5 Annual Sporting Events in Melbourne You Should Travel For
Published on by Maddy K
Looking for fun things to do with your friends or family in Melbourne?
Every year, Melbourne, often referred to as the sporting capital, holds some major sporting events.
From the Australian Open to the Australian Grand Prix, sports fans and enthusiasts typically flock to the city to cheer on their favourite teams, players or drivers while catching up with friends over a few drinks.
So, if you’re looking for an exhilarating experience in Melbourne, read on as we list 5 of the top sporting events to attend in Melbourne.
The Australian Open (Tennis)
Every year, in January, Tennis enthusiasts flock to Melbourne Park to witness the world’s top players competing in a vibrant atmosphere during the Australian Open, a two-week tennis tournament.
Over time, the competition, first held in the Warehouseman’s Cricket Ground in 1905, has evolved into one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments along with The French Open (Rolland Garros), The US Open and Wimbledon.
While it used to be held in different locations across Australia, it permanently moved to Melbourne in 1988 and is played on hard courts.
The event has a rich history of showcasing intense competition and has witnessed some of the greatest moments in tennis.
For instance, in 2009, the Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer is often regarded as one of the greatest matches in tennis history. Nadal emerged victorious in an epic five-set battle that lasted over four hours and twenty minutes.
And not only is the spectacle incredible, but the city’s summer weather adds to the overall experience, making it a must-attend for sports fans.
Melbourne Cup (Horse Racing)
The Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse racing events globally. The world-renowned race is part of a four-day carnival and is held at Flemington Racecourse every year on the first Tuesday of November.
Known as “the race that stops the nation,” it’s a significant cultural and sporting event in Australia. In fact, it’s such an important event that it has become a public holiday in the state of Victoria.
But the Melbourne Cup isn’t just a horse race; it’s also a social and fashion event.
Australians travel from all over the country to attend this epic event and showcase their most glamorous outfits, usually featuring bright and bold colours.
The atmosphere is filled with excitement as friends catch up over a few drinks, and the days get longer and warmer, making it a unique and iconic experience.
Australian Grand Prix (Formula 1)
One of the most awaited events in Melbourne is the opening race of the Formula 1 season at the Albert Park Circuit.
Every year, in March, The Australian Grand Prix attracts Formula 1 teams, drivers, and over 100,000 fans from across the globe. Formula 1 aficionados gather to witness the season’s opening race, featuring the fastest cars and elite drivers while millions tune in to follow it on television at home or at the pub.
The picturesque Albert Park circuit and Melbourne’s electric and heart-pumping atmosphere make it a thrilling spectacle for sports-mad Aussies and internationals.
AFL Grand Final (Australian Rules Football)
The AFL Grand Final is the culmination of the Australian Football League season. The first VFL Grand Final (Victorian Football League) took place in 1898, and the event has grown into one of the most-watched sporting events in Australia. Traditionally held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the venue can vary depending on the year.
While the history of AFL Grand Finals involves challenging matches, The 1970 Grand Final, known as the “Bloodbath,” is probably one of the most memorable. It was a fiercely contested and brutal match between Carlton and Collingwood.
Yet, AFL Grand Finals aren’t just about fierce competition! The banter between opposition fans, the beer and pie breaks, and the electric atmosphere are all factors that make attending an AFL Grand Final such an iconic moment and unforgettable experience for sports fans.
The Melbourne Marathon
The Melbourne Marathon is an annual marathon event that usually takes place in October.
It attracts participants from various parts of the world and offers different race categories.
From elite athletes to recreational runners, The Melbourne Marathon provides an opportunity for runners of all levels to challenge themselves on a scenic course through the city’s iconic landmarks while promoting health, fitness, and community spirit through five different events, including:
- The Nike Melbourne Marathon
- The Nike Half Marathon
- The SriLankan Airlines 10KM
- The 180 Nutrition Good Sport 5KM
- The 3KM walk
Want To Make The Experience Even More Unforgettable?
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Sound like what you need?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to help you attend your next event in style.