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Annual Sporting Events In Melbourne You Should Travel For

Melbourne is always a great place to visit, but how do you spice up your trip to the Victorian capital even further? If you're a sports fan, there's only one answer. Well, not only one answer, in fact — how about nine answers? We've compiled a list of nine of Melbourne's leading annual sports events, so, whatever you're into, you'll have something that excites you.

A slight caveat to the list: Yes, unfortunately, the last two entries on our list are not technically in Melbourne, but they are near enough to include in your trip to the city. Also, they might just be too awesome to miss out on.

Australian Open

Tennis doesn't get better than a Grand Slam tournament, when the great and the good of the world scene descend on a city for elite competition. Every summer, that city is Melbourne, and the Australian Open is not something you want to miss if you're a fan of high-paced indoor court tennis.

AFL Grand Finals

It's hard to find an AFL encounter that doesn't set the blood pumping — such is the nationwide admiration for this iconic sport. During AFL Grand Finals, however, expect that excitement to be turned up a few notches. This is also the prime season for responsible football betting, with Richmond Tigers odds on favourites for another championship at 11.0 with Betway ahead of the 2021 season.

Boxing Day Test Match

We all have our personal Christmas traditions, but in Melbourne, there is a tradition shared by the whole city — the tradition of test cricket. Head down to the Melbourne Cricket Ground any Boxing Day and witness the Aussie national team take on their adversaries. A post-Christmas stroll between the wickets this certainly is not.

Melbourne Derby

Melbourne Victory has traditionally been the most successful team in the A-League, with three Premiers and four Championships to their name — as of 2020, it's Sydney FC, who have leapfrogged Victory with two Championships in as many years, but let's not talk about that. Victory's big rivals, Melbourne City, have historically not fared quite so well, but did finish runner-up in both the league and the Grand Finals in 2020. Regardless of who is on top, a Victory vs City clash is always exciting for club diehards and neutral fans alike.

Australian Grand Prix

The Australian Grand Prix is held in March on the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne, Victoria. This is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Formula One calendar and is well worth the trip.

Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup falls within the city's Spring Carnival, taking place each October and November. The Cup itself is Australia's premier horse race, and each year, thousands of visitors dress up smart to go and watch some of the sport's best runners and riders in action. Many of these visitors eagerly check out the odds on the favourites and promising outsiders for the Melbourne Cup weeks in advance.

Melbourne Marathon

Running, but of a different kind. Of course, we are talking about the human kind, and about the Melbourne Marathon. Held each spring, the Melbourne Marathon provides a unique perspective for runners as they explore a 26.2-mile loop of the city. You could just come down to see some elite runners in action and soak up the ambience — the running itself is optional.

Ventnor MotoGP

We've already touched on motorsports, but those who prefer two wheels over four will still be interested in hearing about Ventnor's MotoGP event. This event is, in fact, not held in Melbourne but takes place nearby, in Ventnor on Phillip Island. The track itself is renowned for being one of the most jaw-dropping in the world moto circuit.

Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro

Another event that is not held in downtown Melbourne itself — and, coincidentally, another event that is not to be missed — is the Rip Curl Pro. This elite surfing contest takes place on Bells Beach and gives visitors the chance to drive the Great Ocean Road, enjoy great times at the event's onsite music festival, and, of course, take in some world-class athletes on world-class surf.

Choose your favourite and book your trip

Whether it's football — of either the Aussie rules or soccer variety — horse racing, surfing, or something else that takes your fancy, Melbourne is going to leave you spoilt for choice. Take a look at the list, find the event that captures your attention, and start planning that trip.

This website developed and maintained by Australian Travel & Tourism Network Pty Limited for Australian Travel Service providers © last updated 15-Jul-2021