As part of the tour itinerary your trip will begin with welcome drinks and an opportunity to meet your Tour Manager and fellow tour group members. Also included is a highlight of many Howzat trips - our popular Cricket Dinner will be back in Australia. Hosted by your Tour Manager and featuring a special guest, with past guests including Michael Atherton, Michael Vaughan, Steve Harmison, Jonathan Agnew, Marais Erasmus and many, many more this is a fantastic opportunity to get a unique insight into the game.
A Howzat Tour Manager will be with you in Australia to make sure that your time spent on tour is a memorable and enjoyable experience. Our Tour Managers are cricket fanatics, well travelled and vastly experienced. They will be joined in Australia by a support team and the Howzat office team are all cricket fans who have travelled overseas watching England play, including to multiple Ashes series.
Optional sightseeing excursions
To ensure that you can enjoy Australia to its fullest and enjoy the sightseeing & events that you want to do we will be offering a variety of optional excursions. We strive to give you flexibility, please contact us if you are looking to add elements to or extend your trip.
The Cricket Experts
Howzat have been touring to Australia for many years. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal service for England cricket fans by England cricket fans. Whilst it will have been 8 years since travelling fans have been in the crowd since the Ashes Series in Australia, we have been touring Australia more recently with groups attending the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the team having made multiple familiarisation trips since. We’re ready to make the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series Tour one for the history books.
Forward Defence
We are both ABTA and ATOL protected, ensuring you can book and travel with complete confidence and peace of mind.
Make your own way to Melbourne, where you can check-in to your hotel for 8 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Melbourne City is a truly international metropolis and a hub of arts and culture, attractions, fashion, food, sport and entertainment.
This evening the group will get together with the Tour Manager for Welcome Drinks. Get to know your tour group and tour manager, reminisce on past tours and trips and share the excitement of The Ashes!
Welcome Drinks
In the evening, you are invited to join your Tour Manager and the rest of your group for welcome drinks. This will also be an ideal chance for you to meet your fellow Howzat Travellers.
Day
2-3
Christmas with Howzat
Enjoy a day at leisure in Melbourne on Christmas Eve. The perfect blend of rich cultural history and new-age trends, Melbourne is a place with something for everyone. Much of central Melbourne's gems are hidden off of the tram-graced thoroughfares in small lanes and arcades so make sure to visit Centre Place, a densely packed laneway of tiny cafe's, bars and Art Nouveau Street Lamps.
Join your fellow Howzat clients for Christmas Day. All of our escorted tour travellers come together for a festive yet informal celebration in a prime location. Return transfers will be included. Indulge in a delicious three-course lunch with open bar (beer, wine and soft drinks) and live entertainment.
Christmas Day Lunch
Join Howzat staff and fellow supporters at this exclusive event ahead of tomorrow's NRMA Insurance Ashes Boxing Day Test against Australia!
Day
4-8
Australia v England - 4th NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
Make your own way from the hotel to the MCG, affectionately known as 'The G,' for the NRMA Insurance Ashes Boxing Day Test. Walking up to this iconic ground, knowing you’re about to witness one of the greatest spectacles in sports on one of the most revered days in the cricket calendar, is a truly special experience. There’s no better place to be on Boxing Day!
In Melbourne, trams are free within the CBD, with good public transport links to areas outside of this.
NRMA Insurance Ashes Boxing Day Test
Play Starts:
TBC
Day
9
Melbourne to Sydney - NYE
Check out of the hotel and transfer to Melbourne airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a nine night stay with breakfast.
Where better to enjoy New Year's Eve than in Sydney? You are free to make your own arrangements and see in the New Year however you wish. We will be offering a couple of options at an additional cost - coming soon.
Melbourne to Sydney
Departs:
TBC
Arrives:
TBC
Airline:
TBC
New Year's Eve
We will be offering a couple of options for New Year's Eve - details coming soon!
Day
10-12
Days at Leisure
Enjoy 3 full days at leisure in the stunning city of Sydney.
