Travel for Australia’s Most Exciting Sports Events in 2025

Location: Melbourne          Date: January 6–26, 2025

Kickstart your New Year with the Australian Open, a premier sporting event blending world-class tennis with vibrant cultural experiences. Held at Melbourne Park, this two-week spectacle draws tennis superstars and fans to its state-of-the-art courts, featuring retractable roofs for uninterrupted play. Beyond the action, enjoy courtside seating, interactive fan zones, live music, and diverse cuisine, all amidst Melbourne’s dynamic energy. Celebrate sport and culture in an atmosphere that entertains, inspires, and embodies excellence.

Location: Across Australia          Dates: January 9 – March 30, 2025

The PGA Tour of Australasia offers a premier golfing experience, blending world-class tournaments with the chance to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes. From the iconic Melbourne Sandbelt courses to the scenic Mornington Peninsula, each event showcases top talent and stunning locations. The 2025 Challenger PGA Tour delivers thrilling competition while pairing perfectly with luxurious accommodations, whether nestled in vibrant cities or serene coastal lodges. This is golf reimagined—uniting sport, culture, and natural beauty for an unforgettable journey.

Location: Adelaide and regional South Australia          Dates: January 17 – 26, 2025

The Santos Tour Down Under, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest cycling race, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025 with ten days of world-class UCI World Tour men’s and women’s races. Set against South Australia’s stunning landscapes—from the Barossa to coastal Victor Harbour and McLaren Vale—this event combines elite competition with vibrant cultural experiences. Enjoy luxury accommodations, savour local food and wine, and immerse yourself in live entertainment, or elevate your adventure with a bespoke cycling experience led by Olympic Gold Medalist Stuart O’Grady.

Location: Perth          Date: January 24 – 26, 2025

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.

Location: Adelaide          Dates: February 14 – 16, 2025

The LIV Golf event in Adelaide promises a groundbreaking fusion of world-class golf, vibrant entertainment, and cultural allure. Attendees will witness thrilling competitions featuring top international golfers, a dynamic team format, and an immersive festival atmosphere with live music, gourmet food markets, and interactive experiences. Set against the stunning backdrop of Adelaide’s wine regions and natural beauty, this event redefines sports tourism, offering discerning travellers an unparalleled blend of elite sportsmanship and cultural sophistication.

Location: Melbourne          Dates: March 13 to 16, 2025

The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix boasts celebrity status, high-speed racing, and world-class supercars to thrill spectators. This prestigious event marks the commencement of the 2025 Formula 1 season, set against the picturesque backdrop of Albert Park Lake. Attendees can enjoy world-class hospitality, gourmet dining, and exclusive access to team garages. The race’s unique atmosphere, combined with our guided tours of the city’s renowned arts and culinary scenes, we ensure an unforgettable experience for those seeking luxury and high octane excitement.

Location: Bells Beach in Victoria, Margaret River          Dates: April 19-28, 2025 + May 17-27, 2025

Australia’s iconic coastlines, from Bells Beach to Margaret River, host premier World Surf League events like the Rip Curl Pro and Margaret River Pro. Celebrated for their powerful swells and stunning settings, these locations blend world-class surfing with coastal exploration. Experience competitive surfing at its finest amidst Bells Beach’s rich heritage and Margaret River’s rugged beauty, where pristine waves meet vineyards and dramatic landscapes. Witness excellence as the world’s elite surfers conquer the planet’s best waves in Australia’s stunning coastal regions.

Location: Adelaide          Dates: April 10–13, 2025

The Australian Football League (AFL) Gather Round returns in 2025, uniting all 18 clubs for nine thrilling matches across South Australia, including Adelaide Oval and regional venues. This “Festival of Footy” blends elite Australian football with local culture, offering an unforgettable experience. For 2025, the event expands to the Barossa Valley, pairing world-class sport with South Australia’s celebrated wine regions, creating a unique opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in excitement, sophistication and regional charm.

Location: Brisbane, Perth, Sydney          Times: May 1, 2025 – July 9, 2025

The State of Origin series combines high-stakes rugby league with vibrant cultural exploration, uniting New South Wales and Queensland in an iconic rivalry. Spanning major cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth, it offers visitors the chance to experience Australia’s electric sporting atmosphere alongside its diverse urban landscapes. This annual event captivates with thrilling matches and rich cultural discovery, making it an unmissable celebration of Australian sport at its best.

Location: Alice Springs & Red Centre          Dates: June 6–9, 2025

The Finke Desert Race is a premier off-road, multi-terrain event that challenges competitors across 142 miles (229 kilometres) of rugged desert landscape. Held annually over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, it attracts a diverse array of participants, including motorbikes, cars, buggies, and quad bikes. The race’s unique “there and back” format, traversing from Alice Springs to the remote Aputula Community and back, offers spectators an exhilarating experience amidst Australia’s iconic red desert terrain, making it the perfect event for adrenaline-seekers.

