The 15 best sporting events in Australia

Where: Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney

When: November 2025 to January 2026

If this event doesn’t sum up Aussie-British banter and culture, then its origin story will. After Australia's victory over England in a cricket test match in 1882, a British newspaper published a satirical obituary for the pommy team. From this, "The Ashes" was born, and the content has since become a biennial tradition, alternating between Australian and British soil. When it’s hosted at home, the five test matches take place all over the country, so you can get a slice of the action in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. 

Where: Perth & Sydney

When: January 2-11, 2026

It's not just about the Aussie Open. In 2026, both Sydney and Perth will be taken over by a second summer of tennis with the epic United Cup tournament. Now in its fourth year, this international mixed tennis tournament sees top male and female teams from 18 countries compete in a country-versus-country tennis tournament that's always a rush. Expect to see five of the world's top ten men, and four of the top ten women players, including Alex de Minaur, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Iga Świątek, Alexander Zverev, Jasmine Paolini, Félix Auger-Aliassime and Naomi Osaka – plus loads more. 

Where: Melbourne

When: January 12-Feburary 1, 2026

For two weeks in mid-January every year, Melbourne becomes filled to the brim with tourists, cruise-goers, celebrities, influencers, tennis fanatics and, most importantly, the world’s best tennis players. Whether you make it to Melbourne Park’s arena or not, there’s so much to keep you entertained – from pop-ups and giant outdoor viewing areas to epic food and drink stalls and more. It’s the first tennis Grand Slam tournament before tennis fans and players migrate over to France, Wimbledon and the US (and the only one in the southern hemisphere), so yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

Where: Perth & Sydney

When: January 17-18, 2026 & February 28-March 1

Adrenaline junkies, get ready. The world's fastest sailing competition, the Sail Grand Prix, speeds into Australian waters at the end of summer each year. Unfolding over 11 months around some of the world’s most famous harbours, this league-style global comp sees teams of elite sailors race on super high-performance catamarans that reach speeds of up to 101 kilometres per hour. Thrillingly for Aussies, you can score front-row views at pre-race parties, waterfront fan zones and official spectator boats.

Where: Adelaide

When: January 16-25, 2026

The Santos Tour Down Under is the first stop on the International Cycling Union's major global race circuit. It might not be as well-known as the championship's Tour de France leg, but our Adelaide holds its own. World-class cyclists cover 1,198 kilometres of South Australian terrain, and boy do the vineyards look spectacular on television screens around the world. Crowds gather at all points on the track, which passes through Adelaide city, Brighton, Tanunda, Glenelg, McLaren Vale and more. 

Where: Adelaide

When: February 12-15, 2026

Every summer, South Australia throws golf's wildest party: LIV Golf Adelaide. Faster, louder and way more fun than your typical Aussie golfing tournament, it draws crowds of more than 100,000 each year. LIV Golf is equal parts festival and elite competition, featuring top individual players and powerhouse teams. It's even been crowned the World’s Best Golfing Event multiple times. Expect high-energy vibes, live music, pumping DJs, cleverly designed spectator arenas and golf pros who know how to get the crowd hyped.

Where: Melbourne

When: March 16, 2026

Box, box – it’s time for a pit stop in Melbourne. If you weren’t already a fan of Formula 1, it’s likely the cult-favourite Netflix documentary Drive to Survive made you one. Australia is one of the first races on the F1 calendar, and it’s not just a local affair. Celebrities from around the world come to watch the classy car race, so how’s a little wining and dining while you spectate? And yes, for those race car sceptics, Formula 1 is a sport. Have you seen how those drivers train for g-forces five times their weight?

Where: Margaret River

When: April 17-27, 2026

Established in 1985, the Margaret River Pro is one of only two Australian events on the prestigious World Surf League Championship Tour. With Margs' global rep as one of the most consistent big wave surfing destinations globally, you’re bound to see many of the world's top professional surfers riding some pretty major swells. Most of the competition goes down on Main Break and The Box, but you can soak up all the action at the event hub, which features big-screen replays, expert commentary, food trucks and merchandise stands. Surf fanatics can also get up close and personal with the pros who take time to chat, sign autographs and pose for pics.

