What do you think about Australia? The first thing that you might imagine is Kangaroos or the Sydney Opera House. But there is one thing that truly brings Australians together is sports. From massive stadiums to backyard games, sports are a huge part of Australian life. Whether it’s watching a match on TV or playing with friends on the weekend, Aussies love their sports and they’re good at them too. In this guide, you can learn everything about the most popular sports in Australia.
Why are sports important in Australia?
Before you dive into the list of most popular sports in Australia, it’s very important for you to understand why sports matter so much in Australia. Sports help Aussies feel proud of their country. Sports bring people together at school, clubs or the pub. With great weather and with wide open spaces, Australians are encouraged to be active. Aussie athletes often do well globally, making sports even more popular.
List of most popular sports in Australia
1- Australian rules football
Let’s start with a sport that’s unequally Australian. Australian rules football is a fast high scoring game played with an Oval ball on a large Oval field. Here, you just need to kick the handball or run to score goals. It’s an exciting watch with lots of action and big hits. It’s uniquely Australian, created and developed in the country. The Australian Football League is hugely popular and watched by millions of people globally. One of the most watched events on Australian TV each year is the AFL grand final.
2- Rugby league
Rugby league is particularly big in NSW and Queensland and it is one of most popular sports in Australia . It stops physically and also fast. It’s prominent among both kids and adults. The professional league is called the National Rugby League. The State of Origin series is a major sporting event where NSW and Queensland battle it out in the West of the three series. You must know that it’s way more than just a game. It’s about pride and rivalry.
3- Cricket
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Australia and also the oldest and most beloved sport. It’s a great summer sport, and you can actually play it casually in the backyard or on the beach or professionally in youth stadiums. Australia has a strong cricket history with legendary players like Shane Warne best spinner in the world and Steve Smith. The different formats which you can witness here include test matches, long form played over 5 days, one day international 50 overs per team, and T20, fast and exciting, just 20 overs per side. Some of the big competitions include big bash league which is a fun family friendly T20 league.
4- Soccer
No doubt it’s called soccer in Australia. It’s also known as football in most parts of the world. It’s the most prominent team sport among kids. Even the men’s and women’s national teams are widely supported. It is growing because it’s very easy to play at any age. The sport’s growing popularity influences local interests.
5- Rugby union
Unlike rugby league, rugby union is the most popular sport in Australia, prominent especially in private schools in the states of NSW and Queensland. The Wallabies compete in major international tournaments, and the Rugby World Cup always draws attention. You must know that Sugar Rugby is the domestic and regional professional league.
6- Tennis
Thanks to the Australian Open, tennis is one of the most-watched sports in January. Aussies truly love it because it’s a great individual or double sport, and you can even play it at almost any age. Australia has produced legends like Margaret Court. Tennis clubs are found nearly every time. Furthermore, you need to know that tennis is a big part of life for a lot of Australians.
7- Basketball
Basketball is growing extremely fast in popularity, especially among young people. It’s rising because it’s fast, fun, and easy to play. You can even see many Australian players now in the NBA, like George Giddy. The National Basketball League is getting stronger and drawing larger crowds than ever. Basketball is one of the most played indoor games in Australian schools.
8- Netball
Netball is the number one women’s sport in Australia. No doubt you can see a lot of women and girls there but also men’s netball is growing. You can generally see it in schools and clubs, or elite leagues. Some of the most prominent teams include Australia’s national team, the Diamonds, which is one of the best in the world.
9- Swimming
Thanks to the country’s beautiful beaches and warm climate, it’s no surprise that swimming is a top sport. Every Australian learns to swim from an early age. You can see that swimming is a very important part of water safety. Swimming is also one of Australia’s most successful Olympic sports.
10- Surfing
Australia has more than 35,000 kilometers of coastline, so of course surfing is huge, undoubtedly. It’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. You can see that many Australians live near the beach and serve regularly. Towns like the Gold Coast are famous surfing destinations. Australia produces top surfers like Mick Fanning.
11- Horse racing
Horse racing might not be something people play themselves, but it’s a very big, spectacular sport. The Melbourne Cup is held every November. It’s called the race that stops a nation. You can see people across the country dress up, place bets, and enjoy the festive day.
12- Golf
Golf has a strong following among older adults, which is also a prominent sport with young players. You must play golf because it’s relaxing and social. There are beautiful golf courses across Australia. Australian players like Adam Scott have scored internationally.
Wrap UP
So, above all, you need to know that from AFL to surfing, from cricket fields to swimming pools, sports are everywhere in Australia. Whether you play for fun, follow your favorite team, or just cheer during a big tournament, sports are a major part of the Australian lifestyle. They promote fitness, fun, friendship, and national pride. The next time you’re in Australia or chatting with an Aussie, don’t be surprised if the conversation quickly turns to the latest match or a favorite team.
