Adelaide Oval, South Australia © Tourism Australia
Cricket and more in Australia
Yes, watching a cricket game live is fun but so is exploring the host cities between the games! Read on to know about all the exciting must-do activities around the stadiums.
Must-do experiences around the Adelaide Oval
Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, SA © SATC
There’s plenty to do at Adelaide Oval (such as a guided tour of the oval, the RoofClimb experience, and the Bradman Collection museum), but the areas surrounding Adelaide have a surprising number of cultural activities that are easily accessible from the city. Start by driving out to the McLaren Vale region where you can taste fine wines and see unique art and architecture at the d’Arenberg Cube. Head further into the Fleurieu Peninsula to spot fur seals, sea lions, dolphins, and possibly whales on a boat tour from coastal town of Victor Harbour. Afterwards, take the ferry over to Kangaroo Island for a few days of wildlife spotting and natural wonders such as the picturesque Remarkable Rocks.
Must-do experiences around the SCG
Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens, NSW © Destination NSW
The SCG sits close to the city centre, so it’s easy to explore Sydney after the match finishes. After you’ve visited the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, rent a car and get out of the city to see more of the state of New South Wales. Popular beachside towns such as Newcastle and Port Stephens are dotted all the way along the coastline (where you can go quad biking on sand dunes or even see wild dolphins). Head inland to sample top-notch wines in the stunning Hunter Valley and find natural beauty in rock formations, eucalypt forests, and waterfalls around the Blue Mountains.
Must-do experiences around the Gabba
Skypoint Adventure Climb, Q1, Gold Coast, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
The coastline areas north and south of Brisbane make for a great few days of travel activities after you’ve finished up at The Gabba. On the iconic Gold Coast, SkyPoint tower offers views of the famous stretch of beach with high-rise buildings lining the shore. Here, you can also experience the SkyPoint Climb for an adrenaline filled walk along the roof of the tower. You can also opt to head north to Sunshine Coast to visit Australia Zoo (made famous by Steve Irwin) or embark on the Great Beach Drive where coloured cliffs, white-sandy beaches and adorable humpback whales await.
Must-do experiences around the MCG
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, Victoria © Sovereign Hill
The MCG is Australia’s largest stadium and the world’s largest cricket stadium. It can be admired after the match through behind-the-scenes tours and the National Sports Museum, but afterwards try taking a trip out of the city to explore the equally impressive countryside surrounding Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road is a great place to start, with gently winding roads that hug the coastline and pass by spectacular rocky scenery. Head inland to visit the picturesque town of Sovereign Hill and experience the gold rush era of the 1850s by touring the mines and panning for gold. You can even head to Mornington Peninsula that warrants a visit with its impressive hot springs, world-class restaurants and lush green vineyards.
Must-do experiences around Perth Stadium
Quokka, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © James Vodicka
There are plenty of attractions within a few hours drive of Perth. Once the match is over, take a day trip out to Rottnest Island, just a short ferry ride from Fremantle, where you can seek out the ultra-adorable quokka (don't forget to click selfies). Head on back to the mainland, then drive south to Margaret River to indulge in gourmet wines and sample local produce from the region. If you decide to drive inland, you may come across natural rock formations such as Wave Rock, a natural monument shaped like a giant ocean wave and the renowned Pinnacles.
