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City of Bunbury

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4 Stephen Street, Bunbury, WA, 6230

08 9792 7000

info@bunbury.wa.gov.au

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AFL in Bunbury

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In case you haven’t heard, North Melbourne Football Club is bringing an AFL home game to Bunbury every year for the next three years.

This is massive for Bunbury, our community and local businesses, with the match being the very first for premiership points outside of Perth, ever!

It also means, the State Government has committed another $5.7 million in upgrades to our newly developed Hands Memorial Oval precinct. This is on top of the $19.5 million already spent on this impressive community asset.

The three-year deal will see West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers play an ‘away’ game against the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Hands Oval, on a rotational basis.

The Roos will take on West Coast for the first match in Bunbury on Sunday, 8 June.

Bunbury got a little taste of what's to come at an AAMI Community Series Match at Hands Memorial Oval on 1 March 2025. More than 7000 people watched the Roos take on the Eagles in a thrilling pre-season match.

The exciting event was a resounding success, while also allowing the City to see what worked and what improvements can be made for the 'real deal' in June.

North Melbourne will host one match at Hands Oval and Optus Stadium each season, with West Coast and Fremantle alternating between the venues over the three years.

Hands Oval has previously hosted three pre-season matches, a West Coast-Adelaide clash in 1991 and Fremantle games against Carlton in 2009 and the Western Bulldogs in 2011.

To find out more about the Hands Oval redevelopment visit the project page below.


2025 Matches at Hands Memorial Oval Stadium

To find out more about the AFL games scheduled at Hands Oval this year, visit the event pages below.

Please note, there is limited cover at the venue. We strongly encourage eventgoers to wear protective clothing to stay weather-safe on the day.


Parking and Transport

There will be a number of parking and transport options across Bunbury to help eventgoers get to and from the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Round 13 at Hands Memorial Oval on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

Parking

Public parking will be available at Hay Park and South Bunbury Primary School as a school fundraiser. Coordinated by the South West Football League, a bus service will be available from Hay Park.

Please refer to the FAQs below for details.

Shuttle Buses

Please refer to the FAQs below for details.

We encourage residents and visitors to the Bunbury Geographe region to check local bus timetables via the Transregional website for bus routes, times and planning your journey (normal fees will apply).

We ask you to plan your journey wisely. Please travel safe, look out for each other, and never drink and drive. Arrange a designated driver or use public transport to ensure everyone in our community arrives home safely following this amazing event.


Road Closures

To help keep our community safe, there will be several road closures in place in the area surrounding Hands Memorial Oval for the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Round 13 on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

Please refer to the FAQs below for details. Traffic Management will be in place and while all efforts will be made to minimise disruptions, there may be some delays in the area.

We ask you to plan your journey wisely. Please travel safe and look out for each other. We thank our community for their patience and understanding as we celebrate this incredible event in Bunbury together.


Communication Board

Communication takes many forms, including words, signs, sounds, gestures, and pictures/symbols.

Using this communication board, members of our community can interact with an alternative form of communication.


FAQ

  • Yes, there will be seating available. The city has brought in an additional 4322 seats in temporary grandstands on a first-come, first-served basis around the oval. We encourage you to arrive early if you would like to secure a seat. Additionally, there will be other seating on the southern hill and terracing for family friendly areas. Picnic rugs and cushions will be allowed into the venue, but no fold out chairs.

    The new developed JE Hands Memorial Stadium seats another 750 patrons which will be allocated for the AFL and teams. Accessible seating will be available to ticket holders who have registered ACROD at the time of purchasing their ticket. Please see accessible FAQ for more information.

  • Yes, mobility aids like walkers are permitted. However, please note that folding chairs or stools are not allowed inside the venue. For more details on permitted items, refer to the Venue Entry Conditions.

     

  • Absolutely! We encourage patrons to bring picnic rugs or cushions for comfort. Please note that space is limited so please be courteous of patrons around you.

  • The current allocation of General Admission tickets for the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership game on Sunday 8 June has been exhausted.

    There are no ticket holds at this stage. We are working with the NMFC to finalise ticketing and anticipate a possible third ticket allocation becoming available next week (subject to confirmation). Keep an eye on this page and Ticketmaster for updates.

    This is a fully ticketed event – there will be no General Admission member scanning at the gate on match day. All attendees must hold a valid ticket.

    If you are looking to resell your ticket or purchase a resale ticket, please refer to Ticketmaster’s official resale policy and platform.

  • No, tickets are available to the general public via Ticketmaster, and no priority is given based on location.

