The 10 best sporting events in Australia

January

For two weeks in mid-January every year, Melbourne becomes filled to the brim with tourists, cruise-goers, celebrities, influencers, tennis fanatics and, most importantly, the world’s best tennis players. Whether you make it to Melbourne Park’s arena or not, there’s so much to keep you entertained – from pop-ups and giant outdoor viewing areas to epic food and drink stalls and more. It’s the first tennis Grand Slam tournament before tennis fans and players migrate over to France, Wimbledon and the US (and the only one in the southern hemisphere), so yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

January

The Santos Tour Down Under is the first stop on the International Cycling Unit's major global race circuit. Maybe it’s not as well known as the Tour de France leg of the championship, but our Adelaide holds its own. World-class cyclists cover 1,198 kilometres of South Australian terrain and boy do the vineyards look spectacular on television screens around the world. Crowds gather at all points on the track, which passes through Adelaide city, Brighton, Tanunda, Glengelg, McLaren Vale and more. 

March

Box, box – it’s time for a pit stop in Melbourne. If you weren’t already a fan of Formula 1, it’s likely the cult-favourite Netflix documentary Drive to Survive made you one. Australia is one of the first races on the F1 calendar and it’s not just a local affair. Celebrities from around the world come to watch the classy car race, so how’s a little wining and dining while you spectate? And yes, for those race car sceptics, Formula 1 is a sport. Have you seen how those drivers train for g-forces five times their weight?

May

Established in 1985, the Margaret River Pro is one of only two Australian events on the prestigious World Surf League Championship Tour. With Margs' global rep as one of the most consistent big wave surfing destinations globally, you’re bound to see many of the world's top professional surfers riding some pretty major swells. Most of the competition goes down on Main Break and The Box, but you can soak up all the action at the event hub, which features big-screen replays, expert commentary, food trucks and merchandise stands. Surf fanatics can also get up close and personal with the pros who take time to chat, sign autographs and pose for pics.

June

This sporting event is a little less nation-centric and more concerned with the mid-to-upper east coast of Australia. In a rivalry that runs very deep, Queensland and New South Wales go head to head each year in a series of three rugby (NRL) games. The former goes by the title of ‘Maroons’ while the NSW side is called the 'Blues’. Each team is essentially a fantasy football team of the NRL’s best players for that state. If you attend one of the best-of-three games or tune in on the telly, it’s pretty easy to see where spectator allegiances lie in the sea of colour. 

September

Nothing gets Aussies fired up like the grand final of our unofficial national sport. It’s the most viewed code in the country, and fans turn out for grand final day, and the whole season for that matter, decked out in coloured scarves for their dream team. Perhaps the reason the Australian Football League (AFL) has so many spectators is because watching an AFL game goes hand in hand with a pint of beer. However, on grand final day, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a pub in town that isn’t jam-packed with locals. Women’s AFL is growing every year, with their final series games selling out within minutes.

September

Tighten up those laces. Sydney Marathon isn’t just for elite athletes – everyone gets involved. To the point that on race day, you’d be hard-pressed to scroll through Instagram without seeing a dozen of your mates proudly posing with their Oakley sunnies and silver medals in front of the Opera House. It’s the biggest marathon in Australia, and has been growing exponentially ever since its inception in 2000 for the Olympic Games. Runners actually jog over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and all around the CBD, so expect an electric atmosphere in the city whether you’re a runner or a supporter. 

October

Despite being Australia's National Rugby League (NRL), even our neighbours in New Zealand are in on the action. With teams from NZ, the ACT, NSW, QLD and VIC, this premiership keeps rugby fans from across the country on the edge of their seats. The grand final is no different and is quite the spectacle. Think pyrotechnics, cheerleaders, superstar entertainers and crowds of colour supporting their home team. The grand final match is traditionally held at Sydney's Accor Stadium because most of the teams are NSW-based and it’s also the second largest sporting venue in all of Australia. The Women’s NRL has gained major popularity over the last few years with their grand final also taking place at Accor Stadium on the same day as the men’s match. 

November to January

If this event doesn’t sum up Aussie-British banter and culture, then its origin story will. After Australia's victory over England in a cricket test match in 1882, a British newspaper published a satirical obituary for the pommy team. From this, "The Ashes" was born, and the content has since become a biennial tradition, alternating between Australian and British soil. When it’s hosted at home, the five test matches take place all over the country, so you can get a slice of the action in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. 

December

This famous race kicks off on Boxing Day each year, filling the waters from New South Wales all the way down to Tasmania with luxurious sailing vessels. Don’t be fooled though, while the sport is fun to spectate from expensive mega boats in Sydney Harbour, it takes a whole lot of grit for the crews competing. It’s two to four days of hard work at sea, and the race doesn’t come without some capsizing – it’s considered one of the most challenging yacht races in the world.