Arrive into Perth for the start of the hugely anticipated 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. Collect your bags and transfer independently to your pre-booked hotel in the city centre.

Spend the rest of you day at leisure, getting your bearings and exploring this amazing city. You can choose to stroll along the banks of the Swan River, sample the menus of some of the best restaurants in Australia, and take in the spectacular elevated views from the Botanic Gardens in Kings Park.

You can make the Perth Test Match extra special by choosing to attend the official pre-match event this evening. Past cricketers will give a talk about what it is like to play in an Ashes Test, and preview what to expect over the next few days.

The 1st NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match begins at the new Optus Stadium in Perth. We have secured you official tickets for all five days, alongside your choice of hotel accommodation in the city.

The Optus Stadium is a purpose built multi-sport stadium with an all-seater capacity 60,000. A big increase from the 15,000 capacity WACA. Ths Optus Stadium is designed to offer 360 degree unobstructed views, from all seats, with the addition of big screens and spacious concourse areas.

The first delivery of an Ashes cricket series is often memorable, and both teams will be anxious to get off to a good start. Expect fast bowling and hard hitting to be on display from the very first ball.

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

Switch west coast for east coast as you return to the airport and fly from Perth to the tropical gateway of Cairns, in Northern Queensland, for a relaxing two-night stay in the Great Barrier Reef region.

Stroll along the vibrant Esplanade which lines the Coral Sea, enjoy an optional day cruise to the Barrier Reef, or journey into the Kuranda Rainforest on the outskirts of the city.

Collect your pre-booked car rental this morning and drive along the north Queensland coast to Townsville. The drive will take you past sugar cane fields, undulating mountain ranges and quaint coastal town, before arriving at the state’s second largest city.

You can meander the shops and restaurants of The Strand, a picturesque beachside promenade which offers stunning views of Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea.

Continue South along the Bruce Highways towards Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. An overnight stay here will allow you time to take in the lively atmosphere of the town, and return your car, before taking the ferry over to Hamilton Island in the heart of the Whitsundays.

A three night stay here will calm the nerves before the start of the next Test Match. Enjoy day excursions to neighbouring islands, try your hand at some of the free water sports on offer, or play a round of golf on nearby Dent Island’s championship course.

The next Test Match is calling, so this morning transfer to the airport on Hamilton Island for the short hop across to the mainland, and the next host city of Brisbane.

After checking in to your chosen hotel in the centre of Brisbane, the rest of the day is free to explore the city, perhaps taking a wander along the South Bank and across the Storey Bridge to the Howard Smith Wharves, where there are many bars and restaurants, perfect for a pre-Test match meal.

You could choose to begin your Test Match experience with lunch at the official pre-Test Match function, at the Rydges Hotel on the South Bank. You will be joined by special guests and some cricketing greats to preview the Brisbane Test Match. A coach will then transfer you to the stadium ready for the start of play.

The historic Gabba Stadium will be hosting the only Day/Night Test Match of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Series, and England will be hoping to gain a crucial victory at a venue which has not seen Australia beaten since 1988 – with a pink ball in use, could this be England’s year?

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

This time we switch east coast for south coast, as we return to Brisbane Airport for our flight down to Melbourne.

After collecting your bags, transfer independently to downtown Melbourne and your pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city.

This morning collect your rental car for one of Australia’s iconic road trips, The Great Ocean Road.

Head west out of the city across the West Gate Bridge to the provincial town of Geelong, and from there on to Torquay, acclaimed surfing capital of Australia and the start of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at the nearby Bells Beach to look for professional surfers riding the waves.

Continue along the Great Ocean Road, skirting Great Otway National Park, towards Port Campbell. You will pass the famous rock formation of the Twelve Apostles, huge stone pillars sticking out of the surf, carved over time by the Southern Ocean. You can also view the London Bridge archway along this ‘Shipwreck Coast’.

Follow the coast to Portland. To the southwest are the spectacular seascapes of Cape Nelson and the blowholes and petrified forest of Cape Bridgwater. Turn inland to Mt. Gambier, which is located on the slopes of an extinct volcano.

Head north through the lakes and dunes of the stunning Coorong National Park. Heads straight to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine producing areas, and enjoy a glass of wine to warm up for the next Test Match.

After visiting some of the famous wineries, including, Yalumba, Orlando and Penfolds, continue into Adelaide, return your car and check-in to your city centre hotel.

In the days leading up to the Ashes Test, explore Adelaide’s colourful laneways and attractions. Wander through the lush Adelaide Botanic Garden and enjoy cultural treasures at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Stroll along Rundle Mall for shopping or relax at a café in Rundle Street East. Food lovers can savour local flavors at the bustling Adelaide Central Market. For a touch of history, visit the South Australian Museum or the charming North Terrace precinct.

Evenings can be spent dining at renowned restaurants or discovering hidden laneway bars. Adelaide’s compact layout makes it easy to enjoy its charm before the next Test Match.

If you wish to add something extra to your Test Match experience, then you could choose to add the official pre-match function at the Hilton Adelaide on the day before the Test Match. As well as snacks and drinks, this event will include a selection of celebrities and past cricketers who will give an insight into playing at the Adelaide Oval and preview the action.

All eyes now turn to the Adelaide Oval for the 3rd NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match. As well as your chosen hotel, we have secured you official tickets for all five days of the Test Match.

The Adelaide Oval is known for its picturesque setting and excellent pitch conditions. It has hosted numerous memorable Ashes matches since its first encounter in 1884. Traditionally the Adelaide Oval pitch is flat and good for batting, so expect some high scores and perhaps a decisive match in the series.

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

After the excitement of the last few days you may need a day just to relax and recuperate before the Ashes run in. The next couple of Tests follow quickly, so you may want catch up on your Christmas shopping and write your postcards home today.

We also recommend spending some time in the sunshine on Glenelg Beach, which is only a short tram ride from the city centre.

This morning you could choose to check-in at the airport for your flight back to Melbourne, or alternatively you could head to the train station for the Overland Train to Victoria’s capital city.

You will have a couple of days in Melbourne before the cricket, so you will have plenty of time to join in the Christmas festivities, as well as explore the city and surrounds.

On Christmas Eve, you can explore the festive markets at Federation Square, see the stunning Myer Christmas Windows, and enjoy carols or the holiday light displays around the city, such as at the Docklands Christmas Wonderland.

On Christmas Day, take a scenic stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, relax at St Kilda Beach, or enjoy a festive lunch at a restaurant or a Christmas picnic along the Yarra River.

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).

If you would like to make your cricket experience ever more special you can choose to join the official pre-match breakfast function at the Crown Palladium Hotel. As well as breakfast and drinks, you will be able to hear from past cricketers and sports presenters previewing the match and discussing past Ashes battles. A coach will then take you to the stadium for the start of the first day’s play.

Then watch the action unfold in the penultimate test with guaranteed tickets for all five days of play, which will hopefully give England the advantage as we head to Sydney for the final 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

The cricket may have only finished yesterday, but it is New Year’s Eve, so we have booked you a morning flight from Melbourne to Sydney, so that you can check-in to your city centre hotel and be harbourside in time for the fireworks.

Nowhere does New Year celebrations better than Sydney, so take your place close to the Opera House or in the Botanic Gardens to watch the fireworks and celebrate the New Year. If you want to make it a very special day, we recommend pre-booking a New Year harbour cruise.

After Sydney’s dazzling New Year’s Eve celebrations, you can enjoy a ferry across the harbour to Manly. You could also 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.

If you would like to make your Sydney Test Match experience even more memorable then you could choose to join the official pre-match function the day before play begins. Hosted at the Rydges World Square hotel, as well as snacks and drinks, the evening includes guest talks from past cricketers, previewing the upcoming action.

Your Ultimate Ashes Experience culminates at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the 5th and final Test Match in the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series.

The Sydney Cricket Ground masters the blend of traditional with modern and never fails to deliver absorbing cricket. England have a relatively good record at the SCG so could this be the match that sees Ben Stokes lift the urn aloft?

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

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.