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If there’s one thing that you can be sure of in this world it’s that Australians love sports – and nobody does it better than the Aussies. Whether you’re a footy fan, love a day at the races or not really that into sports there are a variety of national events, centred around sports, that are famous as much for the athletes competing as for the fanfare and celebrations that surround these events.

If you’re an Aussie who wants to see what all of the fuss is about, or if you’re planning a holiday, then here are the 6 top Australian sports events that are definitely worth travelling to see.

Australian Open Final (Melbourne Park, Melbourne)

Annually, generally late January or early February

As Australia’s biggest tennis tournament, and one of the world’s four tennis Grand Slams, the Australian Open is the premier tennis tournament down under. Any match in the tournament, which takes place at the peak of Australia’s summer, is worth going to see but there’s no more exciting match than the Australian Open Final. Not only is this a chance to see tennis’ top athletes in their element but with a crowd of just under 15,000 packed into the Rod Laver Arena’s main court, the hushed yet tense excitement of the final is something you’ll likely never forget.

The Bledisloe Cup (Location varies but generally Sydney and/or Brisbane)

Annually, generally between August and October

There aren’t many sporting rivalries more fierce than trans-Tasman rugby matches between Australia and New Zealand. Running since the 1930s, the Bledisloe Cup is an annual three-game tournament between the two South Pacific neighbours and is played in both countries. Highlights include the famous All Blacks Haka, which is performed before every match, as well as the speed and skill of the world’s top rugby players in a brutal 80-minute test.

AFL Grand Final (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne)

Annually on the last Saturday of September

Dubbed Australia’s most important sporting event of the year, the AFL grand final is much more than a football match. Every year, millions of Australians and the whole city of Melbourne, turn out to watch, celebrate and party the night away in the heart of the CBD as that year’s two top sides take each other on to win the premiership cup, the premiership flag, and the E. L. Wilson Shield. If not for the festivities, Aussie Rules football is one of the oddest and most intriguing sports to watch for anybody who is unfamiliar with it and well worth going to see for any holidaymakers.

Melbourne Cup (Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne)

Annually at 3:00pm on the first Tuesday of November

The “race that stops the nation” is Australia’s most famous horse racing event that takes place at the end of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The nickname given to the race is quite true and non-Australians may be surprised to learn that many people get the day off work to watch the races. Droves of Australians and international visitors ascend on Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne for the event – all wearing their best suits and fascinators. The Melbourne Cup would be nothing without the betting aspect and every year millions of Australians use the best horse racing betting sites to place millions of dollars worth of bets on their favourite thoroughbreds. 

The Ashes (Five Locations including Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney)

Every fourth year in the early summer

Admittedly cricket is not a sport for everyone but the Ashes series played between Australia and England is one of the world’s most important and recognisable cricket events. The Ashes only takes place every two years (every four in Australia) and can be seen in many Australian cities. The Ashes always is played at the beginning of the Australian summer so it’s a great chance to catch some UV rays while enjoying a slow-paced, day (or five!) with your mates.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (Sydney and Hobart)

Annually, starting on Boxing Day 

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an annual event that sees all sorts of yachts take part in a 1,170km race from Australia’s mainland in Sydney Harbour to the city of Hobart in Tasmania. There isn’t much to see throughout the race because much of the event takes place out on the open ocean, however, the views from Sydney as hundreds of ships sail past the harbour bridge, along with the post-Christmas summer festivities that go along with this, are definitely something you don’t want to miss.