World-class sporting events can be found across Australia’s social calendar. These major drawcards for locals and international visitors alike bring excitement, drama, and deliver a high-energy insight into a vital piece of Australia’s national idenitye.
Whether serving as a pillar of your journey or as an exciting detour during your larger Australian experience, we can customise a luxurious journey with premium access to the calendar’s hottest sporting events. Elevate your experience with exclusive event upgrades ranging from first-class seating, fine dining and viewing areas, meeting the stars, green room access, and much more. Combine your experience with our collection of exciting city experiences and five-star accommodations, or get more out of your stay with multi-day regional tours tailored to your preferences.
January
Australian Open Tennis
Location: Melbourne
Begin your New Year with a bang with one of the country’s most-prized sporting events, the Australian Open. This annual two-week event brings tennis’ biggest superstars to Melbourne, a lively party atmosphere, and hundreds of thousands of spectators. See the most famous faces in tennis up close with courtside seating, enjoy the Fan Walk-On experience, and discover the best Melbourne has to offer during one of the most bustling times of year.
Santos Tour Down Under Cycling
Location: Adelaide and regional South Australia
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest cycling race, the Santos Tour Down Under has ten exciting days of cycling through some of the most scenic routes in South Australia. Watch heart-pounding routes through the heart of the city to the Barossa, coastal Victor Harbour, and acclaimed wine region McLaren Vale. Enjoy easy access to the states’ other gorgeous wine regions, luxury lodges and city hotel accommodation options. Or for a truly special experience, customise your very own cycling adventure with an Olympic Gold Medallist, Stuart O’Grady.
Rugby Sevens
Location: Perth
A high-octane event drawing international crowds, the Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens leagues play across the world. Hosted in Perth at the end of January, this adrenaline-pumping weekend pairs perfectly with Perth’s comfortable summer weather, outstanding city hotels, and insightful hosting by passionate Perth locals leading you through the hidden gems of Perth’s CBD, award-winning beaches, famed wine region, and beyond. Now with the addition of HSBC SVNS Festival, a supercharged new identity for the Olympic format, Sevens will bring a unique blend of sport, entertainment and culture to the city.
March
Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix
Location: Melbourne
The Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix boasts celebrity status, high-speed racing, and world-class supercars to thrill spectators. Held over four existing days between the end of March and April in Melbourne, guests can discover trackside activities and premium grandstand seating, followed by luxurious touring into Melbourne’s hidden gems and exciting nightlife with our expert local guides.
PGA Tour of Australasia
Location: Across Australia
With outstanding golf courses located across the country, the PGA Australasia tour brings golf aficionados from across the globe to see established and emerging champions battle for prestigious titles. As the perfect destination sport, golf teams perfectly with exquisite regional accommodation – whether you’re watching one of the esteemed Melbourne Sandbelt courses just outside the city, or in one of the remote courses with hosted lodge accommodation on the abundant Mornington Peninsula.
World Surfing Championships – Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and Margaret River Pro
Location: Bells Beach in Victoria, Margaret River
Blessed with pristine coastline, Australia is well-renowned for its surf and hosts multiple World Surfing Championship events. Discover competitive surfing events in a range of scenic coastal regions stretching from Western Australia’s Margaret River to Victoria’s Bells Beach and watch the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves.
April
Liv Golf
Location: Adelaide
The LIV Golf event will bring its unique and revolutionary approach to the sport to the vibrant city of Adelaide. This tournament, part of a series that has captivated the golfing world, showcases not only the skill and precision of internationally acclaimed golfers, but also introduces an innovative format and atmosphere to the game. Expect thrilling head-to-head battles, a dynamic team element, and an ambiance that blends traditional golfing excellence with a modern, entertainment-focused approach. The event pairs seamlessly with Adealide’s rolling green hills, national parks and wine regions for days spent off the green.
AFL Gather Round
Location: Adelaide
Riding off the success of the 2023, the Australian Rules Football’s (AFL) Festival of Footy Gather Round is on again. Scheduled to take place in Round 4 of the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, this festival of football will span from Thursday, April 4th to Sunday, April 7th. It brings together all 18 clubs for a full round of nine matches, celebrated across various venues in South Australia, including the iconic Adelaide Oval and regional venues.
June
State of Origin
Location: Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney
A local favourite, State of Origin is an annual best-of-three league series rugby built upon a passionate rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland. Bringing travellers from near and far, following the State of Origin games leads guests through a variety of major cities and stadiums, providing time to explore the hidden gems of multiple state capitals.
