The Commonwealth Games ranks as the third largest sporting event in the world after the Olympics and Soccer World Cup. In March 2006, Melbourne will host the Commonwealth Games, the largest sporting event to be staged in the city since the 1956 Olympics.

Whilst Melbourne has gained recognition as the sporting capital of Australia, there will also be a huge amount of cultural activity happening around the Games. Melbourne will  be the place to be in March 2006.

When the Commonwealth Games come to town, so too will a wave of excitement and energy to the City. With over 90% of Games activity in the heart of the City and 90,000 tourists expected, the City is going to be action packed! Check out the details of the sporting and cultural events and start planning your itinerary!

Melbourne’s first-ever visit by the world’s premier ocean race will spark four weeks of celebrations as Waterfront City hosts the Melbourne Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race in January and February 2006.

Waterfront City in Melbourne Docklands will be the focal point for a huge range of land and water-based festivities, starting with the arrival of the spectacular leading-edge Volvo Open 70 racing yachts, expected from January 17.

Visitors will be able to soak up the atmosphere by the water, meet the crews, visit team displays, view the yachts up-close and racing on Port Phillip Bay, see sailing activities on Victoria Harbour and enjoy the huge public entertainment program presented by the City of Melbourne.

On February 4, Port Phillip Bay will become a giant race track for the in-port race as the yachts vie for precious points that count towards the result of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Thousands of pleasure boats are expected to take to the water for the in-port race, and the start of leg three on February 12 when the yachts set out again on their 31,250 nautical mile, around the world voyage.

Celebrations for the Melbourne Stopover at Waterfront City will peak on four weekends: