Sports in Australia during June
If you’re thinking about the Australian sports calendar in June, there’s one thing which immediately springs to mind: State of Origin. Yes, rugby league’s biggest and most intense rivalry will hit Australia’s three biggest cities in June and July, while in the other rugby code, the Wallabies will host Ireland for a massive three-Test series.
Throw in some AFL and NRL as well as some international ice hockey, and winter suddenly doesn’t seem so cold…
Top sports picks for Australia in June:
- Essendon vs Richmond – Dreamtime at the ‘G: Melbourne, June 2
In fairness, the AFL does schedule a lot of marquee games throughout the year… Anzac Day, Anzac Eve, Queens Birthday… but there’s something about the Dreamtime game which is – for lack of a better word – mesmerising. From humble beginnings around a decade ago, the Dreamtime match (featuring the teams whose colours make up the Indigenous flag) has blossomed into an apt celebration of Indigenous culture. The pregame show is one of the best you’ll see, and these two traditional rivals always churn out good performances on the big stage.
- NSW vs Queensland – State of Origin I: Melbourne, June 6
We mentioned it earlier, but there might not be a bigger rivalry in Australian sport than State of Origin. Maroons and Blues, state versus state… it gets intense in New South Wales and Queensland come June. But, slightly ironically, this great series begins in Melbourne, with more than 90,000 people expected to pack the MCG to watch these two teams duke it out. Origin is like nothing you’ve seen before, so clear your schedules and get down to the ‘G!
☝week to go 🛫 #melbourne #stateoforigin #cuzzies #contikireunion #goodtimes #goodpeople #bringiton #lifesgood
- Wallabies vs Ireland: Brisbane, June 9
There’s something very right about watching the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. Kind of like how gin and tonic match perfectly, watching the national rugby side in the heartland is a must-do for all sports-mad Aussies. The good thing about the opponent, Ireland, is that they’re not the All-Blacks – though they won’t be easy-beats. What you are guaranteed is an enthralling contest from start to finish.
- Cronulla vs Brisbane: Sydney, June 16
While many of the other football codes in Australia have fully embraced urban, concrete stadiums, the NRL is still a hotbed for charming (if run-down) suburban grounds. Heading to the Shire to watch Cronulla play Brisbane is one of June’s quintessential boutique stadium experiences, while the 7:30pm start time will give you ample time to wander the nearby beaches and find a nice spot for a pre-game feed.
⚫⚪🦈 Last night's new experience was so much fun! #sharks #upupcronulla #nrl #nrlsharksbulldogs #sharkpark #game #rugbyleague #sydney #australia #fun #winners #1stgame #winnersaregrinners
- Melbourne Ice vs Sydney Ice Dogs: Melbourne, June 17
Melbourne vs Sydney… it doesn’t matter the sport, there’s always a rivalry. It’s no different in the AIHL, so Melburnians need to get down to the Docklands to check out the local league and support the local rivalries. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and the quality of play!
- Wallabies vs Ireland: Sydney, June 23
If watching the Wallabies in the rugby heartland is your thing, but you don’t live in Queensland or can’t swing for flights up to Brisbane, then never fear! The Wallabies bring their three-game series to Sydney on June 23 (And Melbourne on June 16), meaning you can request a long weekend off work, take in the sights of Sydney and watch some rugby on a Tuesday night. Sounds alright to us!
- NSW vs Queensland – State of Origin II: Sydney, June 24
Does it feel like we’re getting repetitive? We really like Origin. The crowds don’t lie, the TV numbers don’t lie, and the fans don’t lie – it’s a genuine sports bucket list item you can tick off locally. The three-game series moves to Sydney after Melbourne, and it’s taking place just one day after the Wallabies host Ireland… hint-hint.
- Adelaide Crows vs West Coast Eagles: Adelaide, June 30
As far as top-of-the-table clashes in the AFL go, this is one is a doozy. The West Coast Eagles have been a major surprise packet so far in 2018, while the Adelaide Crows are hoping to make their second-straight grand final appearance. So when these two heavyweights clash at the Adelaide Oval on June 30, there are going to be fireworks. Get along and watch two of the AFL’s best go toe-to-toe in prime time.
- 2018 Ice Hockey Classic – USA vs Canada: Sydney, June 30
It’s not only the local league which is in full swing this month, but the now annual exhibition series between the USA and Canada is set to yet again hit Australia’s rinks in June and July. The first match of the series: Sydney on June 30. With a number of current hockey stars, veterans and up-and-coming youngsters set to make the trek down under, expect the quality of hockey to by pretty damn high.
For something different
- 2018 AIHL All-Star Weekend: Adelaide, June 2-3
Looking for a fun family weekend activity to do which won’t break the bank? The AIHL’s All-Star weekend is set to take place in Adelaide during the first weekend in June. On Saturday, All-Stars from across the league will compete in skills challenges such as the “fastest skater”, “sharpest shooter” and the “goalie race”, while the All-Star Game on Sunday will pit the best-of-the-best against one another in what is sure to be a full-on goal fest. Tickets start at just $14.40.
Buy your tickets early for the 2018 AIHL All-Star Weekend and save. https://t.co/pYsaa6BpiE pic.twitter.com/Y3ZpryOOQx
— AIHL (@AIHL) September 11, 2017
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