Melbourne doesn’t just love sport; we are also a sport. From world-famous tennis tournaments to grassroots footy finals, we host some of the most significant events on the global calendar — and we do it with flair.
If you’re planning your year or a visit, here’s my breakdown of Melbourne’s most iconic sports events in 2025 — including what they are, a little history, and how we locals like to experience them.
Contents
- 1 1. Australian Open
- 2 2. Formula 1 Grand Prix
- 3 3. Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- 4 4. Super Netball in Melbourne
- 5 5. AFLW Season
- 6 6. AFL Grand Final
- 7 7. Melbourne Marathon
- 8 8. Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
- 9 9. NBL Games (Melbourne United)
- 10 10. Melbourne Cup Carnival
- 11 11. Australian Open (Golf)
- 12 12. Boxing Day Test (Cricket)
- 13 13. State of Origin (Rugby League)
- 14 14. UFC Fight Night & Combat Sports
- 15 15. The Nike Melbourne Half Marathon & Fun Runs
1. Australian Open
📍 Melbourne Park | 🗓️ 13–26 January 2025
The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and it’s right here in our backyard. It began in 1905, but it wasn’t until the 1980s, when it moved to Melbourne Park, that it became the summer staple it is today.
I’ve been going since I was a teenager — back then, we’d buy ground passes and stay all day, chasing matches from court to court. Now, we bring the kids for “Kids Tennis Day” — they love the games and live music, and we all soak up the summer vibe on the lawns.
It’s more than tennis — it’s food trucks, live music, art installations, and seeing stars up close (sometimes literally — I once saw Federer practising!). The night matches are electric, but even a day session gives you plenty of action.
2. Formula 1 Grand Prix
📍 Albert Park | 🗓️ 13–16 March 2025
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix has been held at Albert Park since 1996, but it’s been part of the F1 world since the 1980s. It’s one of those weekends where the entire city shifts gear — literally.
You’ll hear the engines from the other side of the lake. Last year, my husband and oldest son went together for the first time. They came home full of stories — the flyover, the paddock walk, even the pop-up food stalls. I stayed home with the little ones, but the F1 energy was everywhere that weekend.
Even if you’re not a motorsport fan, it’s worth going just once. The lake views, tech, and speed are all on another level.
3. Melbourne International Comedy Festival
📍 CBD venues including Town Hall & Athenaeum | 🗓️ March–April 2025
Okay, it’s not technically a sporting event — but trust me, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has all the energy of one. Launched in 1987, it’s one of the world’s biggest comedy festivals, and each year features a surprising number of shows with a sports twist — comedians riffing on footy culture, cricket jokes, or even parody sports panels.
My husband and I usually book a few shows and make a date night of it. One of our faves was a footy-themed improv night where half the crowd wore jerseys. It’s bright, fun, and totally Melbourne.
This is your ticket if you need a break from the grandstands but still want big laughs (and some sport-themed humour).
4. Super Netball in Melbourne
📍 John Cain Arena | 🗓️ April–August 2025
Netball is one of the most played sports by women and girls in Victoria, and Melbourne Vixens, our home team in the Suncorp Super Netball League, are national contenders year after year. The league was formed in 2017, but netball has had a loyal following in Melbourne long before.
Games are high-speed and incredibly tactical — even my husband was surprised the first time we went. The stadium is intimate, the fans are loyal, and it’s such a great atmosphere for families and young athletes. It is a must-see if you want to support women’s elite sports and see some of the best in the world up close.
5. AFLW Season
📍 Various Melbourne stadiums | 🗓️ August – November 2025
If you haven’t been to an AFLW game yet, you’re missing something special. The AFL Women’s League launched in 2017, and the passion, skill, and community feel are something else. Games are held at local venues across Melbourne, like Princes Park, Casey Fields, and Punt Road Oval.
I’ve taken my daughter to a few matches — and seeing female athletes on the big stage, giving it everything, has been compelling for both of us. The crowds are welcoming, the atmosphere is relaxed, and there’s often a chance to meet players or get autographs after the game.
It’s not just footy — it’s about representation, access, and showing young girls that the field belongs to them too.
6. AFL Grand Final
📍 MCG | 🗓️ 27 September 2025 (TBC)
Aussie Rules Football is the soul of Melbourne, and the AFL Grand Final is the biggest day of the year for footy fans. The first Grand Final was played in 1898, and it’s been at the MCG (our sporting cathedral) almost every year since.
Even if your team didn’t make it, you watch. You have to. It’s like a cultural ritual. I usually take the kids to the Grand Final Parade the day before — it’s free, family-friendly, and the atmosphere in the city is magic.
The big game itself? We’ve watched it from pubs, in the park, and a few lucky times, we live at the ‘G. There’s just nothing like it — 100,000 people roaring in unison. Win or lose, it gives you chills.
7. Melbourne Marathon
📍 City to MCG | 🗓️ 12 October 2025
The Melbourne Marathon started in 1978 and has become one of Australia’s most significant running events.
Thousands take to the streets each October to tackle the entire 42.2 km course — or shorter options like the 10K or half marathon — winding through the city and finishing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
I ran the 10K a few years ago (pre-kids!), and it was one of my life’s most empowering experiences.
The city feels different when you’re running through it — the cheering crowds, live music on the sidelines, and the final lap inside the MCG? Goosebumps.
Now, I usually cheer from the sidelines with the kids and hand out jelly snakes to tired runners. Whether you’re racing or watching, it’s a brilliant community day.
8. Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
📍 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit | 🗓️ 17–19 October 2025
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is held just outside Melbourne at Phillip Island, one of the most scenic motorsport events on the calendar.
First hosted here in 1989, it’s a favourite for MotoGP fans thanks to its high-speed turns and stunning coastal backdrop.
We made a weekend of it a couple of years ago — drove down, stayed near the beach, and spent the day at the track.
The sound, the speed, the wind off the water — it’s unreal. Even our youngest, who isn’t usually into motorsport, was hooked. It’s less polished than the F1 but more intimate and raw in the best way.
If you’re going, book accommodation early. It’s also one of the rare significant events where camping is an option — which adds to the adventure.
9. NBL Games (Melbourne United)
📍 John Cain Arena | 🗓️ October 2025 – April 2026 (Season)
Melbourne is home to Melbourne United, one of the top teams in the National Basketball League (NBL).
The team has been a powerhouse since it was rebranded in 2014, but the NBL has been part of Aussie sport since the late 1970s.
Games are held at John Cain Arena, transforming into a high-energy stadium with booming music, passionate fans, and fast-paced action.
We took the kids to a game last season — their first basketball match — and they loved it. There were giveaways, halftime entertainment, and even a dance cam (yes, I got caught!).
It’s a great indoor option during Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, and ticket prices are pretty reasonable compared to other major sports.
10. Melbourne Cup Carnival
📍 Flemington Racecourse | 🗓️ 2–9 November 2025
The Melbourne Cup has been running since 1861 and is the centrepiece of the Melbourne Cup Carnival — four days of racing, fashion, and festivities at Flemington.
The main race is on the first Tuesday of November, and yes, we literally stop everything to watch it.
I don’t go on Cup Day anymore (crowds are wild!), but we love going to Family Day or Oaks Day instead — it’s calmer but still festive.
The fashion is part of the fun — I always say it’s the one time of year Melburnians wear colour!
The races are thrilling, but the carnival atmosphere, the food, and the people-watching make it just as memorable.
11. Australian Open (Golf)
📍 Venue TBC (to-be confirmed) – often Kingston Heath or Victoria GC | 🗓️ Late Nov / Early Dec 2025
The Australian Open Golf has been played since 1904, and Melbourne often gets the honour of hosting it thanks to our world-class “Sandbelt” courses.
It’s one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the Southern Hemisphere, drawing top players worldwide.
It’s a very different vibe from other significant events — quieter, more refined — but still full of excitement if you’re into the game.
My dad’s a lifelong golfer, so we’ve made a tradition of going together when it’s in town. He loves explaining the course strategies; I mainly use it for the fresh air and coffee carts.
12. Boxing Day Test (Cricket)
📍 MCG | 🗓️ Starts 26 December 2025
The Boxing Day Test is a post-Christmas ritual in Melbourne, held every year at the MCG since 1950, though the tradition of Boxing Day cricket goes back even further.
It’s part of a five-day international test match — usually featuring Australia against one of the big cricketing nations like England, India or South Africa.
We go every couple of years — usually on Day 1 or 2. Something about that mix of cricket, sunshine, and leftover pavlova in the esky just says Melbourne summer.
Even if you’re not a huge cricket fan, the energy of 70,000+ people at the ‘G is unforgettable.
It’s also incredibly family-friendly — shaded seats, free sunscreen, and lots of food options (yes, including vegan). Bring a hat and settle in.
13. State of Origin (Rugby League)
📍 MCG or Marvel Stadium (rotates) | 🗓️ Mid-year – Date TBC (2025)
While Melbourne isn’t traditionally a rugby league heartland, it’s massive when State of Origin comes to town.
The rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland has been going strong since 1980, and it’s one of the fiercest competitions in Australian sport.
The last time it was played at the MCG, over 90,000 fans showed up — and even as a born-and-bred AFL supporter, I have to admit it was electric.
The atmosphere is fiery, passionate, and loud. Great if you’re into hard-hitting, high-stakes sport (and maybe a bit of friendly interstate sledging!).
14. UFC Fight Night & Combat Sports
📍 Rod Laver Arena or Marvel Stadium | 🗓️ Event-based – varies yearly
In recent years, Melbourne has become a major host city for combat sports, especially UFC events.
Since UFC 193 sold out Marvel Stadium in 2015 (remember Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm?), fans have been eager for every return event.
I’m not a big fight night regular, but I went once with friends — and it was intense in the best way.
The energy, the music, the lighting — everything is geared toward spectacle. If you’re a MMA or combat sports fan, it’s worth catching when it’s in town.
15. The Nike Melbourne Half Marathon & Fun Runs
📍 Various locations across Melbourne | 🗓️ Throughout the year
While the Melbourne Marathon gets a lot of attention, there are multiple community fun runs and half marathons across the year — like the Nike Melbourne Half Marathon Festival, Run for the Kids, and Run Melbourne.
These are more accessible and great for casual runners or families.
We’ve done Run for the Kids as a family a few times — it’s such a feel-good day.
You get to run over the Bolte Bridge, there’s music along the way, and all proceeds go to the Royal Children’s Hospital. It’s more than a race — it’s a community moment.
Takeaway
Melbourne’s sporting calendar is packed with world-class events that reflect the city’s passion and identity. Each event brings energy and tradition, from tennis and footy to motorsport and marathons.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting, there’s always something iconic to experience. Plan, book early, and embrace the buzz — this is Melbourne at its best.
