Things To Do in Australia during the World Cup 2015

If you’re a cricket aficionado you are undoubtedly counting down to February 14, 2015 when the ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled to start. A 45-day extravaganza, the 2015 World Cup, will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Will you be visiting the land Down Under to watch India defend its position as Cricket World Champions? Then start planning now – the earlier the better! We bring you a mini-guide for each of the city hosting the ICC World Cup 2015 matches in Australia.

Adelaide

The capital of South Australia and the country’s fifth-largest city, Adelaide is quite a sophisticated city. The Adelaide Oval, where the cricket matches will be held, has a long and glorious history dating back to 1871. The unusually shaped ground hosts cricket and football matches and at times music concerts. The ground has several cricketing records being made and broken, including Sir Don Bradman’s highest score ever at the ground in Test Cricket. In 2015, the Adelaide Oval will host several pool matches and a Quarter Final, not to mention the mother of all matches – India v/s Pakistan on February 15, 2015.

Do – The city has a thriving cultural scene so you will find lots of things to see and do while you’re in Adelaide. Pubs, museums, live music and a full festival calendar make it a fun place to be in. There are gorgeous beaches, intricately designed churches and a thriving zoo. Take an afternoon half-day tour of the important sights in the city or visit Adelaide Hills dotted with historic villages such as the Germanic Hahndorf. And Australia’s premier wine country Barossa Valley is the perfect day-trip from Adelaide – tour the vineyards, savour some wines and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the scenic valley.

Eat – Grab an organic pizza at Good Life or head for a pint or two to Exeter, which plays some fabulous original music. The café-gallery Café Zest is perfect for a laid-back breakfast and offers some creative baguette fillings. Don’t forget to stop by the heaving Central Market for an eye-popping variety of fresh produce, breads, cheese and seafood.

Stay – If you’re looking to splurge, head to the Sebel Playford Adelaide, which is the epitome of luxury and is just 1.5 kilometres from the Adelaide Oval. For a more budget accommodation, try Majestic Minima Hotel, also 1.5 kilometres from the stadium. It’s a fantastic no-frills option and the rooms feature king-size beds, spotless bathrooms and all basic amenities.

Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and home to The Gabba as the Brisbane Cricket Ground is commonly called. The fast and bouncy pitch usually inaugurates the historic Ashes Series between Australia and England. It was also the first Australian venue to host an International T20 match. Apart from cricket, The Gabba hosts Australian Football and Rugby matches as well as rock concerts. It will host three pool matches during the ICC World Cup 2015.

Do – Brisbane is known for its outdoor activities and adventure sports. Among the many things to do in Australia, adventure junkies will love this one. Climb to the top of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge for a one-of-a-kind view of the city and the Brisbane River below. Or try a hot air balloon ride over the city. Take the Mirimar Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you can cuddle the cute animals and even hand-feed them. Brisbane is surrounded by not one but four national parks, any one of which make a great day-trip from the city.

Eat – The uber stylish Ortiga is one of Brisbane’s best restaurants with a stylish tapas bar and an underground dining area. Gunshop Café is a repurposed former gun-shop (as the name suggests), where the menu changes daily and features locally produced ingredients. The restaurant near the City Botanic Gardens serves award-winning, quintessentially Australian fare, accompanied by an outstanding wine list.

Stay – The deluxe, high-rise Hilton Brisbane is the place to stay if you’re looking for a fair bit of luxury. Known for its impeccable service (and comfortable beds), the Hilton Brisbane is very close to The Gabba (3 kilometres). To save those dollars, check-in at Bowen Terrace Accommodation, a charming BnB that is cosy and offers great value for money. Located at New Farm, the BnB is just 4 kilometres from The Gabba and there is a convenient bus route.

Canberra

The Aussie capital of Canberra boasts of two cricket grounds – Canberra Stadium and Manuka Oval. Located near the business district of Canberra, the Manuka Oval is where the action of ICC World Cup 2015 will unfold with three day-night pool matches scheduled here. Compared to the other legendary cricket grounds in Australia, Manuka Oval is relatively new and was opened in 1929.

Do – Canberra is a planned city, designed by the American architect Walter Burley Griffin and boasts of expansive spaces, a 19^th-century aesthetic and a somewhat-sterile exterior. You will need to hire a car to really explore the city, as public transport is limited and attractions are not at walking distance. Check out the Parliament House with 23 hectares of landscaped rooftop lawns and panoramic views of the city. The National Gallery and the Botanic Gardens are also worth seeing, as is Lake Burley Griffin – its 35 kilometre shore playing host to several cultural and leisure activities.

Eat – Silo Bakery’s tempting bread and pastry offerings make it worth your while to pay a visit and it’s known for its excellent coffee. The quirky Ottoman serves delectable Turkish cuisine with an innovative Aussie twist. For a taste of fine dining, head to Ginger Room – Canberra’s top restaurant.

Stay – The classy Aria Hotel is a modern luxury hotel, offering suites as well as fully equipped apartments. It’s about 7 kilometres from the Manuka Oval, but a short 10-minute drive. The Best Western Plus Garden City Hotel is a good budget option about 4 kilometres from the stadium.

Hobart

The capital of Tasmania and Australia’s second-oldest city, Hobart is rich in colonial heritage and has the stunning Mt Wellington as backdrop. The Bellerive Oval is the only venue in Tasmania that hosts international cricket matches and three pool matches are scheduled to be played here during the ICC World Cup 2015.

Do – Hobart is fast being recognised for its top-notch food and wine and every Saturday the famous Salamanca Market showcases the best of local produce. It is also the venue for several arts and cultural festivals. Check out the old maritime village of Battery Point and the 19^th century cottages and streets at Sullivan’s Cove. Rent a yacht from Hobart’s natural harbour and go sailing while taking in the city’s skyline and some splendid coastal scenery. The former convict site of Port Arthur has restored buildings and a museum, not to mention a 90-minute Historic Ghost Tour at dusk! The Museum of Old & New Art (MONA) is also a must-do.

Eat – The fine-dine Garagistes is the place to eat at, especially its 4-course Sunday lunch. For excellent local seafood, head to Mures or Prosser’s on the Beach. The budget Taste Café is a great place to hang out and savour its ever-changing menu. The Tamar Valley wine region is perfect for wine tours and a lazy lunch.

Stay – The Salamanca Wharf Hotel is the perfect base to explore Hobart and you can either drive the 7-odd kilometres to Bellerive Oval or take the ferry to Bellerive Wharf. For a budget stay, consider the Marquis Hotel Motel, which has great views and all basic amenities included. It’s an 8-kilometre drive to the stadium.

So check out MakeMyTrip’s fabulous Australia packages and plan your ICC World Cup holiday now. Book your flight tickets before it’s too late!