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IN ASSOCIATION WITH FOLLOW YOUR SPORT TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SUPPLEMENT WIN a fantastic holiday to Melbourne to watch England play Australia!
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FOLLOW YOUR SPORT
TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
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WINa fantastic holiday to
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Picture yourself in the stands at some of sport’s most hallowed venues, watching a sporting extravaganza unfold before your eyes
THE HEAT OF COMPETITION (clockwise from above): MCG, venue for The Ashes; the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix; the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Opposite, main picture, an aerial view of MCG; the Australian Open, below
RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP Opening match (Aus v Eng) October 27, 2017 Quarter-final November 19, 2017
THE EMIRATES MELBOURNE CUP November 7, 2017
THE ASHES December 26-30, 2017
VOLVO OCEAN RACE January 2, 2018
AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS January 15-28, 2018
CADEL EVANS GREAT OCEAN ROAD RACE January 28, 2018
AUSTRALIAN FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX March 2018
AT A GLANCE
Have you, like many Britons, loved the gripping on-course action and the glamour of
Royal Ascot and relish the prospect of a summer of sport ahead, from the dramas of Wimbledon’s Centre Court to the thrills and spills of Silverstone and the British Grand Prix? Whether you’ll have the good fortune to attend one of Britain’s many great sports events over the summer, or you’re planning to enjoy them as an armchair spectator, witnessing the world’s finest sportsmen and women in action is an experience not to be missed.
Imagine, then, combining such riveting entertainment with a holiday in one of the world’s most exhilarating destinations, in a vibrant, cosmopolitan
city surrounded by some of the most incredible landscapes on earth. Picture yourself in the stands at some of sport’s most hallowed venues, watching a sporting extravaganza unfold before your eyes, all in the heart of the city, a short walk from central hotels or a tram or train ride away.
When you book a holiday in Melbourne this winter, you’ll not only enjoy a balmy southern hemisphere summer, but you’ll have the chance to soak up the atmosphere at major international events such as the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, The Ashes, The Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Rugby League World Cup and the Australian Open, while exploring this captivating city, known as the gateway to Australia, and the fascinating state of Victoria.
There is no better time to discover the delights of Melbourne and its environs. Compact enough to explore comfortably on foot, by tram or by bicycle, it’s a city that welcomes visitors with a warm embrace, inviting you to join the locals as they enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with a chic café culture, vibrant arts scene and stylish shopping.
From the beautiful Botanical Gardens and the beaches of St Kilda to cultural highlights and a cosmopolitan nightlife, Melbourne is a city of contrasts with a colourful, beguiling character. And, it nestles at the heart of Victoria, which boasts some of Australia’s most celebrated scenery,
If you love becoming immersed in England’s summer sporting highlights, why not indulge your passion by following up with a trip to Melbourne and a chance to witness world-class sports events at fi rst hand as part of your trip?
CONTENTS
CONTINUE YOUR SUMMER OF SPORT DOWN UNDER Head to Melbourne for a sporting extravaganza.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE Discover the delights of this vibrant city.
THE RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP The biggest sporting event in Australia in 2017.
THE MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL The pinnacle of the Australian racing calendar.
THE ASHES Cricket’s greatest rivalry returns to Melbourne when Australia take on England.
THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN The world’s greatest athletes dominate the courts.
THE FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX Edge-of-the-seat F1 racing set against the stunning Melbourne skyline.
MORE SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS From cycling and hockey to sailing and surfing.
EXTEND YOUR STAY AND HIT THE ROADExplore Melbourne and Victoria on a road trip.
COMPETITIONYour chance to win a trip to Melbourne to watch England v Australia in the Rugby League World Cup.
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from the Great Ocean Road to national parks and the chance to see koalas, penguins, whales, platypus and kangaroos in their natural habitat.
With over 3,000 restaurants, cafés and bars serving up a mouthwatering menu of more than 75 different regional cuisines from around the world, your appetite will be whetted as you immerse yourself in life in this charming city – and beyond. Discover world-renowned wineries in the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, and tempt your taste buds with delicious local produce served up in critically acclaimed restaurants across the state.
