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.
Full itinerary
Day
1
Arrive Australia
Make your own way to Perth, where you can check-in to your hotel for 9 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
The stunning city of Perth perfectly embodies the idea of having 'the best of both worlds,' where gentle sandy beaches and picturesque parks blend seamlessly with a vibrant urban landscape filled with unique bars and innovative restaurants.
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
Day at Leisure
Delight in discovering the capital of Western Australia, where the Swan River flows into the stunning southwestern coastline. Perth boasts a beautiful shoreline and an abundance of activities, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
If you are looking to stay in the city you can catch one of the free buses up to Kings Park for beautiful views across the city skyline and a walk into the city's botanical gardens. We will also have optional excursions available for you to choose from if you are looking for an organised excursion/ activity for the day.
Day
3-7
Australia v England - 1st NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
The NRMA Insurance Ashes Perth Test is at the new stadium in Perth for the first time - and what an incredible stadium it is. Make your own way to and from the stadium at leisure each day. The stadium has fantastic public transport networks with a dedicated train station that offers free travel to all match ticket holders on matchdays. Alternatively, there are free buses that take you past the WACA and drop you a short walk across the pedestrian river bridge, there aren’t many more beautiful walks to a ground in the sporting world.
1st NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
Play Starts:
TBC
Day
8-9
Days at Leisure
Enjoy 2 days at leisure in the beautiful city of Perth.
These days are the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate! Choose a tranquil spot on one of the pristine white-sand beaches and bask in the sunlight while diving into a good book; our top pick is Cottesloe, easily accessible by train. Alternatively, consider taking a ferry to the famous Rottnest Island, where you can snap a photo with one of the 10,000 adorable Quokkas that inhabit the area, or venture into Swan Valley, one of Australia’s most esteemed wine regions. An evening in Fremantle, sampling some iconic fish and chips paired with a drink at the delightful Little Creatures brewery, is also highly recommended.
Day
10
Perth to Cairns
Check out of your hotel this morning and transfer with the group to the airport for your flight to Cairns for a few days in tropical Queensland. This is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and a great opportunity to change pace before the 2nd Test. Upon arrival, transfer with the group to your hotel for a 4 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
If you have seen another option you would like, or have plans to visit somewhere else in Australia for these four nights, give us a call and we can discuss the options with you.
Perth to Cairns
This flight from Perth across to Cairns will be indirect. The route will be confirmed when scheduled flights come into range.
Departs:
TBC
Arrives:
TBC
Airline:
TBC
Day
11-13
Days at Leisure
Enjoy 3 days at leisure in the tropical destination of Cairns, the gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.
In Cairns you will be able to connect with nature in a place unlike anywhere. The tropical north-west of Australia is home to 2 natural wonders, the Great Reef & Daintree Rainforest, allowing the adventurer in you to become immersed in wild Australia.
Look out for the optional excursions coming soon to see if there is something you might like to add in to enhance your time in Cairns.
Day
14
Cairns to Brisbane
Check out of your hotel this morning and transfer with the group to the airport for your flight to Brisbane for the 2nd Test. On arrival, check in to your hotel for a 7 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Cairns to Brisbane
Departs:
TBC
Arrives:
TBC
Airline:
TBC
Day
15
Day at Leisure
Today you have a day at leisure in Brisbane. Why not take a ferry over to Moreton Island where you have an array of experiences available to you, including whale watching, kayaking and snorkelling.
This evening, head to Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane’s vibrant dining and lifestyle precinct, which is just a-10 minute walk from Brisbane's CBD. This once-neglected piece of land has been transformed and is now a bustling pedestrian boardwalk lined with restaurants, bars, hotels, and event spaces.
Howzat Cricket Dinner
Tonight 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
16-20
Australia v England - 2nd NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
The NRMA Insurance Ashes Brisbane Test is a day/night match. Make your own way to The Gabba which is walking distance from most of the hotels on offer. Public transport links in Brisbane are excellent, and free on matchdays with a match ticket.
Traditionally, The Gabba hosts the first Test of the Australian summer, so hopefully a change in schedule will equate to a change in England's horror record in Brisbane.
NRMA Insurance Ashes Day/Night Test
Play Starts:
TBC
Day
21
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
Perth
Category C - Level 3 West Square of Wicket
Brisbane
Category C - Western Stand Upper Square of 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.
