Tag: Australia

22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 attracts record 123,000 ballot entries

Sydney’s status as a world-class sports tourism destination continues to accelerate, with the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS attracting unprecedented global interest for its 2026 edition.  The iconic event, now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), has become a magnet for travelling runners, drawing tens of thousands of international visitors eager to combine a bucket-list marathon with a trip to one of the world’s most spectacular sports cities. The 2026 edition, taking place on Sunday 30 August 2026, will have an increased capacity targeting 40,000 finishers.  Record-shattering demand for the TCS Sydney Marathon is cementing the Harbour City’s position as one of the world’s premier sports tourism hotspots. The event’s latest ballot drew more than 123,00...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Quint launch exclusive travel programme

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has launched a new travel package programme for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, in partnership with Quint Australia, a provider of official travel, hospitality and experience programmes. Known as Australian Grand Prix Corporation Travel, the exclusive travel programme will provide fans of Formula 1® and MotoGP™ with access to ticket, hotel, travel and experience packages, designed to enhance event attendance and create long lasting memories.  Launching for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix from 5-8 March 2026, the travel programme will aim to increase interstate and international travel to AGPC events, expanding on the tourism and economic benefits to Victoria.  Operating und...

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10Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Holidays & Trips

Marathon travel: 2025 Kangaroo Island Marathon in South Australia 

Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2025 Kangaroo Island Marathon – scheduled for Sunday 24 August 2025 in the heart of Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Originally launched in 2015 and acquired by MTT in 2024, the Kangaroo Island Marathon now forms a key part of its global Seven Continents Club adventure series. The course offers runners a spectacular journey through regenerating flora and fauna in this beautiful post‑bushfire landscape, undulating roads and trails, dramatic Southern Ocean coastlines, and the iconic Remarkable Rocks boardwalk. To ensure competitors have a seamless journey to the event, Marathon Tours and Travel offer flexible travel options, including: 3‑night Premium Packages (AU only): with...

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3Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Brisbane: a sports travel city guide  

Sun-soaked, laid-back, and brimming with sporting pride, Brisbane is one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for sports travel. With a strong calendar of major events, top-tier teams across multiple codes, and a stunning subtropical setting, Brisbane combines elite sport with an outdoorsy lifestyle, scenic river views, and easy access to beaches, islands, and hinterland hikes. And with the 2032 Summer Olympic Games on the horizon, the city is investing billions into sports infrastructure and tourism – making now the perfect time to visit. The Lions head to the Suncorp  One of Brisbane’s biggest sporting events in 2025 will be hosting the 1st Test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions – a combined team of the best international rugby union players from Englan...

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Sailing: Hamilton Island Race Week, Australia

Hamilton Island Race Week celebrates 40 years this August – marking four decades of world-class sailing, exceptional food and wine, and sun-soaked revelry on Australia's tropical island. Presented by American Express, the 2025 regatta runs from 16-23 August with a lineup of unmissable world-class experiences and events on water and on shore. What began as a niche offshore sailing regatta in 1984 has evolved into a week-long festival of sport, style and island culture – attracting crews, chefs, celebrities, and spectators from around the country and abroad.  While the regatta remains the focal point – with some of the world's best crews competing in spectacular Whitsundays conditions – this is by no means a week just for sailors. Guests can wander the buzzing marina village, relax wi...

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9Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events

NFL expands international series with games in Dublin and Melbourne

Ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the National Football League (NFL) has announced a major expansion of its international series with regular-season games set to be played for the first time in Dublin, Ireland, in 2025, and in Melbourne, Australia in 2026. The expansion not only accelerates the NFL’s global ambitions, but will boost the economies of both cities through international visitation and showcasing the tourism and sporting highlights of each destination. Held in partnership with the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council, the 2025 NFL Dublin game will take place at Croke Park, the largest sporting arena in Ireland and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The Pittsburgh Steelers will play as the designated team for the historic first regular-seaso...

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30Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia set to generate AUS$1.3bn in visitor expenditure

World Rugby has unveiled the seven host cities for the 11th edition of the men’s Rugby World Cup, taking place in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027. With 250,000 international visitors expected over the six-week period, the tournament is projected to generate AUS$1.3 billion in direct visitor expenditure across the country and seven host cities, while inspiring a nation to embrace rugby, aiming for 200,000 participants by 2029. Selected for their vibrant culture, world-class hospitality and scenic landmarks, the Rugby World Cup 2027 host cities are:  Adelaide | Tarntanya  Brisbane | Meeanjin  Melbourne | Narrm  Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi  Perth | Boorloo  Sydney | Gadigal  Townsville | Gurambilbarra  Perth | Boorloo will play host to the anticipa...

