Curator’s statement
The Ashes Cricket Tournament plays a test match every December and alternates between England and Australia. The Boxing Day test match (which can last up to five days) has been a bucket-list dream my husband’s entire life. After a year of planning and coordinating, we finally made his cricket dreams come true! The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the most prestigious and iconic place to see a match. There are no bad seats, and there is no bad food in the stadium. Purchase your mini radio and your meat pie and get ready for an exciting few days.
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The Ashes is a cricket tournament that plays five matches all across Australia over the course of five weeks. You can participate by purchasing tickets for the entire tournament, for one week-long match, or by the day. Ticket prices depend on location and day of game. We chose Melbourne specifically so that we would see the five-day match and then fly to Sydney for New Year's Eve.
Cricket at the MCG
We chose to stay at Rydges Hotel because it was walking distance to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MGC), the Central Business District, and most of the city. Rydges was perfectly situated and had all the necessary amenities. There is even a rooftop pool! The hotel is used to large groups and huge events, so they run things seamlessly—no lines for breakfast buffet, no waiting for check-in or check-out. It's professional and clean, and I would absolutely recommend this hotel.
Rydges welcome drinks
Melbourne itself has so much to offer. It is a sports-focused city. If there is a sporting event on, even if you’re not familiar with the teams, go to a game! The week we saw the cricket, the match only lasted two days instead of five. We filled our unexpected free time in Melbourne with walks through the botanical garden, a trip to Victoria Market, a visit to the cricket museum, a day at St. Kilda beach to see the penguins, and a soccer game at the AAMI.
St. Kilda beach
Victoria Market
AAMI football stadium
The shopping in Melbourne is also unexpectedly great. From Hermès and Chanel to David Jones and the Emporium, there is something for everyone.
The restaurants in Melbourne were also incredible. We did not have one decent meal the entire time we were there—they were all fantastic! The hotel is located right near Chinatown, so the Asian restaurants deeply influence the neighborhood (Shark Finn Inn and Chin Chin). We also had a fantastic French meal (Maison Batard), wonderful Indian (Chapati), and fresh Mediterranean (Melbourne Supper Club).
Maison Batard
Need to know
Melbourne is one of the most charming and walkable cities I have been to. Given the city's focus on sports and leisure, make sure to take advantage of any sporting event that is on. There is easy access from the Central Business District to the beach, and the tram is an efficient way to travel. There are lots of parks and coffee shops. Pack a blanket and have a picnic. Pack for three seasons in one day—although it was summer, I had sweaters and a down coat on most of our trip! We did not have a bad meal in Melbourne, nor did we have a bad meal at the MCG. Have a hot dog, a meat pie, or a curry!
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Melbourne page.
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Christie Vines
Christie Vines
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