Australia has long been the home of blockbuster sporting events, and 2023 continues to thrill. With everything from adrenaline-fuelled NRL in Sydney and AFL games in Melbourne to high-octane Australian Grand Prix, our calendar of highlights shows you where to enjoy the action first-hand. You’ll also find great sports tours and attractions to enjoy in between. Lock in those dates!
NRL Telstra Premiership
March 2 – October 1
The 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership is set to be one of the biggest ever, with 204 matches held across Australia. Get the heart pumping at Round 1’s kick-off clash between the Eels and Storm at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium. Source the action as it moves to stadium fixtures nationwide before culminating in the Grand Final in Sydney on October 1.
This year also sees the addition of The Dolphins turn up the heat. See them as they go head to head with the Raiders in Canberra on 11 March, and give your stay a champion flavour with one of the awesome Australian Institute of Sport tours, where you can find sporting memorabilia.
Where to stay
Find accommodation close to the action. Explore your options across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin to find options that suit every need.
Toyota AFL Premiership
March 16 – September 30
Grab a seat for the Richmond-Carlton opener at the MCG on March 16 – this traditional rivalry paves the way for the Geelong-Collingwood clash the following night and an epic home-and-away season that will last 24 weeks, from the SCG to Perth’s Optus Stadium. Round 5 will also see play knuckle down in Adelaide from 13 – 16 April for the Gather Round festival of footy.
Don’t miss the Grand Final back where it all began at the MCG on 30 September. For the full experience, we recommend a memorable MCG tour during your stay.
Where to stay
Follow your team as the AFL Premiership heats up. You’ll find plenty of great bases in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin.
2023 Bledisloe Cup
July 29
Rivalries don’t get much bigger than this. Ahead of the World Cup in France, the Wallabies will play their trans-Tasman archrivals the All Blacks in pursuit of the Bledisloe Cup at the MCG. Don’t miss the last match on home soil before they head off to the Rugby World Cup in France!
Where to stay
Enjoy one of the biggest sporting events in Melbourne at accommodation that suits you, from comfortable apartments to boutique hotels.
FIFA Women’s World Cup
July 20 – August 20
2023 is the year the Matildas take the spotlight when they play the highly anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup on their home turf. See the Matildas kick off against Ireland at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on July 20, or catch one of the thrilling group matches as it moves through Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide before the final in Sydney on August 20.
Where to stay
Don’t miss your chance to see the Matildas in action – you’ll find accommodation with comfort and more in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Melbourne Cup Festival
November 7
Every year Australia stops at 3pm for the Melbourne Cup, one of the world’s most famous horse races. Enjoy Melbourne as the city comes alive with festivities in the week across The Melbourne Cup Carnival, from Victoria Derby Day, to Melbourne Cup, followed by Oaks Day, and Champon Stakes Day.
Where to stay
Enjoy the carnival festivities by basing yourself in one of Melbourne’s many accommodation options.
Australia v Pakistan Test Series
This year Australia has heavy international tour duties for the Ashes series and World Cup but you still catch plenty of action to close out the year when Australia hosts Pakistan for a three-match Test series. This will be the first time Pakistan have toured Australia since their 2019/20 tour.
Where to stay
Soak in the summer vibes as play gets underway by booking in accommodation for Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney.
