Where to Go This AFL Grand Final Weekend: Republica St Kilda Beach
The AFL Grand Final is one of Melbourne’s biggest weekends of the year, bringing together footy fans, families, and foodies for three days of non-stop energy. With the AFL Grand Final Parade kicking things off on the Friday public holiday, locals and visitors alike are asking the same thing: what’s opening Grand Final Public Holiday and where should we go?
The answer is simple: Republica St Kilda Beach.
Just a tram ride from the MCG, Republica is Melbourne’s iconic beachside venue where you can move seamlessly from breakfast and brunch into afternoon drinks, live music, and late-night celebrations. Whether you’re looking for pre-game fuel, post-match parties, or a relaxed recovery session, Republica has you covered across the entire AFL Grand Final long weekend.
The AFL Grand Final: Start With Brunch & Breakfast by the Beach
Kick off the Grand Final day celebrations with boozy brekky at the beach.
At Republica, mornings are made for laid-back vibes and good food. From 8:30am – 11:30am, the breakfast menu serves up hearty classics, lighter bites, and yes – even a cheeky brekkie cocktail to get the celebrations flowing. It’s the perfect mix of casual, family-friendly, and dog-friendly, so everyone’s welcome.
But it doesn’t stop at breakfast. Republica is home to The Brunch Set, where DJs spin tunes to set the mood for your weekend. Imagine sipping a spritz or flat white while the music plays and the ocean breeze drifts across the sand.
AFL Grand Final Day in Melbourne: Pre-Game, Post-Game & All the Action
When Grand Final Saturday arrives, the whole city is buzzing. Pubs and bars overflow, but savvy locals know the best place to settle in is by the beach at Republica.
Start your day with pre-game brunch or breakfast to fuel up before heading to the ‘G. Can’t get to the match? No problem – Republica’s courtyard is showing all the AFL Grand Final action live on the big screens, so you won’t miss a moment. The atmosphere is electric, with footy fans spilling into the courtyard, drinks in hand, ready to cheer.
As the siren blows, the energy only ramps up. Whether you come pre-game, post-game, or stay all day, Republica transforms into a Grand Final afterparty hotspot, complete with:
Happy Hour from 12pm – 2pm to kick things off.
Courtyard Packages for groups of 8–12 with pizzas, fried chicken, sides, and reserved seating.
Live music after the final siren, bringing beachside festival energy to St Kilda.
There are limited walk-ins available, but with demand at an all-time high for Grand Final Day in Melbourne, it’s best to arrive early to secure your spot – or book ahead to guarantee your crew a table in the action.
If you’ve been searching where to go after the Grand Final in Melbourne, Republica is the answer.
Post-Game: Where St Kilda Comes Alive
When the siren sounds, St Kilda transforms into Melbourne’s ultimate Grand Final afterparty precinct.
Republica St Kilda → The courtyard comes alive with live music all night long. From bands to acoustic sets, Republica keeps the beachfront buzzing well past sunset. It’s the laid-back, open-air celebration where you can sing, dance, and toast to the biggest game of the year.
Captain Baxter → Just upstairs, the vibe shifts into DJ-driven energy. Think cocktails, seaside views, and DJs spinning all night long — perfect for those who want to party hard after the final siren.
Together, Republica and Captain Baxter make St Kilda the undisputed home of the AFL Grand Final afterparty.
Grand Final Sunday: Recovery Mode at Republica
After two huge days of footy and festivities, Grand Final Sunday is all about recovery — and once again, Republica has you covered.
The day begins with another round of breakfast by the beach from 8:30am, followed by The Brunch Set DJs, who keep the mood light and lively while you relax with friends. Swap your beer from Saturday for a Bloody Mary or mimosa and settle into a slower pace.
From 3pm – 6pm, the courtyard fills once again with live music, offering the perfect soundtrack to wind down the long weekend. Pair it with casual eats, pizzas, or spritzes and you’ve got the ultimate recovery session.
It’s not just a brunch – it’s an experience that makes Republica the go-to spot for Grand Final Sunday recovery in Melbourne.
Your Republica Grand Final Weekend Game Plan
Here’s how to make the most of the AFL Grand Final long weekend at Republica St Kilda Beach:
Friday – Grand Final Public Holiday: After the parade, head to Republica for beachfront breakfast, The Brunch Set DJs, spritzes, and pizzas.
Saturday – AFL Grand Final Day: Come pre-game for brunch, catch all the action live in the courtyard, or arrive post-game for live music and the afterparty. Limited walk-ins are available, but arrive early to secure your spot.
Sunday – Recovery: Ease into the day with breakfast and brunch cocktails, then spend the afternoon soaking up live music by the beach.
