Mauled. Crushed. Outclassed. Vanquished. Overthrown. Defeated. Just plain beat.
That’s just a small sample of words used to describe Australia’s current position in the Ashes test series. Sorry to all your Aussies out there, but the facts speak for themselves…and England is definitely on the road to a win!
Then again, as the old saying goes, ‘it ain’t over till it’s over’. In other words, while a Barmy Army victory certainly looks like it’s on the cards, Melbourne and Sydney are yet to play their hand. And so, as the fourth test series draws closer by the day, we’re heading back down under to bring you all the latest on where to watch the match, drink the beer and celebrate the victory.
Our Melbourne Ashes guide is the fourth in a five-part series on the 2010/11 Australian Ashes cities – Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Check back soon for updates and information on that one final sunny city…
26-30 December at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Train: Jolimont Station (on the Hurstbridge or Epping line) is a five-minute stroll through Yarra Park to the MCG. Richmond Station is also a walk away past Punt Road Oval to the Great Southern Stand side.
Buses: Bus route 246 links La Trobe University with Elsternwick Station. It stops in Punt Road, just metres from the grounds.
Renowned as the ‘culture capital’ of Australia, Melbourne has just as many quirky cocktail houses as it does laid-back sports bars. Whether you’re wandering the laneways off Brunswick, Flinders or Collins Street, there will be no shortage of beers and big screens from which to watch the Ashes action.
Turf Bar: As the official Barmy Army headquarters, Melbourne’s favourite sports bar will be packed out with supporters of the England cricket team! With two massive screens and plasma monitors throughout the venue, you won’t miss a single second of the fourth test series. Enjoy a prime chargrill steak, pizza or pub meal alongside your choice of 20 local and imported. Turf Bar will be open everyday from 11.30am until late throughout the December Ashes series. 131 Queen St, Melbourne
The London Tavern: Close to the MCG and with ‘London’ in the title? Now that certainly sounds promising! Head here after the game for some quality pub food (the chicken parma is a standout!) and a range of quality beers on tap. Make sure you check out the courtyard beer garden out back. 238 Lennox St, Richmond.
PJ O’Briens: Located in the heart of Southgate, PJs is a favourite for locals and tourists in search of a quality pint. What’s more, as the second official HQ of the Barmy Army, it’s sure to be teeming with British supporters celebrating (or praying for!) an Ashes victory. Make sure you head to PJs Sidebar for some elegant shucked oysters and celebratory champagne…or just make the most of those $7 (€5.19) Guinness pints ! 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank.
Sherlock Holmes Inn: From its basement location to period wall prints, nooks, crannies and old world charm, the Sherlock Holmes Inn perfectly replicates a traditional English pub. Sherlock’s specialises in comforting meals and micro brewery beers, with up to four guest options for tasting at any time. Head here after the game for some hearty corned beef, bangers and mash or the classic 300g prime Porterhouse steak. 415 Collins St, Melbourne.
Elephant and Wheelbarrow: Considering the words ‘a traditional British pub’ are plastered on its front door, you can expect the Elephant and Wheelbarrow to be choc-a-bloc with Barmy Army supporters throughout the Ashes series. This place really has thought of everything – from its generous variety of English, Irish and Scottish beers to the London tube maps and trinkets decorating dark wooden walls. The pub is only 20 minutes walk from the MCG grounds. 94-96 Bourke St, Melbourne
Bridie O’Reilly’s: Since opening its doors twelve years ago, Bridie O’Reilly’s has become a famed Irish institution in Melbourne’s CBD. Throughout the Ashes series, the pub will be open from 8am so ticket-holders can swing by for a quick breakfast before heading to the MCG (which is located just 20 minutes walk away). All 20/20 and ODI will be shown live on a large Foxtel projector screen. 62 Lt Collins St, Melbourne.
Whether you have Ashes tickets or not, cricket fans can’t miss a behind-the-scenes tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Enjoy a half or full day showcasing the best of Melbourne sporting culture, from Flemington Racecourse to the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village, the MCG, F1 Grand Prix Circuit and lunch at the Etihad Stadium Arena.
For members of the Barmy Army, get to Melbourne a day early and have Christmas Day Lunch with fellow supporters in the heart of the Crown Entertainment Complex.
Pick up some fresh seafood, then let the aroma (and taste!) of good coffee waft over you in an upmarket cafe near Victoria Market. It’s the ultimate foodie destination, with entire precincts dedicated to fruit, vegetables, meat, organics, deli food and wine.
Check out some great post-Christmas sales at the funky boutiques of Brunswick St or the designer stores of Chapel Street. Just remember to get here early – come noon on Boxing Day, the best deals will already be gone!
Still looking for a budget hostel in Melbourne? We’ve sought out all the best deals on offer in our Ashes 2010 Accommodation Guide.
Thanks to stuandgravy, thribble, ~Prescott, Julie, Dave and Family and a little tune for the images off flickr.
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