    However, Bunbury is proud to be hosting a free community event alongside the game – the Battle for Bunbury, part of the Bunbury Big Weekender! Join us in the CBD at Bicentennial Square for an overflow live screening of the match, regional footy activations, markets, food trucks, prizes, and maybe even a few tickets to give away on the morning of the game. Plus, look for activations at Koolambidi Woola Youth Precinct.

    For full details, visit our Bunbury Big Weekender page.

  • Tickets are being sold as general admission standing at $30.00 per ticket.

    Tickets can be accessed from Ticketmaster but are currently sold out. Please keep your eye on our website in case a third allocation may get released

  • If you’re seeking resale tickets or can no longer attend the event and wish to resell your ticket/s, please check the Ticketmaster conditions of sale.

  • Public parking will be available at Hay Park and South Bunbury Primary School as a school fundraiser. Coordinated by the South West Football League, a bus service will be available from Hay Park. Please refer to the FAQs below for details.

    Both locations are $15 per vehicle and all proceeds go straight back to the clubs.

    The Bunbury CBD is offering free parking all day and will feature fun activations from 9am, including:
    • Local markets
    • Food trucks
    • Footy activations
    • Mini-games and prizes
    • Giveaways like signed North Melbourne and West Coast Eagles jerseys
    • Plus heaps more family-friendly fun!

    First shuttle departs CBD at 11am. Come early, enjoy the festivities, and then head to the game!

    Free shuttle buses are also available from Busselton and Eaton, with parking available at those pickup locations.

    We encourage you to support our local clubs and make the most of the full game-day experience!

  • Yes! We’ll be running free shuttle buses from the following locations:

    • Busselton (Albert Street Bus Stop #95234 – across from Hally’s Bar)
    • Eaton (Route 896 Eaton Foreshore – Pratt Road near Old Cost Road – opposite Eaton Cricket Club)
    • Bunbury Bus Station(Stand 2)
    • Hay Park (event parking location)

    Buses will run approximately every 5 minutes to Hands Memorial Oval. Please check out the TransPerth plan your journey page for more information: AFL RD 13: West Coast Eagles v North Melbourne

    Tip: If you’re parking in the CBD, make the most of the morning activities before catching the shuttle, including markets, food trucks, giveaways, and footy activations starting from 9am!

  • Bunbury Bus Station (Stand 2)

    Services will depart every 5 minutes from 11.35am until 12.30pm, then at 12.40pm, 12.50pm and 1.00pm.  Please see City Centre parking details and locations here, including free and paid options.

    Hay Park (Route 898 Ashes Road, near Olympic Lane (100m walk from event parking area)

    Services will depart every 5 minutes from 11.40am until 1.05pm.

    Busselton (Albert Street Bus Stop #95234 – across from Hally’s Bar)

    Buses will depart at 11.45am, followed by 12:00pm and 12.15pm.

    Eaton (Route 896 Eaton Foreshore – Pratt Road near Old Cost Road – opposite Eaton Cricket Club)

    Services will depart every 5 minutes from 11.35am until 1.00pm.

    Post-match, return services will depart from Blair Street after Mitchell Crescent (Stop 72079) for Eaton, Hay Park, and Bunbury Bus Station, operating frequently until approximately 4:35 PM to 4:40 PM.

    For Busselton, return buses will depart from Clarke Street before Mary Street at 3:55 PM, 4:05 PM, and 4:20 PM.

    For more information on the free shuttle buses, please see TransPerth page, AFL RD 13: West Coast Eagles v North Melbourne

  • Out of respect for the South Bunbury residents living in proximity to the ground, we ask that event attendees do not park on the neighbouring streets unless you have permission from the property owner. We strongly encourage patrons to utilise the designated event parking areas at Hay Park and South Bunbury Primary School, which are managed by the South West Football League. These locations offer parking for $10 per vehicle, with proceeds supporting local football clubs. For more information on parking and shuttle services, please visit the City of Bunbury’s official website.

  • To ensure the safety of players, patrons, and the local community during the AFL match at Hands Memorial Oval on Sunday, 8 June, a number of road closures and traffic management measures will be in place from 10:00am to 5:30pm:

    • Blair Street (between Forrest Park and Mangles Street): Single lane closures in both northbound and southbound directions
    • Halsey Street: Closed between Blair Street and Spencer Street
    • Clark Street: Closed between Blair Street and Spencer Street
    • Spencer Street: Closed between Halsey Street and Constitution Street
    • Temporary pedestrian crossing holds will be in place on Blair Street throughout the day to manage foot traffic

    Traffic management will also be active at Hay Park to support the flow of vehicles using these temporary parking areas for the event.

    Please follow all signage and directions from traffic controllers on the day. We recommend arriving early and using the designated parking areas and shuttle services where possible.

