The Ashes Series

Cricket is more than a sport in Australia. It’s played on the beach with friends, watched during a barbecue with family and cheered on from the seat of a noisy stadium.

Every two years, cricket fans rally for the Ashes series – a five-match test cricket series played between Australia and England. The host country alternates each time and is typically played in multiple capital cities, offering a brilliant culmination of sport, entertainment and adventure.

Things to do at the Ashes series

Watch a match

There’s no better way to soak up the Australian summer than to watch an Ashes cricket match. Take your seat at a city stadium and feel the excitement as Australia and England battle to win the series. Don’t forget to partake in an Australian right of passage: eating an Aussie meat pie. You’ll also find one-day and 20/20 cricket matches are played during this time, so be sure to grab a ticket if you’re looking for a taste of Australia’s favourite sporting pastime.

Attend one of the main events

The Ashes series takes place over several weeks and includes five riveting matches, but perhaps the most iconic of the matches are the Boxing Day Test and New Year’s Day Test. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) hosts the famous Boxing Day Test on 26 December, bringing passionate supporters together to cheer on the game of cricket. On New Year’s Day, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) fills with fans to celebrate not only the dawn of a new year but the fierce rivalry between the Australian and English cricket teams.

Explore the stadiums

Across the country, cricket stadiums gear up for the arrival of the Ashes – but you don’t have to wait for the match to explore these incredible arenas. In Melbourne, wander through the interactive Australian Sports Museum at the MCG to discover a unique insight into Australia’s sporting culture. Over in Adelaide, experience the thrill of walking the curved roofline of the stadium as you take in the phenomenal 360-degree views of the city on the Adelaide Oval RoofClimb. Down in Hobart, join a Blundstone Arena tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the TV commentary area, media facilities and the player's rooms and training centre.

Discover capital cities

The Ashes series is held across Australia’s liveliest cities, and there’s no shortage of activities to do before the cricket commences. Climb Brisbane’s beautiful Story Bridge for sweeping views of the city. Explore Hobart's stunning waterfront or taste top drops around Adelaide's best wine regions. Australia’s summer brings plenty of other world-class events, too. Head to Sydney to join in the city’s iconic New Year’s Eve festivities, or visit Melbourne for the Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament which kicks off in January.