Things To Do

Plan A Trip To Sydney For These Atmospheric Sporting Events

By Morgan Reardon
4th Dec 2022

If you’re looking for a vacay that’s filled to the brim with action-packed sporting events, then Sydney is where you’ll want to head. An epicentre for world-class tournaments, snag a front-row seat in incredible venues and witness some of the biggest sporting legends doing their thing. Add in live entertainment and good vibes plus food trucks and ice-cold tipples, and you have yourself the ultimate summer escape. 

Not sure where to start? Book that annual leave and make a long weekend of it with these five epic sporting events in Sydney. 

SailGP

February 18-19

One of the most exciting racing events on the horizon is the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix I Sydney, returning to Australia on February 18-19 for the ninth event of SailGP Season 3. Sydney’s stunning, iconic harbour will be dotted with spectacular flying F50 catamarans once again and draw spectators from right across the globe to watch Australia battle it out against the best, including teams from Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain and the United States of America. It’s a heart-thumping race, to say the least, but our recommendation? Watch the race at Genesis Island, located on Shark Island, with your gourmet picnic hamper and a refreshing drink from the bar.

United Cup

December 29 - January 8

Sydney is playing host to a brand new tennis comp this summer that is all about equality—and we dig that. The United Cup, which runs from 29 December 2022 to 8 January 2023, features men and women taking to the court, representing 18 countries—replacing the male-only ATP Cup. Each team will feature both male and female players and will face off in singles and mixed doubles matches—kind of like the World Cup with teams playing in their designated pools. While we don’t know exactly who will be playing just yet, there’s a cool US$15 million in prize money up for grabs so you can bet the likes of Nadal, Kyrgios, Badosa and Sakkari will be in attendance. Tickets drop 11 November. 

HSBC Sydney 7s

January 27-29

Dig out your favourite footy jersey and cancel all plans for the end of January, because the HSBC Sydney 7s are rolling into town for one seriously action-packed weekend. Watch on in awe as 28 of the world’s top mens and womens Sevens teams compete in over 70 fast and furious games. Not sure how it works? Each game runs for two seven-minute halves, with seven players on the field from each team. The result? Unpredictable excitement and high energy on the footy field. Even if you’re not a massive footyhead, you can soak up the festival vibes with tasty food vendors on offer plus epic live entertainment meaning there are plenty of things to see on—and off—the field. 

Big Bash League

December 22 - January 21

Is it even summer in Sydney if you don’t don a KFC chicken bucket and cheer on the boys and gals at the Big Bash? The answer is no of course, and this year’s tournament is stacking up to be one of the best yet—so don’t miss out on a ticket. Shorter than a regular game of cricket (usually around three hours) watch on as Australia’s most talented players sling knockout shots beyond the fence line. Among all the cricket action, you’ll also get to enjoy live music, dancing, fireworks and interactive fan zones. This year, cheer on the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder as they hit the pitch. With matches taking place at both the SCG and North Sydney Oval from 22 December 2022 to 21 January 2023, if you’re looking for one of the best sporting events in Sydney this is it. 

Rolex Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race

December 26

An icon on the Sydney summer sporting calendar, Australia’s most prestigious yacht race is back for its 77th year. The Rolex Sydney to Hobart race kicks off in Sydney Harbour on Monday 26 December and will see 120 boats take to the seas in a quest to cross the finish line first in Hobart. You can keep up with all the action at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) in beautiful Rushcutters Bay. Don your finest yachting attire, grab a vino, snag a seat on the deck overlooking the harbour and see the race unfold on the big screen. It’s pure summer vibes. 

Sydney and regional New South Wales are both jam-packed with atmospheric sporting events. A feast for the eyes and ears, be sure to check out what’s on offer here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Destination New South Wales and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.

Image credit: Nicholas Green 

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