  • Yes, residents living near Hands Memorial Oval will retain access to their properties during the AFL match on Sunday, 8 June. While certain roads adjacent to the oval may experience temporary closures to ensure the safety of attendees, provisions will be in place to allow local residents to enter and exit their properties. Traffic management personnel will be stationed at key points to assist and guide residents as needed. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this major event.

  • Yes. There will be a wide variety of food and beverage options available at Hands Oval on game day.

    A total of 22 food vendors will be positioned around the oval, offering a diverse range of food options to suit all tastes. In addition, the main kiosk will be operated by the South Bunbury Football Club, with all profits supporting the club.

    Tourism WA will also host a dedicated Food and Wine Showcase marquee, highlighting some of the South West’s best culinary experiences. Visitors can enjoy tastings of local wine, gin, and other regional produce.

    Bars and cool drink stations throughout the venue will be managed by the South West Football League, with all proceeds going back to support their local clubs.

    A free water refill station will also be available on site to help attendees stay hydrated throughout the day.

    We encourage everyone to explore the wide range of options and support our local vendors and clubs.

  • As per the venue’s Conditions of Entry, cooler bags are not permitted inside Hands Oval.

    Sealed, non-alcoholic drinks may be brought into the venue, however, outside food is not allowed. A wide range of food and beverage options will be available on site, including 22 food vendors, a food and wine marquee, and club-run kiosks and bars.

  • No, the entire Hands Oval Memorial Precinct is a smoke and vape free area.

  • Yes, the AFL Round 13 match between the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne at Hands Oval on Sunday, 8 June 2025, will be broadcast live.

    You can watch the game on Channel 7 (WA only), Fox Footy, or stream it on Kayo Sports. The game will also be available via the AFL app and website for streaming.

    If you’re in Bunbury but don’t have tickets, you can still enjoy the action live at our CBD Overflow Live Site as part of the Bunbury Big Weekender. Head to the Graham Bricknell Music Shell to watch the game on the big screen, with markets, food trucks, footy activations, and giveaways happening from 9am.

    For more information about the Bunbury Big Weekender, visit our event page.

    To check local broadcast listings or streaming options, visit the AFL Broadcast Guide.

  • You do not have to print your ticket. You can present your ticket on your mobile device for entry to the AFL game. Mobile tickets are the preferred method of entry, as they offer enhanced security features such as dynamic barcodes that refresh periodically, reducing the risk of duplication or fraud.

    If you prefer a physical copy, you may print your ticket at home, provided the “Print Tickets” option is available in your Ticketmaster account. To do this, sign into your account on the Ticketmaster website, locate your order under the “My Tickets” section, and follow the prompts to print. Please note that printed tickets must be clear and legible to be valid for entry. Visit help.ticketmaster.com.au for more information

    Regardless of the format, ensure you have your ticket ready for scanning upon arrival at the venue.

  • You will not be able to view the game from outside the fence as viewing will be limited due to scrim being installed around the venue. Please make sure to keep an eye out for any more tickets being released. If you are feeling lucky, the City of Bunbury is hosting a Footy Hunt Across the City where you have the opportunity to win tickets to the game. Check out our Bunbury Big Weekender for more information.

  • Yes! We’ll be running free shuttle buses from the following locations:

    • Busselton
    • Eaton
    • Bunbury Bus Station
    • Hay Park (event parking location)

    Buses will run approximately every 5 minutes to and from the stadium to help you get to the game with ease.

    Exact pickup/drop-off locations, parking details, and shuttle timetables will be released soon. Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates.

    Tip: If you’re parking in the CBD, make the most of the morning activities before catching the shuttle, including markets, food trucks, giveaways, and footy activations starting from 9am!

  • Traffic management plans will be in place to ensure safe and smooth access around the venue. Please follow signage and directions from traffic management personnel. Allow extra time to arrive and park due to increased traffic on event day.

  • Yes, this will be a fully accessible event. There will be accessibility seating available both on ground and in the Hands Oval Memeorial Stadium (for those in wheelchairs). ACROD permit holders will have designated local parking at the Bunbury Medical Centre, in close proximity to the ramped accessible entrance at the main Clarke Street gates.

    If you have any further questions or require additional support, please do not hesitate to contact the City of Bunbury at info@bunbury.wa.gov.au.

    The City remains committed to its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2023-2028 to ensure all residents and visitors can fully participate in community events.

  • For the safety of all patrons, prams, strollers, chairs (including folding chairs of all heights) and coolers are not permitted in the venue, as per the Conditions of Entry.

    Mobility walkers that have built-in seats will be allowed.

  • For the safety of all patrons, chairs (including folding chairs of all heights), prams, strollers and coolers are not permitted in the venue, as per the Conditions of Entry.

    Mobility walkers that have built in seats will be allowed.