2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series, Travel and Ticket Packages
Sport Links Travel, a Cricket Australia Travel Office endorsed travel operator for the 2025-26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series - CATO Licence Number CATO2526/015/SA1
Travel packages for 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. Includes flights, hotels, transfers, Test Match tickets and excursions. ATOL Protected.
19 November - Fly to Perth
Depart from your regional airport for your flight to Perth.
20 November - Arrive Perth
On arrival you will be met and take a private transfer to your hotel.
1st NRMA Insurance Ashes Perth Test: 21 - 25 November
Australia v England, Optus Perth Stadium Perth. Please see “Getting to and from the cricket stadiums” for more details.
02 December - Fly to Brisbane
03 December
Arrive at your hotel in Brisbane. Rest of day at leisure.
2nd NRMA Insurance Ashes Brisbane Test (Day/Night Test): 4-8 December
Australia v England, The Gabba Brisbane. Please see “Getting to and from the cricket stadiums” for more details.
09 December - Fly to Melbourne for your Great Ocean Road Tour - Small Touring Group
Today take your flight from Brisbane to Melbourne for the start of your Great Ocean Road tour. Starting in Melbourne, this small group tour takes you on an awe inspiring journey through some of Australia’s most amazing sights and scenic cliff-hugging adventures. Delight in wonderful local food, native Australian wildlife, an opportunity for a scenic helicopter ride along coastlines, tour caves and see abundant historical attractions See the Great Ocean Road and much more beyond that in our tour from Melbourne to Adelaide.
10 December - Melbourne half day morning walking tour
Discover Melbourne on foot with your experienced local guide.
11 December - Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Port Campbell
We depart from your Melbourne hotel after breakfast. Day 1 highlights include: Torquay (Surf Coast), Bells Beach, Australian wildlife including the Eastern Grey Kangaroos, ‘Memorial Arch’, Lorne – the largest of the seaside townships. Wye River Seaside Town. Torquay (Surf Coast), Bells Beach, Australian wildlife including the Eastern Grey Kangaroos, ‘Memorial Arch’, Lorne – the largest of the seaside townships. Wye River Seaside Town and Australia’s natural beauty, the 12 Apostles. Accommodation for the first night is the small fishing village of Port Campbell.
12 December - Great Ocean Road Port Campbell to Port Fairy
Day 2 highlights include: 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and then The Bay of Islands. Explore one of Victoria’s largest regional towns of Warrnambool before having lunch in the township of Koroit at a quaint Aussie eatery. Explore Tower Hill Wildlife Park where we take a interactive tour learning about the local Aboriginal history, geology, flora and fauna. Overnight at the quaint fishing village of Port Fairy.
13 December - Great Ocean Road Port Fairy to Naracoorte
Day 3 highlights include: panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, scenic drive through dense pine plantations to our lunch venue in the pretty riverside village of Nelson. Cross the state border and continue on to Mount Gambier which is home to the famous Blue Lake. Penola, played a central part in the life of Mother Mary MacKillop (St Mary of the Cross) Australia’s only saint. Overnight in Naracoorte.
14 December - Great Ocean Road Naracoorte to Adelaide
Day 4 highlights include: Dive through the Coonawarra vineyards where Australia’s most illustrious Cabernet Sauvignon vines thrive on the famed rich red “terra rossa” soils. A guided visit to the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves. A picturesque drive through some of South Australia’s farming and grazing heartland. Visit Coonalpyn, Ki Ki, Yumali and Coomandook. At Wellington, where road meets river, take time out for a leisurely ferry crossing of the mighty River Murray. lunch at a Winery. Driving the southern Adelaide Hills to Strathalbyn. Final stop is both spectacular and surprising.
From Mt Lofty Summit the whole of South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide. Overnight in Adelaide.
15 December - Adelaide
Day at leisure to explore Adelaide or optional day tours including Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley Wineries. We recommend 1 night stay in Kangaroo Island for a full experience.
16 December - Adelaide
Day at leisure to explore Adelaide or optional day tours including Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley Wineries.
3rd NRMA Insurance Ashes Adelaide Test: 17-21 December
Australia v England, Adelaide Oval. Please see “Getting to and from the cricket stadiums” for more detail.
22 December - Fly to Melbourne
Today take your flight from Adelaide to Melbourne. Check-in to your Melbourne hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.
