Where to Watch the Cricket in Melbourne This Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and it means just one thing for Melbourne: Cricket. There are long sessions, cold drinks, packed pubs, big screens and a crowd of chanting supporters slowly becoming mates, over, by over.

As the undisputed sports capital of the country, it makes sense that Melbourne knows how to build a whole season around cricket and the sacred Boxing Day Test.

Whether you’re planning your Summer around the whole fixture or just hoping to catch a game or two, here are the best pubs in Melbourne to watch cricket properly.

Cricket | All Season Long

Good Nature is bringing the good vibes, good food and good cricket-watching screens right in the heart of the CBD. Complemented by live music and beer garden settings, you can easily make a day of it or just stop by on your way to the MCG (it’s only 12 minutes away).

With a kids’ playground and regular live music as well, Good Nature is the perfect central spot to make a day out of watching the cricket. 

Best for: Central viewing, big crowds and a party atmosphere.

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If you’re looking for a classic Sports Bar, there’s no going past The Hawthorn Hotel. Relaxed viewing with big screens, big energy and big pub feeds ensure you can settle in early and stay all day. It is a top pick for groups who just want a familiar pub with a good view of the screen.

Best for: Classic pub viewing, local vibes and no-fuss cricket.

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Summer cricket is always better at Ball Court Hotel in Sunbury, where you can hang out with a cold drink, a big screen and a crowd ready to celebrate every boundary. Whether you’re a diehard fan or mostly there for the snacks, it’s a venue well worth taking a swing at this Summer. 

Best for: Serious cricket watching with good food

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The Victoria Hotel is made for the simple pleasures of summer cricket: good viewing, cold drinks, pub food and a local crowd ready to ride every wicket and boundary with you.

It’s a top west side pick for the November T20, the Boxing Day Test and the March anniversary Test. Arrive with your mates, grab a table and settle in for a proper local session.

Best for: Casual match days, local pub energy and relaxed viewing.

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Cricket playground | All Season Long

Hickens Hotel is a safe pair of hands for your cricket sessions this Summer. This four level CBD venue brings together live sport, pub food, Carlton brews, arcade games and a rooftop space so there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside a big Test day.

Be sure to check out Abe’s Athletic Hall, a dedicated sporting playground with big screens and plenty of energy. Whether you are watching the November T20, the Boxing Day Test or simply following the summer schedule, this venue is ready to carry the innings from the first ball to the final over.

Best for: Big screens, sports bar energy, rooftop drinks and groups.

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Quarterhouse will be your match-day go to, with cricket blasting on the big screen over long bar tables – perfect for you and your mates. It’s built for good vibes and great crowd moments. This season, catch every innings, wicket and six live in the Public Bar. 

Grab a cold beer, settle in with a solid pub feed, and soak up the action with a crowd that knows the game. Whether it’s the Ashes, Big Bash, or international one-dayers, we’ve got it on screen and ready to roll.

Best for: Multi-level viewing, rooftop sessions and city groups.

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Set beside the Yarra in South Wharf, Melbourne Public is the spot for big sporting occasions by the water. This spacious industrial inspired venue can accommodate everything from casual catch ups to large group bookings, while catching all the major cricket moments live and loud.

Add live music on Friday and Saturday nights, weekly food specials and Happy Hour from Tuesday to Friday, and you have a venue that can easily turn one match into a full day and night.

Best for: Major match days, group bookings, food and live music.

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Established in 1853, Golden Gate Hotel knows a thing or two about keeping a good session going. This South Melbourne pub combines traditional character with contemporary dining, a relaxed atmosphere and a comfortable offering for fans who want to catch the match without heading into the CBD. Pull up a chair, order some pub favourites and settle in for an innings that could go the distance.

Best for: Local viewing, pub food and relaxed match days.

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The Imperial Hotel, Bourke Street has got one of the best central options for fans who want live sport and a little city scenery on the side. Enjoy a cold drink and a beautiful rooftop overlooking Parliament House, while cheering on the Aussies in the Boxing Day Test. Or just pop in to check the T20 scores over a pub meal and a pint throughout the season.

However you want to watch Cricket, The Imperial has you covered with its classic pub character, multiple spaces and plenty of reasons to stay for another over. 

Best for: CBD viewing, rooftop drinks and a classic sports pub atmosphere.

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Melbourne’s cricket calendar is shaping up to be a real crowd pleaser, from the November T20 at the MCG to the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and the historic 150th Anniversary Test in March.

Whether you want big screens, a dedicated sports bar, rooftop views, an outdoor courtyard or a local pub session, these venues are ready to keep the cricket rolling.

Pick your venue, gather your crew and get your plans on the front foot. Just make sure you book before your mates drop the catch.