 About 24 % of Australians over the age of 15 regularly participate in organised sporting activities . At an international level , Australia has excelled at cricket , field hockey , netball , rugby league and rugby union . The majority of Australians live within the coastal zone , making the beach a popular recreation spot and an integral part of the nation 's identity . Australia is a powerhouse in water @-@ based sports , such as swimming and surfing . The surf lifesaving movement originated in Australia , and the volunteer lifesaver is one of the country 's icons . Nationally , other popular sports include Australian rules football , horse racing , basketball , surfing , soccer , and motor racing . The annual Melbourne Cup horse race and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race attract intense interest . 
