Travel - Plan your trip to Melbourne
There will be a strong contingent of Blues and Maroons fans travelling to Victoria for the ultimate Holden State of Origin experience at the MCG, so if you haven't already planned your travel – grab your mates and family and book your travel today!
If you're coming from interstate or overseas, Melbourne has a number of connections to get you there – by plane, bus, train, car or boat.
Go to visitvictoria.com to plan your trip!
Or visit Public Transport Victoria
Accommodation - Where should I stay?
Whether you're looking to treat yourself in one of the city's finest hotels or stay on a budget, Melbourne CBD offers some fantastic accommodation options within a short walk to the best sights, including the MCG, as well as fantastic restaurants and bars. Or you can simply jump on a tram to explore further afield.
Nearby Richmond bursts at the seams with casual eateries and sports-mad pubs to enjoy during your stay.
Go to the Visit Victoria website for the best accommodation offerings.
Extending your trip - What's on in Melbourne
Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park
Holden State of Origin II ticketholders have access to an exclusive discount on Melbourne Storm fixtures at AAMI Park.
So why wait until Wednesday night to get your rugby league fix, with the Storm taking on the Parramatta Eels on Monday night, June 15 at AAMI Park. As a purchaser of a Holden State of Origin ticket, you can upgrade from just $10 to see the Storm take on the Eels.
To purchase tickets, click here and enter the code: 15MSEELS
If you're staying on in Melbourne post Origin be there to see the Storm on Sunday afternoon, June 21 in a similar State v State clash against the Brisbane Broncos. As a purchaser of a Holden State of Origin ticket, you can upgrade to see the Storm play the Broncos from just $20.
For tickets, click here and enter code: 15MSBRONCOS
Other Events and Activities:
National Sports Museum at the MCG
Attending the match is not your only opportunity to visit the MCG and everything the stadium has to offer.
If you're spending a few days in Melbourne take a guided MCG tour and go behind the scenes of one of the world's most iconic stadiums, and discover Australia's largest collection of memorabilia across a range of sports inside the National Sports Museum.
For a limited time only, the National Sports Museum is celebrating 100 years of ANZAC by displaying Rallying the Spirits, an exhibition exploring sport on the home front in World War I – don't miss it!
For bookings and further information, phone (03) 9657 8879 or click here to visit the website.
Strictly Ballroom The Musical
The deals don't stop there with a special price to Strictly Ballroom the Musical, Australia's dazzling new, feel-good musical, directed by Baz Luhrmann, available to Holden State of Origin II ticket holders.
A Reserve tickets are available from just $79.90 - that's a saving of more than $50 per ticket! Valid on selected performances only and subject to availability, click here to book tickets. Booking fees may apply.
Anything Goes!
Save a huge $40* on selected performances of the brand-new production of Cole Porter's de-lightful and de-lovely musical, Anything Goes, starring Caroline O'Connor and Todd McKenney.
This dazzling musical celebration presented by Opera Australia and John Frost AM, features a hilarious tale of topsy-turvy relationships, mistaken identities and foiled plots, peppered with some of musical theatre's most memorable standards including You're the Top, I Get a Kick Out of You and, of course, the title song, Anything Goes.
To take advantage of this offer click here
*Savings off full price A Reserve tickets on for Tuesday 16th June 1pm and Wednesday 17th June 1pm performances. Processing fees apply. Subject to availability.
WW1 Exhibition at the Melbourne Museum
Direct from London for the first time in history, and only in Melbourne, is the Imperial War Museum's World War Centenary Exhibition, featuring over 350 precious artefacts, film and artworks combined with interactive digital technology for all ages.
For more information and to purchase tickets click here and use password ORIGIN to access your discount.
Want to know what else is on? Our friends at Tourism Victoria have put together an itinerary for all things to do in Melbourne during your stay.
To plan your adventures go to visitvictoria.com
Fan activity - Celebrate Origin in Melbourne
Show some support for your team at the Holden State of Origin fan zone at St Paul's Court, Federation Square from Friday 12 June to Sunday 14 June, 11am- 3pm each day.
The Queensland XXXX Maroons playing squad will make a special appearance on Friday June 12 from 12.00pm-1.00pm.
There will be Interactive games and activities for kids, families and fans including physical tests to match against players, photo opportunities, Melbourne Storm / VRL information and much much more!
QLD Supporters – Be Maroon Melbourne Tour
Queensland Rugby League would like to extend an exclusive invitation to attend the 'Be Maroon' Melbourne Tour on June 17 with an exciting pre-game function package available for only $250* per person.
The package includes:
• Exclusive Maroons Pre-Game Function Access from 4pm to 7pm
• Premium 3 hour beverage package including a selection of boutique beers and cider, sparkling and wines, premium spirits and soft drinks
• Hot and Cold Canapés served throughout the Function
• Origin Legends including Brent Tate will be in attendance throughout the evening
*Flights and transfers not included
Numbers are strictly limited for these exclusive packages, book now to avoid disappointment by downloading the booking form and e-mail once completed to tickets@qrl.com.au or fax to 07 33673464.
Download the booking form here.
Holden State of Origin II Game day
Origin Day in Melbourne is finally here! Explore all the fantastic restaurants and bars that Melbourne has to offer before the game. For recommendations go to Visit Victoria
With the MCG located only a short walk from the CBD, put on your Blue or Maroon, show your true colours, and make the trip on foot via Federation Square and along the Yarra River to the MCG from 6:30pm.
The State of Origin Game II pre-game entertainment will start just after 7.30pm with a lights out show!
The MCG precinct will be full of food, beverage options and fun activities for you to get involved with!
Social Media
Join the conversation with the official #Origin hastag
If you are a NSW VB Blues fan, support your team using #UpTheBlues and don't forget to follow and like:
Twitter @NSWRL
Instagram @NSWRL1908
For those north of the boarder get behind the XXXX Maroons using #QLDER, follow and like:
Twitter @QLDmaroons
Instagram @QLDmaroons
If you'd like to know what the NRL are saying and for any event updates:
