150 Years in the Making: Stay for Cricket History at Novotel Melbourne Airport

Be there as Australia and England return to the MCG for a historic celebration of Test cricket.

Cricket history returns to Melbourne as Australia takes on England in the 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG from 11–15 March 2027.

Marking 150 years since Australia and England contested the world’s first Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1877, this one-off match will bring two of cricket’s greatest rivals back to where Test cricket began.

Played under lights, the historic fixture will also become the first men’s pink-ball Test at the MCG, creating five unforgettable days of cricket at one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.

If you’re flying into Melbourne for the match, make your arrival easy with a stay at Novotel Melbourne Airport. Located within walking distance of Melbourne Airport’s terminals, you can check in, recharge and get ready for a memorable few days at the ’G.

Enjoy onsite dining at Boccata Restaurant & Wine Bar, unwind with our health and wellness facilities, and connect to Melbourne’s CBD via SkyBus. From Southern Cross Station, public transport connections make it easy to continue towards the MCG.

After a day of cricket under lights, return to the comfort of Novotel Melbourne Airport before doing it all again the next day , or enjoy an easy walk back to the terminal when your Melbourne cricket trip comes to an end.

Discover the Birthplace of the Ashes Urn

Did you know one of cricket’s most iconic pieces of history originated just a short drive from Novotel Melbourne Airport?

Located approximately 20 minutes away in Sunbury, the historic Rupertswood Estate is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Ashes urn. During England’s 1882–83 tour of Australia, the estate hosted the touring English cricket team, with tradition holding that a small urn containing the ashes of a burnt cricket bail was presented to captain Ivo Bligh.

As Australia and England prepare to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket at the MCG in March 2027, it’s a reminder that some of the sport’s greatest stories began right here in Victoria.

Your 150th Anniversary Test Advantage

  • Stay within walking distance of Melbourne Airport’s terminals.
  • Start your cricket weekend rested and ready for the ’G.
  • Travel between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station via SkyBus.
  • Connect from Melbourne’s CBD to the MCG by train or tram.
  • Enjoy onsite restaurants and bars before or after a day at the cricket.
  • Unwind with our indoor heated pool, gym and wellness facilities.
  • Finish your trip with a convenient walk back to the airport terminal.