Public transport guide to NPL Victoria grounds

This guide was originally established under the haughty premise that there was at least a niche audience out there who might want to get out to the various NPL grounds by public transport. 

As of December 2019 I have disowned that notion, and so this is now purely a guide for me. If other South fans find it useful, good luck to them.

All routes start from the city, providing the most general and broadly applicable route. Remember also, that just because you managed to get to a ground via public transport, it doesn't mean that you'll be able to use the same method to get back.

If you're unsure about any information on this page, double check by going to the PTV website, and check for any maintenance works, which usually take place on weekends. 

ALTONA MAGIC - Paisley Park Soccer Complex, Altona North - Issues with frequency and return journeys. I drive here.
This would have been so much easier had Paisley station not been closed over 30 years ago, but it was. Even without that, Altona Magic playing their games on Saturday nights also makes things more irritating than they should be.

Catch the Werribee line to Newport station. From there, catch the 432 bus to Yarraville - don't worry about the name, the bus actually goes through Altona North first - and get off at the corner of Mason and Mills streets. Walk south down Mills Street for about ten minutes until you get to Paisley Park. For the return journey using this option, the options for getting back to Newport on a Saturday night suck - there's an 8:46 and a 9:31, and that's it.

AVONDALE - Reggio Calabria Club, Parkville - OK if you like trams and a little bit of walking
Your best bet is to catch the Upfield line to Royal Park, then change to the route 58 tram towards West Brunswick, getting off at stop 28, then walking west along Park Street for a little bit. You also have the option of just catching the 58 tram directly from the city. I think there's also a bus that goes pretty much straight to the ground from Royal Park station.

DANDENONG CITY - Frank Holohan Soccer Complex, Endeavour Hills. Impossible.
You can't! Don't even try!

DANDENONG THUNDER - George Andrews Reserve, South Dandenong. Excellent door-stop service.
George Andrews Reserve is one of the easiest NPL grounds to get to with public transport, though being out in Dandenong means it will be time consuming, so bring a friend or a book.

Take the Cranbourne/Pakenham line out to Dandenong Station. From there, catch the 901 Smartbus toward Frankston. The bus travels south down Hammond Road, before turning into Kirkham Road. Get off at the Trewin Street stop - if you've gone past the cemetery, you've gone too far.

Being a Smartbus service, the bus runs late at half hour intervals. Dandonong station is staffed by protective services officers.

GREEN GULLY - Green Gully Reserve, Keilor - Doable on a Saturday.
I've never taken public transport to Green Gully Reserve - I've always either been given a lift or driven to the ground myself.

In terms of getting to the ground, the most efficient public transport itinerary seems to be take the Watergardens or Sunbury line out to St Albans Station. From there, catch the 421 Watergardens Station bus, getting off at Green Gully Road and Driscolls Road. Walk north across Green Gully Road into the sporting precinct. There are some other slightly less convenient bus options for getting there - aka more walking - but that's the least of our concerns. Make sure you're able to get a bus back, which should be fine on Saturdays.

HEIDELBERG UNITED - Olympic Village, Heidelberg West - Fine.
Back to playing on a Sunday, this is fine, except for likley having to walk all the around to the Catalina Street entrance. 

Take the Epping Line to Preston Station, and from there catch the 903 Smartbus to Mordialloc, getting off at Northland Shopping Centre. Careful with crossing the road from Preston Station across to the bus stop.

With the bus now stopping at the front of Northland shopping complex, all you have to do is walk east along Murray Road until you reach the ground, though you will probably have to walk around to the main gate at the back of the ground on Catalina Street as the Bergers rarely open the turnstiles on Murray Road - even after the game. The buses run late here, making getting back easy, and Preston station is a staffed station, with protective services officers.
HUME CITY - Broadmeadows Valley Park, Westmeadows - doable, albeit unsatisfactory 
The walk from the station sucks, there's ain't much to see and it's somehow almost all uphill in both directions. Catch the Craigieburn train to Coolaroo Station, walk south down Pascoe Vale Road, turn right at Barry Road, then walk west for a few minutes. Try not to get killed crossing the road at the entrance to the ground.

Coolaroo station does have protective services officers deployed.

MANNINGHAM UNITED - Petty's Reserve, Templestowe. Long trip. Two buses.
Another ground in a public transport desert. Very long trip from the city. Doable, as far as I can tell, but a slog.

MELBOURNE KNIGHTS - Knights Stadium, North Sunshine - No way home on Friday nights
Knights Stadium seems a little difficult to get to with public transport, but according to those who've made the effort, it's not as hard as it once was. But I've never taken public transport here, and it's not something I'd recommend, especially when Knights play their home games on Friday nights.

The route you'd need to use in order for you to get home finishes well before the end of a Friday night match, however. it's probably not worth the bother.

MORELAND CITY - CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner - some walking required
Take the Upfield line up to Gowrie station. Then walk 10-15 minutes along Jukes Road until you get to the ground.

OAKLEIGH CANNONS - Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh - some walking required
Jack Edwards Reserve is among the easier grounds in the NPL to get to and from using public transport. The only inconvenience is that games usually end too close to when the earliest train arrives, so you'll probably end up having a 25 minute wait at the station for the return journey.

