5 sporting events across Australia worth travelling for
Updated . First published at
Accor
Katie Cunningham | Presented by Accor
Some sporting events just have to be experienced live. Sure, you can watch the game itself on the telly but for the atmosphere, the chance to have an unbeatable day out with your mates – and the eternal bragging rights – you've got to be part of the crowd.
There's absolutely nothing like seeing your team snatch victory right in front of you or being there as a remarkable feat of sporting history is made. Whatever you're into, there's an event on the sporting calendar worth travelling for. Here's five of the most unmissable matches.
AFL Gather Round
Experience the thrill of the AFL Gather Round, where all 18 teams and thousands of fans flock to Adelaide for four action-packed days of footy.
Most matches are played at Adelaide Oval, South Australia's largest stadium, and home ground to Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide football teams. Other matches will be played in suburban Norwood, and up in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, where if this year's event is anything to go off, fans can expect live music, player appearances and interactive games and installations.
The AFL announced that the 2025 Gather Round will run from Thursday April 10 to Sunday April 13, conveniently coinciding with school holidays in South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. So, if you were looking for an excuse to make a holiday out of it, consider this it – and with some of the country's best wine regions on your doorstep, why wouldn't you?
For a comfortable stay, consider The Playford Adelaide - MGallery or Peppers Waymouth Adelaide, both conveniently located close to the action.
NRL Grand Final
Get amongst it, when the NRL Grand Final goes down on Sunday October 6 at Sydney's Accor Stadium.
Accor Stadium is located in Sydney Olympic Park, a 20-kilometer journey from the CBD. For a hassle-free experience, consider staying near the park. There are several hotel options within walking distance of the stadium, including the ibis Sydney Olympic Park, Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, and Accor Stadium Pullman. These three hotels are part of the same complex, offering convenient access to the stadium.
Before the match, enjoy pre-game dining at The Brewery Bar in the Novotel for a casual atmosphere or Bacar in the Pullman for a more premium experience.
The Boxing Day test
The cricket is part of the fibre of Australian summer. And being there for the Boxing Day test – easily the biggest event on the annual cricketing calendar – is a rite of passage for every cricket fan.
This year's test will see Australia face off against India, a scarily good team who are easily our toughest competitor right now, which means a thrilling game is all but guaranteed.
You could just go for one day of the test…. or commit and stay for all five. If you're doing the full week, it makes sense to base yourself close to the MCG, where the game goes down, to make life easier – the Pullman Melbourne on the Park is a great bet. Or, soak up more of the sights Melbourne as on offer at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
Gold Coast WSL Event
Strap in for a wave of excitement as the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour returns to the Gold Coast from 2025 to 2028. After its successful stint as part of the Challenger Series tour in previous years, the event is set to make a splash on the iconic Snapper Rocks.
With plenty of stellar accommodation options at Snapper Rocks and Tweed Heads, you'll be just steps away from the action. Consider staying at properties like The Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta, Peppers Broadbeach, or Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff.
State of Origin
It's mate vs mate, state vs state. There's nothing like the high drama of the State of Origin, where NSW and Queensland battle it out on the football field in a thrilling three game series.
Origin happens in Sydney, Brisbane and usually a neutral venue, like Melbourne, Adelaide, or Perth, which will host one of the matches in 2025.
If you're looking to make the pilgrimage out west for the game, you'll want to get organised early – each game is likely to sell out, so be ready to strike when tickets are announced in March. Move fast on hotels, too. Both the Novotel Perth Langley and the ibis Styles East Perth will put you around a ten-minute drive from the stadium.
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