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28Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Marathon Tours & Travel release 2025 ‘Aussie Challenge’ packages

Running travel specialists Marathon Tours & Travel has released travel packages for two of Australia’s most celebrated marathons in 2025: the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by Asics and the Kangaroo Island Marathon. With only a week separating the two events, participants can also choose to take on the ultimate running adventure by combining both events in the unique ‘Aussie Challenge’. Now an official Abbott World Marathon Major, the 2025 iteration of TCS Sydney Marathon takes place on Sunday 31 August. As one of only seven World Marathon Majors, it promises an electric atmosphere, world-class competition, and the chance to run past some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Just a week before the TCS Sydney Marathon, on Sunday 24...

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Cricket: The Ashes 2025-2026 fixtures – Australia vs. England

The Ashes 2025-2026 series between Australia and England promises another thrilling chapter in cricket's biggest rivalry. Hosted by Australia, who are the current holders of the Ashes having retained them with a draw in 2023, the series will feature five Test matches at iconic venues, beginning with the opener at Perth Stadium from 21-25 November 2025. Known for its fast and bouncy pitch, Perth will set the tone for the series. The action then moves to The Gabba in Brisbane for a day/night Test from 4-8 December 2025, adding the challenge of the pink ball under lights. The festive season brings the Christmas Test at Adelaide Oval (17-21 December 2025), renowned for its picturesque setting and competitive history. The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (26-30 December 2025) will a...

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21Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

The Ashes 2025-2026: Australia vs. England Test dates and venues 

The Ashes, cricket's most storied rivalry, traces its origins to a match played at The Oval in 1882 when Australia secured their first-ever Test win on English soil. A satirical obituary in The Sporting Times lamented the "death of English cricket", sparking the creation of the symbolic urn that represents Ashes supremacy. Since then, this biennial series between England and Australia has become a showcase of cricketing excellence and fierce competition. The Ashes 2025-2026 series between Australia and England promises another thrilling chapter in this saga. Hosted by Australia, who are the current holders of the Ashes having retained them with a draw in 2023, the series will feature five Test matches at iconic venues, beginning with the opener at Perth Stadium from 21-25 November 2025....

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17Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events

Sydney Marathon confirmed as seventh Abbott World Marathon Major

Abbott World Marathon Majors has confirmed that the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS will join the series in 2025 to become the seventh event in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. The TCS Sydney Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 31 August 2025, joins six races including the Tokyo Marathon, the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, the TCS London Marathon, the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the TCS New York City Marathon as part of the global marathon series. The Sydney Marathon is the largest marathon in Oceania and saw a record 20,272 finishers during its 2024 race, allowing it to pass its second consecutive assessment and become an Abbott World Marathon Major. Dawna Stone, CEO of AbbottWMM, said: “I am thrilled that Sydn...

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2025 Australian Open – tennis grand slam

The Australian Open, taking place from 6-26 January 2025 in Melbourne, is the first of the four grand slam tennis tournaments of the year. Played on hard courts at Melbourne Park, the tournament is known for its lively atmosphere, extreme summer temperatures, and innovative approach to sports entertainment.  Established in 1905, the Australian Open has grown into one of the most prestigious and widely watched events in tennis. It features five main competition categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Over the years, iconic players such as Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer have etched their names into history by capturing multiple titles in Melbourne.  Melbourne Park, the venue for the Australian Open, features wor...

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Rugby union: British & Irish Lions tour of Australia 2025

After facing Argentina in a friendly match in Dublin, the British & Irish Lions will then travel to Australia for their 2025 tour. The Lions – a combined team of the best international rugby union players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – take on the Wallabies in three Test matches as well as playing six warm-up games against teams from around Australia. Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the first of three Tests on Saturday 19 July 2025. The second Test will be played on Saturday 26 July 2025 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and the final Test will be played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 2 August 2025. See more at lionsrugby.com  British & Irish Lions tour of Australia 2025 – fixtures  28 June 2025: Western...

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Cricket: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022

Australia will be the focus of the cricketing world when it hosts the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Taking place from 16 October to 13 November, the world’s best players from 16 teams will play 45 matches in what will be the biggest global sporting event to be hosted in Australia in 2022. Matches will be played in Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Brisbane (The Gabba), Geelong (Kardinia Park Stadium), Hobart (Bellerive Oval), Melbourne (MCG), Perth (Perth Stadium) and Sydney (SCG). Australia will go into the eighth edition of the men’s event as defending champions after winning their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2021, defeating New Zealand in the final.  The opening fixture of the tournament will see Sri Lanka take on Namibia on Sunday 16 October at Kardinia Park in Geelong. The f...

