Cricket is so beloved Down Under that it’s widely considered the national sport and there are few better places to watch a test match than under the Australian sun with a beer in hand.
In 2025/26, the legendary Ashes Series will be taking place around Australia and you can sense the history in the air at the world-famous venues that will be hosting the action.
Let’s take a look at a rundown of the top five venues that you can visit on a personalised holiday to this great cricketing country.
This has to be one of the world’s most iconic cricket stadiums and the Boxing Day Test Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground must be on every sports fans bucket list. Having just celebrated an Australian Christmas in Melbourne, the start of the 4th Test Match, with a stadium packed full of more than 100,000 cricket fans is an experience not easily forgotten.
Quite often this can be the decisive Test Match in the Ashes Series, which just adds to its importance. The Boxing Day Ashes Test Match of 1982 saw a nail-biting finish. Australia, chasing a modest target of 292, fell just three runs short as England’s Bob Willis took the final wicket, securing a dramatic victory.
England’s Ashes comeback victory at Melbourne in 1998 was extraordinary. After trailing Australia in the first innings, England, led by Dean Headley’s six-wicket haul in the second innings, bowled out Australia for just 162, setting up a thrilling 12-run win.
In 2006 the crowd at the MCG witnessed Shane Warne’s iconic moment of claiming his 700th Test wicket at his home ground. This poignant moment remains one of the most celebrated events in cricket history. Warne’s brilliant spell also helped Australia dismantle England, sealing the Ashes series 5-0, but the electric atmosphere and Warne’s milestone made this a match for the ages.
Expert Holiday Suggestion: Combine the cricket with a Great Ocean Road self drive from Melbourne.
How better to continue celebrating the New Year, than with the fifth and final Test Match of an Ashes Series? Sydney remains the traditional final venue for all Australian cricket series, and the place where the famous urn is presented to the Ashes winning side.
Located in Moore Park, just a few kilometres from the heart of Sydney, the SCG has been hosting international cricket matches since the late 19th century. Established in 1848, it is one of the oldest cricket grounds in the world and has retained its classic charm with its Members’ Pavilion and Ladies’ Stand, while modern upgrades have ensured it remains a world-class venue.
The historic Ashes Test Match at the SCG in 1903 saw an incredible comeback victory for England. Chasing 276 on a challenging wicket, England defied the odds as Stanley Jackson and Wilfred Rhodes guided them to a thrilling three-wicket victory.
The infamous Bodyline series in 1933 reached its peak at the SCG, with England employing controversial short-pitched bowling tactics led by Harold Larwood to subdue Australia’s batting, particularly Don Bradman. England’s tactics sparked international controversy but secured a series-defining victory at Sydney.
The Ashes Test Match at the SCG in 2007 marked the emotional farewell of Australian legends Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Justin Langer. Australia dominated, completing a historic 5-0 Ashes whitewash, but it was the post-match celebrations and tributes to the retiring greats that made this SCG Test an unforgettable moment
Expert Holiday Suggestion: Pair cricket with an iconic Sydney Harbour Cruise or visit to the Blue Mountains.
Although it has a capacity of 53,000 people, the Adelaide Oval always creates an intimate and electric atmosphere. Known for its stunning location adjacent to the River Torrens, in the centre of the city, the stadium has been able to combine modern facilities with traditional features such as the heritage-listed scoreboard and the Moreton Bay fig trees.
The stadium is just a short walk from the centre of Adelaide and offers a superb behind-the-scenes tour which lets you walk in the footsteps of cricketing legends. Soak up the atmosphere by walking around the lower levels of the stadium before visiting the Sir Donald Bradman museum which features a treasure trove of cricket memorabilia.
The Ashes Test Match at the Adelaide Oval saw a devastating spell of fast bowling that decided the 1954/55 Ashes Series. After Australia posted a strong first innings, England’s Frank Tyson Tyson found pace and accuracy to rip through their batting lineup in the second innings, leading England to a decisive win.
Remembered as one of the greatest Ashes matches, the Adelaide Test Match of 2006 saw England declare with a substantial lead of 551. However, Ricky Ponting’s Australia team responded with an aggressive second innings, leaving the mercurial Shane Warne to set up a home win on the final day.
