| Winter 2010 to Spring 2011 – The Ashes cricket tour - Destination Guide |
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Brisbane and the GABBA
This premier 42,000 capacity stadium in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, is the main sports arena in Queensland. The first Test match played here was against South Africa in 1931 when Don Bradman scored 226. Home to the Brisbane Lions Aussie Rules Team and Queensland Bulls Cricket Team, the Gabba has been ever popular with Queenslanders for over 100 years.
Brisbane is a very easy-going city. Full of relaxing beer verandas, it is warm enough to sit out most of the year, or if shopping is more important, then head down to the Queen Street Mall and indulge. When it comes to mealtimes, eating out is not difficult in Brisbane, with its array of street side restaurants or, alternatively, dine by the river and sample the delicious seafood. Afterwards, take some time out and visit the Boggo Road Gaol Museum to sample Brisbane’s past. |
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The Botanic Gardens and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs provide a source of great natural beauty within the city boundaries. Later in the evening, the nightlife in Brisbane is fantastic, with bars, clubs and the theatre providing excellent entertainment.
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Adelaide and its Oval
The Adelaide Oval is Australia’s most English cricketing venue. With a capacity the size of Lords (30,000) and its background cathedral giving it a similar look to that of New Road, Worcester, it is also one of the most picturesque venues. Unlike its London namesake, the Adelaide Oval is a true oval, with short boundaries square of the wicket and long boundaries behind the bowlers arm.
The capital of South Australia, Adelaide is famous for its tourist attractions such as the Old Gaol House, Central Market and Henley Beach. History fans will love to tour the Museum and Art Gallery, gamblers can visit the Casino and animal lovers will be in their element with a trip to the Zoo. Adelaide has something for everyone. |
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Perth and the WACA
The Western Australian Cricket Association’s stadium has a capacity of 22,000, the same size as the Oval in London. Built on old swampland, the WACA has an unreliable batting track producing uneven bounce but exciting Test cricket. Sweltering in the heat, the fielding side often appreciate the Freemantle Doctor - the gentle cooling breeze that blows off the Swan River. One of Australia’s oldest grounds, the WACA’s Test future is in doubt due to the emergence of the new stadium in Western Australia, the Subiaso Oval. |
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Known as the “most isolated city in the world”, Perth is a modern and vibrant city, perched on the banks of the picturesque Swan River. There is plenty to see and do, food and wine are of the highest quality and there is a wealth of cultural events to choose from. Perth also attracts more days of sunshine than any other Australian city!
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Melbourne and the MCG
Located in Victoria, the MCG is one of Australia’s premier sporting venues. Its 96,000 capacity ensures a terrific atmosphere on any great sporting occasion, whether it is to do with cricket, Aussie rules football or rugby league. Famous for hosting the Boxing Day Test Match, it is a ground that symbolises Australia’s dominance in the game of cricket. The famous Great Southern Stand alone holds 50,000, with the Olympic Stand and Ponford Stand also being great seats to watch the action from.
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Not just famous for ‘Neighbours’, Melbourne is one Australia’s most exciting cities. A buzzing metropolis dominated by huge skyscrapers, Melbourne was the home of the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the Australian Open Tennis Championships are held annually. Sample the delicious local cuisine or take a stroll downtown to hear the finest jazz music. Landmarks include the famous Melbourne Race Track - home of the Melbourne Gold Cup horse race - the Adelphi Hotel and the extravagant Melbourne Casino, where you can take your chances on a roll of the dice. |
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SCG and Sydney
The home of the New Year’s Test Match, the SCG is the venue where in recent years weary England teams have tried to salvage their pride against an overwhelming Australian squad. The 43,000-seater stadium is not as large as the MCG, but it does possess its own unique charm. The famous green-roofed Ladies Pavilion represents cricket’s past, where men and women once had to sit apart and the favourable batting track has ensured high scoring totals in matches. The SCG’s layout also means spectators are close to the action which adds to the excitement of an enthralling Test match.
The pride of New South Wales, Sydney is arguably more famous than Australia’s capital city, Canberra. The Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach are iconic landmarks which are breathtaking and a must-see. However, Sydney offers more than just landmarks - the charm of Darling Harbour, the fish market and the Royal Botanic Gardens give Sydney a very relaxed feel for such a popular tourist destination.
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