In fact, whatever your taste in holidays, Melbourne offers the perfect base for a wonderful adventure – with the bonus of a calendar of world-class events to enjoy while you’re there.
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Acaffeine hit is often the only way to start the day, and Melbourne led the way in the
coffee revolution: connoisseurs and fledgling flat-white drinkers alike will enjoy discovering Melbourne’s army of skilled baristas in a panoply of stylish cafés – join a Coffee Lovers’ Walk to glean expert knowledge about beans, roasting and brewing as you sample different coffees en route.
Then, what to do with the day ahead? At the heart of Melbourne lies an intriguing network of bustling laneways brimming with creativity and culture. Lined with colourful street art, this community of independent boutiques, cafés and lively bars echoes to the sounds of buskers and is intrinsic to the character of the city.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE
Discover some of the city’s stylish boutiques, selling fashion by local designers, Australian labels and a range of imported brands. From elegant occasion wear – ideal for a day at the Melbourne Cup Carnival – and catwalk fashion to relaxed linen layers and beachwear, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Spend a leisurely day meandering the laneways, or book a Hidden Secrets Tour and join a local guide for an insider’s take. There’s a host of specialist tours with knowledgeable guides sharing expertise on history, sport or any other subject. Discover independent art galleries and museums, or take a street-art tour to learn about contemporary graffiti. If you fancy exploring the fringes of this compact city, a Melbourne by Bike Tour could take you to cool Fitzroy and Collingwood, or join locals along the foreshore in St Kilda.
If you’ve come to Melbourne to enjoy world-class sports events hosted by the city, then seize the opportunity to
join a Melbourne Sports Tour, which takes you behind the scenes at iconic venues such as the MCG – known to locals as ‘The G’ – the Rod Laver Arena and Flemington Racetrack. Chances are, your visit may coincide with one of the many festivals hosted in the city: from music and film to comedy, food and wine, Melbourne is an ideal venue for international gatherings and attracts the world’s leading lights in their fields to showcase their talents.
Whether you’ve been enjoying a sporting spectacular, immersing yourself in local culture or seeing the sights, taking in panoramic views of the city from Eureka Skydeck 88 is a lovely way to round off your day before dinner. Epicureans will revel in the array of dining options on offer in Australia’s culinary heartland. A melting pot of international cuisines can be found at all levels, from grab ’n’ go street food to award-winning fine dining at the hands of renowned chefs.
Then, join locals as they head for a night out at one of Melbourne’s popular rooftop bars. From hip and kitsch hangouts to sophisticated cocktail bars, many feature sets from DJs or live music and some serve food late into the night. Wherever you end up, you’ll be a stone’s throw from your bed for the night in a compact city that punches way above its weight and offers something for everyone.
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Melbourne is consistently voted one of the world’s most pleasant cities in which to live, and visitors are quick to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of this cosmopolitan community – there’s so much to see and do while you’re there
It’s a compact city that punches way above its weight and offers something for everyone
‘Melburnians are sports mad,’ says local hero Mark Webber. ‘The climate allows for a very outdoor lifestyle, so people are always doing something’
DON’T MISS
RIGHT, FROM TOP1. Explore Melbourne’s laneways2. Relax beachside in St Kilda3. Discover amazing street art4. Take a hot-air balloon ride over the city5. Enjoy one of the many rooftop bars
Opposite: Cycling is a great way to get around the city.Below: Alfresco eating by the river, Melbourne style
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Rugby League fans from across the globe will descend upon Australia, New Zealand and
Papua New Guinea for the 15th World Cup this autumn, with the action kicking off on the evening of Friday, October 27 at Melbourne’s stunning, state-of-the-art AAMI Park Rectangular Stadium. The opening match will be a must-see, with England taking on the
home team and reigning champions in what will surely be a hard-fought and passionate game.
