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UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in 2025
Ultimate guide to major sporting events in Melbourne in 2025 and 2026
Mark your calendar - these are the major sporting events playing in Melbourne during 2025 and 2026.
From world-class tennis to Formula 1 and major football finals, Melbourne has cemented its reputation as Australia’s sporting capital.
Here’s your guide to the biggest events coming to Melbourne - and surrounds - across 2025 and 2026.
Use the free Arevo journey planner app to find the most efficient way to get to these sporting events.
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Jump to:
- Netball Grand Final
- AFL Grand Final
- Spring Racing Carnival
- NBA
- NRL Grand Final
- Moto GP Motorcycle Grand Prix
- UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in 2025
- AFLW Grand Final
- Boxing Day Test
- Australian Open
- NFL American Football
- Vic Open golf tournament
- The Australian Grand Prix
- Avalon Australian International Airshow
A hot air balloon flies over Melbourne's sporting precinct, including the MCG and Rod Laver Arena. Image: Visit Victoria.
Major sporting events in Melbourne during 2025 and 2026
Netball Grand Final in 2025
An increasing number of Australians are playing or participating in netball, which is fuelling a growing interest in watching elite netball competitions. The 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season was the most attended season of Australian women’s sport, with a final total attendance of 366,222, according to Netball Australia.
This year, the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final will be held at Melbourne’s iconic Rod Laver Arena. The event is expected to draw fans and families from across Victoria and around Australia.
When: 2 August 2025
Where: Rod Laver Arena
Find out more: netball.com.au
AFL Grand Final in 2025
The AFL Grand Final is the most anticipated event on the Australian footy calendar. Held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the game attracts more than 100,000 spectators and millions of viewers across the country.
It’s not only the game that excites; from pre-match entertainment, live viewings, spirited parades, and halftime shows, the Grand Final week festivities see Melbourne come alive in celebration.
The MCG is also home to the Australian Sports Museum, which is worth visiting during footy season, which runs from 7 March to 27 September 2025.
When: 27 September 2025
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Find out more: afl.com.au
The AFL Grand Final is the annual sporting event in Melbourne, with around 100,000 fans packing the MCG to cheer on their teams. Image: Visit Victoria.
Spring Racing Carnival in 2025
Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival brings together fashion, food, and some of Australia’s most prestigious horse races.
The Spring Racing Carnival runs from September to November. Key races include the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and, of course, the “race that stops a nation”, the Melbourne Cup, held on 4 November this year. Each event offers its own mix of traditions and trackside entertainment.
When: September to November 2025
Where: Flemington, Caulfield & Moonee Valley Racecourses
Find out more: racingvictoria.com.au
NBA in 2025
Melbourne is set to host two official NBA games for the first time in 2025, thanks to the increasing interest from basketball fans across the country.
Two highly anticipated matches will take place at Melbourne Park. The first is between the New Orleans Pelicans and Melbourne United on 3 October. It's followed by The Pelicans vs S.E. Melbourne Phoenix on 5 October. There’s a fan night on 4 October, and the Pelicans are also rumoured to host NBA Cares community outreach programmes and fun lifestyle events across the week.
When: 3-5 October 2025
Where: Rod Laver Arena
Find out more: nba.nbl.com.au
There are also race days to enjoy outside of the Spring Racing Carnival, such as the Healesville Picnic Races in March. Image: Matt Harvey.
NRL Grand Final in 2025
Although Sydney was recently announced as the host for the 2025 NRL Grand Final once again, that never stops Melbourne Storm fans from celebrating their team’s wins.
Many dedicated NRL will make the trip to Sydney’s Accor Stadium to watch the top two rugby league teams battle it out for the premiership title. For those staying local, there are plenty of cheerful watch parties across Melbourne’s sports bars and pubs to view the game. One thing’s for sure: NRL Grand Final day is a lively affair no matter who's playing.
When: 5 October 2025
Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Find out more: nrl.com
MotoGP Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 2025
Held at the picturesque Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the MotoGP offers high-octane racing with some of the sport’s most spectacular vistas. Watch the world’s best – and emerging – riders compete across three championship classes over three thrilling days.
There’s more to the MotoGP than racing, with off-track events like meeting the competitors at Gardner Village, entertainment on the Fan Forum Stage, and a chance to inspect the latest motorcycles and apparel at the GP Expo. Phillip Island is also one of the best places to see fairy penguins and migrating whales during winter.
When: 17-19 October 2025
Where: Phillip Island, Victoria
Find out more: motogp.com.au 
The MotoGP is a spectacle not just for the racing, but for the incredible vistas from the Phillip Island track. Image: Visit Victoria.
UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in 2025
Get ready for an exciting event as the Surf Coast welcomes the world's best amateur road cyclists, competiting for the World Championship title.
