What to do this weekend if you don’t want to watch the AFL Grand Final
If the thought of sitting through a Tigers v Giants grand final leaves you cold, there are plenty of ways to avoid all things AFL in Melbourne this weekend.
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Rather scratch your eyes out than watch Richmond and GWS battle it out in Saturday’s AFL grand final?
The good news is that with fine weather expected, and plenty happening in Melbourne away from the MCG, there is no need to stay holed up indoors.
And the even better news is that many attractions and events that would usually be jam-packed on weekends are tipped to be quieter than usual.
Here are our top picks for what to do this grand final weekend if you don’t like footy.
HEAD TO THE ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW
The Royal Melbourne Show heads into its final days this weekend — though according to organisers, the grand final is unlikely to hamper crowd numbers.
“(It) is on track to be one of the biggest shows to date,” said Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria chief executive Paul Guerra.
“Previous years indicate that attendance on grand final day remain strong and we’re preparing for another great day.”
If there is a footy fan among your group, they won’t have to miss grand final fever altogether — it will be screening in the Channel 7 Entertainment Precinct.
It’s on at the Melbourne Showgrounds from 9.30am-9pm.
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GET UP CLOSE WITH REAL TIGERS
Pay homage to Richmond’s grand final appearance with a visit to the big cats at Melbourne Zoo.
The critically endangered Sumatran tigers are on display, along with feline cousins including lions and snow leopards. Or visit Werribee Zoo to see lions and cheetahs.
All three Zoos Victoria locations — Melbourne, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary — are open 9am-5pm.
HEAD TO THE THEATRE
There are still good seats available for the 2pm and 8pm sessions of smash-hit musical Come From Away at the Comedy Theatre.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has some availability for parts one and two on Saturday.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is not playing on Saturday, but there are tickets available to the musical’s 1pm performance.
WONDER AT WARRIORS AND KAWS
Beat the crowds to two of the hottest shows in town, both at the National Gallery of Victoria.
AFL Grand Final weekend is a good chance to take in the Terracotta Warriors and Cai Guo-Qiang blockbuster exhibition before it closes on October 13.
Or check out the larger-than-life sculptures at the cult-favourite KAWS exhibition.
You might even be in with a chance of picking up one of the popular “Gone” figures being sold as part of the exhibition, which are flying off shelves at the NGV.
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TAKE A FLIGHT
With everyone else in Melbourne either at the ‘G or watching the action from afar, city streets will be unusually quiet.
Check out the unique view from the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel at the Docklands.
Kids fly free throughout the school holidays on the wheel, which is open from 11am to 9.30pm.
GET A BITE TO EAT
Lucas Group restaurants and Mr Myiagi are hugely popular and most days have hungry diners lining up for an hour or more to enjoy the famous Asian fusion cuisine on offer.
But both restaurants said they had experienced a dip in diners over game time.
Followed by an early rush, expect to line up but not for long if you head to Mr Miyagi after 8.30 pm for dinner.
Chin Chin and Hawker Hall also have a smaller crowd on game day and diners should “rest assured they will enjoy a leisurely dinner”.
Hawker Hall is also offering a limited edition dumpling menu over the grand final weekend.
HIT THE SLOPES
Get right out of town by heading to Victoria’s alpine regions, which are still boasting excellent spring snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Eleven lifts are running at Mt Buller, where three of the four terrain parks are also open for the penultimate weekend of the 2019 ski season.
The resort will host a grand final street party tomorrow, with weather on the mountain expected to reach a sunny 8C — perfect for making the most of the remaining snow.
Kids ski free this weekend at Mt Hotham if you book two nights’ accommodation and at least one three-day adult lift and rental ticket.
Mt Hotham has a snow depth of up to 150cm, with six lifts open and a sunny weekend expected.