23 December - Melbourne Morning Walking Tour - Private Small Group
This morning join a small group private walking tour which incorporates history, laneways, arcades, historic buildings, street art and a coffee/tea/hot chocolate stop in a Melbourne cafe.
24 December - Melbourne
Day at leisure to explore Melbourne or take an optional day tour. These day tours include Philip Island, Yarra Valley, and Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary scenic tour.
25 December - Christmas Day Lunch at Melbourne Cricket Club (MCG)
Enjoy Christmas Day lunch with your fellow travellers at Melbourne Cricket Club (MCG).
4th NRMA Insurance Ashes Melbourne Test (Boxing Day Test): 26-30 December
Australia v England, MCG. Please see “Getting to and from the cricket stadiums” for more detail.
31 December - New Years Eve Celebrations in Melbourne or Sydney
Today you have the option to stay in Melbourne and celebrate New Year’s Eve with a sit down All Inclusive Yarra River dinner cruise. Or fly to Sydney and take in the New Year with a dinner cruise on a modern catamaran with prime views of the NYE fireworks.
01 January - Sydney
If you have spent New Year’s Eve in Melbourne, today fly to Sydney. Rest of the day is at leisure.
02 January - Sydney
Day at leisure to explore Sydney, take a ferry trip to Manly or take an optional day tour. These day tours include: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Bridge Climb, Wild Wombat & Kangaroo tour, Blue Mountains & wineries.
03 January - Bowral Historic Walk where Sir Donald Bradman was brought up.
Your will be collected from your hotel and take the 1 hour 30 minute drive to the historical town of Bowral, where you will visit The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, Glebe Park in Bowral. Enjoy this self guided tour at your leisure with full details provided on the day.
5th NRMA Insurance Ashes Sydney Test (New Year’s Test): 4-8 January
Australia v England, SCG. Return daily transfers from your hotel to the SCG.
09 January - Fly to the UK or extend your stay in Australasia
Today make your way to Sydney airport for your flight to your regional airport in the UK. Alternatively, extend your stay in Australia. Attend the Melbourne tennis open starting 19 January or travel to New Zealand.
Includes:
- International flights (let us know your preferred UK airport, class and airline)
- Domestic flights
- Arrival airport transfer on Day 2 of your tour
- Daily cricket transfers in Sydney
- Official Test Match tickets Days 1-4 – Should the Test go to the fifth day, day 5 will be a General Admission ticket
- Accommodation as listed
- Excursions where listed
- Christmas Day and New Years Eve functions
- Services of cricket tour manager, Derek Myers, with 30 years’ experience touring Australia
Price Excludes:
- Travel insurance
- Australian Visa
- Cricket ground transfers in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne
- Items of personal nature
Duxton Hotel Perth 5*
Situated in Perth CBD (Central Business District), the 5-star Duxton Hotel Perth offers luxury rooms in a great location. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool. Each air-conditioned room at Perth Duxton Hotel has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, many with a full-size bath. All rooms include cable TV and most have views over the Swan River. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The fully equipped fitness centre features a sauna and steam room. The Firewater Grille Restaurant serves modern international cuisine and wines from Western Australia’s premium wine-producing regions. Duxton Hotel Perth is located next to Perth Concert Hall and the Swan River is a 5-minute walk away. Walking distance from the Duxton Hotel to the Optus Stadium, 2.7 KM – approximately 40 minutes’ walk.
Ibis Style East Hotel Perth 5*
Ibis Styles East Perth has a fitness centre, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar in Perth. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is set 700 metres from WACA. All guest rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Ibis Styles East Perth offers some units with city views, and each room is fitted with a kettle. At the accommodation all rooms have bed linen and towels. The daily breakfast offers buffet, American or vegetarian options. A business centre and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at ibis Styles East Perth. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Perth Concert Hall, St Mary’s Cathedral and Perth Town Hall. Perth Airport is 10 km from the property.Walking distance from the Ibis Styles East to the Optus Stadium, 2.0 KM – approximately 30 minutes’ walk.
