Melbourne is often called Australia's sports city because of the many professional sports leagues and events that happen throughout the year. Although many of its other great cities have their share of sports events annually, when you compare, you discover that Melbourne outdoes them all. Here is a sample of the events that take place throughout the year in the capital of Victoria.

  

When you come to the city to see a sports team you will find that there are lots of accommodations no matter your budget. Backpackers and executives have great choices while they attend all of the sports activities that take place throughout the year.

There are four major men’s and women’s tennis tournaments played around the world each year and one is held in the Land Down Under in January. The Australian Open is one of Tennis’ crown jewels and each year the world’s top tennis players and the entire tennis world converges on Melbourne to see who is the world’s best. The Australian Open Tennis Tournament is the largest sporting event in Melbourne each year and in 2018 the tournament attracted nearly 750,000 spectators. This weeklong event is filled with additional opportunities for fans to meet the players, get advice from tennis coaches and trainers and learn more about the history of the event and life outside of the court for the world’s best tennis stars.

The Australian Football League includes teams from around Australia in its own brand of rugby called Aussie rules. The game is fast and sometimes violent and only the biggest and most fit athletes can advance the ball for their teams. Melbourne always fields a competitive team and the games are always played to packed houses at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or Etihad Stadium. Be prepared to cheer and drink lots of beer with the other fans.

Of course Melbourne has the Melbourne Rebels in the Rugby Union and the Melbourne Storm in the rugby league, two of the top rugby teams in the country each year and yes you can see them play all of the top national teams here.

Cricket remains one of the most popular sports in the world and internationally and locally Australians love their cricket. The country is perennially one of the international Cricket powerhouses and on Boxing Day MCG is rocking with fans filling the stadium. There are also domestic leagues with several levels that feed into the international squad. Come prepared to enjoy a test with the locals.

If you love motorsports Melbourne has you covered at Sandown International Motor Raceway, Avalon Raceway Calder Park where you can enjoy your favorite brand nearly all year round. Speedway races, road racing, and even drag racing are on tap. Check schedules for what races are scheduled.

Australia has gained a reputation as a great development league for feeding players into the top basketball and baseball leagues around the world. Many of these players come from the Melbourne United who play in the country’s National Basketball League. You can see their games here when the league is in season. You can also watch Australia’s top netball team play in Melbourne. The Aussie Diamonds are always a top candidate to win it all.

You can also see soccer, baseball, hockey, horse racing and even roller derby in the city. Make sure you book your accommodation well in advance during major sporting events.