AFL Grand Final Parade 2026: Your Ultimate Guide

The AFL Grand Final Parade will be held on Friday 25 September 2026, starting from Melbourne Park.

Held on a Victorian public holiday, the event is free for all fans to attend.

The AFL Grand Final Parade will start at 10:30 am from Melbourne Park, progressing through the precinct until it reaches Footy Fest in Yarra Park at approximately 12:00 pm.

Fans can enter the parade zone at Melbourne Park from 8:00 am, with pre-parade entertainment from 9:00 am, including a performance by The Wiggles at 9:30 am.

The AFL Grand Final Parade begins its journey at Melbourne Park. The motorcade begins at John Cain Arena, a new starting location for 2026, before passing through the Melbourne Park precinct, including the iconic Rod Laver Arena and Garden Square. It then exits into Birrarung Marr and finishes at Footy Fest in Yarra Park, where both teams will be presented on stage.

Melbourne Park is accessible through multiple main entrances. The best access to the precinct is from the South Entry via Olympic Boulevard or North Entry via Garden Square.

Public transport is the quickest and easiest option. Before you attend, plan ahead and allow extra travel time for any major disruptions. Melbourne Park is also just a 10-minute walk from the CBD via Birrarung Marr or Tanderrum Bridge. Plus, public transport is half price across Victoria for everyone.

For those preferring taxis, a rank is located next to Melbourne Park Oval on Olympic Boulevard, close to all entry points. The drop-off and pick-up point for rideshare services such as Uber is located outside John Cain Arena on Olympic Boulevard. 

Parking is available at the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard), with discounted event-day rates available when booked in advance. We strongly recommend pre-booking as drive-up spaces are subject to availability. Bookings close at midnight the night before the event. Accessible parking can be booked via AXS.

Please note that Batman Avenue will be closed from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday 25 September.

Yes. The AFL Grand Final Parade and Melbourne Park’s access points are equipped with ramps and lifts. If you require assistance, please inform a member of our Guest Services team or visit our Accessibility page for further information.

Melbourne Park Oval offers a great spot for families to watch the AFL Grand Final Parade, alongside entertainment, activations and big screens.

The Wiggles will perform at Melbourne Park Oval to get the festivities underway at the AFL Grand Final Parade. The Australian icons take to the stage at 9:30 am before embarking on their Big Red Utes to lead the parade.

Featuring Anthony, Lucia, Simon, Caterina, Tsehay, Evie, Lachy and John, the group will get the celebrations underway with a high-energy performance bursting with music, movement and colour. Joining them will be beloved Wiggly favourites Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword and the Tree of Wisdom.

A range of hot drinks and snacks will be available from food trucks to keep you fuelled for the parade, with coffee, crepes and toasties all on offer. For those wanting a seated dining experience, St Andrews Beach Brewery will be open from 12:00 pm.

Please note that this is a family-friendly event and alcohol will not be served in public areas.