Stamford Plaza Brisbane 5*
Offering riverfront accommodation, featuring river views from every room, Stamford Plaza Brisbane is perfectly positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River and is just a few steps from the adjacent Botanical Gardens. The hotel is located in the hub of the CBD (Central Business District) and within the city’s prestigious dining and shopping precinct. This unique riverfront property offers stunning vistas to the iconic Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point cliffs and lush open gardens. It boasts an onsite outdoor pool and spa, sauna, 24-hour fitness centre and 3 restaurants and bars. Guests can dine riverside on the promenade at The Brasserie on the River, or indoors for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Brasserie offers a popular seafood buffet and delightful high tea. Kabuki Japanese features teppanyaki grill options or a la carte selections. The Pav Bar is the place for a light menu and cocktail while enjoying the open-air courtyard. Walking distance from the Stamford Plaza Hotel to the Gabba, 2.9 KM – approx. 40 minutes’ walk. Walking distance from the Stamford Plaza Hotel to Central Station/Anzac Square for the Gabba Shuttle buses, 750M – approx. 10 minutes’ walk.
Royal On The Park Brisbane 4*
Directly opposite the City Botanic Gardens, Royal On The Park features free WiFi, a lounge bar and a restaurant. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub. Royal on the Park is a 5-minute walk from shopping at Queen Street Mall and the CBD (Central Business District). All rooms feature double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows, an ergonomic work desk, shower over bath, bedside USB ports, and individual espresso machines with complimentary pods of coffee. Offering a varied a la carte menu, Walnut Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner 7 days a week. Reservations are essential. Walking distance from the Stamford Plaza Hotel to Central Station/Anzac Square for the Gabba Shuttle buses, 750M – approx. 10 minutes’ walk.
Mayfair Hotel Adelaide 5*
Located in the heart of Adelaide and overlooking Rundle Mall, the luxurious Mayfair Hotel offers free WiFi, a restaurant and lounge bar. All rooms offer stylish décor and a 55-inch flat-screen TV. Guests enjoy an onsite fitness centre. Set within a heritage-listed, renovated building, the boutique Adelaide Mayfair Hotel is 200 metres from the Art Gallery of South Australia. It is 3 minutes’ drive from Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Oval and Parliament House. Adelaide Airport is 6 km away. Each air-conditioned room has a complimentary minibar selection, tea/coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. All rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. The bar serves a selection of South Australian wines, while the restaurant offers cuisine using local produce. The property offers meeting and event facilities. Walking distance from the Royal on the Park Hotel to the Gabba, 2.6 KM – approximately 36 minutes’ walk.
The Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide 4*
Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide is superbly situated on North Terrace in the heart of the city, close to Adelaide Convention Centre & Adelaide Oval. Located directly opposite Adelaide Convention Centre and The Parliament of South Australia, the historic 1918 Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV. Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide is 10 minutes’ walk from both Adelaide’s city centre and Adelaide Oval. It is just 2 minutes’ walk from Adelaide Casino. Adelaide Zoo is 20 minutes’ walk away. All rooms have modern furnishings. Each room includes a work desk, tea and coffee making facilities. Free WiFi in-room and property wide. Walking distance from the Grosvenor Hotel to the Adeliade Oval, 700M – approx. 10 minutes’ walk.
Pullman on the Park Melbourne 5*
Situated in East Melbourne, Pullman Melbourne On the Park overlooks the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Fitzroy Gardens. Guests enjoy a fitness centre. Pullman Melbourne on the Park is only a 2-minute walk from the Jolimont Station and less than 3 km away from Rod Laver Arena, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Princess Theatre. Elegant non-smoking rooms and suites are set in a modern décor and fitted with large windows. Most rooms offer views of the Melbourne City. Guests can enjoy free WiFi or watch an on-demand movie on a flat-screen TV. The property boasts an outdoor pool, spa and sauna. The Cliveden Bar & Dining offers breakfast, bar snacks, lunch and dinner. European and Mediterranean-inspired dishes are made with fresh and seasonal local produce. The Cliveden Bar has a double-sided fireplace and an all-day shared dish menu. Walking distance from the Pullman on the Park to the MCG, 400M – approximately 6 minute walk.
The Langham Melbourne 5*
Indulge in the epitome of luxury at The Langham Melbourne, where you’ll experience unparalleled service amidst opulent surroundings. Situated along the picturesque banks of the Yarra River, this prestigious hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool with sweeping vistas of the city skyline. Each meticulously appointed room at The Langham Melbourne offers modern comforts such as cable TV and a well-stocked mini-bar, ensuring a truly indulgent stay. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi internet access throughout the hotel. Unwind and rejuvenate at the luxurious Chuan Spa, where an array of massages and beauty treatments await. Maintain your wellness routine at the state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with a sauna and steam room for ultimate relaxation. Savor culinary delights at Melba Restaurant, where panoramic views complement the stylish and relaxed ambiance. By day, indulge in elegant afternoon tea at Aria Bar & Lounge, while evenings come alive with a selection of exhilarating cocktails. Walking distance from the Langham to the MCG, 1.7 KM – approximately 25 minutes.