Sydney, renowned for its legendary Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and breathtaking coastlines, undoubtedly ranks high on the wish list of every adventurer. With three full days to explore, there are countless experiences to savor within the city, or for those eager to venture onto the water, a ferry ride to Manly presents spectacular views. Bondi Beach can be easily reached by train or bus, and the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk justifies the effort. Additionally, a train journey to the Blue Mountains reveals some magnificent landscapes.
Day
13-17
Australia v England - 5th NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
The NRMA Insurance Ashes Sydney Test! It's easy to access the SCG from the city by using the new city tramway, walking, or by bus.
The Sydney Cricket Ground is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious sporting stadiums.
NRMA Insurance Ashes Sydney Test
Play Starts:
TBC
Howzat Cricket Dinner
On Wednesday night enjoy the Howzat Cricket Dinner – these are the highlight of many trips, hosted by your Tour Manager and featuring a special guest from the cricketing world!
Day
18
Depart Australia
Check out of your hotel this morning and say your goodbye's before making your own onward travel arrangements. We hope that you head home with some fantastic lasting memories and new friendships formed from a special trip to Australia.
Tickets
Venue
Category & Location
Melbourne
Category C - Level 3 Behind the Bowlers Arm / Mid-Wicket
Sydney
Category C - Level 1 Mid-Wicket
A 5 day ticket is included in your package. Days 1-4 in the category listed. Should the Test go to the fifth day, day 5 will be a General Admission ticket. Ticket locations and descriptions are provided by Cricket Australia and are subject to change and amendment until venue maps are finalised by Cricket Australia.
4th NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
Play Starts: TBC
Few experiences in cricket compare to being at the MCG on Boxing Day. A sell-out crowd is guaranteed to be there supporting the two teams and the atmosphere has to be seen to be believed. Fondly referred to by locals as 'The G,' the Melbourne Cricket Ground stands as one of the most prestigious sporting venues in the world. One of our fondest Ashes memories is from Boxing Day in 2010, when Tremlett and Anderson dominated the Aussie lineup.
Tickets:
Category C - Level 3 Behind the Bowlers Arm / Mid-Wicket
Venue:
MCG, Melbourne
Capacity:
100,024
5th NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
Play Starts: TBC
The Sydney Cricket Ground stands as one of Australia's oldest and most esteemed sports venues. Located close to Sydney Harbour, this iconic stadium has witnessed numerous pivotal moments in the nation's cricketing history, encompassing both remarkable victories and agonising defeats.
Tickets:
Category C - Level 1 Mid-Wicket
Venue:
SCG, Sydney
Capacity:
46,000
Accommodation
The Victoria Hotel,
Melbourne
Set in Melbourne’s bustling CBD, The Victoria Hotel offers a blend of historical charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for travellers exploring the city. With classic architecture dating back to 1880, this landmark hotel features amenities like an Art Deco-inspired restaurant, Mister Munro, and the cosy Vic’s Bar. Close to iconic attractions like Melbourne Town Hall, Federation Square, and the Bourke Street Mall, guests can enjoy a central location with easy access to cultural sites, shopping, and dining.
Features:
Fantastic sports bar popular with cricket fans
We chose this hotel because:
Located next to Melbourne Town Hall, just minutes from Flinders Street
An easy 25 minute walk to the cricket ground
Novotel Sydney City Centre Hotel,
Sydney
Novotel Sydney City Centre is a modern hotel situated in the heart of Sydney's CBD, its central location offers easy access to popular attractions like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and The Rocks markets. Facilities include spacious, well-appointed rooms, an on-site restaurant, a casual bar and a fitness centre. The hotel’s amenities and central location make it the perfect choice for exploring Sydney’s vibrant city life!
Features:
Ideally adjacent to Wynyard train station
24-hour front desk
We chose this hotel because:
Located in the heart of the CBD, close to many iconic attractions
Just 25 minutes from the SCG via public transport
Extras
Melbourne – Yarra Valley Wine Tour - 24/12/2025
+£140 per person
Embark on a scenic and indulgent journey through Victoria’s iconic Yarra Valley, renowned for its cool-climate wines, rolling vineyards, and gourmet experiences. This carefully curated wine tour includes exclusive tastings at three of the region’s most celebrated wineries: St Huberts Estate, Soumah, and Yering Station.