Finke Desert Race
Location: Alice Springs & Red Centre
The renowned Finke Desert race is a thrilling off-road, multi-terrain two-day race for bikes, cars, and buggies to tear through rugged and remote desert country. Stretching from the Red Centre’s main township Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community, this is one of the most difficult off-road courses in one of the most remote areas in the world – making it the perfect event for adrenaline-seekers.
Darwin Triple Crown
Location: Darwin
An exciting mid-June weekend in the Top End, the thrilling three-day Darwin Triple Crown motorsport event occurs during the Dry Season where travellers often seek adventures into the rugged Top End and stay in the region’s sprawling outback ranches. With Darwin as a central hub for adventures into the region, enjoy behind the scenes access to the Supercar Pit Paddock, dedicated seating with the best track views, and other premium touches before exploring further into this dramatic region.
August
Hamilton Island Race Week
Location: Whitsundays
Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island in the scenic Whitsundays for Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta. This firm fixture on the international sailing calendar sees guests enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie of the event’s on-water and off-water carnival while enjoying the Great Barrier Reef’s glorious weather, brilliant beaches, and sparkling waters. This not-to-be-missed event teams perfectly with greater expeditions into the region, with stays at the region’s exclusive lodges.
September
AFL Grand Final
Location: Melbourne
AFL dominates Australia like no other sport, and the Grand Final is one of the sporting calendar’s major events with a number of traditions and activities all on offer. Discover the thrills of this high-impact, physically impressive sport with premium seating, behind the scenes access, and premium local wining and dining to celebrate one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
City 2 Surf Marathon
Location: Sydney
Known as the world’s largest fun run, this iconic 14 kilometre (8.7 miles) race starts from Sydney’s bustling CBD at Hyde Park and concludes at the famous Bondi Beach. The course is not only a test of endurance, but also a scenic journey through the city, offering stunning views and landmarks along the way. The City2Surf event in Sydney, taking place on August 11, 2024, is more than just a race; it’s a vibrant celebration of Sydney’s spirit.
October
Repco Bathurst 1000
Location: Bathurst
One of Australia’s greatest motorsport races, the Repco Bathurst 1000 is held at remote Mount Panorama across 1,000 kilometres of exhilarating track in New South Wales’ UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains region. Guests will marvel at the unforgiving circuit with steep ascents, sharp corners, and long flowing straights across over a fierce contest of 161 laps. Contrast your adventurous day with seamless transfers between this high-octane event to some of the finest in Sydney’s CBD accommodation, enjoying views over the harbour in sky-high comfort.
Gold Coast 500
Location: Gold Coast
Each year in late October, the streets of sunny Surfers Paradise turn into an adrenaline-pumping street party with world-class music, fun for the whole family, and world-class motorsports at the Gold Coast 500. Thundering V8s will thrill you, while its close proximity to the rest of the Gold Coast makes it a perfect family escape into the region’s best hotel accommodation, theme parks, and wildlife experiences.
November
Melbourne Cup
Location: Melbourne
Known as ‘The Race that Stops a Nation’, the Melbourne Cup is the focal point of the Melbourne Cup Carnival filled with excitement, glamour, and horse-racing. Set in the heart of Melbourne, embrace glamour with premium wining and dining options, five-star accommodation, and customised touring options either side of your racing experience.
Adelaide 500
Location: Adelaide
A fixture in the Adelaide calendar, the Adelaide 500 brings international music acts and high-speed V8 racing to the streets of Adelaide. Easily walk the city’s major attractions over race days, while customised touring options with outstanding luxury local providers like The Tailor Touring Co. easily take you to world-renowned wine regions on premium day tours. Each evening, five-star city hotels and nearby Adelaide Hills lodge accommodation invite you to unwind and replenish.
December
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
Location: Sydney, Hobart
One of the world’s most exciting ocean yacht races, this event has decades of history and consistently draws travellers to see competitors navigate the 1,012km (629mi) of ocean between Sydney and Hobart. Widely considered one of the most difficult yacht races in the world, this thrilling adventure offers opportunity to explore Australia’s most exciting cities on the east coast with fully customised options while marvelling at a tumultuous stretch of ocean lit up with boats, crowds, and carnival-like ambience.
Boxing Day Cricket Test Match
Location: Melbourne
The Iconic Boxing Day Test is a staple in the Australian sporting calendar and a bucket-list experience for any sporting enthusiast. Often occurring concurrently on the biannual years Australia hosts The Ashes series, revellers from all over the world can enjoy the thrilling sporting displays accompanied by gorgeous summer weather, and the thrill of the end of year festive season.
