Sport is an Australian obsession regardless of its nature and scope and nowhere is this national pastime more unabashedly celebrated than in the vibrant city capital of Victoria. As the host of many a football, cricket, tennis, swimming and formula one racing championship event the Melbourne calendar reads like an athlete’s diary with high profile sporting events marked in every page. Whether you’re a true blue footie fan or prefer the thrills and spills of the gentleman’s game, Melbourne’s diverse and all-encompassing prowess as a sporting hub will hardly leave visitors disappointed. Regardless of when one is touching down on the sunny shores of Melbourne, one can be assured there’s a red letter sporting event just waiting round the corner.
Football fans can get more than their money’s worth at AFL World down Swanston Street where footie legends of past and present are celebrated in a multimedia experience complete with interactive elements. Tennis enthusiasts however can get centre court action at the annual Australian Open conducted at Melbourne Park each year. Tipped as one of the four top grand slams of the year the Aussie open attracts the world’s top players to battle it out for first place in a hard fought tournament that culminates in Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.
Those holidaying in Victoria’s capital in March can feast their eyes on the Formula One race of a life time at the Australian Grand Prix which is held in Melbourne annually. As one of the most iconic cricketing grounds in the world the MCG hosts international cricket teams, Australian Rules Football matches and rock concerts all year round while visitors can tour the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum on-site for an in-depth look at this Melbourne sporting legend.
Horse racing fanatics can head down to the city’s Flemington Race Course for the Melbourne Cup in November each year as the annual event is a globally recognized sporting melee which is renowned as the world’s best handicap racing event. Other horse racing festivals in Melbourne include the Caufield Cup, Cox Plate, Oaks Day, and Derby Day races all of which are conducted in historic racing grounds across the city.
Other sporting highlights in Melbourne take place in the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, Telstra Dome and the Tan Track which has seen the likes of Kathy Freeman, Steve Monaghetti and Steve Ovett among the illustrious list of runners who have graced the track.
Travellers in search of five star Melbourne accommodation serviced apartments should look no further than the Somerset on Elizabeth Melbourne. Ideally located in the heart of the city’s CBD this one of a kind aparthotel provides fully furnished Melbourne serviced apartments within close range of shopping and entertainment venues.