Your day begins at the elegantly restored St Huberts Estate, one of the original wineries in the Yarra Valley, first established in 1862. Here, old-world heritage meets contemporary architecture and winemaking innovation. Explore their range of structured and expressive wines—particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir—while browsing the beautifully designed cellar door and gallery spaces. Here you will be provided a wood-fired pizza lunch with antipasti grazing boards.
Next, visit Soumah, nestled in the Warramate foothills. Known for its northern Italian-inspired wines and serene countryside setting, Soumah offers a refined tasting experience featuring premium drops such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Enjoy a relaxed seated tasting while soaking in panoramic vineyard views, with optional wood-fired lunch pairings in their Tuscan-style trattoria.
Your final stop is the historic and grand Yering Station, the Yarra Valley’s first vineyard, established in 1838. The estate blends tradition with modern elegance, offering a premium tasting experience in its stunning bluestone cellar door. Sample iconic Yarra Valley varietals such as Chardonnay and Shiraz, browse the on-site art gallery, or enjoy a walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens. It's the perfect way to conclude your day of wine, history, and hospitality.
At the end of your Yarra Valley wine and food tour, transfer back to your hotel. Tour itinerary subject to change.
Inclusions: return hotel transfers, wine tastings, lunch, guide
Excludes: other drinks, gratuities
Start Time: 09:30 (approx.)
End Time: 17:30 (approx.)
Melbourne – Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs - 24/12/2025
+£97 per person
Exhilarate your senses with a full-day visit to the award-winning coastal oasis, Peninsula Hot Springs, located just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Unwind and experience geothermal bathing in a stunning natural setting for some much-needed relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation.
Peninsula Hot Springs offers over 50 global bathing experiences within its Bath House—an ideal way to refresh your mind, body, and soul. Victoria’s first natural hot springs and spa, it’s easily accessible from Melbourne yet off the beaten track, making it the perfect escape. In partnership with Peninsula Hot Springs, we’ve launched an exclusive shuttle service to remove any added stress, allowing you to sit back and fully enjoy your day trip getaway.
With skip-the-queue, exclusive entry, you’ll have plenty of time to indulge yourself at the world-class Peninsula Hot Springs. Relax in the tranquil setting, reconnect with nature, and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters. The springs strive to create experiences that allow visitors to deeply unwind and connect with themselves.
As you soak in the naturally healing thermal waters, let your worries melt away. The experience is designed for all ages, with wellness options suitable for both young and old. Cafes and kiosks offering healthy snacks are available for purchase to keep you refreshed. After three hours of blissful relaxation, we continue our journey. After your rejuvenating time at Peninsula Hot Springs, we’ll head toward Arthurs Seat, a perfect stop to further elevate your experience. The drive from the springs takes you through the picturesque hinterland, passing vineyards and scenic countryside, before we ascend to the top of Arthurs Seat. This route ensures a safer, smoother journey, as we descend the hill with the best vantage point on the Peninsula. From here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Peninsula, and on clear days, you may even spot the Melbourne city skyline across the bay.
Next, we’ll visit the iconic colourful beach boxes along the coastline, a fantastic photo opportunity to capture the vibrant essence of the area before making our way back to Melbourne. After a day filled with relaxation, nature,and stunning views, we’ll return to the city, arriving around 3:00 pm, feeling refreshed and recharged.
*please let our team know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements
Inclusions: return transfer from central Melbourne, skip the queue with priority entrance, Bath House entry, 3 hours of bathing time from over 70 spa experiences
Excludes: food, drinks, gratuities
Start Time: 08:20 (approx.)
End Time: 15:00 (approx.)
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - Summit Day - 02/01/2026
+£195 per person
Experience the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney, whilst scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on BridgeClimb’s original Climb experience. Feel on top of the world as you journey along the upper arch to the peak of an Australian icon, soaking in the stories from your expert Climb Leader and the sights of the Harbour and the City skyline that surround you.
