Melbourne’s sporting events not to be missed

If you’re not so mad on culture, arts, music and food, then we’ve got a bunch of other great reasons to visit Melbourne if you’re a sports fanatic (or addict). Australian Open Tournament Services Manager, Darren Sturgess, shares his top five Melbourne events that you should plan your next visit around, and some tips to get the best out of them.

Australian Open (January)

There’s no better place to be in the middle of summer with your friends than the Australian Open. If you signup to become an Australian Open member, you’ll get priority access to tickets. Try and get a ground pass for the first week of the tournament, and then a ‘Rod Laver Arena’ ticket for the second week.

Australian F1 Grand Prix (March)

The Australian F1 Grand Prix is an international event with all the glitz and glamour that usually surrounds big budget car racing meets. You can buy four-day passes or tickets for individual days. Try and go for race day and score yourself a grandstand seat, then you’ll be well placed to have a great time.  

ANZAC Day at the Football (April)

ANZAC Day falls on 25 April and is Australia’s most revered day for remembering the armed services and our contribution to World War One in Gallipoli, Turkey. The Australian Football League pays tribute to the day, by hosting a packed crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to watch the game. Purchase tickets early for this one as it’s almost always a sellout.

Melbourne Cup Carnival (November)

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is Australia’s signature horse racing event where fashion comes to the fore. It’s held on the first Tuesday in November with the carnival starting the Saturday prior and concluding the Saturday after. You can pre-purchase tickets online. If you can get access to the hospitality areas, you’ll up for a memorable day out.

Boxing Day Test (December)

The Boxing Day Test is fixed firmly in the mind of Melbourne residents as THE cricket day, so it’s always well supported and a fun day out after Christmas. Avoid queues by purchasing tickets online in the morning. The best seats are behind the bowler or the ‘old bay 13’.

Are you a sporting fanatic? What events do you look forward to every year?