
Manuka Oval
Canberra's beloved Manuka Oval, a premier venue for cricket and AFL, offering an intimate atmosphere and great views for all sports fans.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for BBL games

Manuka Oval
Best Time
Perfect for BBL games

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Canberra's beloved Manuka Oval, a premier venue for cricket and AFL, offering an intimate atmosphere and great views for all sports fans.
"A strong recommendation from me. Enjoy I know you will."

🎯 Avoid West-Facing Seats
For daytime matches, seats facing west can get very sunny. Consider this when booking to avoid sunburn.
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular Big Bash League games, especially around holidays, sell out. Book ahead to guarantee your spot.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cricket Matches
Manuka Oval
Experience the thrill of cricket, from Big Bash League excitement to international fixtures, in an intimate setting.
AFL & AFLW Games
Manuka Oval
Cheer on your favorite teams in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for both seasoned fans and newcomers.
Intimate Venue Atmosphere
Manuka Oval
Enjoy a close-up sporting experience with great views and a lively crowd, distinct from larger stadiums.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Big Games
Consider Your Seat for Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid West-Facing Seats
For daytime matches, seats facing west can get very sunny. Consider this when booking to avoid sunburn.
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular Big Bash League games, especially around holidays, sell out. Book ahead to guarantee your spot.
🚗 Easy Free Parking
Free parking is often available nearby, making getting to and from the venue convenient.
🍔 Diverse Food Options
Enjoy a range of food from inside the ground and nearby restaurants/pubs. Donut balls are a hit!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid West-Facing Seats
For daytime matches, seats facing west can get very sunny. Consider this when booking to avoid sunburn.
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular Big Bash League games, especially around holidays, sell out. Book ahead to guarantee your spot.
🚗 Easy Free Parking
Free parking is often available nearby, making getting to and from the venue convenient.
🍔 Diverse Food Options
Enjoy a range of food from inside the ground and nearby restaurants/pubs. Donut balls are a hit!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manuka Oval is praised as a top-tier suburban sporting venue, particularly for cricket and AFL, offering a great atmosphere and good food options. While some find parking and food prices high, the intimate setting and excellent views are consistently highlighted as major positives, making it a beloved spot for sports fans.
"Top suburban style cricket and AFL ground. Good food options. Close to neighborhood restaurants and pubs. Was a beautiful winters day when we were there. Easy free parking nearby. The food options looked good inside the ground. We enjoyed the fresh cooked donut balls"
Tim H
"Great venue for AFL, AFLW and cricket. Awesome atmosphere."
Brendan Lambourne
"Parking and food prices are a joke. Stadium is a great set up for watching sport."
Matt Hayes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manuka Oval is accessible by car, with free parking often available nearby. Public transport options, including buses, also serve the area. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, free parking is generally available in the vicinity of Manuka Oval, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Depending on your accommodation, Manuka Oval is within walking distance for many in the inner south suburbs of Canberra. It's a pleasant walk through the parklands.
For BBL matches, consider public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. Buses are a popular option.
Manuka Oval is generally well-equipped for accessibility. Contact the venue directly for specific information regarding accessible parking and seating.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at Manuka Oval, including cricket and AFL matches, are typically available through official ticketing websites and at the venue on game day, though booking in advance is advised for popular events.
Yes, Manuka Oval offers various seating options, from general admission to reserved seating in stands like the Bradman Stand. Booking ahead ensures better seat selection.
Opening hours for Manuka Oval vary depending on scheduled events. Gates typically open 1-2 hours before the start of a match. Check the specific event details for exact times.
Food and drink policies can vary by event. Generally, some food items are permitted, but it's best to check the specific event's conditions of entry. There are also good food options available for purchase inside.
Manuka Oval has a capacity of approximately 13,000 spectators, making it an intimate venue for sporting events.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere at Manuka Oval for cricket, especially Big Bash League games, is lively and engaging, often enhanced by music and food vans, offering a great fan experience.
Yes, Manuka Oval offers a good selection of food options, including popular items like fresh donut balls, and is also close to neighborhood restaurants and pubs.
While there are few bad seats, consider avoiding those directly facing west to prevent sun glare. Seats in the Bradman Stand are often recommended.
Yes, the venue is set up so you can often watch players warming up in the nets without needing to enter the main oval area.
Manuka Oval is a great venue for families, offering an intimate atmosphere and good views of the action, making it enjoyable for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography
For great photos, try capturing the action from the stands, focusing on the players and the crowd's energy. The surrounding parklands also offer scenic backdrops.
Photography policies can vary by event. Generally, personal cameras with lenses that do not exceed a certain length are permitted. Check the specific event's guidelines.
Capture wide shots of the stadium filled with fans, close-ups of players in action, and candid moments of the crowd enjoying the game. The unique architecture of the stadium can also be a good subject.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at sporting venues like Manuka Oval due to safety and security regulations. Always check venue rules before flying any aerial devices.
Golden hour, just before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the stadium. During matches, the stadium lights create a dramatic atmosphere for night photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include arriving a little early to get settled and explore the food options. Consider bringing hats and sunscreen for daytime games, as some seating areas can be exposed to the sun. The availability of nearby parking also makes it easier to manage with young children.
🏏 Cricket Enthusiasts
Pro-tip: For the best experience, try to secure seats that offer a good view of the entire ground. While there are no truly 'bad' seats, being aware of the sun's position during day games can enhance comfort. The chance to see players warming up in the nets is also a unique perk for dedicated fans.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Manuka Oval: A Sporting Hub
Beyond its primary sporting functions, Manuka Oval has also hosted other significant events, showcasing its versatility. Its location within the picturesque Manuka Park precinct adds to its appeal, offering a pleasant environment for attendees. The Manuka Stadium capacity is around 13,000, contributing to its cozy yet vibrant feel during major events.
The venue has undergone several upgrades over the years to enhance spectator experience and meet international standards for various sports. These improvements ensure that Manuka Oval remains a top-tier destination for sports enthusiasts in the region.
Experiencing a Match Day at Manuka Oval
When it comes to food and drink, Manuka Oval offers a good range of options. While some reviews mention that prices can be a point of contention, the quality and variety, including popular items like fresh donut balls, are generally well-received. The proximity to local restaurants and pubs in the Manuka area also provides excellent alternatives for pre- or post-game dining.
For those planning their visit, booking tickets in advance is a crucial tip, especially for high-profile events like Big Bash League matches, which can sell out quickly. Considering seating arrangements, particularly for daytime games, is also advised to avoid direct sun exposure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit