Sports Tours to Australia for Asian Schools and Academies: The 2027 Guide

For schools and academies in Asia, Australia is close, safe and in a similar time zone — so players arrive ready to play. Teams get new opponents, a different style of coaching, an English-speaking environment and a chance to see beaches, wildlife and world-class stadiums. This guide answers the questions we hear from schools and academies in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Korea and beyond.

Olimpia Tour is based in Melbourne and hosts international teams touring Australia. Every tour is tailored, so costs are always on request.

Key Takeaways

• •Flights from most Asian cities take 7–10 hours, with little or no jet lag.
• •Football, basketball, netball, rugby and cricket tours are all popular.
• •Many schools combine sport with optional English sessions and school visits.
• •Visa type depends on passport: many use an ETA, some use a visitor visa.
• •Plan 9–12 months ahead for school groups.

Why do Asian schools and academies choose Australia?

• •Small time difference — Australia's east coast is only 1–3 hours ahead of most of East and Southeast Asia.
• •Safe, welcoming cities with excellent sports facilities.
• •English-speaking environment — sport and language learning in one trip.
• •Strong opposition in football, basketball, netball, rugby and cricket.
• •Unique experiences — koalas, kangaroos, surf beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.

When is the best time to tour?

• •Late July–August (Japanese and Korean summer holidays) — Australia's winter sport season, ideal for football, netball and rugby.
• •March–April (spring break in many systems) — mild autumn weather and good for most sports.
• •December–January — Australian summer, great for cricket, basketball and beach sports.

What does a tour include?

• •Fixtures against matched schools, clubs and academies.
• •Coaching clinics with experienced, accredited local coaches.
• •Optional English or culture sessions and visits to local schools.
• •Watching professional sport when the calendar allows.
• •Logistics — hotels, coaches, meals (including halal, vegetarian or other dietary needs), and a 24/7 support contact.

Fixtures, venues, coaches and school visits are arranged through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation.

What visa do players need?

It depends on the passport. Passport holders from places such as Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong (SAR) and South Korea can usually apply for an ETA (subclass 601). Players from other countries, including mainland China, usually need a visitor visa (subclass 600), which takes longer, so apply early. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website and carry parental consent letters for under-18s.

What does a typical 8-day tour look like?

1. Day 1 — Arrive in Melbourne or Sydney, light session, welcome dinner.

2. Day 2 — Coaching clinic and city sightseeing.

3. Day 3 — First fixture and school visit.

4. Day 4 — Wildlife park and beach.

5. Day 5 — Second fixture.

6. Day 6 — Stadium tour and optional English session.

7. Day 7 — Third fixture and farewell dinner.

8. Day 8 — Depart.

How is safety managed?

We prepare a written risk assessment for every tour, following ISO 31030 travel-risk principles. It covers vetted accommodation, agreed supervision ratios, medical access, emergency procedures and a 24/7 support contact. Venues, transport and accommodation are arranged through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation. Read our duty of care guide and our 12–18 month planning timeline.

Ready to plan your tour?

See our Sports Tours to Australia page, our football tours and basketball tours pages. When you're ready, get a quote, message us on WhatsApp or contact us. Every tour is tailored, so costs are on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Australia good for Asian school sports tours?

It is close, safe and in a similar time zone, with strong opposition, excellent facilities and an English-speaking environment.

Which sports can we play in Australia?

Football, basketball, netball, rugby, cricket, volleyball, hockey and more, depending on your dates.

Can we add English lessons to a sports tour?

Yes. Many schools add optional English or culture sessions and visits to local schools, arranged through partner suppliers, subject to confirmation.

What visa do our students need?

Many passports (Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea) can use an ETA. Others, such as mainland China, usually need a visitor visa. Check the Department of Home Affairs website.

Can you cater for dietary needs?

Yes. We plan halal, vegetarian, allergy and other dietary needs from the start.

How much does a school sports tour to Australia cost?

It depends on group size, length, cities and inclusions. Every tour is tailored, with costs on request.