1st NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
Play Starts: TBC
This marks England's inaugural Test match at this stadium. It's daunting challenge, considering Australia boast an unbeaten record in Test matches here since the replacement of the renowned WACA. Stokes and McCullum will be eager to embark on a solid beginning in Perth, especially following England's sluggish start in the previous home Ashes series, which proved decisive.
Tickets:
Category C - Level 3 West Square of Wicket
Venue:
Perth Stadium, Perth
Capacity:
60,000
2nd NRMA Insurance Ashes Test
Play Starts: TBC - this is a day/night Test
The Gabba, unaffectionately known as 'The Gabbatoir' and cherished by the late Shane Warne, has not proven to be a favourable venue for England. Since World War II, the team has managed just two Test victories on this ground. Typically hosting the first Test of the Australian summer, this year’s adjustment in the usual scheduling might bring a shift in England's fortunes as they aim to rectify that record.
Tickets:
Category C - Western Stand Upper Square of Wicket
Venue:
The Gabba, Brisbane
Capacity:
42,000
Accommodation
Four Points by Sheraton Perth Hotel,
Perth
The Four Points by Sheraton offers easy access to the centre of Perth and is walking distance to the train station for easy connections to Optus Stadium. Located just a five minute drive up to Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens with spectacular views over the city, this is a great option for staying in central Perth with restaurants and bars just a short walk away. Guests can also dine in the on-site Brew Bar and Kitchen which offers a popular seasonal menu.
Features:
On-site restaurant and bar
Gym
We chose this hotel because:
Situated in Perth’s CBD
Just 30 mins away from Perth stadium via public transport
Crystalbrook Bailey,
Cairns
Crystalbrook Bailey offers a modern and luxurious feel with strong attention to detail, offering guests an enjoyable stay with great features such as an outdoor pool and variety of on-site dining options. Located in Cairns' CBD, this hotel is just a short walk from the city's best attractions.
Features:
On-site restaurant and bar
Fitness centre
We chose this hotel because:
Artfully designed rooms with great views
24-hour fitness centre with gym equipment
Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane Hotel,
Brisbane
Ideally located in the heart of Brisbane's CBD, the Four Points Brisbane is just a stone's throw away from all the river city has to offer. Popular areas to visit include Queen Street Mall, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Treasury Casino and Queensland Art Gallery.
Features:
Fitness centre
24 hr front desk
We chose this hotel because:
Close to Eagle Street Pier and the Treasury Casino, offering plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping options
Quick 25 mins to The Gabba via public transport
Extras
Perth – Swan Valley Wine Cruise - 26/11/2025
+ £120pp
Your day cruise starts in central Perth, where you hop aboard your boat and set off up the Swan River, a scenic waterway that stretches from the city into Western Australia’s Swan Valley wine region. Enjoy a welcome drink on board, followed by a wine tasting of premium ‘wines of the month’ from regional vineyards, accompanied by a share platter lunch.
As you listen to narration about the history and geography of the river and valley, admire views of Perth’s suburbs and the picturesque scenery outside the city. Hop off the boat at Mandoon Estate*, for a wine and macaron pairing experience.
After reboarding the boat to cruise back to Perth, enjoy live entertainment, tantalizing desserts, and all-inclusive wines on your return to the city. Your cruise ends when you arrive at the departure point.
*please note this tour starts from Barrack Street Jetty. We will require full dietary requirements for each passenger
Start Time: 10:30 (approx.)
End Time: 17:00 (approx.)
Inclusions: Cruise, share platter lunch, wine tastings on board, wine and macaron pairing at Mandoon Estate
Excludes: drinks, additional food, gratuities, hotel pick up
Please note minimum numbers are required to operate this tour. Passengers must be 18 or over to participate.
Perth - Pinnacles Tour Sunset Stargazing - 26/11/2025
+£89 per person
Enjoy a star-studded adventure of twinkling twilight and wildlife in the native wonderland of the Pinnacles. Leave behind city life for a one-day treat to some of Western Australia’s best natural wonders.
After 1.5 hours from Perth, our first stop is to stretch our legs and take in the views from the seaside town of Lancelin, home to the largest network of sand dunes in Western Australia. These gigantic snow-white dunes are a stark contrast to the glistening turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in the distance.
