As with any good sporting rivalry, there’s a bit of competitive pushing and shoving amongst the states in an attempt to secure the trophy for the ultimate sports destination in Australia. But, at least for the moment, it looks like Melbourne claims the title.
Last year, Victoria’s Premier announced that Melbourne had topped the rankings for the World’s Best Sport Venues and it was named the Best Sports City for cities with a population of between four and six million people according to industry rankings from Sports Business International.
In fact, Melbourne was also ranked second in the prestigious World’s Ultimate Sport Cities awards (in front of Melbourne was 2012 Olympics host city – London).
So what’s all the fuss about?
AFL
Melbourne is the undeniable home and heart of the Australian Football League. AFL games in Melbourne are often sell-out events and no matter whether you’re a sports lover or not, every Melbournian has a team they follow. If you’re in Melbourne for the weekend, it’s worth trying to catch a game – especially a local derby at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The stadium packs out and the atmosphere is fantastic.
Australian Open
The first of the four Grand Slams takes place in Melbourne each year at the end of January. It’s the height of Australian summer, the days are
scorching hot and the evenings balmy. Some of the best athletes in the world converge on the city and Melbourne Park – especially Rod Laver Arena, are abuzz with entertainment. There’s just as much happening off the tennis courts as on, and it’s a fabulous time of the year for sports fans to visit the city.
Spring Carnival and Melbourne Cup
It’s touted as the race that stops the nation. Each year in late September to mid-November, almost three quarters of a million people converge
on the Spring Racing Carnival. Melbourne is consumed with racing fever and the pinnacle is the Emirates Melbourne Cup, worth over $6.2 million
dollars in prize money.
Boxing Day Test Match
The annual Boxing Day test match is the perfect way to spend a day recovering from too much Christmas pudding. It’s one of the most anticipated cricket matches on the calendar. There’s no better stadium to host the game than the Melbourne Cricket Ground and it’s a perfect example of Aussie sporting culture in action. More often than not, Melbourne turns on a cracker of a day and at capacity, the venue accommodates more
than 100,000 fans all out to have a good, traditional and relaxed day at the cricket.
Australian Masters Golf
This event was first held in 1979 at Huntingdale Golf Club and since then, it’s grown from strength to strength to become a tradition in Australian golf. The Royal Melbourne Golf Club with host the event this year on 14 – 17 November.
Formula One Grand Prix
Held over four days in the Albert Park precinct, the Formula One Grand Prix is loud, gutsy and competitive. More than 300,000 spectators witness the mind-boggling speeds on the circuit as well as the event expos, live music and various forms of entertainment. It’s a party atmosphere all round which makes this event ideal for non-motor sports enthusiasts as well.
Rugby
It’s only been recently (2011) that Melbourne has had a presence in the Super Rugby competition. As the first privately owned professional rugby union team in Australia, the Rebels are gaining a loyal following of supporters in the traditional AFL- loving city. During the winter months you can catch a home game at AAMI Park.
Netball
You will find the Melbourne Vixens on court at Melbourne’s Hisense arena between March and July each year thrashing it out as part of the ANZ
Netball championship. The team was formed in 2007 as an amalgamation of the Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne Kestrels and is a powerful example of a women’s sport competition that’s becoming ever more professional and really beginning to thrive. The games are passionate, tough and great to see live.
Soccer
For a city whose number one football code is firmly AFL, the Melbourne Victory (Melbourne’s A- League team) commands an impressive number of loyal and passionate supporters. Since joining the league in 2005, the Victory have led the A-League in attendance figures. The on-field performance is just as good – the team has won two A-League Championships.
So whatever your sporting taste might be, Melbourne is the must see Australian destination – all year round!
There is a variety of accommodation in Melbourne including Melbourne Hotel Accommodation, Melbourne Apartments and Melbourne Accommodation CBD offered by OzeHols for your short term vacation.
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