The Home Of The Matildas

Visiting The Home of the Matildas: Melbourne, Australia – Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Home of the Matildas, located in the La Trobe University Sports Park in Bundoora, Melbourne, is a groundbreaking facility dedicated to the advancement of women’s football in Australia. Officially opened in July 2023 after a $57 million investment, it is the country’s largest football-specific infrastructure project and the permanent base for the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s soccer team, as well as other elite squads such as the Young Matildas, Olyroos, and Socceroos (Wikipedia; Populous).

This state-of-the-art venue, designed by leading sports architects Populous, blends inclusivity, accessibility, and cultural recognition. It serves not only as a focal point for elite sport but also as a vibrant community hub, with over 80% of its precinct accessible to grassroots players, students, and visitors. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your visit, from history and facilities to opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, and insider tips.

Origins and Development
Architectural Design and Facilities
Community Integration and Cultural Significance
Visiting Information (Hours, Tickets, Accessibility)
Getting There and Nearby Attractions
Visitor Services and Amenities
Sustainability and Future-Proofing
Visitor Experience Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visitor Etiquette and Cultural Insights
Ongoing Legacy and Future Significance
Plan Your Visit and Stay Updated
References

Origins and Development

Vision and Proposal

The idea for the Home of the Matildas arose in 2019 from the need for a dedicated high-performance home for women’s football in Australia. Football Victoria initiated the proposal, backed by government funding and support, aiming to provide world-class training environments and development pathways for female athletes (Wikipedia).

After rigorous site selection and planning, Bundoora, within La Trobe University’s Sports Park, was chosen in 2021 due to its strong sporting infrastructure and university-community links (Wikipedia).

Construction and Opening

Construction began in March 2022, with the official opening on July 3, 2023. The collaboration between Football Victoria, Football Australia, La Trobe University, and state and federal governments resulted in a facility purpose-built for both elite and community use (Populous; Build Australia).

Architectural and Cultural Considerations

Populous’ design integrates five FIFA-compliant training fields, a hybrid showpiece pitch, and an 800-seat grandstand (expandable to 3,000+), alongside gender-neutral change rooms and advanced recovery and sports science facilities (Populous). Cultural consultation with the Wurundjeri people ensures the site honors Indigenous heritage and the history of women’s football (ABC News).

Role in Major Tournaments

The Home of the Matildas served as a base camp for the Jamaican Women’s National Team during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and now hosts major tournaments and development programs, reinforcing its role as a National Centre of Excellence (La Trobe University).

Architectural Design and Facilities

Pitches: One FIFA-standard hybrid showpiece pitch, a second hybrid pitch, and three synthetic pitches for simultaneous training and matches (La Trobe University).
Grandstand: 800 seats, with expansion capacity over 3,000.
Team Amenities: Elite strength and conditioning areas, aquatic rehab, sports science and medical suites, players’ lounge, and education spaces (Korb).
Community Spaces: Flexible event spaces, a café, and versatile rooms for clinics and engagement.
Administrative Facilities: Headquarters for Football Victoria, supporting seamless operations (Populous).

Accessibility features include tactile indicators, stair nosing, wide corridors, ramps, gender-neutral change rooms, and accessible restrooms (Populous; Korb).

Community Integration and Cultural Significance

Over 80% of the precinct is open to the community, integrating the venue into local football culture and La Trobe University’s vision of a “University City of the Future.” The Home of the Matildas is a beacon of gender equity, fostering increased participation in women’s football and providing a blueprint for inclusive sporting infrastructure (AusLeisure; City of Melbourne).

The site’s design and operational ethos reflect collaboration among government, football bodies, and community stakeholders. Groups like Matildas Active Support foster positive and inclusive fan culture, and the precinct’s design is informed by input from athletes and community representatives (Matildas Active Support).

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours

Weekdays: Generally open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM for public access.
Event Days: Extended hours, typically 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; gates open 60–90 minutes before events.
Weekends/Public Holidays: Access varies; check the official website or La Trobe Sports Park site for up-to-date hours.

Tickets and Booking

General community access is free.
Tickets are required for matches, tournaments, and some special events; purchase via the Football Australia ticket portal or at the venue.
Prices range from AUD 10–25 for youth tournaments; discounts for children, students, and families.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours are periodically offered and provide behind-the-scenes access. Bookings are essential—check the La Trobe Sports Park website for schedules.

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Location: Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC 3083; ~16 km northeast of Melbourne CBD.
Public Transport: Tram Route 86 to Bundoora RMIT, or train to Macleod (Hurstbridge Line) plus bus 561.
Driving: Ample on-site parking, including accessible bays.
Taxi/Rideshare: Drop-off zones at the venue entrance.

Nearby attractions include the La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary, Bundoora Park, and the Melbourne Museum. The university precinct offers additional sports and recreational amenities.

Visitor Services and Amenities

Stadium: ~3,000 seats (with expansion), including accessible seating.
Food/Beverage: On-site café, food trucks, and campus outlets with dietary options.
Merchandise: Official Matildas and Socceroos gear available during events.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access, hearing loops, baby change facilities, and staff assistance.
Other: First aid stations, lost property, and secure storage.

Sustainability and Future-Proofing

The facility features hybrid pitches for reduced water and maintenance needs, flexible interior spaces for evolving uses, and green programs for recycling and biodiversity (La Trobe University).

Visitor Experience Highlights

Attend major youth and women’s football tournaments, like the 2025 Emerging Socceroos Championships (Mirage News).
Explore digital storytelling and Indigenous heritage displays.
Join community clinics or open days.
Enjoy photo opportunities at the grandstand, pitches, and adjacent wildlife sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Weekdays 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; event days may extend to 10:00 PM. Always check the official schedule.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Online via Football Australia or at the venue; guided tours require advance booking.

Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and seating.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally—see the La Trobe Sports Park website.

Q: What transport options are available?
A: Tram, train plus bus, car parking, and rideshare all available.

Q: Are there family-friendly events?
A: Yes, including clinics, festivals, and open training sessions.

Visitor Etiquette and Cultural Insights

Respect inclusivity—support all teams and participants.
The venue is smoke-free; alcohol may be restricted at youth events.
Photography is welcome for personal use; professional equipment needs approval.

Ongoing Legacy and Future Significance

The Home of the Matildas is a model for gender equity and community engagement in sport. It hosts Melbourne Victory’s A-League Women matches, supports the Melbourne Victory Afghan Women’s Team, and will soon accommodate Melbourne Victory FC Youth (Wikipedia). Its flexible, inclusive design ensures ongoing relevance for local, state, and national sporting events (AusLeisure).

Plan Your Visit and Stay Updated

Check the official Home of the Matildas website or La Trobe Sports Park site for current visiting hours, tickets, and event information.
Download the Audiala app for real-time updates, exclusive content, and seamless ticketing.
Follow the Matildas and Football Australia on social media for the latest news.