When discussing Australia, it is hard to imagine the conversation without mentioning sports as part of the fun stuff to do in this amazing country. As an overall culture, Australians are quite athletic.
They are passionate about sports and engaging in outdoor activities. This is why it is understandable that Australians take advantage of many outdoor sporting events due to the passionate cultural experience that occurs while practising the sport in their home country. Due to Australia’s colonial ties, they have many traditional sports such as rugby, football, and cricket; however, they also have surfing, which is a top sport in Australia.
Australians enjoy a good rivalry, which is why they adore beating the neighbouring New Zealand Kiwis any chance they get.
All in all, Australians have a very active culture, which is why they are some of the more fit individuals that the world. When one is considering visiting or spending an extended period of time in Australia, it is highly recommended to attend various sporting matches for a divine experience.
Consider the discussion below when trying to ascertain which Aussie sport is the ideal fit for you:
Rugby League
It is important to understand that Rugby is so popular that it has two different leagues in Australia. Additionally, there is distinct terminology utilized when referring to Rugby in Australia such as: league, football or footy. Rugby is typically played between February and August in Australia. The first is called the National Rugby League (NRL). This league is newer than the Rugby Union; however, it primarily has a fan base in New South Wales and Queensland. The popularity of the National Rugby League is also developing in Victoria due to the immensely successful team that has developed there called the Melbourne Storm. This league continues to grow in popularity as the teams improve and the fan clubs become more loyal.
Rugby Union
The Rugby Union is the more established Rugby league in Australia. This is because of its long-standing history and immense rivalries with international competitors. Within Rugby Union, several different competitions inspire quite the spirit from Australians. One example is the Super 14, which has four teams, including the Queensland Reds, New South Waratahs, the Brumbies, and Western Force. In addition to these Australian teams, there are five teams from New Zealand and five from South Africa. Competition in this league is quite fierce, and Australians adore getting as involved as possible.
AFL
Australians are so sporty that they even have adapted traditional sports to create one of their own. An Australian species of football known as football or footie is played all over the country. The game has two teams with eighteen players on the field simultaneously. Teams that are playing utilize a uniquely shaped ball on an oval-shaped field with goalposts on either side. The game’s objective is to score a six-point goal by kicking the ball between the two posts. If the ball falls on the outside of the two posts, it becomes a one-point addition to the score. This game is unique because the ball has fewer restrictions on where it goes. This makes the game more competitive and aggressive because players do whatever it takes to score the six-point goal. That said, it makes for an enjoyable viewing experience that is truly a unique part of Australian culture.
Surfing
Australia has some of the best surfing in the world. For this reason, it is no surprise that there are many opportunities to perfect one’s expertise in surfing while living in Australia. In fact, many of the best surfers in the world are from Australia. Billabong and Rip Curl are also Australian-owned surfing companies that host competitions in Australia. As a result of these competitions, both brands have become global success in surfer apparel. Their success has solidified the strong surfing identity and culture that exists within Australia.
Related: Check the top surfing spots in Australia
Cricket
Cricket is one of the sports in Australia that is directly linked to Australia’s ties to England. Cricket has a very established following in Australia.
Playing the game essentially consists of attempting to score points against the other team by running from one point to another before the play can finish and defenders stop you. Usually, cricket teams have eleven players with a potential alternate twelfth player. The bowler throws the ball, and the striker attempts to hit the ball. This cycle repeats itself until a maximum of five days or a minimum of a few hours.
Cricket competitions are another favourite Australian pastime and are essential to attend or watch in order to get an authentic taste of Australian culture.
International & Olympic Achievements for Australians
Australians have a great track record when it comes to the Olympic Games. In recent years, Australia’s number of medals has increased considerably. In order to see the progression of Australia’s performances in the Olympic Games, click or review the chart below:
| Year | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total Medals Won |
| 1896 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 1900 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 7 |
| 1904 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1908 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 1912 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| 1920 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 1924 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 1928 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 1932 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 1936 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1948 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 13 |
| 1952 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 11 |
| 1956 | 13 | 8 | 14 | 35 |
| 1960 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 22 |
| 1964 | 6 | 2 | 10 | 18 |
| 1968 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 17 |
| 1972 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 17 |
| 1976 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| 1980 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 |
| 1984 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 24 |
| 1988 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 14 |
| 1992 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 27 |
| 1996 | 9 | 9 | 23 | 41 |
| 2000 | 16 | 25 | 17 | 58 |
| 2004 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 49 |
| 2008 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 46 |
| 2012 | 7 | 15 | 12 | 35 |
| 2016 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 29 |
| 2021 | 17 | 7 | 22 | 46 |
| Total | 168 | 174 | 212 | 554 |
| Gold | Silver | Bronze |
Australia hosted the Olympic Games in 2000 and 1956. For this reason, it is no surprise that Australians took home a total of 58 medals in 2000 and 35 in 1956. However, their success in recent years is quite impressive and shows an increase in their athleticism in comparison to the global competition.
In addition to the Olympic Games, Australians have been making waves at other sporting events. The latest achievements from Australian athletes around the globe can be found here.
Is Australia the Ideal Place for Foreign and/or Domestic Athletes?
Comparing whether Australia is an ideal place for foreign or domestic athletes, the answer is yes. Australia has a very athletic culture that celebrates those that excel at sports. In fact, there is a very high level of respect for those that have achieved greatness in sports. That said, it is important to understand that rivalries are quite strong in certain sports. This is particularly true regarding rivalries between South Africa and New Zealand. Athletes need to be aware of the rivalries between these countries in events where fans get aggressive and out of hand. Despite the rivalries, it is important to understand that Australia is a beautiful place for athletes to play and train due to its enthusiastic culture and well-developed sports facilities.
Lastly, the unique climate of Australia makes it a great locale to train in various climates with ease, making athletes stronger and more competitive in their competitive matches. All in all, Australia is an excellent place for both foreign and local athletes alike to participate in their desired sport of choice.
Final Remarks on the Subject
In terms of sports, Australia has a fantastic diversity to enjoy for locals and tourists alike. It is quite common to have an established history of growing up with one of the local Australian teams and making their games apart of one’s cultural identity as an Australian. Additionally, it is also possible to become infatuated with surf competitions and learn how to surf by being inspired by some of Australia’s legends. It is also possible to be amazed by Australia’s sporting achievements in the Olympic Games and sporting clubs around the globe. When contemplating finding an athletic-driven culture, one will seldom find a climate similar to what exists in Australia. Upon visiting Australia, getting involved in one of the many sports to choose from is highly recommended. Once you do so, you will find a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Read more about the Australian Culture and more fun stuff to do in Australia: