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 for from the seat of a noisy stadium.

The Ashes series is a five-match test cricket series played between Australia and England. The series is played every two years, with the next series to be held in Australia beginning in December of 2021. 

Fast facts

• Where: Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart
• When: December 8th - January 18th
• Price: Ticket prices vary

Men's Vodafone Ashes Series

How to get there

Flights to Australia’s capital cities arrive from several international hubs, and travel between capital cities is easy with airlines including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin. After you arrive into an Australian city, check the public transport options to plan your trip to the cricket ground, or hop in a taxi.

Things to do at the Ashes series

Watch a match

There’s no better way to soak up the Australian summer than to watch a cricket match. The 2021/22 Ashes series will kick off at the Gabba, Brisbane’s cricket ground. Take your seat and feel the excitement as Australia and England battle to win the series, and 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 played during this time if you’re looking for just 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. You don’t have to wait for the match to start to explore these incredible arenas, with several tours and experiences on offer. Wander through the National Sports Museum at the MCG in Melbourne to discover unique insight into Australia’s sporting culture. The Adelaide Oval boasts one of the most exhilarating stadium experiences. Embark on an Adelaide Oval RoofClimb for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of walking the curved roofline as you take in the view over the sparkling city. Hobart's Blundstone Arena offers tours that take you through the TV commentary area, media facilities and into the players' 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, and then watch it fly by as you abseil to the platform below. Explore Hobart's stunning waterfront or taste top drops in the Adelaide Hills, a wine region just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide’s city centre. 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.