National Sports Museum

Description:

• In a nation of sporting enthusiasts, it seems fitting finally to have a National Sports Museum. This new museum, opened in March 2008 within the Melbourne Cricket Ground, tells Australia's sporting story from its early beginnings to the present, celebrating Australian sporting heroes, memorable moments, and achievements. It covers a range of sports, including Australian football, basketball, boxing, cricket (it includes the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame), cycling, golf, hockey, netball, Olympic and Paralympic Games, rugby union, rugby league, soccer, and tennis. It also tells the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) story, features the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, and includes an large interactive area. The extensive collection includes Australia's first ever Olympic gold medal, Ian Thorpe's swimsuit, and the Malvern Star bicycle that Hubert Opperman rode in his record-breaking 24-hour cycling marathon in Sydney in 1940. Allow 1 hour (more if you are a real sports fan).

  During MCG major event days, including the AFL Grand Final, Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, and Anzac Day football, access to the National Sports Museum (at half-price) is restricted to patrons holding an event day ticket. Opening hours on weekends when events are being held within the MCG arena will vary. Check the website for details.

• © Frommer's 2013