Australians take sport very seriously but in a playful way! They have already hosted the Olympics twice (Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000) and on several occasions international competitions for different sports. But more importantly, it is interesting to see the amount of sport practiced and played in Australia. You will be amazed to find people out jogging at lunch time on the streets and parks and then playing a sport after they finish school or work.

Australia also organizes competitions that attract the attention of millions from around the world. Every year, Australia hosts the world famous Australian Tennis Open, Australia Grand Prix, Indy Car Races and much more.

 Australians are also famous for practicing some “unusual” sports like boomerang throwing, camel racing, lawn bowls, guinea pig racing, cane toad races, dry river boat racing and the list goes on and on! Please do not tell any Australians that we call them unusual sports because they just love them!

While you are in Australia, you should go, watch and experience a game of Rugby, Aussie Rules Football (AFL) or Cricket.  You probably will not understand anything about the game but you will have a great time within the crowd and cheering with the locals!!

If you want to practice a sport, we recommend you ask your institution about various sports clubs. Most institutions have associations and clubs that are well organized and offer you the chance to play lots of different sports. Another option is to contact the local government or council in your city and ask them about these associations and sporting faciliites in your area. There are many sports associations in Australia and they all welcome new members.

---