Sports fans should head down under

Sports fans wishing to experience the live action of this year’s first tennis Grand Slam at the Australian Open and/or the Australian Grand Prix, should head to Melbourne, where both events will be taking place this year.

Qantas Holidays (qantasholidays.co.uk) is offering the following packages:

AUSTRALIAN OPEN, MELBOURNE (19 January - 1 February 2009)
Fresh from beating world number one, Rafael Nadal and number two, Roger Federer to win an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi, will Andy Murray be able to win his first Grand Slam championship?

Prices start from £148 per person for two nights accommodation at the 3 Star Mercure Welcome with two single session tickets to the Australian Open (day and night session) or £214 per person for two nights accommodation at the 5 Star The Grand Hyatt with two single session tickets (day and night session). More hotel and ticket packages are available on request as are international flight details and costs.

AUSTRALIA GRAND PRIX, MELBOURNE (26 - 29 March 2009)
Last year saw Lewis Hamilton claiming the crown for the first time - will he do the same this year as the 2009 series kicks off in Melbourne with the Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix?

Prices start from £295 per person including four nights at the 3 Star Causeway Inn with a four day general admission ticket or, for a little more luxury, four nights at the 4.5 Star Mantra On Russell with a four day general admission ticket for £423 per person. More hotel and ticket packages are available on request as are international flight details and costs.

All prices are based on two people sharing a twin share room.