The Adelaide Oval hosted the first ever day-night Ashes Test Match in 2017. Played under lights and with a pink ball, Australia’s bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood, dominated as England struggled to adapt to the conditions, resulting in a convincing Australian victory.
Expert Holiday Suggestion: Pair cricket with wine tasting in South Australia’s Barossa Valley.
‘The Gabba’ in Brisbane (named after the surrounding suburb, Woolloongabba) has hosted the first test of the Ashes Series in most recent history, however, for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series the Gabba will host the 2nd Test.
The Gabba is a multi-sport venue and is due to host the Olympic Games in 2032. Although the current capacity has risen to 42,000 there are plans to build a new stadium, either on or away from the current site. This could mean that the 2025 Test Match will be the last Ashes test to be hosted at this historic cricket ground.
In an iconic performance, England captain Len Hutton scored a brilliant century on a challenging Gabba pitch in 1954 to set up a rare England victory at The Gabba. England’s bowlers, led by Frank Tyson, capitalised on the conditions to dismiss Australia cheaply, marking the start of a remarkable England comeback that led to a series win.
England pulled off a surprise victory at The Gabba in 1986. Ian Botham played a pivotal role with a swashbuckling century, turning the tide in England’s favour. With strong support from Chris Broad, England sealed a commanding win, setting the tone for their eventual Ashes series victory.
Australia’s dominance in 2002 also demonstrated why the Gabba is often called the “fortress” by Australian cricket fans. England, chasing a huge target, crumbled under the pressure of Australia’s bowling attack, led by Glenn McGrath. His spell and the home crowd made this one of the most commanding Gabba victories in Ashes history.
Expert Holiday Suggestion: Pair cricket in Queensland with a visit to Australia’s Sunshine Coast.
In a change to recent history, Perth in Western Australia will host the first test of the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series between Australia and England. In another change with tradition, the Optus Stadium (also known as the Perth Stadium for cricket matches) will host the Test Match, replacing the older WACA stadium.
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. The Perth Stadium is designed to offer 360 degree unobstructed views, from all seats, with the addition of big screens and spacious concourse areas, making attending events like the Ashes a more comfortable and pleasurable experience.
A fast and bouncy WACA pitch showcased the ferocious pace of Australia’s legendary bowling duo, Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee, in 1974. England struggled against the hostile bowling, and Australia secured a massive victory.
The following Ashes Series in Australia during 1977 was remarkable for different reasons. Although England lost at the WACA, it marked the debut performance of one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, Ian Botham. Botham’s five-wicket haul in the first innings demonstrated his raw talent and set the stage for his remarkable Ashes legacy.
The pace and bounce of the WACA pitch played another starring role in 2010. After facing criticism earlier in the series, Mitchell Johnson roared back to form with a stunning display of pace and swing, taking 6 for 38 in the first innings. His fiery spell dismantled England’s batting, helping Australia secure a commanding win.
It remains to be seen whether the drop-in pitches at the Optus Stadium will provide the same bowling conditions.
Expert Holiday Suggestion: Drive up the west coast of Australia to the amazing Ningaloo Reef.
And a special mention to….
You won’t find many more beautiful cricket grounds in the world than the Bellerive Oval, the home of Tasmanian cricket. The stadium sits alongside the River Derwent and is the only venue in Tasmania that hosts international matches. Although not included in the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series, it is still an amazing Australian cricket ground.
The fifth and final test of the 2021/22 Ashes series was played at the Bellerive Oval. It was a day-night fixture that was dominated by Australia. A spectacular century by Travis Head was followed by a fast bowling performance by Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, that gave England little chance.
Aside from the cricket, Hobart is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, surrounded by beautiful hills and woodland and it is well worth exploring if you decide to take a day’s rest from the sport.
Expert Holiday Suggestion: Pair cricket with a Tasmania Self Drive Holiday.
Freedom Destinations are an official Licensed Travel Operator for the Ashes Series in Australia. To know more about Ashes tickets and packages, register on our dedicated Ashes 2025/6 Cricket Series page.
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Australia holidays by Freedom Destinations
