Optus Stadium is all about access. This 90-minute guided tour is one of the easiest ways to see Perth’s newest big-league venue up close, plus get those big views that you do not normally get as a spectator. Expect behind-the-scenes stops and a high-point look from the Sky View Lounge.

I especially like the change-room access and the chance to walk through the spaces that shape match day. I also like the payoff views, with the playing surface and the Swan River and Perth city spread out from the stadium’s top vantage area.

One drawback to plan around: tours do not operate on event days or public holidays. If you are visiting during a big match weekend, you may need a backup day.

Key things you will notice on this tour

• Change-room and coaches-room access that takes you into the inner flow of match day
• Sky View Lounge viewpoints over Perth city plus the Swan River area
• Photo-friendly angles around the stadium, especially from higher spots
• A guided walk that is paced for real viewing, not a rush through the hallways
• A collectible lanyard and small extras that make it feel like more than a quick look
• City View cafe nearby for coffee before or after, if you want to linger

Finding Optus Stadium in Burswood and getting there smoothly

Optus Stadium sits in Burswood, about a 10 to 15 minute drive from Perth CBD. That matters because this tour is short, 90 minutes, so you want transportation that does not eat your whole day.

The easiest options tend to be:

• Taxi: there is a dedicated taxi rank beside Victoria Park Drive.
• Train: Stadium Station runs on weekends only, and services on the Armadale Line stop there.
• Bus: the Hop-On Hop-Off stops daily in Marlee Loop, and there is a dedicated bus-drop off area for large groups in P1 Marlee Loop.
• Car: parking is available in the Marlee Loop carpark (via Victoria Park Drive) and also in Bus Station and Camfield car parks (via Roger Mackay Drive), but only on non major event days.
• Cycle or walk: public access paths connect around the stadium park, and there are over 600 bike racks.

If you are staying in Perth CBD, I would plan your trip like this: allow extra buffer to get from where you are staying to Burswood, then treat the tour start time as the anchor. Optus Stadium is close enough that you can still have time for a coffee nearby, but you do not want a late arrival to compress your experience.

Check in at The OZONE under City View Cafe, past Gate D

Your meeting spot is The OZONE, located below the City View Cafe, past Gate D. Look for the teardrop flags outside.

This is one of those tours where arriving a little early pays off. You check in at least 10 minutes prior to your start time, then you join your guide for the walk around the stadium.

A few practical tips that help:

• Bring an ID card. A copy is accepted.
• Wear shoes you can comfortably walk in. Even if the tour is not a hike, you will move around the stadium concourses.
• If you want coffee, City View cafe is open 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, so you can time it before or after.

Guides tend to set the tone quickly. Names like Bruce, Rocco, Keith, Chris, Christine, Lyndsey, and Bob show up in the guide lineup, and the common thread is that the tour works best when you ask questions and take your time with photos.

The 90-minute tour flow: a guided walk that actually makes sense

The whole experience runs about 90 minutes and is built around a steady rhythm: walk, stop, look, then step into the spaces behind the scenes.

You start with an orientation around the state-of-the-art stadium, then your guide takes you toward the best viewing points. This is not just “look over there.” It is explained as you go, so you understand what you are seeing, and why those match-day areas exist.

A nice feature of the format is pacing. People consistently rate this tour highly for not rushing. You get time to look, time to stand for photos, and time to absorb the details on how the stadium is set up.

One caution: if the stadium is in the middle of post-event cleaning, you might notice some noise outside food areas during the tour window. If you are sensitive to sound, consider bringing small ear protection, or be ready to lean in when your guide speaks.

Sky View Lounge views: Swan River and city angles you cannot fake

The highest vantage point is a major reason to book. From the stadium’s elevated perspective, you get views of:

• the playing surface
• the Swan River
• Perth city

The Sky View Lounge is part of this “top of the stadium” moment. It is the kind of stop that makes the tour feel special because you are looking at the whole venue in one sweep, not just street-level architecture.

If you like photography, this is where you will want to slow down. Here is how to make it work:

• Bring your camera ready, because the angle and lighting change as the group moves.
• Take a wide shot first, then do a second pass for details like field layout and surrounding skyline.
• If it is a bright day, watch for glare and adjust your stance rather than trying to fix everything in the photo.

Even if you are not a sports superfan, these city-and-river views are worth the ticket. They are the “wow” moment that turns a stadium tour into a Perth sightseeing stop.

Inside the inner sanctum: change rooms, lockers, and coaches spaces

This is the core payoff. You get access to behind-the-scenes match spaces that regular fans do not see.

Expect stops that include:

• change-room and player areas
• locker room access
• coaches’ room access

Think of these rooms as the stadium’s backstage engine. When you stand in them, you can picture what happens before a kick-off, how teams move through the day, and how the venue supports both performance and media needs.

