Events via Melbourne

Spectacular events
Melbourne is home to many of the nation’s biggest events. They don't come much bigger than the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the Australian Tennis Open, the F1 Grand Prix and the AFL Grand Final.

Plenty more first-class events are held around the state every year, with many to be found just a short trip from Melbourne. In March the amazing Australian International Airshow touches down at Avalon Airport, where hundreds of planes from across the world gather to celebrate man's triumph over gravity.

Raw energy
You’ll find exotic machinery of a different kind at Phillip Island, beginning in April when the World Superbike circus arrives. In October, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix turns it on and in November the V8 Supercars roar.

From the mountains to the sea
More romantic transport takes centre stage in May when the Puffing Billy Steam Railway Great Train Race is held in the Dandenongs. Out on the water the competition gets spectacular at Skandia Geelong Week in January – the largest yachting regatta in the southern hemisphere.

If water’s your thing, get to Rescue 2006 – the ILS World Lifesaving Championships in February, where over 4,000 lifesavers from 30 nations compete. Or head north to Lake Nagambie for the National Rowing and Canoeing Championships in February and March.

Natural events
Some of our spectacular floral highlights include Ballarat’s awesome Begonia Festival and the breathtaking Rhododendron Festival in the Dandenongs. For culinary events that are spectacular in scale, try Yarra Valley’s Grape Grazing in February or the Longest Lunch, held in venues all over the state in March.