10th largest stadium in the world and the largest in Australia. 

Having served as the centrepiece venue of the 1956 Olympics, the 2006 Commonwealth Games and two Cricket World Cups, MCG rightfully holds a special place in the hearts of many Australian sporting fans. Other major sporting (e.g. international rugby matches, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers) and non-sporting events (e.g. concerts) have also taken place here over the years.

Learn more about the stadium’s monumental history by visiting the Australian Sports Musem. The museum is undergoing major redevelopment and will reopen in late February 2020. Family packages which include a visit to both the museum and the main stadium are also available for purchase.  

Experience the big-stadium experience up close. Book your tickets for one of the big events that take place on MCG every year and make the most of your time by staying with us here at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank.

75-minute tours depart regularly between 10am and 3pm daily. Actual hours may vary during MCG event days. Click here for more information.

How’s your poker game looking? Enjoy an unforgettable night out with friends by visiting the world-renowned Crown Casino. Along with the six main games of blackjack, craps, pai gow, poker, baccarat and roulette, Crown also features some 540 table games (including 100 poker tables) and 2,500 poker machines.

And did anyone say ‘poker’? Aside from three card poker on the main gaming floor, you’ll find plenty of tables with other varieties of the famous card game (including, of course, Texas hold ‘em). 

And it’s not all about card-playing and gambling. The casino is home to several large venues where concerts and other live events take place regularly. With a range of different restaurants situated within the premises of the complex, you’re bound to find tasty dishes that will please your taste buds and excite your senses.

With seven cinemas, a karaoke club and plenty of puzzle-solving, mystery escape rooms, it means that there’s a lot of fun to be had with family as well! 

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Looking to satisfy your shopaholic alter-ego? Emporium Melbourne will not disappoint. This enormous 8-level mall is located in the very heart of the Melbourne CBD. Although Emporium Melbourne opened its gates in 2014, the building itself is heritage-listed, originally raised all the way back in 1914.

The gigantic—yet stylish—building is home to more than 220 shops, offering the best in fashion, design, fine food and art. Expect to find products from some of the biggest names in fashion: Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret and Chanel, just to name a few.

The food court on Level 3 features more than 30 food outlets. Many of the outlets are inspired by Asian luxury food courts—a unique culinary experience that takes inspiration from local and international cuisine.

Mon: 10am – 7pm

Tue: 10am – 7pm

Wed: 10am – 7pm

Thu: 10am – 9pm

Fri: 10am – 9pm

Sat: 10am – 7pm

Sun: 10am – 7pm

A trip to Melbourne is not complete without a visit to the popular Queen Victoria Market. If you’re looking for an authentic shopping experience right in the heart of the city, this is the place to be.

Fresh produce, sensational coffee, delicious food, homeware, gifts and so much more; hundreds of stalls adorn some of Melbourne’s most vibrant streets and laneways. Remember to bring your own bag or basket as the market is proudly plastic bag and straw-free. 

When you’re this spoiled for choice, it might actually make it a bit hard to decide where to go first. A roving City Ambassador can guide you and show you the way. Spot them in their distinctive red coat and ask for their help!

Tue: 6am – 3pm

Thu: 6am – 3pm

Fri: 6am – 3pm

Sat: 6am – 4pm

Sun: 9am – 4pm

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is the ultimate meetings, functions and events destination in the city. With four large meeting rooms and plenty of configuration options available, you can rest assured that your next big meeting will be a complete success. Our spaces are designed with the professional in mind, offering complete control and flexibility.

The modern on-site Business Centre ensures you’re always connected, while our wide range of all-inclusive rooms ensure you’re rested and recharged for your next big business meeting or adventure in the city.