Stay Near Henson Park for GWS Giants v Essendon AFLW

Published 26 September 2026

The 2026 NAB AFLW Season 11 brings an exciting afternoon of women's Australian Rules Football to the Inner West. Fans heading to Henson Park to watch the GWS Giants take on Essendon can look forward to a fantastic day of sporting action.

Choosing the right place to stay makes your weekend trip simple and relaxed. Located in nearby Summer Hill, Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney offers comfortable and practical accommodation, making it an excellent base for your football getaway.

Event details

Event: GWS Giants v Essendon - 2026 NAB AFLW Season 11
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026, 1:05 pm
Venue: Henson Park, 22 Centennial St, Marrickville, NSW, 2204
Tickets: see Ticketmaster for tickets and the latest event information

GWS Giants v Essendon at Henson Park

The GWS Giants v Essendon clash is part of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season 11, showcasing elite women's football in a classic Sydney venue. This highly anticipated match takes place on Saturday 3 October 2026, with a listed start time of 1:05 pm. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the energy of live sports in a historic setting.

The venue for this exciting encounter is Henson Park, located at 22 Centennial St, Marrickville, in Sydney's vibrant Inner West. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Henson Park is the perfect backdrop for a Saturday afternoon of football, bringing together passionate supporters from near and far.

Travelling to Henson Park from Summer Hill

Staying at Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney puts you in a prime position to explore the Inner West and reach the game. The motel is situated in Summer Hill, just a short trip away from Marrickville, Newtown, and Enmore. This central location makes navigating the local area straightforward and convenient.

For those looking to explore further or connect to the wider Sydney network, Summer Hill train station is a short 400-metre walk from the motel, which takes about five minutes. From there, trains reach Central in roughly eight minutes. Additionally, the Taverners Hill L1 light rail stop is walkable, and there is a bus stop located right at the motel door.

Comfortable Inner West Accommodation for Footy Fans

Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney is a 3.5-star motel that provides everything you need for a restful stay during the AFLW weekend. With a variety of room layouts ranging from single and queen rooms to family rooms that sleep up to five guests, we can easily accommodate solo travellers, couples, and groups.

Each room is equipped with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable stay. You will find air conditioning, a private ensuite, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a toaster, and tea and coffee making facilities in your room. The property also features a guest laundry, luggage storage, a snack bar with vending machines, and a rooftop terrace.

Free secured undercover parking in a gated, CCTV-monitored car park is included with every booking.
Free unlimited Wi-Fi keeps you connected throughout your stay.
A 24-hour reception desk is open seven days a week, making late arrivals and returns simple.
Local dining options, including cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, are just a short walk away.

Planning Your AFLW Weekend Stay

To make the most of your trip for the GWS Giants v Essendon match, we recommend planning your arrival time. Standard check-in at Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney is from 2:00 pm, and check-out is by 10:00 am. If you need to check in early or check out late, these options are available on request and are subject to availability.

Since the match starts at 1:05 pm on Saturday, you might want to arrive in the area early. You can use our luggage storage service if you arrive before check-in time, allowing you to head straight to Henson Park without carrying your bags.

Booking your accommodation directly with us ensures a smooth process. By booking direct on our website or by calling us on (02) 8880 8320, you will secure the best rate with no booking fees.

More on accommodation near Newtown, or see every upcoming show on our Sydney events page.

Questions guests ask

Can I leave my car at Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney while I attend the GWS Giants v Essendon match at Henson Park?

Yes, every booking at the motel includes one free secured undercover parking spot in our gated, CCTV-monitored car park, so you can safely leave your vehicle during the game.

How can I travel to Henson Park from the motel for the AFLW game?

The motel is located in Summer Hill, a short trip from Henson Park in Marrickville. You can easily use the nearby transport options, including the bus stop right at our door, the walkable Taverners Hill L1 light rail, or Summer Hill train station which is just a five-minute walk away.

What should I do if I return to the motel late after the GWS Giants v Essendon match festivities?

You can enjoy your evening in the Inner West without any rush. Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney features a 24-hour reception desk open seven days a week, ensuring you can return to your room easily at any time.

Event details are provided by Ticketmaster and can change — please confirm dates and times with the ticket seller before you travel. Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney is an independent motel and is not affiliated with the event, the venue or the ticket seller.