1. Australian Open
It's not just the weather that heats up in summer. The Australian Open tennis tournament brings the world's hottest players and an equally passionate crowd to Melbourne Park, culminating in the final match under the night lights at Rod Laver Arena. There's more than just a bit of buzz – it's epic.
2. AFL Grand Final
That buzz shifts to the MCG through winter and into spring for the Australian Rules Football season. The footy grand final at the 'G is an unmissable and whole-heartedly Victorian experience each year. Pick your favourite team, don the colours and let your vocal chords go wild as the crowds roar.
3. Boxing Day Test
Cricket fans anticipate the day after Christmas not only for the leftover ham and potato salad but for the unbeatable action at the Boxing Day Test. Played each year at the MCG between the Australian men's team and a touring international cricketing team, it hits the summer sports calendar for a six.
4. Australian Sports Museum
Discover Melbourne and Victoria through a sporting point of view at the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG. Learn about the history of Aussie sport, relive all the greatest moments and meet the greatest players (virtually, of course). Interactive exhibits keep kids and adults alike on their toes. It's every bit fascinating.
5. Suncorp Super Netball
Prepare to be mesmerised by high-energy athleticism in the Suncorp Super Netball tournament. The women of Melbourne's top netball team the Vixens compete through the rounds for the coveted trophy. Melbourne is also home to Australia's national team the Diamonds. Catch any game you can – it's always brilliantly exciting.
6. Sports-lovin' pubs
Missed out on tickets to the big event? We got you. Everyday Melbournians head to neighbourhood pubs like The Rose, Young and Jackson and The Grosvenor to watch their favourite teams on the small screen. It's an affordable way to see the game and meet a few locals while nursing a pot of beer and a chicken parma.
7. Super Rugby
March down to AAMI Park in March for Super Round rugby. See hometown heroes the Melbourne Rebels and some of the Pacific's biggest names from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands. Get barracking as players crash through defensive rucks and sprint down the wings to score.
8. Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix™
You can pretty much hear the engines, smell the petrol fumes and get high on adrenaline from a mile away when the world's best drivers hit the Australian Grand Prix track at Albert Park each year. Plenty of amped up happenings both on and off the race course. Premier sports action; maximum entertainment.
9. MCG tour
Book in to join a tour of Victoria's hallowed sporting arena the Melbourne Cricket Ground, known as the MCG – or in classic Aussie style simply as the 'G. Learn all the behind-the-scenes secrets and history, peep into the players' change rooms and feel what it's like to walk out into the famed arena.
10. Melbourne Cup
It's all about sharp suits, fascinators and champagne trackside during Melbourne's celebrated Spring Racing Carnival. The highlight is of course the Melbourne Cup, renowned locally and internationally as the 'race that stops a nation'. It's even a public holiday in Victoria. Get your tickets and pick a winner.