Highlights & Inclusions
1,332 steps
BridgeClimb’s signature experience
This Climb route takes you along the upper arch of the Bridge
Certificate of achievement
BridgeClimb cap
Bridge and Sydney history commentary
Dedicated Climb Leader for every 14 Climbers
An unforgettable experience
Plus, let's not forget those 360 degree views!
If climbers are 75 years of age, or older, they can Climb with a BridgeClimb Certificate of Fitness signed by their GP. Please ask our team for a copy of this form and bring it with you on the day. (Please note the Certificate of Fitness must have been completed within the last three months prior to your Climb date).
Excludes: transport from hotel
Start Time – 10:15-11:35 (duration: 3 hours)
Please note this tour is subject to minimum numbers being met.
Sydney - Sunset Harbour Dinner Cruise - 02/01/2026
+£65 per person
Watch the aquamarine colours of Sydney's iconic landscape give way to the warm orange hues of sunset as you set sail through Sydney Harbour past many of the cities iconic landmarks. Enjoy a 3-course menu* during this 2-hour circuit which will take you past the natural beauty of this fantastic city.
Please note the cruise departs at 5pm from King Street Wharf No.1 Darling Harbour. It is recommended to check in at least 20 minutes prior to departure.
*please let our team know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements
Dress code: Smart Casual
Inclusions: 3 course dinner, live music, up to 2 hours cruising of Sydney Harbour
Excludes: Transport from hotel, drinks
Start Time: 17:00 (approx.)
End Time: 19:00 (approx.)
Please note this tour is subject to minimum numbers being met.
Blue Mountains Adventure Day Trip - 03/01/2026
+£130 per person
Discover the Ultimate Blue Mountains experience, designed to showcase the best of this UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be picked up from (or very close to) your hotel and return via a ferry ride on the famous Sydney Harbour where the tour concludes at Circular Quay. From here make your own way back to your accommodation at your own leisure.
The tour makes stops at the Blue Mountains township of Glenbrook, Elysian Rock lookout, and Echo Point where you’ll witness the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and learn about Aboriginal legends. From here, venture on to Scenic World to experience the thrill of the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger railway. Glide above the rainforest canopy on the Scenic Skyway and enjoy panoramic views of the Blue Mountains on the iconic gondola. Embark on a guided walk through the rainforest to learn about unique flora and fauna before your visit to Katoomba Cascades Waterfalls to stroll along the boardwalks and viewing platforms. Lunch can be purchased at the lovely township stop of Leura where you can walk the tree-lined streets and wander into in the iconic boutique shops. The final stop of the day is a visit to the renowned Sydney Zoo where you can get up close with some of Australia’s most beloved creatures. Your adventure ends with a serene ferry ride back to Sydney under the iconic Harbour Bridge.
*please let our team know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements
Start Time: 07:00 (approx.)
End Time: 18:30 (approx.)
Inclusions: hotel pick up, drop off at Circular Quay harbour off ferry
Excludes: lunch, drinks, gratuities
Please note this tour is subject to minimum numbers being met.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - Summit Day - 03/01/2026
+£195 per person
Experience the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney, whilst scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on BridgeClimb’s original Climb experience. Feel on top of the world as you journey along the upper arch to the peak of an Australian icon, soaking in the stories from your expert Climb Leader and the sights of the Harbour and the City skyline that surround you.
Highlights & Inclusions
1,332 steps
BridgeClimb’s signature experience
This Climb route takes you along the upper arch of the Bridge
Certificate of achievement
BridgeClimb cap
Bridge and Sydney history commentary
Dedicated Climb Leader for every 14 Climbers
An unforgettable experience
Plus, let's not forget those 360 degree views!
If climbers are 75 years of age, or older, they can Climb with a BridgeClimb Certificate of Fitness signed by their GP. Please ask our team for a copy of this form and bring it with you on the day. (Please note the Certificate of Fitness must have been completed within the last three months prior to your Climb date).
Excludes: transport from hotel
Start Time – 10:15-11:35 (duration: 3 hours)
Please note this tour is subject to minimum numbers being met.