Location: Darwin          Dates: June 20-22, 2025

Experience the electrifying Darwin Triple Crown, a thrilling three-day motorsport event during the Dry Season in the Top End. Held at Hidden Valley Raceway, it uniquely blends high-speed Supercars racing with rich Indigenous Cultural celebrations, including art-adorned vehicles, Welcome to Country ceremonies, and captivating performances. Enjoy exclusive pit paddock access, premium seating, and breathtaking track views before staying in the region’s sprawling outback ranches and exploring Darwin’s rugged and vibrant cultural landscapes. This is a must-visit for adventure and culture enthusiasts alike.

Location: Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne          Date: June 28 – August 2, 2025

The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia is one of rugby’s most anticipated events, continuing a storied tradition dating back to the inaugural tour in 1888. This tour, travelling to six cities across Australia, is both a celebration of rugby union’s heritage and a showcase of its highest levels of competition offering intense, high-stakes rugby, characterised by the Lions’ unique challenge of forging a unified team from four nations. The Wallabies will aim to reclaim the series. Off the field, vibrant city locations, iconic stadiums, and exclusive events promise unforgettable experiences for fans. For a luxury experience across the complete series or select matches our expert Travel Designers can design an all-inclusive, multi-city travel journey with transfers, VIP ticketing and hospitality, exclusive dining and experiences that will elevate the rugby tour experience for sports enthusiasts.

Location: Whitsundays          Date: August 16–23, 2025

Hamilton Island Race Week, Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta, draws global spectators to the breathtaking Whitsundays each August. Set against the Great Barrier Reef’s pristine beauty, it blends competitive yachting with luxurious onshore events, including gourmet dining, fashion showcases, and vibrant social gatherings. Guests revel in camaraderie, sparkling waters, and brilliant beaches while exploring five-star lodges and upscale adventures. This world-class event is a pinnacle of sophistication, offering an unforgettable fusion of sport, luxury, and natural splendour and teams perfectly with greater expeditions into the region, with stays at the region’s exclusive lodges.

Location: Melbourne          Date: September 27, 2025

The AFL Grand Final, Australia’s premier sporting event, captivates more than 100,000 fans at the iconic MCG with its thrilling high-impact action and rich traditions. Beyond the game, enjoy vibrant pre-match entertainment, live music, and the iconic Grand Final Parade. Elevate your experience with premium seating, behind-the-scenes access, and exceptional local dining. Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s cultural vibrancy and celebrate one of the world’s most exhilarating and authentic sporting spectacles.

Location: Bathurst          Dates: October 9-12, 2025

One of Australia’s greatest motorsport races, the Bathurst 1000 is held at remote Mount Panorama across 620 miles (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 Sydney accommodation, enjoying views over the harbour in sky-high comfort.

Location: Gold Coast          Dates: October 24-26, 2025

This premier motorsport event uniquely combines high-speed supercars racing with the vibrant atmosphere of Surfers Paradise. Attendees can enjoy thrilling street circuit races set against the backdrop of stunning beaches, complemented by live entertainment, exclusive driver meet-and-greets, and a variety of gourmet food and beverage options. The event’s integration of world-class racing and 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.

Location: Melbourne          Dates: November 1-8, 2025

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a premier event blending world-class horse racing with high fashion, gourmet cuisine, and vibrant entertainment. Held at the historic Flemington Racecourse, it features the renowned Melbourne Cup race, known as “the race that stops a nation.” Discerning travellers are drawn to its unique combination of sporting excellence and cultural festivities, offering an unparalleled experience in Australia’s social calendar.

Location: Adelaide          Date: November 27–30, 2025

The Adelaide 500 is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, combining high-speed supercars racing on a challenging street circuit with world-class concerts featuring international and local artists. Customised your touring options with outstanding luxury local providers like The Tailor Touring Co. to 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.

Location: Sydney, Hobart          Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 2, 2026

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, commencing on Boxing Day, is a premier ocean racing event that attracts sailors and spectators worldwide. Spanning approximately 630 nautical miles from Sydney Harbour to Hobart’s Derwent River, it offers a unique blend of competitive sailing and festive atmosphere. Spectators can experience the thrill of the race’s start amidst Sydney’s iconic landmarks and enjoy the vibrant celebrations upon the fleet’s arrival in Hobart, making it a must-attend event for sailing enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.

Location: Melbourne          Dates: December 26–30, 2025

The Boxing Day Test, commencing on December 26th, at the MCG is an iconic highlight of Australia’s sporting calendar, offering world-class cricket, Melbourne’s vibrant culture, and festive cheer. Often coinciding with The Ashes, this bucket-list event attracts global travellers to its electric atmosphere, rich history, and unmatched hospitality. Set against the backdrop of summer’s warmth and end-of-year celebrations, it seamlessly blends sport, culture, and tradition, creating an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts seeking sporting excellence and inspiration.