One reason people love this part is the contrast. The stadium can look sleek and modern from outside, but inside you feel the real rhythm: where players gear up, where coaches plan, and how the stadium functions as a living sports machine.

If you are travelling with kids or family, this section is also the easiest to explain. It is visually interesting and gives “real inside access” without turning the tour into a long lecture.

The stadium tour stops that go beyond photos

Sports lovers usually go for the rooms, but the tour adds extra value with context. Along the walk, you see sports memorabilia related to WA’s sporting legacy, which helps you connect the stadium to the broader local scene.

You also get plenty of photo opportunities around the stadium. The best strategy is to treat photos as a reward after each explanation, not as a distraction during it. Your guide will point out details worth catching, and you will get more out of the experience if you pause before snapping.

One detail to keep expectations realistic: the stadium environment around public food outlets is not always spotless in every corner. If you are picky about cleanliness, you might notice a few less-polished areas outside some food outlets during maintenance or event turnover periods. It does not ruin the tour, but it is worth knowing if you are photographing for a long time.

Price and value: $24 for 90 minutes in a real stadium setting

At $24 per person for about 90 minutes, this is strong value if you care about stadiums, footy culture, or even just modern architecture with a purpose.

Why it feels like good value:

• You are not paying for a bus ride and a quick photo. You get guided access to areas like change rooms and coaches’ spaces.
• You get elevated views from the stadium’s best vantage point, including city and river.
• The tour includes small extras like a collectible lanyard, plus a guide who keeps the walk moving with explanation.

If you compare it to many “attraction tickets” in Perth, this one is easy to justify. You are paying for time inside a major venue, with a guide leading you to the parts that make the ticket feel different.

My rule of thumb: if you like sports enough to ask questions, you will feel your money go further here. Even if you do not follow the teams closely, the stadium access and views are still the main event.

Who this tour suits best, and how to get the most from it

This tour fits best if you fall into any of these buckets:

• You are a Footy or Cricket lover and want to see how a modern stadium runs.
• You want a family-friendly outing that is not just sitting around.
• You like city views and want a clear reason to go to Burswood.
• You want an activity where the guide can tailor pacing when people need extra time.

One thing that comes through in the experience is that it is workable for different needs. It is wheelchair accessible, and you have wheelchair and pram access throughout the tour. Also, the pace is often described as not too rushed, with breaks built into the stops.

If you are using the tour as your main stadium “sightseeing,” build in time to arrive early and grab coffee from City View cafe either before or after. A cafe stop makes the whole outing feel like a half-morning experience, not a quick-and-out.

If you are hoping for the strongest team-specific photo moments, consider going with the understanding that the tour routes through multiple areas. The emphasis is on access and stadium operations rather than spending a long stretch inside any one team section.

Practical tips for smoother photos and fewer surprises

A few small things make a big difference with this kind of tour:

• Bring your camera. You will have photo opportunities all around the stadium, especially near the elevated viewing points.
• Check your weather plan. If it is rainy, ask your guide where you can expect more indoor time. The tour includes pram and wheelchair routes, but conditions can change where you stand.
• Be ready for group logistics. You are walking as a group, so keep your camera strap secure and your water handy if you tend to get thirsty.
• Have your ID ready. A copy is accepted, but do not wait until check-in time to find it.

If you want a more relaxed vibe, arrive early enough to settle at the meeting point and take a minute to orient yourself. Finding The OZONE under City View Cafe is easy once you know the location, but the first-time “where exactly is Gate D” moment can cost you if you show up late.

Should you book the Optus Stadium Guided Tour?

If your goal is to see Perth’s newest stadium up close, get change-room access, and enjoy Sky View Lounge views of Perth city and the Swan River, then yes, I think this tour is an easy decision.

Book it if:

• you want more than a quick exterior look
• you want behind-the-scenes access in a major venue
• you like a guided route with time for photos

Skip or reschedule if:

• you are travelling during a period when the stadium hosts an event, because tours do not run on event days or public holidays
• you prefer purely outdoors activities, since a portion of the value is in the indoor access areas

FAQ

How long is the Optus Stadium guided tour?

The tour runs for 90 minutes.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $24 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at The OZONE, located below City View Cafe, past Gate D. Look for the teardrop flags out front.

What should I bring with me?

Bring an ID card. A copy is accepted.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and there is wheelchair and pram access throughout the tour.

Do the tours run on public holidays or event days?

No. Tours will not operate on event days or public holidays.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

How can I get there by train?

On weekends only, trains on the Armadale Line stop at Stadium Station.

Is parking available, and where?

Parking is available within the Marlee Loop carpark (via Victoria Park Drive) and also in the Bus Station and Camfield car parks (via Roger Mackay Drive), but parking is only available on non major event days.

Is Sky View Lounge included in the tour?

Yes. You’ll get magnificent views from the stadium’s Sky View Lounge as part of the experience.