Winter sports: get fired up in Sydney

By Jay Chabon

From state and international-scale football contests covering all codes, to cowboys taking on bucking bulls, Sydney’s turning up the heat this winter, with sports to get competitors and fans fired up. Whether you want to be part of the spectator spectacular or take on a personal endurance challenge, this city is set to get you moving in June and July.


Getty Images.

Rugby test series: Australia vs Scotland

The Wallabies will be two games in to a three-test series come this stellar Sydney rugby match against Scotland, scheduled for a family-friendly 3pm kick off. With tests against Fiji scheduled for June 10 in Melbourne and another versus Italy in Brisbane on June 24, the boys in green and gold are sure to do the nation proud in the NSW capital. The atmosphere of a rugby test is something else, with a buzz beyond that of regular club rugby (though love it as we do). So grab a scarf and get amongst the stadium’s sea of green and gold to cheer our boys on against the Scots!

June 17, kick off 3pm.

Allianz Stadium, Moore Park.


State of Origin, ANZ Stadium. Image: Destination NSW.

NRL State of Origin II: NSW vs Queensland

If you’re not from NSW or Queensland and you’re wondering why everyone’s going on about cane toads and cockroaches, don’t be alarmed. It’s not a pest invasion! It’s the tradition of rugby league State of Origin, with the NSW Blues team nicknamed the cockroaches and the Queensland Maroons the cane toads, in honour of the critters that frequent each state of Australia. It’s state versus state, mate versus mate in this best-of-three series. While Queensland have dominated the honour roll in recent years, you’ll be wanting to support NSW – you’re in Sydney after all. Unless you’re one of those pests travelling across the boarder to barrack for Queensland (don’t worry, we’ll be nice!)

June 21.

ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park.


Arsenal FC in Sydney

We love our A-League, don’t get us wrong, but even the most dedicated of Australian soccer fans has a favourite English Premier League side too. In a sign that Sydney (and the nation) is embracing the round-ball game, the Pommies are rolling out the big guns, bringing the Gunners to Sydney. English Premier League giants Arsenal are coming down under for friendlies against A-League sides Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers. As well as the matches, a soon-to-be-announced schedule of fan engagement and events is part of the visit.

Arsenal FC vs Sydney FC, July 13.

Arsenal FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers, July 15.

ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park.


Stadium Stomp. Image: Supersport Images.

Stadium Stomp

Looking for that next fitness challenge? How’s a 6300 stair climb for you? The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and neighbouring Allianz Stadium will be opened up to the vertically unchallenged as part of an endurance contest with a twist: Stadium Stomp. Take part to strive for a personal best and you can even raise money for a charity while you’re at it.

July 16.

SCG and Allianz Stadium, Moore Park.


Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10K and 5K

We know running is du jour at the moment, and our hats (and sneakers) go off to you lot fit enough to endure it. We’ll stick with walking but we’ll proudly cheer on the masses with the endurance to jog five or 10 kilometres around our beautiful Sydney Harbour. And yes, we know that’s a short sprint for you die-hard marathon enthusiasts. But for us, it’s quite a way! Both courses start and finish in historic The Rocks – the 10K taking in Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo and the 5K boasting harbour, bridge and Opera House views.

July 9.

Sydney Harbour.


Rider Cody Heffernan on Blossom. Image: Phillip Wittke / PBR Australia.

PBR Australia National Finals

Adrenaline-fuelled cowboys taking on bucking bulls … yes please! Sydney is set to serve up a show-stopping contest of man versus beast when the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australia National Finals rides in to Sydney. As well as the spectacle of cowboys’ quests to stay astride bucking broncos for eight seconds (and not get trampled in the aftermath), there’ll be pyrotechnics, lasers, sounds and screens on a super scale, plus behind-the-scenes action – including those heart-stopping moments inside the bucking chutes as riders prepare for the ride of their life!

July 22.

Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park.

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