Melbourne, Victoria, is a vibrant and attractive city with a unique selection of budget and exclusive accommodation with many things to do for the visitor such as attractions and tours.
Melbourne has always been a tourist destination in Australia due to its unique characteristics and gateway to outstanding natural scenery.
With many great accommodation specials and interesting tours, visitors get to enjoy the eclectic mix of modern and historical sites around the CBD whilst sampling the great selection of dining and bars.
Melbourne has also become known as the Major Sporting Capital of Australia
Some Australian sporting events are bigger than others, they bring the nation to a standstill, bring family and friends together and give us a good excuse to fire up the barbeque and watch the drama unfold.
Over the last century Melbourne has proven itself to be the sports capital of Australia due to its success of holding major internationally acclaimed sporting events.
We take a look at some of the key sporting events in Melbourne that captivate the nations hearts;
The Melbourne Cup Carnival – Flemington Racecourse
Billed as ‘The race that stops the nation’ the Melbourne Cup is Australia’s largest annual thoroughbred horse race. The annual race is run at Flemington Racecourse Melbourne and was inaugurated in 1861. The race is part of the Spring Racing Carnival in Victoria which last year attracted over 730,000 people.
AFL Grand Final Day – MCG Melbourne
The 2008 Grand Final proved that this is without out doubt the most cruel and exciting game of the year. Over 4 quarters the game decides where football dreams are made and who’s dreams are to be shattered.
Fans and players of the Australian Football League have spent the last year watching the teams play it out in the hope that their team, the one who has put them through emotional highs and lows, will run out onto the MCG on Grand Final Day and bring the flag home.
3 Mobile Boxing Day Test
The Boxing Day Test match has become a cultural tradition for Victorians. The Boxing Day Test is the biggest day in the Australian cricketing calendar and has provided the games finest and most memorable moments at the home of Australian cricket, the MCG. More:
Australian Open Tennis Championships
Steeped with over 100 years of tradition, the Australian Open is one of the world’s greatest sporting events. The history of the event has spanned over a 100 years, during which time inspiration players such as Pat Cash and Roger Federer have fought to victory on the courts of Melbourne since 1971 where the game has been ever since.
The game is now held in and around the Vodaphone Arena, last year over 500,000 people came to watch the stars smash it out. More:
The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park
The Australian leg of the annual Formula One championship season is held on the stunning Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. Since moving from Adelaide the annual F1 race is enjoyed by many who squeeze around the Albert Park lake to watch the teams compete for the podium.
Arguably one of the most stunning courses due its proximity to the lake, the CBD and Port Phillip Bay, this race attracts a lot of interest from the world motoring media.
For more information on Melbourne accommodation, attractions and tours visit the planbooktravel Melbourne page: http://www.planbooktravel.com.au/regions/australia/vic/melbourne
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