Where to Watch the Cricket in Melbourne This Summer

There’s nothing quite like an Australian summer built around cricket. Long days, cold beers, sunburnt shoulders, and sessions that roll seamlessly from lunch into late-afternoon drama. And when Boxing Day rolls around? That’s sacred territory.

Whether you’re locking in a full day for the Test, ducking in between sessions, or settling in for post-play celebrations, Melbourne’s pubs know how to do cricket properly — live, loud, and with atmosphere to match the moment.

From Ashes HQs packed with chanting fans to laid-back locals perfect for a long session, here’s where to watch the cricket this summer.

Cricket & Ashes | All Season Long

If summer cricket had a front bar, this would be it. The Prince Public Bar delivers relaxed but electric viewing right on Fitzroy Street, with big screens, classic pub feeds, and an energy that builds as the day goes on.

Boxing Day is the headline act. Every session will be shown across the venue, the sound turned up, and the vibe dialled into full Test-match mode. It’s the kind of place you can settle into early and stay all day — exactly how cricket should be watched.

Best for: All-day Boxing Day sessions, groups, classic pub atmosphere

Cricket | All Season Long

When the cricket’s on, Ball Court goes live and loud. With multiple screens and a proper sports bar setup, it’s built for big moments — wickets falling, momentum swinging, and those slow-burning Test sessions where every ball matters.

It’s an easy choice if you want guaranteed coverage of the world’s biggest matches, solid pub food, and a crowd that’s genuinely watching the game.

Best for: Serious cricket watching with good energy

Cricket | All Season Long

A classic local that knows how to do sport well. The Hawthorn Hotel’s sports bar is made for settling in with a pint and watching quality cricket unfold, whether it’s an international Test or a global tournament.

Expect a relaxed crowd, good sightlines, and that familiar pub hum that makes even long sessions feel social.

Best for: Local vibes, comfortable viewing, no-fuss cricket

Ashes HQ | December 24–31

If you want full throttle Ashes energy, this is it. Hickens isn’t just showing the cricket — it’s celebrating it. As Melbourne’s official Ashes HQ and venue partner of the Barmy Army, this place becomes a sea of chants, rival jerseys, and pure Test-match theatre.

They’re opening early from 9am during the Boxing Day Test, serving breakfast and beers (as tradition demands), English classics, pub snacks, and showing every ball live and loud across the venue. Add live bands and DJs post-play and you’ve got a full-day-to-night experience.

Backing the Aussies? Singing with the Barmy Army? Either way, this is your home ground.

Best for: Ashes diehards, Boxing Day atmosphere, all-day sessions

Pro tip: Book ahead if you’re rolling in with mates — this one fills fast.

Cricket & Ashes | All Season Long

Right in the heart of Melbourne, Beer Deluxe brings the Ashes to life with big screens, live music, and Barmy Army energy front and centre. Pre-game, post-game, and everything in between — this is where cricket meets celebration.

With epic events running throughout the Test period and a crowd that knows how to bring the noise, it’s a prime spot if you want your cricket with a side of party.

Best for: Central location, big crowds, high-energy Ashes viewing

Cricket & Ashes | All Season Long

Just proper summer cricket done right. The Victoria Hotel is showing every ball of the Ashes live, with the Boxing Day Test front and centre on the big screen.

It’s a classic “rock up with your mates” venue, ideal if you want great viewing, cold drinks, and a relaxed local crowd that’s fully invested in the game.

Best for: Casual Boxing Day viewing, local pub vibes

Ashes | December 26–30

Hopscotch turns the Boxing Day Test into a full-blown summer event. Opening from 9am, they’re firing up the BBQ, pouring drinks specials, and showing every ball across big screens and TVs — with not a bad seat in the house.

Add live music from 2pm daily and a Boxing Day band at night, and this one transitions seamlessly from daytime cricket to post-play celebrations.

Best for: All-day plans, groups, Southbank energy

Cricket & Ashes | All Season Long

Live, loud, and unapologetically energetic. Harlow is showing all five Tests on big screens, opening from 10am during the Boxing Day Test, and keeping the party going with DJs after play on key days.

Perfect if you want to watch the cricket, then roll straight into a night out without changing venues.

Best for: Big screens, loud crowds, post-cricket partying

Ashes | December 26–28

Cricket with a view. Yarra Botanica opens from 9am for riverside breakfasts before rolling straight into live Ashes coverage, food, drinks, and entertainment that carries through the day — and well into the night.

Open until 3am, it’s perfect for those who want their Boxing Day Test served with sunshine, fresh air, and late-night celebrations.

Best for: Day-to-night sessions, riverside vibes

Cricket & Ashes | All Season Long

Village Belle keeps it classic: every Test live and loud, big screens, and an atmosphere built for cheering every boundary and wicket.

Whether you’re locking in an early session or hanging out for the final overs, it’s a reliable go-to for summer cricket done properly.

Best for: Traditional pub cricket, all-Test coverage

The Boxing Day Test isn’t just a match — it’s a summer ritual. And Melbourne’s pubs are ready to deliver it the way it deserves: live, loud, social, and surrounded by people who actually care about the cricket.

Pick your venue, round up your mates, and settle in. Summer cricket has arrived with The Pass.