Nestling between the Yarra River and the world-renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground, the striking Bioframe design of AAMI Park cuts a distinctive silhouette on the city skyline, and will be brimming with atmosphere in this sporting clash of the titans – the Kangaroos are currently stationed first and England are third in the world rankings.
As it’s home to Melbourne Storm, the local Rugby League team, as well as Rugby Union team the Melbourne Rebels, plus Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart, the city’s original A League football (soccer) team and their intercity rivals, you may want to catch more sport at this popular venue while you’re in town – especially if you plan on staying around for the World Cup Quarter Final match being played at AAMI Park on the afternoon of Sunday, November 19.
So, grab your team shirt and follow England to Melbourne this autumn and enjoy a southern-hemisphere spring packed with brilliant sport.
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You may want to catch more sport at this popular venue
TRYING TIMES(above and below): England will be looking for home support in the 15th Rugby League World Cup
PLEASURE DOME: The futuristic geodesic AAMI Park, top, gives spectators superb match views, above
BEYOND SPORT
MATCH DAY
START THE DAY Enjoy pre-match refreshments at The Beer & Burger Bar in Swan Street, where there’s a set-price lunch for any burger, chips and a drink.
ENJOY THE DAYTake an afternoon stroll and soak up the atmosphere around the sports Precinct – the former Olympic Park – now home to numerous major venues.
EVENT STATS Opened in May 2010, the 30,000-seater Rectangular Stadium, officially known as AAMI Park, features a cutting-edge geodesic dome roof over the seating area, offering spectators unobstructed views of the pitch.
AFTER THE EVENT Head to the Uitgang Bar in Bridge Road for a great spot to enjoy local craft beer, independently made spirits and Australian wine, and order a takeaway from a great neighbourhood pizzeria.
● After the intense drama and passion of a rugby international, head out of the city and enjoy nature’s embrace in the breathtaking surroundings of the Grampians, known as the Garden of Victoria. This rugged, unspoiled landscape boasts stunning walking routes – check out the Grampians Peaks Trail – taking in spectacular waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, beautiful wild fl owers and the chance to spot kangaroos. The Brambuk Cultural Centre offers fascinating insight into local history and Aboriginal culture, while the 200km Silo Art Trail is work in progress, bringing together international artists with a series of outdoor murals and installations. Work up an appetite by heading out on mountain bikes, rock climbing or abseiling, then enjoy the acclaimed tasting menu from chef Robin Wickens and bed down for the night at the award-winning Royal Mail hotel.
THE RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUPHead to Melbourne to watch England take on the home team in the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup, Australia’s biggest sporting event of 2017
OCTOBER 27-DECEMBER 2, 2017
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(November 11). And, just like Royal Ascot or the Grand National at Aintree, Melbourne Cup Carnival promises so much more than elite sporting action. With AUS$6.2 million at stake in prize money, and an 18-carat solid-gold trophy valued at AUS$175,000, the Melbourne Cup itself boasts the richest prize in Australian sport: it’s hardly surprising, then, that this spectacle attracts the great and good of Australian society.
Well heeled crowds flock to Flemington – just six kilometres northwest of Melbourne’s CBD – to see the best staying handicap race in the world, run over a 3,200-metre track that promises breathtaking prowess and dazzling drama along the way. Not for nothing has the Melbourne Cup become known as ‘the race that stops a nation’: nearly all Australians down tools to watch the spectacle on a spring afternoon.
It’s also one of the biggest days in the social calendar, when a crowd of 100,000 put on their finery and parade for the cameras. It’s a chance for A-list celebrities to mingle with the fashion crowd and familiar faces from the world
Come early November, all eyes are on Melbourne as it plays host to one of the most
glamorous events in the global sporting calendar. The Melbourne Cup Carnival features four thrilling race days: AAMI Victoria Derby Day, this year on November 4, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day (November 7), VRC Oakes Day (November 9) and Emirates Stakes Day
Not for nothing has the Melbourne Cup become known as ‘the race that stops a nation’
WINNING STREAK:Nearly all Australians down tools in November for the Melbourne Cup, above
COMPETITIVE SPIRIT: While jockeys strive for victory, left, watching crowds vie in the fashion stakes, below
BEYOND SPORT
RACE DAY
START THE DAY Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the stylish, award-winning Cumulus Inc in Flinders Lane, before taking the train out to Flemington Racecourse.