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2022 Aqua Rugby Festival

With “big hits” and even “bigger splashes”, Aqua Rugby has been described as Australia’s newest “sporting phenomenon”. Taking place at Manly Cove in Sydney, Australia from 10-12 November 2022, the three-day Aqua Rugby Festival will see matches played on a 30m x 30m floating pontoon pitch with tries scored by jumping into the ocean. Think of it as rugby’s full contact and fast pace combined with Olympic-style dives and NFL-inspired celebrations.    The teams, professional and amateur, feature five players plus reserves and games are played for ten minutes – five-minute halves with two minutes for half time. Over the weekend there will be men’s and women’s knockout competitions as well as a number of exhibition matches. Fans will be able to watch the matches from the Manly Shorelin...

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28Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Aqua Rugby Festival: a ‘sporting phenomenon’ in Sydney, Australia 

With “big hits” and even “bigger splashes”, Aqua Rugby has been described as Australia’s newest “sporting phenomenon”. Taking place at Manly Cove in Sydney, Australia from 10-12 November 2022, the three-day Aqua Rugby Festival will see matches played on a 30m x 30m floating pontoon pitch with tries scored by jumping into the ocean. Think of it as rugby’s full contact and fast pace combined with Olympic-style dives and NFL-inspired celebrations.    The teams, professional and amateur, feature five players plus reserves and games are played for ten minutes – five-minute halves with two minutes for half time. Over the weekend there will be men’s and women’s knockout competitions as well as a number of exhibition matches. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_QNk0NRI2o Fans will be able...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Sydney Marathon enters race to join Abbott World Marathon Majors 

Sydney is on track to join the most high-profile marathon cities in the world, with the Blackmores Sydney Marathon officially announced as a candidate for the Abbott World Marathon Majors series – the first marathon in Oceania to be nominated. To become a major, the Sydney Marathon will be required to meet “strict criteria over a three-year period”, said worldmarathonmajors.com. If successful, it will join an esteemed group of races – Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and TCS New York City Marathon – as a new member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025. Stuart Ayres, the New South Wales minister for tourism and sport, said the candidacy acknowledges the Sydney Marathon as a world-class event with one of...

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16Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

2026 Commonwealth Games to generate AU$3bn for Victoria’s economy

Victoria has been confirmed as the host destination for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – and it’s estimated that the major sporting event will generate more than AU$3billion to the economy in the Australian state.  Victoria 2026 will be held across multiple regions, creating a new multi-city model for the Commonwealth Games. Four regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with its own athletes’ village and sports program. The hubs will also host athletes, officials and fans following an opening ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria. Shepparton, in northern Victoria, will also host sporting and cultural events as part of Victoria 2026. There will also be a strong para-sports programme,...

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Formula 1: 2025 Australian Grand Prix

The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to commence with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit from 14-16 March 2025. This year, the Australian Grand Prix reclaims its position as the inaugural race of the world championship, a role it has traditionally held. Event schedule: Friday 14 March: Two free practice sessions. Saturday 15 March: A final practice session followed by the qualifying rounds. Sunday 16 March: The main race event. A significant storyline for the 2025 season is Lewis Hamilton's debut with Scuderia Ferrari. After a challenging 2024 season with Mercedes, Hamilton has transitioned to Ferrari, aiming to secure a record-breaking eighth F1 world championship title. His journey begins at the Australian Grand Prix, where fans eagerly anticipate h...

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27Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel, Venues & Stadiums

Accor Stadium: hotel group wins naming rights for Sydney’s Stadium Australia

Hotel and hospitality group Accor has signed a seven-year naming rights deal for Stadium Australia – the iconic venue in Sydney’s Olympic Park.   Now named the Accor Stadium, it was the centrepiece of the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has a capacity of 100,000 spectators for concerts and more than 80,000 for seated sporting events. The stadium has previously hosted major sporting events such as rugby league’s State of Origin, National Rugby League Grand Finals, Fifa World Cup qualifiers, rugby union’s Bledisloe Cup, and British & Irish Lions rugby Test matches. Natalie Ward, minister for sport of the New South Wales (NSW) Government, said: “NSW is open for business and we are thrilled our local fans, along with interstate and international visitors, will be able to...

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