Shake the sand out of your shoes, before we travel on to the Nilgen Nature Reserve. In a region abundant with flora and fauna, we’ll wander through a kaleidoscopic of wildflowers, including the likes of banksias, bottlebrush, heath, grass trees, and kangaroo paws; all bursting with life, when in season. If the flowers are in hiding, we’ll instead head over to Hangover Bay, where you can dip your toes in the crystal-clear waters or spot the likes of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions.
With our lungs full of fresh sea air, it’s time to journey onto the Nambung National Park to witness the remarkable Pinnacles Desert. These remarkable formations date back millions of years to a time when this land was submerged beneath the sea. Thousands of limestone pillars rise dramatically from the desert landscape. We’ll first stop at the Tourist Information Discovery Centre to learn about their fascinating history before walking a few hundred metres to get up close to these incredible structures. Best explored at dusk when the crowds evaporate and the thousands of limestone pillars rise eerily out of the desert; watch the colours change over the rocks, creating a lunar-like atmosphere.
Enjoy a picnic dinner accompanied by a glass of local sparkling, while we settle in for a spectacular light show of natural wonder, beneath the sky. As the darkness sets, it’s time to marvel at the otherworldly beauty of the stars and planets, swirling high above. Listen to the ancient stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime and gaze light-years away.
*please let our team know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements
Walking distance: ~1-2km
Start Time: 12:00 (approx.)
End Time: 21:30 (approx.)
Inclusions: Return hotel transfers, experienced driver/guide, Dinner under the stars with glass of sparkling wine, Telescope provided, National Park fees
Excludes: drinks, additional food, gratuities
Perth – Rottnest Island Day Trip - 27/11/2025
+ £125pp
Join us on the Grand Island Tour of Rottnest, taking in all of Rottnest Island’s natural attractions and historical landmarks. From spectacular beaches to unspoiled salt lakes, we cover all the major habitats on this amazing tour. You'll learn about Rottnest Island's cultural and historical heritage ranging from maritime and military history right up to its promising future.
Depart from Barrack Street Jetty for the ferry across to Rottnest Island. Upon arrival to Rottnest Island, meet at the Settlement Train Station to board the heritage train for the ride to Oliver Hill. This is followed by a tour of the historic Oliver Hill WWII Gun Fortification and Tunnels to learn about the rich military history of this island. A light sandwich lunch is provided at Oliver Hill before commencing on the guided bus tour of the island, taking in the highlights of Rottnest island including the incredible lookout points at the rugged Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh. At the end of the tour, return to Perth on the ferry, experiencing an entirely new view of the city skyline.
*please note this tour starts from Barrack Street Jetty (approx. 10 minute walk from your hotel)
Start Time: 08:30 (approx.)
End Time: 18:00 (approx.)
Accessibility – please note that accessing the Oliver Hill Guns & Tunnels involves up to 60 steps
Inclusions: Return ferry transfers from Perth, Grand Island Tour, light sandwich lunch, Rottnest Island Government Admission Fee
Excludes: drinks, additional food, gratuities, hotel pick up
Please note minimum numbers are required to operate this tour
Cairns & Port Douglas – Cape Tribulation & Daintree Rainforest Day Tour - 29/11/2025
+£125 per person
Experience the diverse landscapes of the oldest continually surviving rainforest on the planet.
Picking up at your accommodation in a custom 4WD vehicle, this full day tour travels north along the picturesque Great Barrier Reef Drive on route to the World Heritage Listed, Daintree National Park.
Enjoy light refreshments before embarking on a 1-hour Daintree River Cruise providing insight into the region’s unique flora and fauna including the estuarine crocodile, an infamous apex predator, at home amongst some of the world’s most biologically diverse mangrove habitat.
Back on land, enjoy an interpretive drive over the Alexandra Range, venturing into the heart of the oldest continually existing rainforest on earth. Join your expert local guide on an informative boardwalk tour while on the lookout for the elusive Southern Cassowary and prehistoric Boyd’s Rainforest Dragon.