Where: Barossa Valley

When: April 9-12, 2026

AFL fans, mark your calendars for the ultimate footy festival in the Barossa Valley. Gather Round brings together all 18 teams across multiple epic games in a four-day celebration of AFL, South Australian food and family-friendly fun. Between games, tuck into gourmet treats from local producers, sip a cheeky Barossa wine or craft beer, and soak up the festival vibes.

Where: Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane

When: May 27, June 17 & July 8, 2026

This sporting event is a little less nation-centric and more concerned with the mid-to-upper east coast of Australia. In a rivalry that runs very deep, Queensland and New South Wales go head to head each year in a series of three rugby (NRL) games. The former goes by the title of ‘Maroons’ while the NSW side is called the 'Blues’. Each team is essentially a fantasy football team of the NRL’s best players for that state. If you attend one of the best-of-three games or tune in on the telly, it’s pretty easy to see where spectator allegiances lie in the sea of colour. 

Where: Melbourne

When: September 26, 2026

Nothing gets Aussies fired up like the grand final of our unofficial national sport. It’s the most viewed code in the country, and fans turn out for grand final day, and the whole season, for that matter, decked out in coloured scarves for their dream team. Perhaps the reason the Australian Football League (AFL) has so many spectators is that watching an AFL game goes hand in hand with a pint of beer. However, on grand final day, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a pub in town that isn’t jam-packed with locals. Women’s AFL is growing every year, with its final series games selling out within minutes.

Where: Hamilton Island

When: August 15-22, 2026

Every August, thousands of sailors and spectators from around the globe travel to the Whitsundays for Hamilton Island Race Week, Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta. What started as a niche sailing event in 1984 has grown into a week-long festival that will celebrate its 41st anniversary in 2026. While the regatta is the main event – with races for everything from fast-cruising yachts and sports boats to bareboats, maxi yachts and Grand Prix contenders – Race Week is by no means just for sailors. The festival features a world-class line-up of on- and offshore events, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays.

Where: Sydney

When: August 30, 2026

Tighten up those laces. Sydney Marathon isn’t just for elite athletes – everyone gets involved. To the point that on race day, you’d be hard-pressed to scroll through Instagram without seeing a dozen of your mates proudly posing with their Oakley sunnies and silver medals in front of the Opera House. It’s the biggest marathon in Australia, and has been growing exponentially ever since its inception in 2000 for the Olympic Games. Runners actually jog over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and all around the CBD, so expect an electric atmosphere in the city, whether you’re a runner or a supporter. 

Where: Sydney

When: October 4, 2026

Despite being Australia's National Rugby League (NRL), even our neighbours in New Zealand are in on the action. With teams from NZ, the ACT, NSW, QLD and VIC, this premiership keeps rugby fans from across the country on the edge of their seats. The grand final is no different and is quite the spectacle. Think pyrotechnics, cheerleaders, superstar entertainers and crowds of colour supporting their home team. The final is traditionally held at Sydney's Accor Stadium because most of the teams are NSW-based, and it’s also the second-largest sporting venue in all of Australia. The Women’s NRL has gained major popularity over the last few years, with their grand final also taking place at Accor Stadium on the same day as the men’s match. 

Where: Sydney to Hobart

When: December 26, 2026

This famous race kicks off on Boxing Day each year, filling the waters from New South Wales all the way down to Tasmania with luxurious sailing vessels. Don’t be fooled, though. While the sport is fun to spectate from expensive mega boats in Sydney Harbour, it takes a whole lot of grit for the crews competing. It’s two to four days of hard work at sea, and the race doesn’t come without some capsizing – it’s considered one of the most challenging yacht races in the world.