Sports Tours to Australia for US and Canadian Teams: The 2027 Guide

For a US or Canadian team, Australia offers something truly different: English-speaking, safe and welcoming, but with a new style of play, new opponents and unforgettable scenery. Soccer, basketball and volleyball are all strong here, alongside the sports Australia is famous for. This guide answers the questions North American coaches, athletic directors and parents ask us.

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

Key Takeaways

• •June to August (your summer break) is Australia's winter sport season — the best time for soccer and most team sports.
• •US and Canadian passport holders usually apply for an ETA (subclass 601) through the official Australian ETA app.
• •Sydney is roughly 14–17 hours ahead of US time zones, so plan two easy days on arrival.
• •Most North American teams tour for 10–14 days and visit 2–3 cities.
• •Many teams add New Zealand for a two-country trip.

When is the best time for a US or Canadian team to tour Australia?

• •June–August — Australian winter. Local school and club soccer, basketball and netball competitions are running, so fixtures are easier to match.
• •December–January — Australian summer. Great weather and beaches; good for basketball, beach volleyball and multi-sport tours, but fewer school teams are available during their holidays.
• •Spring break (March–April) — mild autumn weather and a good option for college teams.

Which sports work best?

• •Soccer — Australia has a large club and academy scene and the A-League.
• •Basketball — the NBL is one of the world's strongest leagues outside the NBA, with many good school and club programs.
• •Volleyball and beach volleyball — strong indoor clubs plus world-famous beaches.
• •Other sports — we also host rugby, softball, hockey and netball teams.

What does a tour include?

• •Games against level-matched schools, clubs and academies.
• •Coaching clinics with experienced, accredited local coaches.
• •Watching pro sport when the calendar allows.
• •Experiences — koalas and kangaroos, the Sydney Opera House, surf lessons, the Great Barrier Reef.
• •Logistics — domestic flights, hotels, coaches, meals and a 24/7 support contact.

Games, venues and coaches are arranged through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation.

What visa do US and Canadian players need?

Most US and Canadian passport holders apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) using the official Australian ETA app before departure. Players on other passports may need a different visa, and paid professional athletes may need a different visa type. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website, and carry parental consent letters for minors.

What does a typical 12-day tour look like?

1. Days 1–2 — Arrive in Sydney (you lose a day crossing the date line), light session, harbour walk.

2. Days 3–5 — Two games, a coaching clinic and Bondi Beach.

3. Day 6 — Fly to Melbourne.

4. Days 7–9 — Two games, a stadium tour and a wildlife park.

5. Day 10 — Fly to the Gold Coast.

6. Day 11 — Final game, surf lesson, farewell dinner.

7. Day 12 — 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 soccer tours, basketball tours and volleyball 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

When should a US team tour Australia?

June to August is best for most team sports, because it is Australia's winter season and local teams are playing. December–January suits beach and multi-sport tours.

Do American players need a visa for Australia?

Most US and Canadian passport holders apply for an ETA (subclass 601) through the official Australian ETA app. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for your players' passports.

How bad is the jet lag?

Australia is around 14–17 hours ahead of North America. We plan two easy days on arrival and no games on arrival day.

Can we combine Australia and New Zealand?

Yes. The flight between Sydney and Auckland takes about three hours, so a two-country tour is very popular.

What level of opposition will we play?

We ask about your team's level and arrange matched games with schools, clubs or academies through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation.

How much does a sports tour to Australia cost?

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