To get there, take either of the Pakenham or Cranbourne lines to Huntingdale Station. Walk up Railway Avenue, past the indoor soccer complex, following the path naturally onto Parkside Avenue until you can see the brighter lights (if they're playing a night game, which they usually do).

Huntingdale Station is reasonably well lit, which makes getting back little problem. This station is listed as being one which is staffed by protective services officers.

PORT MELBOURNE - SS Anderson Reserve, Port Melbourne - recommended
Sometimes known by the name JL Murphy Reserve (which I believe is the name for the entire sporting precinct), this is a very convenient option for both Friday and Saturday night games.

Catch the Route 234 bus to Garden City from the corner of La Trobe and Queen Streets (or alternatively, at the Banana Alley vaults), getting off at the corner of Williamstown Road and Beacon Road.

While buses run late here, be aware that buses may sometimes leave a few minutes earlier than timetabled. Also, there can be nonsense alternative stops in the city because of the stupid West Gate Tunnel project.
    SOUTH MELBOURNE - Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park - Full marks
    By far the most convenient of the NPL grounds to get to using public transport. Indeed, in some respects it's even better than catching a car there, at least on days when there's a big turnout, which admittedly doesn't happen very much these days.

    The best way to get to Lakeside is to catch any train to Southern Cross Station, and then from the corner of Spencer and Collins Streets, catch the Route 12 St Kilda tram, getting off at the top of Clarendon Street. Being an inner city tram service, there are no issues with getting back to the city.

    There's also the option of catching the Route 1 tram to South Melbourne Beach from Flinders Street Station, and walking south a couple of blocks down Moray Street or Clarendon Street.

    ST ALBANS - Churchill Reserve, St Albans - Seemingly pretty good.
    For this ground one of our readers has suggested the following. I've only ever driven to this ground in the past, but this seems like a good itinerary, with the 419 bus having good Sunday frequencies.

    It's best to catch a train to St Albans Station on the Watergardens/Sunbury Line. From there catch the 419 Bus towards Watergardens Station getting off at Fox Street. Going left down Fox Street the ground will be visible after a short 2-3 minute walk. 

    9 comments:

    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      ReplyDelete
    2. This reminds me of my many days of playing lower grade cricket.

      As a fun exercise, I decided to rate all the grounds based on the following criteria.

      1. Surface of the outfield
      2. Quality of the wicket itself
      2. Car Park Access
      3. Proximity to our home ground
      4. Viewability for spectators (or when we were batting)
      5. Is a canteen available?
      6. Picturesque surrounds
      7. Chances of losing the ball (ground has no fence/ball gets lost in long grass or hit over fence)

      There were other factors but I cannot think of them off the top of the hat. I gave a vote for each factor that was deemed a pass mark.

      I think MY clubs ground may have won. It only failed on outfield quality.

      I will try and come up with a score for this years grounds. :)

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      1. Sounds good, would be a nice permanent addition to the site.

        Delete
    3. Point number 2 (the first one, Quality of wicket itself) removed, and Point 7 changed to cover from rain

      Bulleen

      1. Plastic (no good)
      2. Car Park access either inside (long time to get out) or outside which is easier
      3. Proximity for most people is good because of freeway west and east (although Eastlink means a fee if you live in far south east)
      4. Excellent because of outer stand and its high elevation yet close to pitch situation
      5. Haven't eaten, but there is also the actual Veneto Club and another canteen behind the outer grand stand (feels like you are on a picnic!)
      6. A picnic feel because ground is adjacent to river. A lovely setting. But the Veneto club building is built right up to the fence for a third of the east side which takes away the aesthetics
      7. Available under outer grandstand only

      Overall rating? An 7 (would be an 8 except for damn plastic surface)

      Port Melbourne
      1. Always appears fine to me
      2. Not bad, but crowds are never big enough to test its limitations
      3. Can be difficult with Friday night games and city traffic. Especially for North Eastern and Eastern suburb supporters.
      4. Crap. No elevated positions
      5. Yes, and not bad
      6. Some nice trees but no Bulleen.
      7. Nearly none for away supporters

      Overall rating? 6 (views are rubbish)

      Heidelberg
      1. Currently ok (I think?)
      2. Northland provides adequate parking
      3. There is no freeway nearby. Other than that, its ok (lots of Greeks in Northern suburbs?)
      4. As I discovered this year, its SHIT for the Western side (where South supoprters congregate) because of unterraced hill. I would rather sit with Heidelberg fans on other side
      5. Very far away (unless they set up souvlaki stands for big games)
      6. Again, some nice trees, but that sad excuse for a running track. Yuck
      7. Plenty in both stands (especially Eastern)
      Only 6 (and thats only because of rivalry/history with Heidelberg)

      Melbourne Knights
      1. I get the feeling its never really good or really bad. Average (right?)
      2. Either inside (can take time to get out) or outside on streets. Never had any major problems (unlike NSL era where I lost a friend for 2 hours (long story)
      3. It is a bit far for many but the Ring Road alleviates that to some extent
      4. Terraced outer means a good view. Plus the grandstand of course if you want to venture into enemy territory
      5. Plenty of exotic Croatian food (although last time I got confused as it appeared they weer only serving big meals. Needs clarification)
      6. No
      7. Plenty, but in Home ground stand

      Give it a 7 (those terraces as a result of NSL legacy are a winner)

      Oakleigh
      1. Generally no good (I think?)
      2. Never had any problems but a newcomer can get lost trying to find a legal spot (like my friend last week!)
      3. Oakleigh is close to the predominant Greek demographic, and Monash is not far either
      4. The grandstand has great atmosphere, but the built it a ground level! What the hell?
      5. Canteen is good
      6. More trees. Nice (considering its a light industrial area)
      7. Some in Grandstand but if tested wouldn't cut the mustard for our crowds

      I give it a 8 (but downgrade to 7 if surface is no good)

      ReplyDelete
    4. I saw this yesterday and dedicated dedicated today's lunch hour to adding more. LOL

      Plenty of gaps especially as to Quality of surface. My canteen ratings are also vague. You could add your input. I couldn't do Avondale, Dand City, nor Altona Magic as I have not been there. Perhaps I can finalise this some time next season.

      Green Gully
      1.
      2. Not bad. Very close to ground, but might get caught at lights with a big crowd.
      3. A long trip for many people. But Freeway from both South and East assists.
      4. Not great. Behind goals blocked. Outer area is elevated but no terracing. Western side is strange. Getting the best view depends on where other’s stand, as well as the obtrusive poles and low elevation.
      5. Yes, and I have been satisfied thus far (Kranski)
      6. Hmmm
      7. Very limited!!
      A 6
      Bentleigh
      1.
      2. Good enough but again, a big crowd can have you waiting at lights upon departure
      3. A long trip for many people with NO freeway to speed things along
      4. Can stand anywhere, but not much elevation and outer grandstand has poles!
      5. Yes, but apparently overrated souvlakia! LOL I have found them at the very least reasonable
      6. Nice trees behind the goals but situated near some ugly large wholesalers (or is it retailers?)
      7. There is some on both sides, which is adeqaute for the crowds in NPL
      A 6
      Kingston
      1.
      2. Not good. Lucky they do not get big crowds
      3. Again a long trip, ESPECIALLY for a Monday night, with no freeway nearby
      4. No good, some elevation on one side
      5. Yes. Only ever ordered whiskies in cold winter!
      6. The UFO is nearby!! A BONUS point
      7. Virtually none
      A 6 (ONLY for UFO!)
      Hume
      1. Always appears excellent
      2. Appears sufficient but always seems to have narrow exists that holds you up
      3. Far away again and freeway not close enough to reduce travel time
      4. A nice grandstand but everything else at ground level
      5. Yes, and indoors as well
      6. Personally, I do not mind can’t remember too much
      7. Only in grandstand but a wind may still drench some people

      A 6

      Northcote
      1. Always appears patchy
      2. Bigger crowds you need to park on street. Not the greatest
      3. One of the more centrally located grounds, but no freeway nearby to reduce travel time.
      4. A great old style grandstand. And some elevated areas around ground with no obstruction. This is set to improve with the new upgrade
      5. I have only ever purchased stuff from the mobile stall near outer entrance.
      6. I enjoy the inner north
      7. The grandstand provides it.
      An 8. My favourite ground

      Pascoe Vale
      1. A minus point for the slope!!
      2. Adequate but need to park on street at times
      3. Again a bit far especially with no freeway and the ground positioned in a cul de sac
      4. Like Hume but Grandstand not as good.
      5. Canteen available and indoors. Don’t recall any special food though
      6. Pretty bland. Just suburbia
      7. Like Hume but perhaps more cover from rain
      A low 6
      Dand Thunder
      1
      2. Very limited!!
      3. A long trip again for many. Although Eastlink (TOLLS!) is nearby
      4. Not good, Their grandstand appears to nearly be ground level!
      5. Yes, but is it covered? Can’t recall quality level
      6. Nothing spectacular
      No
      A low 5

      ReplyDelete
    5. For the Eastern Lions game it is quicker if you take the train to Holmesglen Station on the Glen Waverley Line. From there it is a 10 minute ride on the 903 Smartbus to Altona getting off at the stop Haig St/Warrigal Rd. Then it is a 5 minute walk right down Haig St (be careful crossing Warrigal Rd) and left at Morton Rd, ground will be visble on the right hand side

      ReplyDelete
    6. For the St Albans game its best to catch a train to St Albans Station. From there catch the 419 Bus towards Watergardens Station getting off at the stop Fox Street. Going left down Fox Street the ground will be visible after a short 2-3 minute walk. Getting home on the friday night. There is a bus which runs late on that night as well

      ReplyDelete
    7. In anticipation of the opening of the Metro station at Domain in 3 years, how about a hypothetical? :)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. In 2019 after a game I walked from Lakeside to the Domain interchange, because I was going to the Astor. It felt like a longer walk than I thought it would be.

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