This November, the world waits with bated breath as an ancient rivalry once again rears its head.
Not since the vegemite versus marmite war has there been a challenge so great – a contention inspiring such national pride, such friendly animosity or such mass displays of communal beer-drinking…
That’s right sports fans, THE ASHES ARE BACK IN TOWN!
For those of you who have been lucky enough to book your hostel in Australia for the 2010 series, we’ve put together a quick guide to all five host cities – Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
Love your England cricket? Want the Aussie underdogs to shine? Regardless of which team you support, why not check it out, print it out and get ready for some serious sporting celebrations Down Under!
First up, we’re off to Brisbane for round one…
25-29 November at The Gabba
By Bus: A free Brisbane Transport shuttle service will be available for ticketholders. The bus will arrive and depart from the Gabba ground from various locations in Brisbane.
By Train: Regular train services to South Bank station will be free for ticketholders. Visit the Translink website for more information.
Head down to the Gabba to soak up the atmosphere. Whether you need somewhere to watch, celebrate or drown your sorrows, these local Brisbane bars should certainly do the trick!
Chalk Hotel: A perfect place to score a premium cold beer and some modern Australian cuisine just 200m from the stadium. The multi-award winning Chalk Hotel, with its 2 restaurants, 8 bars and 3 entertainment zones, has unsurprisingly become one of Brisbane’s most iconic venues. Open for up to 22 hours a day, 7 days a week, it allows for Ashes celebrations to continue on long after the match ends. 735 Stanley St Woolloongabba.
Story Bridge Hotel: Expect an excess of pies, parties and screaming Poms! To celebrate cricket’s ultimate rivalry, Shelter Bar at the Story Bridge Hotel will be serving up premium Australian beers on tap from day one through day five of the series. Just don’t forget to line your stomach with a steak from Deery’s Restaurant – apparently it’s one of the best pub meals Brisbane has to offer! For those lucky enough to have scored a ticket to the game, there will be frequent shuttle buses running from Story Bridge to The Gabba. 200 Main St, Kangaroo Point.
Norman Hotel: It’s hailed as the ‘worst vegetarian restaurant’ in Brisbane! The 120-year-old Norman hotel is a perfect example of a country pub…that just happens to be located minutes from The Gabba grounds. Watch the match whilst munching down on a man-sized meat plate from the 600 seat steakhouse. 102 Ipswich Rd, Wolloongabba.
The Mustang Bar: Located in the heart of Brisbane’s nightlife district, The Mustang Bar is an American style sports bar/club with 21 screens on which to watch all the live Ashes action! 633 Ann St, Fortitude Valley.
The Morrison Hotel: A veritable mecca for cricket carnivores, The Morrison Hotel offers up some of the best steaks in Woolloongabba…possibly even the best steaks in Brisbane! Check out the drooling choice of eight char-grilled selections including a rib fillet mignon with Caesar salad and chips, and a whopping 400 gram rib eye. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a beer-fuelled Ashes cricket celebration. 640 Stanley St, Woolloongabba.
Pineapple Hotel: Watch the Ashes live at the Pineapple Hotel, with celebrations running daily from 9am throughout the Brisbane series. Pop in to the stylish 5th Quarter Sports and Lounge Bar for some icy cold tap beers, great pub fare and lounge seating around the many large screen TVs. After the match is over, refuel your spent energy with a quality meat cut from the Steakhouse Garden Bar. 706 Main St, Kangaroo Point.
Learn all the hidden secrets to Queensland’s best brews at the XXXX Ale House. Guided tours run on Sundays, and come complete with the full ‘smell, touch, taste’ experience followed by a gourmet BBQ lunch.
Head to the Southbank Cultural Precinct – home to Southbank City Beach, the Queensland Library and the Queensland Museum. While here, make sure you check out the glossy new Gallery of Modern Art – the 21st Century: Art in the First Decade exhibition will be on display from 18 December 2010.
Step over the edge and abseil down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. At 20m high, this drop will have even the wildest thrill seekers pumping with adrenalin!
Relax with a session of barefoot bowls (complete with true blue Aussie BBQ and beer) at the Merthyr Bowls Club.
Go on a guided night kayaking experience along the sparkling Brisbane city river. Head down on a Friday eve for a ‘Paddle and Prawns’ experience or else join in for an after-paddle BBQ on Saturday night.
Still scouring around for a Brisbane hostel? Check out our Ashes 2010 Accommodation Guide for some great last minute ideas.
Thanks to 6tee-7even, JIGGS IMAGES, Noodlefish, keepwaddling1, jeremydeades and Sifu Renka for the images off flickr.
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