Huddle

Community

Sydney’s sports scene: An opinionated guide

Our guide to Sydney's sporting must-dos.

Written by: Huddle
March 19 2025

Sydney; a vibrant and dynamic city known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and world-class sporting events. For sports fans, Sydney is a haven, offering a wide range of world-class, unmissable live events to every active lifestyle. Whether you’re a fan of rugby, cricket, soccer, or just getting into the outdoors, Sydney has something for everyone.

Sport is a stalwart pillar within Australian culture. From cricket to Aussie rules to netball and hockey the nation is sport obsessed. And when you step foot into the iconic sporting city of Sydney you can’t help but get stuck in. Here’s our guide to the best things to do:

Catch a Live Rugby Game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Australia, and Sydney is home to some of the country’s most passionate rugby fans. One of the best places to experience the excitement of live rugby is the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), a historic venue that has hosted countless legendary games.

Whether it’s the Sydney Roosters rugby league team or the New South Wales Waratahs their rugby union counterparts, get down to experience the electric atmosphere of the SCG. The stadium itself is a marvel and an icon within Australian sports culture. Make sure to check the schedule for any major matches or tournaments during your visit!

Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium

Sydney has a strong soccer following, and Sydney FC, one of the most successful teams in the A-League, calls the city home. If you’re a fan of football (soccer), you can’t miss the chance to see a match at the newly revamped Allianz Stadium. This state-of-the-art venue offers excellent views, fantastic facilities, and a vibrant atmosphere, especially when Sydney FC faces off against its fierce rivals like Melbourne Victory or Western Sydney Wanderers. Allianz Stadium is one of the best places to experience the thrill of Australian soccer.

Get ahead of the Australian Open at the Sydney International

Although the Australian Open takes place in Melbourne, Sydney hosts its own exciting tennis event, the Sydney International, which is a popular lead-up to the Open. Held at the Ken Rosewall Arena in the Olympic Park precinct, the event attracts top tennis players from around the world, making it a thrilling experience for tennis fans.

The tournament showcases both men’s and women’s singles and doubles matches, providing a fantastic chance to see the world’s best in action up close. If you’re in Sydney in early January, this is a must-attend event for any tennis lover.

Get running

For sports fans who prefer to get active themselves, Sydney has no shortage of opportunities to get moving. The annual City2Surf 14k fun run starts in the CBD and finishes up at Bondi Beach, with live music, cow bells & entertainment every step of the way this event is a 10/10! And what better way to end your run then with an iced coffee on the beach? Then you’ve got the Sydney Running Festival, one of the most popular events on the city’s calendar. Held every year in September, the festival features various races, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10 km run, and the Bridge Run, which takes participants over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The event offers something for everyone, from casual runners to elite athletes, and it’s a great way to experience Sydney’s most famous landmarks while participating in a sporting event. Plus, the views as you run along the harbor and through the city’s bustling streets are truly unforgettable.

Credit City2Surf

Go Surfing at Bondi Beach

Sydney’s beaches are world-renowned, and Bondi Beach is at the heart of the city’s surfing culture. If you’re a sports fan with a love for water sports, Bondi offers the perfect environment to catch some waves. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner, there are plenty of surf schools and rental shops offering lessons and gear.

Bondi’s laid-back yet lively vibe makes it an iconic spot for both spectators and participants. Even if you’re not surfing yourself, watching the surfers carve through the waves from the shore is an iconic Sydney experience. Why not park up at the Bondi Icebergs swimming pool? Filled by the ocean waves and overlooking the beach, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Cheer on the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League

Cricket fans can also get in on the action by supporting the Sydney Sixers, one of the teams in Australia’s popular Big Bash League (BBL). The Sixers play their home games at Sydney Showground Stadium, and attending one of their fast-paced, high-energy matches is an unforgettable experience.

The BBL has quickly become one of the most exciting formats in world cricket, combining the thrill of T20 cricket with a festival atmosphere. With fireworks, live entertainment, and plenty of action on the field, it’s a perfect way for sports fans to experience Australian cricket.

Round it all off

Sydney is a paradise for sports fans, offering a diverse array of events, venues, and activities to satisfy every type of enthusiast. Whether you’re watching world-class rugby or surfing at Bondi, there’s no shortage of exciting opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s sporting culture.