So, you’ve cheered along in Brisbane, downed beers in Adelaide, had a steak or two in Perth and celebrated in Melbourne…
Now, I believe this is what we call ‘saving the best for last’.
From 3-7 January 2010, it’s time to combine all four activities as the cheering and beering reaches boiling point in sunny Sydney. It’s the final Ashes test series. The showdown. The grand finale. The moment of truth. The over and out. The eye of the storm. The fat lady singing…wow, this could really go on for awhile…
For those of you who aren’t quite satisfied with a repeat TV broadcast, why not book a hostel in Sydney and see the final match live (or at least on a big screen TV with a quality steak and beer in your hand).
We’ve got all the hot tips on where to watch and celebrate an England Ashes victory.
3-7 January at Sydney Cricket Ground
Get a train to Central Station, then catch a bus or walk to the Sydney Cricket Ground. Bus routes 339, 374, 376 and 391 (from Stand C on Eddy Avenue) all run via Anzac Parade to Moore Park.
Express shuttle buses will also be running every five minutes from Chalmers St at Central Station to Moore Park.
As one of the most sports-mad cities in Australia, Sydney will offer no shortage of prime Ashes viewing locales. Your only problem will be steering clear of those patriotic Aussies cheering for a Barmy Army defeat! Luckily, we’ve uncovered some of the best places for expats to congregate as they wave around that ubiquitous St George’s flag.
The Paragon Hotel: It’s the Barmy Army headquarters in Sydney’s Circular Quay! Something of an institution, The Paragon is a long-established favourite for those in search of great pub meals and constantly flowing beers (all the more flowing when celebrating a sporting victory of course!) Complete with full PubTAB facilities and giant plasma screens, it’s the perfect place to watch that final match. 1 Loftus St, Sydney
Elephant and Wheelbarrow: It’s the ultimate in traditional British pub, complete with low ceilings, classic décor and hearty British fare (including an all-day breakfast!) Head here to celebrate an England Ashes victory by indulging in one of the 22 beers on tap (including 14 foreign favourites from Boddingtons to Newcastle Brown and Old Speckled Hen). 384 Oxford St, Paddington.
The Captain Cook: Sydney’s premier local pub for all major sporting events is located just across the road from the SCG. Charmingly gritty and lacking in pr++etention, The Cook has been a favourite backpacker sporting venue for more than 100 years. Head here from 4-7pm for a daily happy hour, offering up all variety of Australian beers from VB to Cascade and Coopers. And don’t forget to indulge in one of those famous succulent steaks – they’re available all-day and all-night for only $10 (€7.41)! 162 Flinders St, Paddington.
Bat and Ball: The name just about says it all, doesn’t it? Great for all sporting events, the Bat and Ball offers traditional pub meals, cheap beer, pool tables and big screens just a short stroll from the SCG. What’s more, having been named in honour of the sport itself, you can certainly expect The Ashes final test series to be celebrated in style at this comfy old neighbourhood pub. 495 Cleveland St, Redfern.
3 Wise Monkeys: Three unique bars, three different levels, three times the celebration! Voted best live entertainment venue in Australia, the 3 Wise Monkeys is a popular Sydney establishment combining pool tables with eclectic décor (think beer pumps in the shape of statues, musical instruments and assorted knick-knacks), comforting pub food and a range of big screens for the live Ashes action. 555 George St, Sydney.
Scubar: A famous (or should we say infamous?!) backpacker-oriented bar, Scubar is the ultimate party (and after party) destination. Expect something a little different every night, with theme parties on Thursday, live music on Wednesday, Jagermeister on Friday and even crab racing (yes, that’s actual hermit crabs) on Monday. Ashes test match replays will be featured on big screens throughout the bar. Cnr Rawson Lane and Rawson Place, Sydney.
Stay on for an extra few days to check out the Sydney Festival, Australia’s leading cultural gala running from 8-30 January.
Check out one of Sydney’s famous beaches – Manly Beach and Bondi Beach both made our Top 10 Beaches in Australia list. If you’re feeling motivated, why not get your heart rate up on the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. You can always catch the 380 bus back to your hostel in Sydney city!
Spend New Years Eve with the Barmy Army at the Paragon Hotel! Set in the midst of those beautiful Harbour Bridge fireworks, this should be a pre-cricket party you will never forget. Pre-book tickets are on sale now for only $32.50 (€24.07), or buy them on the door for $50 (€37.03). Alternatively, check out the further range of things to do for New Years Eve in Sydney.
Take a tour to Newtown for some great cheap eats, quirky cocktail bars and bohemian cafes. Make sure you check out Thai La-Ong and the Flying Fajita Sisters for a delicious meal under a tenner, then head direct to Campos for the best coffee in Sydney!
Searching for a last-minute Sydney backpackers during the Ashes test season? Check out our 2010 Ashes Accommodation Guide for some great tips on where to stay.
Thanks to graveca, Eustaquio Santimano, fleur macDonald, Another Pint Please…, frangipani photograph and BobButtons for the images off flickr.
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