The Mercure Melbourne Southbank 4*
Newly refurbished Mercure Melbourne Southbank is ideally located just 601m from Southbank Promenade on the Yarra River, a 10 min walk to the popular Bourke Street Mall, 15 minutes’ walk from Crown Casino, and only 350m from Flinders Street Station. Each of the 275 rooms are fitted with a generous bed, kitchenette, TV, Wi-Fi, safety box, ironing equipment and air conditioning. The hotel has a guest laundry, luggage storage, 24-hour front desk, a self-check-in desk and spacious meeting and event spaces. The restaurant serves buffet breakfast and offers an all-day menu available for in-room orders. Walking distance from the Mercure Hotel to the MCG, 1.7 KM – approximately 25 minutes.
Hyatt Regency Sydney 5*
Located adjacent to Darling Harbour in Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), the newly renovated hotel is a haven of relaxation for the business or leisure traveler. Guests can enjoy and unwind in the hotel’s bars and restaurants including, Zephyr sky bar which boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Darling Harbour, a high tea in Lobby Lounge, buffet breakfast at Sailmaker , the immersive cocktail bar Jackalberry, and Dundee Arms, one of Sydney’s oldest surviving pubs for a quick beer. Other facilitates at Hyatt Regency Sydney include a 24-hour fitness centre and Hyatt E-Concierge. Centrally located, Hyatt Regency Sydney is less than 15 minutes’ walk from the International Convention Centre and Barangaroo. It is less than 10 minutes’ walk to Darling Harbour, Town Hall train station and Chinatown. The Sydney Opera House, The Rocks and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all within 25 minutes’ walk. Driving distance from the Hyatt Regency to the SCG, 4 KM – approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Ibis Sydney World Square Hotel 3*
Ibis Sydney World Square is situated in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), right next to World Square Centre. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and features a fitness centre, restaurant and bar. World Square ibis Sydney is located just 10 minutes’ walk from Central Station and Hyde Park. Queen Victoria Building, famous for its many shopping options, is a 5-minute walk away. All soundproofed rooms have en suite bathrooms with guest amenities. Each room has a small refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. Safety deposit boxes are available at the front office. iBistro serves an extensive buffet breakfast every morning in a historic room decorated with Aboriginal art. The iBar is the perfect place for a casual drink with friends. Room service is available 24/7, and there are a number of bars and restaurants within a 2-minute walk. Driving distance from the Ibis Sydney World Square to the SCG, 3.3 KM – approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Port Campbell Parkview Motel & Apartments 3.5* – Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour
Offering free Wi-Fi, Port Campbell Parkview Motel & Apartments are just 5 minutes’ walk from Port Campbell Beach. All accommodation offers a 32-inch flat-screen TV with a DVD player and free DVD’s. Port Campbell Parkview Motel is located in a quiet street, just off the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles are a 10-minute drive away. Each apartment and studio comes with modern furnishings and feature a balcony or patio offering garden or ocean views. All accommodation is air conditioned and features a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy an outdoor meal in the covered barbecue area or just relax on the sunny terrace. All bed linen and towels are provided and guests have access to shared laundry facilities..
Ashmont Motor Inn Port Fairy 3.5* – Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour
Ashmont Motor Inn is a popular choice amongst travelers in Port Fairy, whether exploring or just passing through. Featuring a complete list of amenities, guests will find their stay at the property a comfortable one. To be found at the hotel are free Wi-Fi in all rooms, express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park. Television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless, whirlpool bathtub, non smoking rooms, air conditioning can be found in selected guestrooms. The hotel’s peaceful atmosphere extends to its recreational facilities which include garden. Ashmont Motor Inn combines warm hospitality with a lovely ambiance to make your stay in Port Fairy unforgettable.
William MacIntosh Motor Inn Naracoorte 3.5* – Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and a picnic area. Enjoy local cuisine at Highlander Restaurant, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Event facilities at this motel consist of a conference center and meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite. Make yourself at home in one of the 30 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and minibars. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and coffee/tea makers. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometer. Naracoorte Nature Park.
