We are looking into our next leg of the trip and it looks like we’ll be headed over to Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia! I’ve been doing a bit of research on Australia and found out that Melbourne is a huge sporting area. Randy loves sports and wanted to catch a game in Europe but we were never able to fit it in. Looks like we can make up for that when we visit Melbourne.
Melbourne is often heralded as the ‘cultural capital’ of Australia, but it’s also the home to some of Australia’s most popular, celebrated and longstanding sporting events. While there are many reasons to visit Melbourne, planning your trip around one of these sporting events can be a fun excuse to book a weekend away. In 2009, Melbourne was given the ‘Best Sports City’ award at the Sport Business Sports Event Management Awards in London for its year round calendar of major events and unrivaled sports precinct and infrastructure. If you’re in Melbourne for one of its award winning sporting events, then you’re sure to see Melbourne at its finest as it pulls out all the stops to cater to its international and interstate visitors.
If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne, or are a sports fanatic who likes to see the action live, then consider a Melbourne getaway when the city hosts these famed Australian sporting events.
– The Australian Open. The tennis Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific region is held in Melbourne every January. In 2010, a record crowd of 653,860 attended the Australian Open. Attracting the world’s best tennis players and tennis fans from around the world, tennis-mania envelopes the city for the duration of the event. There are extra events, entertainment and a festive atmosphere in the city. If you can’t secure tickets to the game, the join the crowds that gather at the open air screens around the sporting precinct. The excitement and tension in the air at these viewing sites is palpable! Book Cheap flights to Melbourne early to enjoy this international event.
– The Boxing Day Test/4th Test of the Ashes Series. On Boxing Day, Melburnians and visitors flock to the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch the Boxing Day Cricket Test, which is often also the 4th Test of the Ashes Series between Australia and England. The Australian-England cricket rivalry is longstanding and taken very seriously, and the MCG is jam-packed on Boxing Day with fans that have come to support their team. While the Test runs for 5 days, 1 day tickets are also available, and there is lots of extra entertainment and attractions in the ‘outfield’ regions and Yarra Park.
– AFL Grand Final Series. 22 weeks of Australian Football League competition culminates in the Grand Final Series, held at the MCG at the end of the season in September or October. AFL is a unique Australian sport, and the nation stops to partake in the sheer atmosphere and excitement as two teams battle it out for the premiership title. Keep your eye out for holiday packages and deals to Melbourne at this time, and book your tickets early!
– The Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Melbourne Cup Carnival is more than just a horseracing carnival. It’s also one of Australia’s – and racing’s – biggest fashion events. The carnival is comprised of four race days, with the legendary Melbourne Cup Day being held on the first Tuesday of November every year. The $6 million 2010 Emirates Melbourne Cup is in its 150th year running and is a social and cultural tradition that literally brings Australia to a standstill. If you can make a trip to Flemington Racecourse for this carnival, it promises to be an exciting, unforgettable experience!
Whether you’re a sporting fan or not, Melbourne knows how to put on a sporting event. When these big games, series and carnivals roll around annually, Melbourne comes alive, making it a good idea to time your Melbourne getaway with these celebrated sporting festivities. Whether you’re traveling with your family, or are a student, flights to Melbourne operate from all other Australian destinations.
What Melbourne sporting event would you like to attend?
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*The photos in this sponsored post have nothing to do with Australia because I haven’t been there yet. They are photos from a San Diego Sockers soccer game I took for a paper last year.
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15 comments
What a great time to visit, I love to be in cities during festivals and holidays, it really makes even the smallest city come alive.
It really does. I almost wonder what Oaxaca would be like if I visited there after Day of the Dead – would look totally different i bet! @ayngelina,
Tickets to the AFL Grand Final are like gold.. you won’t get them unless you pay the scalpers or if you’re a hot shot corporate.
For those with a need for speed, the f1 grand prix is held in March. If you need any advice about sport in Melbourne just let me know. 🙂
Thanks for the advice Kieron! @Kieron,
Don’t forget the Australian Grand Prix in Albert Park in late March. Always a fantastic event.
Thanks Kristian – that sounds like a good one.@Kristian,
Boohoo, I miss Melbs SO much 🙁
How long were you there Andi? @Andi,
wow Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia sounds like fun places to visit. How long are you going to stay at each destination? Does that mean more awesome sport action photos coming soon? 😛
Hi Sarah! I don’t know. I’m thinking 3 – 4 months total and I’m not sure how I’m going to split it up yet. Maybe more sports photos – who knows? haha 🙂 @Sarah Wu,
Haha, so lucky! I want a 3-4 months vacation. Have fun though! 😉
It is moments like these that I wished I liked sports.
Being in a college football town when you are “meh” about sports garners lots of looks. 😛
I hear Melbourne is fantastic!
I hear you on the football. I can’t stand that game. It’s so slow and annoying to watch. I don’t watch a lot of sports on TV but I usually like any sport as long as I’m there watching it. Football though I can’t stand live or on TV. 🙂 @Erica,
Is it bad that I hate Aussie sport? If you want to talk budget for Oz, then shoot me an email or message. Hope to see you down under!!!
You know you’ll be my FIRST call Brooke – should I bring wine or beer? 🙂 @Brooke vs. the World,
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