Discover ancient ferns, palms and enormous woody vines, while a myriad of epiphytes, climbing plants and orchids cling to the giant limbs and trunks of emergent rainforest trees. An abundance of shade loving mosses, invertebrates and nutrient recycling fungi litter the rainforest floor, which combined with a range of endemic birds, reptiles, rainforest macropods and more, weave an intricate web of life that has shaped this fascinating environment over its 180-million-year history.
Lunch, including tea/coffee and a seasonal fruit platter is served in a beautiful rainforest setting with opportunity for an invigorating rainforest swim including chance sightings of jungle perch, saw-shelled turtles and the dazzling electric-blue Ulysses butterfly.
For over 50,000 years, Cape Tribulation beach (Kalkajaka) has held immense cultural significance for the local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, while providing modern day visitors the unique opportunity to witness the only place on earth where two World Heritage Listed sites converge - where rainforest meets the reef. The day concludes with a delicious tropical fruit ice-cream made from 100% locally sourced ingredients, followed by a cable ferry crossing back over the Daintree River before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.
Inclusions: return hotel transfers, 1 hour river cruise, knowledgeable guide, lunch, tropical fruit ice-cream, cable ferry crossing
Excludes: drinks, gratuities
Cairns
Start Time: 07:00 (approx.)
End Time: 18:30 (approx.)
Port Douglas
Start Time: 08:20 (approx.)
End Time: 16:30 (approx.)
Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Day Trip - 30/11/2025
+£150 per person
Explore the world-famous Great Barrier Reef onboard an award-winning superyacht and experience the world’s largest coral reef system on this day trip from Cairns.
This meticulously designed wave piercing catamaran offers the smoothest possible ride with modern air-conditioned saloons, a dedicated dive lounge, 3 levels of luxurious open-air outer decks, an exclusive Gold Class Lounge, plus hydraulic platforms providing easy water-level access once at the reef. Take time out on Evolution’s unique upper sundeck offering 360- degree coral sea views with plenty of shade for summer, and the perfect vantage point to spot Humpback Whales during their annual migration.
Travel time to the reef is under 90 minutes leaving up to 5 hours to explore 2 premium outer reef locations chosen for their water clarity, diversity and sheer abundance of marine life. These warm tropical waters are teeming with a myriad of colourful corals, giant clams, turtles, rays, dolphins, timid reef sharks, 1500 varieties of fascinating reef fish, and over 600 species of echinoderms including sea-stars and sea cucumbers, with so much still to be discovered!
Snorkelling equipment is included as the best way to get amongst the wildlife or hop on board the semi-submersible vessel to gain a unique divers perspective without putting a toe in the water!
A freshly cooked BBQ lunch is included, plus morning tea on boarding and a complimentary glass of wine, cheese and crackers on the return. A licenced bar and snacks are available for purchase throughout the day.
*Please note this trip starts from Reef Fleet Terminal, Spence Street. You will need to make your own way to the check in Terminal
Explore the world-famous Great Barrier Reef onboard an award-winning superyacht and experience the world’s largest coral reef system on this day trip from Cairns.
This meticulously designed wave piercing catamaran offers the smoothest possible ride with modern air-conditioned saloons, a dedicated dive lounge, 3 levels of luxurious open-air outer decks, an exclusive Gold Class Lounge, plus hydraulic platforms providing easy water-level access once at the reef. Take time out on Evolution’s unique upper sundeck offering 360- degree coral sea views with plenty of shade for summer, and the perfect vantage point to spot Humpback Whales during their annual migration.
Travel time to the reef is under 90 minutes leaving up to 5 hours to explore 2 premium outer reef locations chosen for their water clarity, diversity and sheer abundance of marine life. These warm tropical waters are teeming with a myriad of colourful corals, giant clams, turtles, rays, dolphins, timid reef sharks, 1500 varieties of fascinating reef fish, and over 600 species of echinoderms including sea-stars and sea cucumbers, with so much still to be discovered!
Snorkelling equipment is included as the best way to get amongst the wildlife or hop on board the semi-submersible vessel to gain a unique divers perspective without putting a toe in the water!
A freshly cooked BBQ lunch is included, plus morning tea on boarding and a complimentary glass of wine, cheese and crackers on the return. A licenced bar and snacks are available for purchase throughout the day.
