Spectator sports

Victoria's a sports-mad state that punches above its weight in the big-event stakes. It's quite possibly the best place in the world to be a sporting spectator or a footy fan.

Aussie Rules Football in Victoria

Grab your chance to watch a game of Australian Rules football, whether it's local sides going at it in the country leagues or the spectacle of a sold-out MCG blockbuster match. You can even see AFL games at Kardinia Park in Geelong. The rules may baffle you, but the parochialism and passion of the crowds are infectious.

Cricket, tennis and hockey

Spend summer Saturdays taking classic catches at regional cricket grounds. The Victorian Bushrangers cricket team has a well-stocked trophy collection, and the Australian team rolls into town for the Boxing Day Test match, one-day internationals and Twenty20 carnivals. See the world's best men's hockey teams compete regularly in Melbourne and don't miss the festival atmosphere of the annual Australian Open tennis.

Cycle sport and road racing

There's plenty to take in as a cycle sport spectator in Victoria – from the magnificent scenery of the Great Ocean Road and Victoria's High Country, to the incredible feats of endurance shown by the world's best road racers and mountain-bike champions. Don't miss the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in January.

Soccer, rugby, basketball and netball

See Melbourne Victory and cross-town rivals Melbourne City play A-League soccer nationally. Catch them in town at Etihad and AAMI stadiums. Melbourne Storm play National Rugby League and the Melbourne Rebels play international Super Rugby (Union). In basketball the Melbourne Tigers compete when at home at the State Netball Hockey Centre, while Melbourne Vixens take on their netballing rivals at Margaret Court and Hisense arenas.

Motor sport and horse racing

Don't miss the annual Australian Formula 1™ Grand Prix in Melbourne. Head to Calder Park, Avalon Raceway and Sandown International Motor Raceway for road, drag and speedway races, and to Phillip Island for the V8 Supercar Championship, Superbike World Championship and Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Get your frocks and fancy hats out for Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival, and plan a day at the Ballarat, Moe and Hanging Rock country races year-round.