Melbourne, Australia’s vibrant sporting and events capital, is gearing up to host some of the biggest international sporting spectacles in 2025. Known for its passionate sporting culture, Victoria’s capital consistently draws record-breaking crowds, making it one of the best sporting destinations in the world.
A Year of Major Sporting Events
This year, Melbourne will be the stage for two iconic sporting series: The Lions Tour and The Ashes, while it is also home to a number of exciting annual sporting competitions. Looking ahead to 2027, Melbourne has recently been confirmed as a host city for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, further cementing its status as a sports lover’s paradise.
These events provide the perfect opportunity for sports fans to explore and enjoy the many attractions and experiences Melbourne and Victoria have to offer. Melbourne is a diverse and exciting city that serves as a gateway to the rest of the state. Victoria’s compact size allows for easy travel from the high mountains to the rugged southern coast and back to the city in a short space of time. Visitors can experience stunning landscapes, wildlife, and historic towns in a region that is renowned for its food and wine.
Top Five Sporting Events in Melbourne for 2025
Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix™ (13-16 March)
One of Melbourne’s leading motoring events, the F1 Grand Prix draws massive crowds to the Albert Park Grand Prix™ circuit each year. For 2025, the Australian Grand Prix™ reclaims its spot as F1’s season-opening race. Melbourne has been hosting this race as part of the Formula 1® World Championship since 1996, when the Australian Grand Prix™ moved from Adelaide. Formula 1® is now signed to race in Melbourne for a further ten years from 2025 to 2035, guaranteeing the city’s motor racing legacy for at least another decade. This annual event spans a four-day track schedule, packed with live practice, qualifying, and racing events. A semi-permanent track, the circuit was upgraded for 2022 to deliver even more overtakes and high-speed action. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz came out on top last year after 58 laps, but with a host of changes in the off-season, this year it could be anyone’s race.
visitmelbourne.com/whats-on/major-events/formula-1-australian-grand-prix-overview
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (18-28 April)
The World Surf League is returning to Bells Beach for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, presented by Bonsoy, the longest-running event on the World Surf League’s elite Championship Tour. Bells Beach holds significant history and heritage for both world surfing and Australian sport. This is the first stop of the Australian leg of the WSL Championship Tour, and the event will continue its tradition of falling on Easter weekend. Caitlin Simmers and Cole Houshmand won last year to become the first-time Bells winners on Finals Day as the Bowl dished up semi-clean surf in the three-to-four-foot range.
The British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 (22-26 July)
Once every twelve years, the British and Irish Lions come to Australia to play the Wallabies in a series that produces unforgettable drama, passion, and rivalry. The Lions combine the best players from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, touring either Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa every four years. Back in 2013, the Lions won the series 2-1, so Australia will be looking for some long-overdue revenge this time around. This highly anticipated series will see the Lions play nine matches in Australia, with three Tests against the Wallabies and six tour games around the country. Melbourne will play host to two of these matches: one versus a local team at Marvel Stadium on 22 July, and the all-important second Test on 26 July 2025. Played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a cultural icon and one of the most recognised cricket grounds in the world, this match is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the global rugby calendar.
Melbourne Cup Carnival (4-11 November)
Arguably one of the most prestigious horse racing carnivals in the world, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is a four-day event, and a state holiday, held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Usually attracting around 300,000 punters, there are dozens of races to watch, but the big four are the Victoria Derby (‘Derby Day’), the VRC Oaks (‘Oaks Day’), the Mackinnon Stakes (‘Stakes Day’), and the jewel in Australia’s horse racing crown, the Melbourne Cup, also known as the ‘Race That Stops The Nation’. Flemington Racecourse is a ten-minute drive northwest of the city centre on the Maribyrnong River. It has been the home of Victorian horse racing since 1848 and has a capacity for around 120,000 people.
visitmelbourne.com/whats-on/major-events/melbourne-cup-carnival-overview
The 2025 Men’s Ashes Series (26-30 December)
Having successfully hosted the Women’s Ashes series at the beginning of 2025, England will travel to Australia at the end of the year in a bid to reclaim the Men’s Ashes in one of sport’s oldest rivalries. Having won the 2021-22 series, Australia successfully retained the title with a draw in 2023 and are currently the holders of the little urn. The five-match Test series will come to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test at the 100,024-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26-30 December in what could be a decisive Test. Having originated in the 1980s, the Boxing Day Test is an iconic sporting fixture on the world cricket calendar, eagerly anticipated each year by sports-loving Victorians and international visitors alike. It brings together Australia’s best batters, bowlers, and all-rounders to compete against other touring international teams, and this year coincides with the Ashes Tour.
visitmelbourne.com/united-kingdom/boxing-day-at-the-mcg
With an unparalleled line-up of international sporting events, Melbourne is truly a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts in 2025. Whether it’s the high-speed thrill of Formula 1, the drama of The Ashes, or the historic traditions of the Melbourne Cup, the city offers something for every fan. Beyond the stadiums and race tracks, visitors can also indulge in Melbourne’s renowned culinary scene, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking natural attractions. Plan your trip now and experience the excitement that makes Melbourne one of the world’s greatest sporting cities.