Cape Lodge Margaret River Wine County 5*
The award-winning Cape Lodge is a country estate in the heart of the Margaret River Wine Country. All its rooms offer king-size beds and luxurious bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available. Cape Lodge Margaret River features an award-winning restaurant and wine lounge on site. The restaurant sits over the main lake and features a wide over-water terrace. Surrounded by countryside, lake and parkland, the lodge has tennis courts and a large freeform pool by a terraced area with sun lounges and a walk trail on site. Centrally located between the town sites of Margaret River, Dunsborough and Yallingup, Cape Lodge is a 3.5-hour drive or 1-hour flight from Perth.
Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas 4*
Blending luxury and lifestyle, you can not get much more central to Noosa than Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas, positioned within 500 metres of the sandy coastline, near everything you need including restaurants and shops. Soak up exquisite views from your private patio or balcony is simply stunning. For business or pleasure, weddings or one of Noosas popular events, whatever your reason for visiting Noosa, choose the impeccable style that is Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas with Resort Shop and Park & Cove Restaurant onsite. RESORT Distinguished resort accommodation is inclusive of contemporary furnishings, with elegant interiors synchronised perfectly with the airy open spaces and magnificent ocean views from Two and Three Bedroom Apartments and Penthouse Apartments with private entry and garage.
Marriott Vacation Club Gold Coast 4*
Set in Gold Coast, 500 metres from Surfers Paradise Beach, Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a terrace. This 5-star hotel offers a restaurant. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hotel every room has air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a kitchenette, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise provides certain units with city views, and rooms have a balcony. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available. every morning at Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise. .
Mercure Kanagroo Island Lodge 4*
Situated overlooking the calm waters of Eastern Cove in scenic American River, the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge offers a warm friendly welcome and features an award winning restaurant showcasing local produce, a swimming pool, free WiFi, tennis court, walking trails, wildlife spotting and free Pelican feeding. Each air-conditioned room features exceptional water views or stunning pool views. There is a small fridge, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilites and a private bathroom. Some rooms also feature a microwave, toaster and Nespresso coffee machine. Take a self-guided nocturnal walk, come to the morning pelican feeding or walk the nature trail located on property grounds. Kangaroo Island Lodge is a 30-minute drive from both the Kingscote Airport and the Ferry Terminal at Penneshaw.
Optional Official Cricket Australia Functions
Perth Thu 20 Nov, 2025 5.00pm Pan Pacific Hotel Entertainment, finger food, beer, wine and soft drinks – Add £110
Brisbane Thu 4 Dec, 2025 10.30am Rydges South Bank Entertainment, 2-course lunch, beer, wine Brisbane and soft drinks. – Add £140
Adelaide Tue 16 Dec, 2025 5.00pm Hilton Adelaide Entertainment, finger food, beer, wine and soft drinks. – Add £95
Melbourne Sat 27 Dec, 2025 7.30am Crown Palladium Entertainment, hot & cold breakfast items, tea, coffee and juice (non-alcoholic). – Add £95
Sydney Sat 3 Jan, 2026 5.00pm Rydges World Square Hotel, finger food, beer, wine and Square Hotel soft drinks. – Add £105
With the exception of Sydney, that is a long way out of the city centre, we do not provide coach transfers to the cricket stadiums for matches where shown. There are 3 main reasons for this
1) some people do not wish them and prefer to walk, thus paying for something that they do not use.
2) in order to keep costs down and attempt to make the tours more economical
3) Australia is trying its hardest to discourage private buses to take people to the stadiums, making public transport much more user friendly by delivering good public transport links to and from the stadiums. Further background to this is, in 2021, Australia released a long-term emissions reduction plan for achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and tied in with this policy is to discourage private transportation to sporting events. Where possible i.e. in Adelaide and Melbourne we have chosen hotels that we consider to be within walking distance to the cricket stadiums. In Perth and in Brisbane we have chosen hotels that are a longish walk to stadiums and are located very close to the public and special event bus stops. If you show your cricket ticket on the buses your journey is free of charge. Further in the past in some cities when departing the stadiums at the end of the day the Australian Authorities give priority to public buses to get away from the stadiums first before private coaches.
If you feel you do want to walk or unable to, we are more than happy to arrange for a taxi or private car for your journeys. Please feel free to discuss this with us further if you wish.