Lorne will be buzzing as it hosts a major event hub and the start/finish line for both a road race and a time trial over the weekend. Plus, there’s a team relay event happening at the Geelong Waterfront. The UCI Gran Fondo is the grand finale of a world series with 27 global qualifying events, leading to invites for the top competitors to compete for medals and the coveted rainbow world champion’s jersey.
The 2025 races will coincide with Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo, with cyclists in this event taking on the same stunning 122km course through the Otway Ranges and along the Great Ocean Road. Running since 2011, the race honours Amy Gillett, an elite Australian cyclist who tragically lost her life during championship training. Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo takes place over roads Gillett trained on with the aim of improving safety and awareness between motorists and cyclists.
To make a long weekend of the race, stay at RACV Torquay Resort.
When: 16-19 October 2025
Where: Lorne & Great Ocean Road region
Find out more: granfondogreatoceanroad2025.com.au
AFLW Grand Final in 2025
As women’s footy continues to gain momentum, so does the AFLW Grand Final, with the 2024 event drawing thousands of spectators.
Now a prominent fixture on Australia’s sporting calendar, the 2025 AFLW Grand Final will be a milestone match, celebrating its 10th year. If Melbourne secure a spot in the 2025 final, it’s anticipated you’ll be able to join the passionate crowds at the MCG.
When: 29 November 2025
Where: Venue TBC
Find out more: womens.afl
Heading to the 'G to watch the Boxing Day Test is something of a Christmas tradition for sports fans in Melbourne. Image: Getty.
Boxing Day Test in 2025
Cricket fans won’t want to miss the Boxing Day Test, a Melbourne institution that sees the Australian team take on a visiting international side. Held across five days, the Melbourne Test (Boxing Day) Test is the penultimate event in the five-part Men’s Ashes series, with many unforgettable moments over the years.
Held at the MCG, this annual event has become a social and sporting tradition for many Victorian families. Besides watching Australia vs England, other festivities include live entertainment, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities.
When: 26–30 December 2025
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Find out more: cricket.com.au
Australian Open in 2026
One of Melbourne’s most iconic summer sporting events, the Australian Open is part of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Over two weeks in January, witness the thrill of world-class tennis at Melbourne Park, including the nail-biting final matches held at Rod Laver Arena.
At Federation Square, enjoy the popular AO precinct, a lively place for fans to get into the Australian Open spirit. Live music, food trucks, pop-up Melbourne restaurants, and children’s activities keep the whole family entertained.
When: 12 January – 1 February 2026
Where: Melbourne Park
Find out more: ausopen.com
NFL American football in 2026
One to watch for 2026 is the arrival of American football to Australia, thanks to its growing fanbase here. The NFL recently announced a multiyear commitment for regular season games in Melbourne, kicking off next year.
The MCG will host the first-ever regular season game, with the Los Angeles Rams the designated team to beat.
When: TBC 2026
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Find out more: nfl.com/melbourne
Vic Open golf tournament in 2026
The Vic Open is a prestigious Australian golf tournament held annually at 13th Beach Golf Links on the Bellarine Peninsula. It features both men's and women's professional and amateur golfers competing on the same course for separate trophies and prize money. The tournament has a rich history, with the men's event dating back to 1958 and the women's event to 1988.
The Vic Open is a free and dog friendly event that goes over four days, with food trucks, and other fun activities. There are regular bus services (Route 55) from Geelong Railway Station to Ocean Grove, with a bus stop directly opposite 13th Beach Golf Links.
If you're keen to play golf yourself, there is luxury accommodation at Torquay, with a golf course, restaurants, EV chargers and a day spa on hand.
When: TBC February 2026
Where: 3th Beach Golf Links, Bellarine Peninsula
Find out more: golf.org.au/vicopen
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Pix is one of Victoria's top sporting events. Image: Australian Grand Prix Corporation
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in 2026
Every March, Albert Park transforms into a high-speed racetrack when the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix hits town. More than 300,000 people descend on Albert Park for this high-decibel event to witness some of the world’s best drivers battle for pole position.
Along with edge-of-your-seat racing, the four-day event includes aerial displays, live music, and off-track entertainment in the Fan Zone, suitable for all ages (bring ear protection for children). For Formula 1 fanatics, the opportunity to walk down Pit Lane, pose with the F1 trophy, and visit the F1 Paddock should not be missed.
When: TBC March 2026
Where: Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit
Find out more: grandprix.com.au
Avalon Airport International Airshow in 2027
Showcasing the best in aviation and aerospace, the Avalon Airshow is one of the largest events of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Held biennially, the Avalon Airport International Airshow includes trade days plus three action-packed days of public airshows. The gravity-defying flying displays, military aircraft to inspect, touch, and sometimes climb into, and family-friendly experiences make for a fun-filled day out.
When: TBC March 2027.
Where: Avalon Airport, Geelong
Find out more: airshow.com.au
