Cricket in Australia is practically a religion. From backyard matches to packed stadiums, Aussies live and breathe cricket with full passion. For Australians, cricket is special, and its Australia cricket grounds have witnessed countless historic moments.
When international teams tour Down Under, they battle across 11 major stadiums. Those travelers who love cricket, and cricket stadiums, visit these stadiums in their Australia Tour Packages alongside other attractions, and it’s easy to combine sightseeing with some world-class cricket action.
History and Evolution of Cricket Grounds in Australia
Cricket arrived in Australia with the British in the late 18th century, but it was the development of dedicated Australia cricket stadium facilities that cemented this sport in Australian culture. It began as simple playing fields and evolved into world-class venues as Australia transformed into a cricketing powerhouse.
By the early 20th century, grounds like the MCG and SCG had already become institutions. As television brought cricket to living rooms worldwide, Australia’s grounds underwent massive modernization with improved facilities, lighting systems, and increased capacity—creating the stages for unforgettable cricket battles.
List of 11 International Australia Cricket Stadiums
1. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
The mighty ‘G’ stands as cricket’s undisputed stadium. Established in 1853, this Australia cricket ground hosts the iconic Boxing Day Test annually. Following major renovations, it now accommodates 1,00,024 spectators, making it the world’s largest cricket stadium. The MCG’s hallowed turf has witnessed countless matches and that unforgettable 1992 World Cup final.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Capacity: 100,024
2. Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
Dating back to 1848, the SCG is unique because of its Victorian architecture with modern amenities. Famous for its beautiful Members and Ladies Pavilions, this Australia cricket stadium holds 48,000 fans and traditionally hosts the New Year’s Test. The venue’s spin-friendly pitch has seen performances from legends like Shane Warne and Anil Kumble.
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Capacity: 48,000
3. The Gabba, Brisbane
Named after the Woolloongabba area, The Gabba (established 1895) terrifies visiting teams with its bouncy pitch and Queensland crowd. Following extensive redevelopment, this Australia cricket ground now seats 42,000 spectators. Australia’s remarkable unbeaten streak here (1988-2021) ended when India conquered the fortress in 2021.
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Capacity: 42,000
4. Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Perhaps Australia’s most beautiful ground, Adelaide Oval (1871) underwent a $535 million redevelopment in 2014. The 53,500-capacity stadium pioneered day-night Test cricket with pink balls under floodlights. Its distinctive century-old scoreboard and Cathedral End view make this Australia cricket stadium best for the photography.
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Capacity: 53,500
5. Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium), Perth
Replacing the WACA in 2018, this ultramodern 60,000-seat stadium features the fastest, bounciest pitch in Australia. The $1.6 billion facility offers unparalleled spectator comfort with 360-degree views, a massive screen, and premium food outlets. The stadium’s bronze facade reflects Western Australia’s geological formations and rewards you with a stunning Australia cricket ground experience.
Location: Perth, South Australia
Capacity: 60,000
6. Bellerive Oval (Blundstone Arena), Hobart
Tasmania’s premier cricket venue (established in 1914) underwent major redevelopment in 2015, boosting capacity to 19,500. The intimate atmosphere and stunning backdrop of Mount Wellington make this ground uniquely charming. While hosting fewer international fixtures than mainland venues, Bellerive compensates with breathtaking scenery and Tasmania’s famously unpredictable weather.
Location: Hobart, Tasmania
Capacity: 20,000
7. Manuka Oval, Canberra
Manuka Oval is one of the newly developed Australia cricket grounds. The nation’s capital joined the international cricket scene relatively recently. Established in 1929 but renovated significantly in 2019, Manuka’s 13,550 capacity provides a less crowded viewing experience. Its batting-friendly surface and shorter boundaries have produced some explosive limited-overs contests.
Location: Canberra, ACT
Capacity: 13,550
8. W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth
With 20,000 capacity, this historic ground hosted many international matches. The famous Fremantle Doctor sea breeze (cooling air) continues cooling afternoon sessions at this historic Australia cricket stadium. Though no longer Western Australia’s primary international venue, the WACA (1893) remains legendary for pace, bounce, and scorching conditions.
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Capacity: 24,500
9. Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium), Sydney
Originally built for the 2000 Olympics, this 83,500-capacity stadium occasionally hosts limited-overs international matches. While not a traditional cricket venue, its massive capacity makes it perfect for high-demand fixtures like World Cup matches. The stadium’s oval configuration works well for cricket.
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Capacity: 83,500
10. Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
This modern 53,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof primarily hosts limited-overs internationals and League matches. Opened in 2000 as Colonial Stadium, its central location near Melbourne’s CBD makes this Australia cricket ground easily accessible for city fans who enjoy the guarantee of weather-proof cricket.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Capacity: 53,359
11. Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns
This tropical 13,500-capacity venue offers international cricket with a unique Far North Queensland location. Though hosting only occasional international matches, Cazaly’s is an important cricketing outpost in Australia’s north. The ground’s relaxed atmosphere and tropical environment create a distinctly different cricket experience from other southern stadiums.
Location: Cairns, Queensland
Capacity: 13,500
Planning a Trip to Watch Cricket in Australia
From the infamous Bay 13 at the MCG to the SCG’s vocal Brewongle Stand, each Australia cricket stadium has its dedicated supporter sections. Summer (November-February) offers the perfect cricket-watching experience in Australia, with international Tests, ODIs, and the wildly entertaining Big Bash League.
Tickets sell quickly for matches, so booking in advance is essential. On the other hand, stadium tours provide fascinating insights into cricket history, while the Best time to visit Australia for cricket fans coincides perfectly with the cricket season. Australia stadium tour ticket price varies, check the official site for the updated price.
Australia’s cricket grounds aren’t merely sporting venues—they’re cultural institutions where national identity is forged through sporting triumph and heartbreak. Each Australia cricket ground tells its own chapter in Australia’s cricketing story, from Bradman’s exploits to modern T20 spectacles. For cricket lovers worldwide, experiencing these iconic grounds deserves pride of place in any Australia Travel Guide. These cricket stadiums connect generations, preserve traditions, and continue writing cricket history with every match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australia Cricket Grounds:
1. Are Perth and The Gabba the same?
A. No, they are different stadiums. Perth Stadium, also known as Optus Stadium, is located in Perth, Western Australia, while The Gabba, officially the Brisbane Cricket Ground, is situated in Brisbane, Queensland.
2. Which is the largest cricket stadium in Australia?
A. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the largest cricket stadium in Australia, with a seating capacity of 100,024. It was established in 1853, and it is 172.9 m long, 147.8 m wide
3. Why is Brisbane’s cricket ground called The Gabba?
A. The Gabba is the nickname of Brisbane’s cricket ground. “The Gabba” is derived from the outer area of Australia named Woolloongabba, where the Brisbane Cricket Ground is located.
4. How many cricket stadiums are there in Perth?
A. Perth has two main cricket stadiums: the WACA Ground and Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium).
Perth Stadium: This is a new and multipurpose stadium that hosts international cricket including Tests, ODIs, and T20s, as well as the Australian Football League and other events.
WACA Ground: Whale WACA is not a primary venue for international cricket, it still remains an important venue for cricket matches in Perth.
5. How many international cricket stadiums are there in Australia?
A. Australia has 12 international cricket stadiums, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Cricket Ground, Adelaide Oval, The Gabba, Perth Stadium, Bellerive Oval, Manuka Oval, and others. But all the majority matches are hosted in the 4 popular ones in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide.