ENJOY THE DAYMake the most of your Melbourne Cup Day experience by booking a hospitality package in The Precinct, positioned on Flemington’s front lawn and perfectly placed for people watching and all the racing action.
EVENT STATS First run in 1861, the Melbourne Cup record is held by Kingston Rule, who won in a time of 3:16.30 in 1993.
AFTER THE EVENT Continue the party atmosphere with dinner and live music at the Botanical, a stone’s throw from the Royal Botanic Gardens in South Yarra.
● Less than an hour from Melbourne discover the delights of the Mornington Peninsula, where relaxed living is the order of the day. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a restorative soak in the naturally heated geothermal waters of Peninsula Hot Springs: choose from public pools or a more tranquil and intimate experience in a private outdoor mineral spring bath.
Foodies will love the opportunity to sample fresh fare on a local produce trail, meeting farmers, growers and producers, browsing markets and sitting down to a meal prepared with fl air by acclaimed chefs. The peninsula also boasts celebrated regional Pinot Noir and cool-climate Chardonnay, with newer regional varietals, including Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris and Shiraz achieving growing recognition.
Why not try a winery tour with a difference? A horseback tour offers the chance to see the region from a different vantage point, while sampling the fl avours of the terroir along the way.
If you’re a nature lover, discover almost-extinct native animals at Moonlit Sanctuary or swim alongside wild dolphins and seals off Sorrento on the southernmost point of Port Philip Bay.
of sport: previous years have seen the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Hurley, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Eva Longoria, Sir Richard Branson and Naomi Campbell enjoying the lavish hospitality in the exclusive invite-only Birdcage enclosure.
In fact, so ubiquitous is Melbourne Cup Day to Victorians, it’s an official public holiday so locals can enjoy the carnival atmosphere that goes hand in hand with the event that puts them in the sporting spotlight.
On the day preceding the race, Melbourne’s streets are closed for a colourful parade featuring the participating trainers and jockeys, watched by thousands. Why not join in the fun this year?
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THE MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVALJoin Australia’s most fashionable crowd as they put on their fi nery and come out to play at the Melbourne Cup Carnival
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
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Known affectionately to locals as ‘the G’, Melbourne Cricket Ground was first built as a
wooden members’ grandstand in 1853 and has evolved to become the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and the tenth largest in the world, with a capacity of over 100,000. Playing host to the first ever Test match, played between Australia and England in 1877, the MCG is hallowed not only by cricket fans but in
wider sporting circles. Today, the annual Boxing Day Test match is one of the most popular sporting events in Australia, and when The Ashes are at stake, it’s one of the most coveted tickets in world sport.
Why not join tens of thousands of fans at the fourth Test in the 2017 series, as this great sporting contest returns to Melbourne’s sporting mecca and the unforgettable atmosphere of this iconic ground? Nestling in the heart of the
The noise rising from the tiered spectator stands within the MCG cauldron is astounding
HALLOWED GROUND: The fourth Test in the 2017 Ashes series is slated for MCG, above; iconic moments for players, opposite, top, and fans, below
BEYOND SPORT
MATCH DAY
START THE DAY Set yourself up for a day in the MCG stands by tucking into a hearty breakfast at Top Paddock in Church Steet, where their signature morning meal features chorizo, poached eggs, pickled onion, Adelaide green tomatoes and relish on toast.
ENJOY THE DAYGet more out of your time at ‘the G’ by booking a behind-the-scenes tour prior to your visit. See the famous MCC Long Room and Library for
yourself, and discover the venue from the players’ perspective, with a peek inside the changing rooms and the cricketers’ viewing room. The on-site National Sports Museum is also worth exploring, showcasing memorabilia from numerous sports, including cricket, golf, Rugby Union, tennis, cycling, Australian football and more.
