Whether it’s cricket, rugby, tennis or soccer, Australia is a sports-loving country. With many people growing up either playing sports or watching from the sidelines, it’s no surprise Aussies really get into the Olympic spirit.
Having hosted the summer games in previous years (Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000), the nation is excited to cheer on our Aussie champions this year at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France.
When do the 2024 Summer Olympics start?
The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will begin on 26 July 2024 and end 11 August 2024. 19 days of competition will be hosted in the French capital, with 329 medal events spanning 32 sports and over 10,000 athletes from countries around the world, taking place in 41 stadiums and venues across the city.
How can I watch the 2024 Olympics in Australia?
There are many different ways you will be able to watch the Olympic Games in Australia, allowing you to see competitors from your home country, even if you’re not currently in Paris!
The streaming service, Stan, through an add-on package Stan Sport, will be airing every single event live and on-demand so you can watch it at a time that suits you. A subscription will grant you an ad-free viewing experience as well as eight exclusive International Olympics channels which include local coverage in different languages like French, Greek, German, Indian, Italian and Spanish. To access Stan Sport, you will need an existing subscription to Stan, costing you a total of $27 a month for the basic plan.
9Now will also be airing the Olympic Games on free-to-air with ads. You can watch both live and on-demand. Check out the official event schedule for all the games and medal events.
Best places to watch the Olympics live in Australia
Sydney
From 11am to 11pm, catch the live broadcast of the Summer Olympics (as well as the Paralympics) at Tumbalong Park Sound Shell in Darling Harbour for free. The schedule includes replays, magic moments from the day as well as live coverage.
Melbourne
A number of sports bars across the city will be live-streaming the games. These include The Crafty Squire, the Duke of Wellington, the Imperial Hotel and more. Be sure to check each venue’s website for a full schedule including timings.
Brisbane
South Bank in Brisbane’s inner-city will air both live broadcasts and replays of the games on the outdoor big screen every day from 6am to midnight across the duration of both the Olympics and Paralympics free of charge.
Perth
Sports bars The Globe Perth Bar, Durty Nelly’s and more will be showing a range of events throughout the months of July and August. You can also watch the games at Yagan Square Amphitheatre on a five-by-three metre LED screen.
Canberra and Adelaide
As the official partner to the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams, every Westfield shopping centre including Westfield Belconnen in Canberra and Marion in Adelaide will be live-streaming key moments. The venues will even be open past regular business hours including early into the morning!
Darwin and Hobart
Head to your local sports bar including The Sportsbar, Lizards Bar and Restaurant, and Punters Bar in Darwin, or Pavilion @ Salamanca and Hobart Workers Club in Hobart as they will likely be livestreaming different games. Be sure to check each venue’s website or social media accounts for upcoming events.
Other ways to celebrate the Olympics
There are plenty of ways you can celebrate the Olympics with friends in Australia. Host a viewing party at home, decorate with international flags, and provide snacks inspired by different cuisines. Dress in green and gold to cheer on the Aussies, or wear your home country’s colours for a friendly rivalry. You could even get creative by setting up mini-Olympic games in your backyard or local park, featuring activities like relay races and tug-of-war.
You can also organise virtual watch parties with family and friends back home using platforms like Zoom. This can help you share the excitement and feel connected despite the distance.
Check whether your university or workplace is planning any events, as these can be a fantastic way to engage with your local community and meet new people.
