Welcome to Victoria. Your cricket holiday begins in the sporting capital of Australia, Melbourne.

On arriving at Melbourne International Airport, transfer independently to you pre-booked downtown hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon discovering the delights of this cosmopolitan city.

Soak up the culture and festive atmosphere of Melbourne with a city stay before the start of the Fourth NRMA Insurance Ashes Test. The city is famed for its excellent shopping, café culture, exceptional food and wine and vibrant arts scene, so there is plenty to enjoy before you take your seat in the MCG.

To make the most of your stay we suggest you include a guided walking tour of the city’s Laneways to discover some of Melbourne’s hidden culinary and retail gems.

Further afield, a visit to nearby Phillip Island is a must. The island is briming with wildlife, most famously the Fairy Penguins who make their way from the sea to their burrows every night. You can watch this phenomenon from purpose built stands along the beach to appreciate the efforts these little birds go to to reach their homes.

Spend Christmas in style and maybe head to St Kilda beach to join in the festivities, Australian style!

The Boxing Day Test has long been a favourite to attend, and rarely disappoints in terms of the play and the impressive surroundings of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (The MCG)

Watch the action unfold in the penultimate test. Your Ashes cricket package includes hotel accommodation and tickets to every day of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match (All Day 5 tickets will include General Admission only, with unreserved seating).

Freedom Destinations is a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. Licence no. CATO2526/005

Its New Year’s Eve – fly from Melbourne to Sydney this morning to watch the harbour firework celebrations as we ring in the start of 2026, and the conclusion of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Series.

You could choose to watch the iconic New Year fireworks from the steps of Sydney Opera House or the Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, you could make it a very special evening and join a New Year’s Eve Cruise on Sydney Harbour

After Sydney’s dazzling New Year’s Eve celebrations, you can enjoy a sightseeing cruise on Sydney Harbour, or a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Go behind the scenes of the iconic Opera House, or complete the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Alternatively you could just relax on Bondi Beach or wander the The Rocks for history and markets. Sydney’s attractions make a perfect lead-up to the thrilling and final 5th Ashes Test.

All eyes will now be in the SCG for the 5th and final Test Match of the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series, and you will have your choice of seats reserved so that you don’t miss any of the action.

The Sydney Cricket Ground masters the blend of traditional with modern and never fails to deliver absorbing cricket.

Your Ashes cricket package includes hotel accommodation and tickets to every day of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match (All Day 5 tickets will include General Admission only, with unreserved seating).

Freedom Destinations is a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. Licence no. CATO2526/005

No matter what the result you will still have a couple of days to celebrate in Sydney.

You could choose to party in Darling Harbour or on the sands of Bondi, alternatively you could head out of the city to take in the seeping vistas of the Blue Mountains. The choice is yours.

As this part of your holiday comes to a close, return to Sydney International Airport in time to check-in for your onwards flight.

Maybe you are returning home, or maybe you are continuing your Australia holiday. Your FREEDOM consultant will be pleased to arrange this for you.