EVENT STATS Between 1942 and 1945, the Commonwealth Government requisitioned the MCG for military
purposes, with over 200,000 personnel from the US Army Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force and the US Marine Corps regarding it as a home away from home during that time.
AFTER THE EVENT Enjoy the convivial all-day and post-match atmosphere in one of the MCG’s contemporary cafés and bars, including the Lock Up Bar within the old stadium police cells in the Southern Stand, once used to manage troublesome patrons at events.
● Around 100 miles southeast of Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory, commonly known as The Prom, is Australia’s southernmost national park and the perfect antidote to the buzz of Boxing Day at the MCG. Home to kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and seals, plus approximately 180 species of birds, The Prom boasts beautiful hiking routes and cycling trails, and is a popular holiday destination for locals. The wider region of Gippsland offers vast stretches of unspoiled beaches, lakes and mountains, with a leisurely lakes cruise being an idyllic way to while away the hours and see the spectacular landscape. There are currently only 20 or so residents living in the quiet mountainside town of Walhalla, once one of Australia’s richest, thanks to a 3km seam of gold running through it, but you can explore the frozen-in-time hotels, shops and churches and imagine what it was like when 4,000 or so people called it home.
CBD, it’s easy and quick to reach by foot or on public transport from anywhere in or around the city, making the journey a civilised experience that’s part of a great day out.
As England make their bid to retain the Ashes, apply your suncream, grab your hat and bask in the glory of a Victorian summer day to watch two historic sporting rivals take to the crease. Arrive early for the full experience: by 10am the noise rising from the tiered spectator stands within the MCG cauldron is astounding. And, whatever the outcome, there’s nothing quite like spending your Boxing Day witnessing this sporting war on the wicket first hand.
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THE ASHESFor cricket fans, there’s no better way to spend Christmas week than watching England play Australia for The Ashes in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG
DECEMBER 26-30, 2017
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A fter losing Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in week one, leading to an epic men’s final
between Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, plus a spectacular all-Williams women’s final, the 2017 Australian Open championship has gone down in sporting legend. For tennis fans, it showcased some of the game’s finest, demonstrating that experience sometimes trumps youthful energy, while in wider circles, the tournament highlighted the emotional thrill that accompanies a triumphant comeback of one of sport’s greats.
So, why not be part of what is sure to be more exhilarating action at the 2018 Australian Open and join the world’s leading players in Melbourne for this first Grand Slam event of the year? Organised in a range of venues within Melbourne Park, the key matches take place at the Rod Laver Arena, with reserved seating for around 15,000 fans
and a closing roof. The Margaret Court Arena is the equivalent of Wimbledon’s No 1 Court, also with reserved seating, while the Hisense Arena and outside courts are on a first-come, first-served seating basis on match days.
Treat yourself to a hospitality package to enjoy fine dining and VIP access, or simply buy a ground pass and opt in to a variety of matches throughout your day at this exciting sporting spectacular.
Alongside the tennis, there’s Open Sessions live music at the free-to-enter Australian Open Festival, where on-court action is shown live on giant screens, plus the Ballpark, a children’s entertainment zone featuring a mini theme park and family-friendly food options.
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The tournament highlighted the emotional thrill that accompanies a triumphant comeback of one of sport’s greats
GAME, SET AND MATCH: The Rod Laver Arena, opposite, provides a breathtaking setting for key matches, whether at sundown, left, or in the heat of the afternoon, below
MATCH DAY
START THE DAY Fancy starting your day with beetroot fritters with cured trout and horseradish? Or how about a chocolate buttermilk pancake, poached pear, banoffee, caramel and vanilla mascarpone? A fabulous range of delicious classic and more interesting gourmet breakfast treats are on offer at Arbory Bar & Eatery in Flinders Walk.
ENJOY THE DAYThere’s a range of restaurants on site at Melbourne Park, so you can enjoy delicious fare without having to miss any of the on-court action. Choose from Billie Chu, Cucina di Casa, Estelle Bistro or the Laneway Club.
