Get ready to visit the sporting capital of Australia! As the host of some of the most prestigious competitions in the world, Melbourne is, without a doubt, the place to be for sports fans. Tennis lovers will enjoy watching the first Grand Slam of the season at Rod Laver Arena; the Australian Grand Prix is a treat for F1 followers; and cricket enthusiasts will have their fill of matches at the historic MCG.
No matter the time of year, there are always fun things to do in Melbourne for sports buffs. Tick off items in your bucket list and experience the best of sports in Melbourne with these exhilarating experiences:
- Ride a V8 Supercar
- Watch the Australian Open
- Explore the Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Head to the home of the Melbourne Cup
- Brush up on your sports history at the Australian Sports Museum
- Experience the thrill of the Australian F1 Grand Prix
- Go surfing at Bells Beach
- Visit Living Legends
- Enjoy a local sporting match
1. Ride a V8 Supercar
Give your loved one a day to remember at the race tracks with a V8 Supercar experience voucher that’s valid for three years!
Ever dreamt of becoming a race car driver? This is your chance to make your dreams come true. Drive a V8 Supercar at Sandown Raceway for the ultimate adrenaline rush. With a coach in your headset, you’ll feel like a pro racing down four laps in a state-of-the-art vehicle. You can also choose to sit in the passenger seat alongside a pro driver for an immersive viewing experience.
2. Watch the Australian Open
Witness historic moments like Ash Barty’s drought-breaking win at the Australian Open. Credit: miroslavempire
Watch the greatest tennis players give their all at the Australian Open. From international stars like Serena Williams and Rafa to Aussie legend Ash Barty and more, the first Grand Slam of the year always delivers. Smaller tournaments like the Melbourne Summer Sets are also great, affordable alternatives if you want to see the stars up close at a discount.
3. Explore the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Footy or cricket? At the G, you can enjoy both with your best mates. Credit: hanna_montanna3
No list about sports in Melbourne is complete without mentioning the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). As the biggest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, the MCG plays host not only to international cricket matches but also to AFL games. If you really want to soak up the historic importance of the venue, go on an MCG Tour to get a behind the scenes look into its facilities.
4. Head to the home of the Melbourne Cup
Discover one of Australia’s oldest traditions, the Melbourne Cup, which has been running for over 160 years. Credit: Jeff Griffith
If dressing up, placing bets, and enjoying great food sound good to you, then look no further than the Melbourne Cup, held at the Flemington Racecourse. The prestigious and historical event is the main event in the annual Spring Racing Carnival, where you can marvel at majestic Thoroughbred horses racing to the finish line.
Have some time to spare in the city? Get the Melbourne Attractions Keypass to gain access to three of the best places to visit at a discount.
5. Brush up on your sports history at the Australian Sports Museum
Challenge your sporting abilities at the museum’s interactive Game On! exhibit. Credit: australiansportsmuseum
See sport in a whole new perspective at the Australian Sports Museum. Relive iconic moments, from Bachar Houli’s championship win to the 1956 Olympics and other famous Melbourne sports events, in an immersive gallery. Make sure you don’t miss out on the Game On! Exhibit, where you can virtually challenge Aussie greats in different sports.
Wondering what else to do with the entire fam? Here are the 15 best activities to do with kids in Melbourne.
6. Experience the thrill of the Australian F1 Grand Prix
Watch the best drivers in the world race for a podium finish at the stunning Albert Park Circuit. Credit: Pat Whele
For one glorious weekend every year, the Formula 1 tour arrives at Melbourne for an adrenaline-packed, dramatic race that gets everyone pumped up. See the best of the best, from Lewis Hamilton to local legend Daniel Ricciardo, drive the finest cars in the world through the scenic Albert Park Circuit. Ready, set, go!
7. Go surfing at Bells Beach
Feel like a pro when you surf at Bells Beach, host of the Rip Curl Pro competition. Credit: Jeremy Bishop
Bells Beach may be the host of the Rip Curl Pro, which is not only one of the iconic Melbourne sports events but also the longest-running surfing competition in the world every Easter. But for the rest of the year, it also makes a great beach for surfing. Looking to try out your hand on the board? Don’t worry, it’s also beginner-friendly. Just make sure you practice your right-hander.
Interested in other free things to do in Melbourne? Check out this list of the 10 best affordable activities.
8. Visit Living Legends
Feed and pet former champion horses at Living Legends. Credit:livinglegendsau
Who says only active racehorses should get the glory? At Living Legends, you can get up close and personal with retired champions of the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, and more. Choose between a guided tour as an expert leads you around the paddock area or a self-guided tour to learn about the horses’ careers at your own pace.
9. Enjoy a local sporting match
Feel the local spirit when you attend an AFLW (or AFL) match, one of the most popular sports in the country. Credit: tomfisherphotographer
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, one of the best ways to really feel the excitement of Melbourne sports is to attend a local match. Take your pick among the plethora of great sporting events, from the AFLW, AFL, basketball, football, and more.
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