Five World-Class Sporting Events in NSW to Add to your 2024 Calendar

The NSW Blues will do everything in their power to prevent a Queensland Maroons three-peat when the NRL’s fiercest rivalry resumes on Wednesday, June 5, at Accor Stadium in Olympic Park. Despite the Maroons leading the way in overall Men’s Origin wins, things have been more evenly matched in recent years, with each state winning three of the last six series and no whitewash occurring since Queensland’s 2010 demolition of NSW.

The last time the teams met in Sydney in Game 3 in 2023, the Blues took the win, but it was a dead rubber with the Maroons’ 2-0 lead going into the final game, meaning Sydney hasn’t seen a competitive home win since 2020. Michael Maguire takes charge of his first Origin series off the back of five years coaching the New Zealand national team and faces a tough call over whether to drop captain James Tedesco.

Origin games are always one a highlight of the Australian sporting calendar. This year, for the first time, the Women’s State of Origin expands to a three-game series, with Game 2 taking place at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday, June 6.

For the second year in a row, North Narrabeen will play host to the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, part of the World Surf League’s Challenger Series, from May 9–16. You’ll get the chance to see 80 men and 48 women compete for 10,000 points to take to the remaining 2024 events in South Africa, California, Portugal and Brazil.

Last year, Queenslander Isabella Nichols — who was once Blake Lively’s stunt double — and Californian Cole Houshmand were the victors. If you want to see who will take the crowns this time, make tracks to the Northern Beaches to catch a few heats and enjoy the scenic views. The tournament lasts all week so you can dip in and out as you please. The best part? It’s all free.

Seeing the Wallabies test their mettle — on their own turf — against one of the northern hemisphere’s best teams is always a huge occasion, but things promise to be particularly exciting this time. This will be the first time the Welsh team has visited our shores since 2012, and Australia will be out for revenge on Saturday, July 6, following a shock loss during a disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign.

The Wallabies have replaced coach Eddie Jones with former Ireland head Joe Schmidt and will be looking to build up momentum given the Rugby World Cup will take place in Australia in only three years.

Both teams are sleeping giants looking to start a new cycle, and you can watch it all unfold at Allianz Stadium on July 6.

Rugby fans can double their action as this match is a doubleheader, with the Wallaroos vs. Fiji occurring on the same night and in the same stadium. An event that is not to be missed.

For those unfamiliar with the World Time Attack Challenge, let’s get the basics out of the way — we’re talking motorsport. Specifically, high-performance supercars. Brought over to Australia from its spiritual home of Japan, the WTAC is a little like a Formula 1 qualifying session where the aim is to set the fastest one-lap time. However, very much unlike Formula 1, modifications aren’t just allowed — they’re encouraged.

This creates a thrilling, gloves-off motorsport where fans can see the true potential of these souped-up, expertly engineered machines. The WTAC is a two-day event across August 30–31 at Sydney Motorsport Park with plenty of other things to see.

Highlights include the Turbosmart Flying 500, where cars race side by side, the Garrett International Drifting Cup (one of the biggest drifting events in the Southern Hemisphere) and the Shannons Stylized Show ‘n’ Shine, where you get the chance to purr over the finest pieces of art on four wheels. It has everything a petrolhead could ever wish to see.

You shouldn’t need an introduction to what a marathon is, but you might need a reminder as to why Sydney Marathon is considered one of the world’s premier marathon events. If you’re brave enough to sign up for the event on Sunday, September 15, you can take on the full 42.2 kilometres.

The good news: Sydney Marathon route planners wisely capitalise on the city’s unparalleled beauty, so you get to start with a run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge before passing through Pyrmont, Walsh Bay, Oxford Street, Centennial Park and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair before your triumphant finish in front of the Sydney Opera House. There are also 4.2-kilometre family-friendly mini marathon and 10km options available if they’re more your speed.

Don’t let the nerves get to you—volunteers, well-wishers, and friends will be roaring encouragement along the way, and you’ll get emotional boosts from your fellow competitors. We can’t promise it will make the time fly by, but it’ll certainly give you that extra push you need.