EVENT STATS Almost 400 ball kids are involved in the tournament, selected from over 2,500 applicants.
AFTER THE EVENT Head to the dark-panelled bar at Eau de Vie in Malthouse Lane and partake in an elegant house cocktail, prepared by be-gloved, goggle-wearing bartenders using liquid nitrogen, or choose from their selection of more than 250 whiskies. Sit down for their acclaimed degustation dinner in The Library, complete with cocktail pairings.
BEYOND SPORT
● After the exhausting rallies at the Rod Laver Arena, head an hour out of Melbourne to the Yarra Valley to discover a slower pace of life, where vast vineyards stretch out to the horizon and invite you to step behind the cellar door and meet Victoria’s renowned winemakers.
Relax on a leisurely ride on the Puffi ng Billy Steam Train or take to the dawn skies in a hot-air balloon and see the gently undulating landscape from a different perspective, then descend to indulge in a delicious brunch prepared from fresh local produce. If you prefer to earn your fare, hike through lush tree ferns and forests in the Dandenong Ranges, or visit Healesville Sanctuary, where you can participate in the world’s fi rst ‘Wade with platypus’ experience – a treat not to be missed!
THE AUSTRALIAN OPENJoin the world’s elite tennis players as they head to Melbourne for the initial Grand Slam of 2018, and see the thrills and spills of the Australian Open at fi rst hand
DECEMBER 15-28, 2017
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T he noise. The smells. The drama. Formula 1 is one of the most exhilarating spectacles in
the sporting calendar, and nothing comes close to being there yourself to experience the unique atmosphere of race day at first hand. And where better to enjoy Formula 1 than in the sporting capital of Australia? From those electrifying few seconds in the pits, when engineers scramble to change tyres and add fuel faster than most of us do our seatbelts up, to the heart-stopping moments when a result-changing decision to overtake adds drama the race, it’s a thrilling ride – and that’s just for the spectators.
Albert Park, the circuit that has hosted the Australian Grand Prix since 1996, features the magnificent backdrop of the Melbourne skyline and is set in beautifully maintained grassland. It is a pleasure to walk around, making even the most basic general admission ticket appealing if you simply want to soak up the
BEYOND SPORT
RACE DAY
START THE DAY Fuel your day at Albert Park with a delicious brunch at The Petty Officer in Victoria Avenue, where artisan coffee accompanies a range of mouthwatering breakfasts.
ENJOY THE DAYThe Grandstands at Albert Park are named after legendary Formula 1 drivers: Fangio, Schumacher, Prost, Senna, Piquet, Brabham and Moss, to name just a few, plus, of course, Webber, after national hero Mark Webber. Premium seating is under cover – not just to shelter from rain, but beating sun, too.
EVENT STATS The area around the circuit was designated a public park in 1864 and named to honour Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, and the Grand Prix circuit is run on 5.3 kilometres of public roads around the lake within the park. Drivers complete 58 laps of the circuit in a race that covers 307.58 kilometres.
AFTER THE EVENT After a rousing day at the race track, head out for a night on the town at St Kilda Beach. Order a pizza, oysters or fish and chips and cocktails at relaxed beachfront hangout Republica, or enjoy more sophisticated dining at sleek new venue Captain Baxter, with an open-air deck for pre- or post-dinner drinks. The Vineyard is something of an institution in St Kilda, and features regular live entertainment, DJs and dancing.
● Just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers the chance to see some of Australia’s unique wildlife in its natural habitat, while enjoying pristine white beaches and some of the best surfi ng in Australia. It’s home to the world-renowned Penguin Parade, and you’ll have the chance to see the spine-tingling sight of these characterful creatures waddling from the water back to their burrows on Summerland Beach, at dusk.
Join a wildlife cruise to visit a colony of 16,000 fur seals in their natural habitat, or wander among the treetops and discover what life is like for some of Australia’s famed marsupials at the Koala Conservation Centre.
Thrill seekers can buckle up for an adrenaline-fuelled ride around the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and ride in go-karts on a scaled-down 750-metre replica of the renowned track – or simply opt for a guided tour for exclusive access to the Pit Lane, Race Control and the winner’s podium.
THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIXTake the your seat at Melbourne’s Albert Park next March, where the world’s elite drivers continue their bid for the 2018 Championship. It is, as they say locally, ‘a great place for a race’
MARCH 2018
PETROLHEAD HEAVEN: Albert Park, opposite, provides the circuit for thrilling F1 races, above, and triumphant victory laps, below
It’s a thrilling ride – and that’s just for the spectators
buzzing atmosphere alongside 100,000 or so other spectators. Or, if you prefer to take a seat, there are numerous grandstands, particularly at the start and finish lines, with various tiers of ticket prices and multi-day passes available to watch qualifying rounds on the Friday and Saturday.
Of course, the Grand Prix experience doesn’t stop once the winner has popped their Champagne cork on the rostrum and sprayed the crowds: there’s a vast choice of food and drink options, ranging from takeout to gourmet fare, plus the high-octane glamour you’d expect from one of the key dates in the social calendar, with live music and entertainment, including international keynote acts, to keep the atmosphere alive well into the evening.
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Sports fans will always feel at home in Melbourne, where locals are passionate about all
sports, from Aussie Rules football to water sports and everything in between. In fact, sport is an intrinsic part of everyday life in Victoria, and you’ll have the chance to participate in or spectate at a variety of sporting pastimes and events during a holiday in this beautiful part of Australia.
If you’re planning on spending Christmas and New Year in Melbourne, seize the opportunity to witness the magnificent spectacle of the Volvo Ocean Race making a stop in Australia for the first time in more than a decade. With the participants setting sail from Alicante in Spain on October 22, the longest professional sporting event in the world this year features three times more Southern Ocean sailing than in recent years, with a tough 6,300-nautical-mile leg from Cape Town to Melbourne sure to provide a
dramatic finish – predicted to be on Christmas Day. Melbourne will host a week-long stopover, with an impressive Race Village, before the fleet leave on Leg 4 to Hong Kong on January 2, 2018, continuing their passage on the gruelling 45,000-nautical-mile round-the-world route.
First staged in 2015, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was the first event of its kind in Australia, inspired by
Locals are passionate about all sports, from hockey to water sports and everything in between
This festival of racing delivers thrilling competition in one of the most spectacular locations on the planet
AUSSIE ACTION:The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, opposite, above, Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, opposite, below, and the International Hockey Festival 2017, above, are just some of the host of sporting events on offer
Melbourne is truly the sporting capital of Australia throughout the year: from cycling and hockey to sailing and surfi ng, there’s something to suit everyone
MORE SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS…
BEYOND SPORT
● Escape the city and head off on the ultimate road trip, seeing the magnifi cent spectacle of the 12 Apostles rising from the Southern Ocean on Victoria’s dramatic coastline. A drive along the Great Ocean Road is a bucket-list adventure, with the chance to explore lush rainforest, beautiful waterfalls, deserted beaches and stunning national parks along the way. Visit Australia’s National Surfi ng Museum in Torquay and catch a whale-watching trip, depending on the timing of your visit: October is the end of the season to see southern right whales at Logans Beach, while November sees blue whales beginning to arrive in Portland.
the prestigious European ‘Spring Classic’ cycling events and named after Australia’s only Tour de France winner. Attracting the world’s elite cyclists, this weekend festival of racing delivers thrilling, intense competition in one of the most spectacular locations on the planet. The UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Race will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2018, with the chance to line the route and cheer the world’s best teams as they race from Geelong’s waterfront along a ribbon of stunning coastline to Bell’s Beach.
In addition, there’s the chance to participate in the People’s Ride on one of two spectacular courses – 111km and 65km – experiencing at first hand the exhilarating nature of road racing along this amazing coastline.
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will see the world’s best riders return to Phillip Island to compete from October 20 to 22, 2017, with world champion Marc Marquez and crowd favourite Valentino Rossi bidding for the title, reaching speeds of up to 344km/h.
Also known as ‘Aussie Rules’, AFL (Australian Football League) is the sport of choice for Victorians throughout the winter and their passion for the game is infectious – even if you don’t understand the rules. If you can get a ticket for the AFL Grand Final at the MCG on September 30, snap it up, or find a sports bar and watch it with locals to soak up the atmosphere.
Whatever your sporting preferences, Melbourne is the ultimate destination for an action-packed holiday.
visitmelbourne.com
18 FOLLOW YOUR SPORT TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA VISITMELBOURNE.COM FOLLOW YOUR SPORT TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA VISITMELBOURNE.COM 19
Melbourne is a compact and colourful metropolis, easy to
explore, but there’s something liberating about heading beyond the urban landscape on a road trip. So, why not plan a longer stay and the chance to enjoy more of Victoria’s incredible scenery and activities, all packed into a relatively compact area, meaning less time behind the wheel and more memory-making experiences?
GREAT SOUTHERN TOURING ROUTEDiscover the sights of Victoria’s south on a leisurely five-day trip, taking in breathtaking coastline as you wend your way along the Great Ocean Road, and beyond. Hang out at some of Australia’s finest surf beaches
and spend the night in a stunning eco lodge in the Otway National Park. Spot emus, koalas, kangaroos and waterbirds at Tower Hill Game Reserve, and explore the charming fishing village of Port Fairy, with its old whalers’ cottages and the chance to take a boat trip to a seal colony. Head inland to the Grampians, with its dramatic landscape, walking trails and indigenous culture, before making your way to the goldfields and the chance to discover Sovereign Hill and immerse yourself in the excitement of Ballarat’s gold rush days.
GO BEYOND MELBOURNEWhether you have three, four, five days or more, indulge your senses close to Melbourne.
From swimming with the dolphins and seals in Port Phillip Bay to touring the vineyards of the the Yarra Valley, the Mornington and the Bellarine Peninsulas, or enjoying the nature and unique wildlife on Phillip Island, you’ll only be within a couple of hours of the city. Try your hand at surfing, take in a round of golf on one of the many award-winning courses, or simply follow the produce trails where you can sample farm-fresh fare, regional wines at cellar doors and delicious meals at some of Australia’s finest restaurants. Whether you’re a nature lover, a thrill-seeker, a culture vulture, an epicurean or simply seeking some R&R, tailor your trip to your own interests and take it at your own pace.
MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY COASTAL DRIVE If you fancy making your way to the sights of Sydney after a stay in Melbourne, begin your journey with a visit to the seal colonies and little penguins of Phillip Island, then continue onwards to Wilson Promontory and enjoy stunning walks and magnificent scenery. Stop at Metung and enjoy the Gippsland Lakes, then continue northwards into New South Wales towards Sydney.
EXTEND YOUR STAY AND HIT THE ROADAnyone who visits Melbourne falls for this fabulous city and its people: why not extend your holiday and get behind the wheel for an exhilarating road trip, exploring the sights of Victoria – and beyond?
THE PRIZE INCLUDES:
● Two Economy Class seats return to Melbourne from the UK with Qatar Airways.
● Three nights’ 4* hotel accommodation in Melbourne and eight days’ Apollo camper-van hire to explore the surrounding area.
● Two Category A tickets to the opening match, including access to the offi cial RLWC function and corporate hospitality on October 27, Australia v England.
● Two Captain’s Run training session passes on October 26 at AAMI Park.
Follow the England rugby team to the Rugby League World Cup opening match v Australia on October 27, 2017 in Melbourne. Flights courtesy of award-winning Qatar Airways. Enjoy three nights in Melbourne before enjoying your own road trip in Victoria, with eight days’ camper-van hire, provided courtesy of leading Australia holiday specialist Austravel.
WINa fantastic holiday to Melbourne to watch England play Australia
TO ENTER and for full terms and conditions go todailymail.co.uk/visitmelbourne
NE W SOUTHWALES
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FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO THE LINK BELOW
Great Southern Touring routeGo Beyond MelbourneMelbourne to Sydney
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