Sydney is a city that effortlessly combines its natural beauty with a passion for sports. The city boasts an array of world-class sporting venues that have witnessed historic moments, electric atmospheres, and unforgettable experiences.
You can choose to experience the atmosphere of a concert or a sporting event in person, but many also open for guided tours that will take you behind the scenes of these iconic venues. We’re going to show you the 5 best sporting venues in Sydney, what they offer and the best way to experience them.
The 5 best sporting venues in Sydney
1. Accor Stadium
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park (Homebush, Western Sydney)
02 8765 2000
Formerly known as the ANZ stadium, the Accor stadium was the premier sporting venue for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Whilst it has had a few changes over the years, it’s now a key element of Sydney’s sporting and event fabric. Set in Homebush in the city’s west, this 80,000 seater stadium is the largest in Sydney and is the host of the premier rugby matches in Australia, including the NRL Grand Final, State of Origin matches (NSW vs Queensland in Rugby League) and Bledisloe Cup (Australia vs New Zealand in Rugby Union).
Over the summer the stadium plays host to some of the world’s biggest musical acts including The Weeknd, Foo Fighters and Taylor Swift, but keep an eye out for sporting events as they’re announced, particularly involving rugby league and football.
Getting to Accor Stadium
The easiest way to get to the Accor Stadium is by train from Central Station. You can hop on one of the T7 line trains to Lidcombe and change for a train that goes to Olympic Park. Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry from Circular Quay or Parramatta to Olympic Park Wharf and take the bus to the stadium.
2. Allianz Stadium
Driver Ave, Moore Park (Central Sydney)
The Allianz Stadium is the premier stadium of central Sydney. This 45,000 seater stadium is known for its atmosphere and is primarily used for soccer, NRL and rugby union.
Be one of the first to experience the new world-class Allianz Stadium’s 60-minute guided walking tour. Friendly tour guides take you on a behind-the-scenes journey of Australia’s newest and most exciting stadium, home to the Sydney Roosters, Sydney FC, NSW Waratahs and a venue for FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
Hear entertaining stories of players, spectators and past events as you experience exclusive areas and explore the stadium, plus take in skyline views of the precinct and City Centre.
Getting to the Allianz Stadium Sydney
The easiest way to get to the Allianz Stadium is by using the light rail or buses that run regularly from Central Station to Moore Park.
3. CommBank Stadium
O’Connell Street, Parramatta
The home of the Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers and Western Sydney Wanderers, The CommBank Stadium is a 30,000 seater ground that opened in 2019 as a state-of-the-art venue renowned for having one of the best close-up views of the field of play in Australia, making it one of the best sporting venues in Sydney for an atmospheric experience.
The Wanderers play A-League home games there throughout the summer before NRL rugby league action returns in March 2024.
Getting to the Commbank Stadium
The most convenient way to get to the Commbank Stadium by public transport is to get the train to Parramatta Stadium and walk for 15 minutes to the venue.
4. Royal Randwick
Randwick (Eastern Suburbs)
1300 729 668
Just minutes from the Sydney CBD, Royal Randwick is home of the Australian Turf Club and the jewel in the crown of Sydney’s horse racing scene.
Established in 1833, it is Australia’s oldest racecourse and is home to the illustrious “The Championships,” an annual racing carnival featuring some of the country’s most prestigious races, including the Doncaster Mile and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the venue is a favorite among racing enthusiasts and punters alike.
These events attract top-class horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the globe, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.
Getting to Royal Randwick
The best way to get to Royal Randwick is to take the light rail from Sydney Central Station or Circular Quay. The L2 line goes directly to Royal Randwick.
5. Sydney Cricket Ground
Driver Ave, Moore Park (Central Sydney)
9360 6601
Established in 1851, the Sydney Cricket Ground is one of Sydney’s oldest sporting venues and has been home to several memorable sporting events over the last two centuries.
Nestled in Moore Park in the centre of the city, the SCG is known for hosting cricket during the summer months and the Sydney Swans AFL team in the winter months.
As well as the Australian national cricket team, the SCG is home to Sydney Sixers (T20 team) and New South Wales cricket team).
A brilliant way to learn more and experience the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground is on an exclusive SCG Tour. Walk where legends Bradman and Waugh trod, see the new Brian Lara–Sachin Tendulkar gates, and sit where Tendulkar prepared. Marvel at the historic field, snap a photo with Steve Waugh’s statue, and enjoy a panoramic view from the Richie Benaud Media Centre. Perfect for sports enthusiasts or simply anyone curious about Sydney’s history.
Getting to the SCG
The easiest way to get to the Sydney Cricket Ground is by using the light rail or buses that run regularly from Central Station to Moore Park.