*Please note this trip starts from Reef Fleet Terminal, Spence Street. You will need to make your own way to the check in Terminal
Experience the ultimate Marine Discovery adventure and enjoy a taste of island life on stunning Moreton Island.
Begin your day with a convenient hotel pickup before boarding a smooth-sailing catamaran for the 75-minute cruise across beautiful Moreton Bay. Sip on your included tea, coffee, or soft drink as you take in the scenic views en-route to Tangalooma Island Resort.
The highlight of your day is the Marine Discovery Cruise, where expert guides help you spot and learn about some of Australia’s most captivating marine wildlife. Cruise times vary, and when you're not on the water, you’re free to enjoy the island at your own pace. Take advantage of your day pass to Tangalooma Island Resort. Lounge by the pool, stroll along white sandy beaches, or explore the island’s facilities. A $25 Island Lunch Voucher per adult is included.
After a day of exploration and relaxation, you'll board the 4:00 PM ferry for the return journey to Brisbane, arriving back around 5:15 PM.
Inclusions: return hotel transfers, return catamaran cruise to Moreton Island, day pass access to resort, full use of resort facilities, 1 standard beverage on boat, Marine Discovery Cruise, light lunch
Excludes: additional food, drinks, gratuities
Start Time: 08:40 (approx.)
End Time: 17:15 (approx.)
Brisbane – Australia Zoo Day Trip - 03/12/2025
+£115 per person
Visit the iconic Australia Zoo and come face to face with over 1,200 animals including all your Aussie favourites. Enjoy a convenient pickup from your hotel and make your way to the world-famous Australia Zoo aboard an air-conditioned vehicle. Explore this interactive attraction with an included admission ticket, gaze at exotic animals, and witness fascinating live shows.
Visit Australia Zoo, accompanied by your friendly and experienced guide. You will have approximately 6 hours, heaps of time to enjoy the best Zoo in Australia. Explore the world's most interactive zoo at your own pace and watch daily animal shows including saltwater crocodiles and more.
Relax at the end of the day as your tour concludes with drop off back at your hotel.
Inclusions: return hotel transfers, day admission to Australia Zoo
Excludes: food, drinks, gratuities
Start Time: 07:30 (approx.)
End Time: 16:30 (approx.)
Brisbane – Australia Zoo Day Trip - 09/12/2025
+£115 per person
Visit the iconic Australia Zoo and come face to face with over 1,200 animals including all your Aussie favourites. Enjoy a convenient pickup from your hotel and make your way to the world-famous Australia Zoo aboard an air-conditioned vehicle. Explore this interactive attraction with an included admission ticket, gaze at exotic animals, and witness fascinating live shows.
Visit Australia Zoo, accompanied by your friendly and experienced guide. You will have approximately 6 hours, heaps of time to enjoy the best Zoo in Australia. Explore the world's most interactive zoo at your own pace and watch daily animal shows including saltwater crocodiles and more.
Relax at the end of the day as your tour concludes with drop off back at your hotel.
Inclusions: return hotel transfers, day admission to Australia Zoo
Excludes: food, drinks, gratuities
Start Time: 07:30 (approx.)
End Time: 16:30 (approx.)
Brisbane – Moreton Island Day Trip - 10/12/2025
+£100 per person
Experience the ultimate Marine Discovery adventure and enjoy a taste of island life on stunning Moreton Island.
Begin your day with a convenient hotel pickup before boarding a smooth-sailing catamaran for the 75-minute cruise across beautiful Moreton Bay. Sip on your included tea, coffee, or soft drink as you take in the scenic views en-route to Tangalooma Island Resort.
The highlight of your day is the Marine Discovery Cruise, where expert guides help you spot and learn about some of Australia’s most captivating marine wildlife. Cruise times vary, and when you're not on the water, you’re free to enjoy the island at your own pace. Take advantage of your day pass to Tangalooma Island Resort. Lounge by the pool, stroll along white sandy beaches, or explore the island’s facilities. A $25 Island Lunch Voucher per adult is included.
After a day of exploration and relaxation, you'll board the 4:00 PM ferry for the return journey to Brisbane, arriving back around 5:15 PM.
Inclusions: return hotel transfers, return catamaran cruise to Moreton Island, day pass access to resort, full use of resort facilities, 1 standard beverage on boat, Marine Discovery Cruise, light lunch