Headed to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Here are some cool experiences to check out Down Under

Cricket is more than a sport for Indians; it’s a spectacle that has always drawn attention from the subcontinent. So, it’s not uncommon to see fans from the country thronging stadiums across the world to root for Team India—so much that no matter where India plays, it seems like it is playing in home conditions.  

We saw this during the T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean Islands. And we are now seeing the Bharat Army and fans from India in full strength, showing unwavering support in Australia where the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is underway. 

With India taking the lead in the five-match Test series, the cheer for the team is only bound to get louder. And while at it, fans also want to explore the surrounding sights and sounds. 

Sports tourism on the rise

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of Indian tourists travelling to Australia, with many of them looking to combine the best of both worlds—cricket and travel.

A record 4.27 lakh Indians visited Australia for the year-ended August 2024—up 7% from the 2019 level, according to Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager- India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, an Australian government agency. 

Kashikar points out that more than 10,000 Indians across Asia, the USA, and the UK are expected to travel on a cricketing pilgrimage to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar series (November to January). Ticket sales out of India alone for the current Test series are up five times over the 2018-19 Test series, which was unaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic, he adds. 

To ramp up its efforts to make Australia a desirable travel destination, Tourism Australia has partnered with former Australian cricketer David Warner to highlight some of his favourite holiday destinations across Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. It has also tied up with Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins for a special instalment of the 'Come and Say G’day' campaign, which will run during the Test series. 

Indian arrivals to Australia have reached historic highs, with the market poised for a 15% increase over the next year, says Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-founder, EaseMyTrip, an online travel company. 

There has been a significant surge in direct flights between the two nations—from just 8 in 2019, to 25 today. This ensures fans can easily combine stadium experiences with explorations of Australia’s vibrant cities and natural wonders, remarks Pitti. 

Travel agency Thomas Cook has also noticed significant interest from Indian travellers looking to visit Australia during the winter, particularly for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

“Our special tours for the Border-Gavaskar series have been in high demand and are already sold out, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports-related travel,” says Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India).

The cities of Australia offer a unique blend of modern amenities, cultural and gastronomical experiences, and diverse landscapes and wildlife, making them ideal destinations for Indian travellers. 

If you are in the country or headed there for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, YS Life has got you covered. We have curated a list of memorable experiences at the various venues hosting the Test matches—representing a good mix of the popular and the offbeat. 

Perth

The first Test at Perth may be over, but if you are sticking around in the Western Australian city before the second Test, you are in for a treat. Its lovely parks and historic neighbourhoods are sure to win your heart.  

At Perth’s doorstep is the Swan River, known for its unmistakable beauty and a plethora of activities, including boating, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. 

The charming port town of Fremantle, part of the Perth metropolitan area, is the perfect place for some aimless wandering—across streets filled with funky street art and history, 100-year-old markets, and al fresco cafés, truly justifying its UNESCO World Heritage City tag. 

Adelaide 

Known as the wine capital of Australia, Adelaide is home to some great under-the-radar wines and pristine landscapes. When it comes to wine and gin, the city in South Australia promises to pack quite a punch. 

The best wine regions of Adelaide include Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, and McLaren Vale.

The bustling city is also known for outdoor adventures, such as mountain hiking, beachside cycling, and wildlife-filled conservation parks. 

Cleland Wildlife Park, located in the Adelaide Hills, is home to some of South Australia’s most iconic inhabitants, including marsupials such as koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, and native birds and reptiles. 

Brisbane 

From Adelaide, let’s move to Brisbane, the venue for the third Test and a fantastic city in Queensland known for its laidback atmosphere. 

After a gripping day of cricket, you may want to immerse yourself in the urban hub surrounding the Gabba—unwind at the historic Brisbane German Club with a large stein of German beer, or hop into one of the swanky bars and pubs of the city with fellow cricket fans. 

The best way to see Brisbane is to climb the iconic Story Bridge, a heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge spanning the Brisbane River. The two-hour climbing experience provides panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. 

You could also do sunrise hot-air ballooning with breakfast for the thrill of a lifetime. 

Brisbane also offers access to the stunning Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, which are perfect for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. 

Also don’t forget to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, off the coast of Queensland in the Coral Sea, accessible from Brisbane. Try snorkelling and scuba diving, and visit Green Island, a beautiful island getaway, and the dazzling White Haven beach.  

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Melbourne

If you are in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test, make sure you make the most of your time here. 

The capital of Victoria attracts visitors for its art, fashion, and food scene, and its lively coffee culture and historic laneways. 

Melbourne’s laneways throb with shopping arcades, street art, cafés, bars, and boutiques. Also check out fine-dining places and go on wine tastings to savour the best of Melbourne. 

The Yarra Valley, located east of Melbourne, centred around the Yarra River, is about a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne. Victoria’s oldest wine region, Yarra Valley dates all the way back to 1838 and is home to around 80 wineries. Sip on a sparkling drink of your choice and go on a behind-the-scenes tour. 

Sydney

Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene.

Sydney Opera House is an important cultural landmark in the city, situated on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour. It is a multi-venue performing arts centre and one of the world’s most distinctive buildings and architectural wonders of the 20th century. 

From classical and contemporary music and dance to drama and grand theatrical productions, the Opera House hosts over 40 shows every week. These shows are hugely popular; so book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Dungeons and Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern opens on December 15 at the Opera House. This fantasy-filled role-playing game is filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem, as you battle monsters, solve puzzles, and make choices. 

You can also catch the Sydney Symphony Orchestra come alive with unique orchestrations and musical masterpieces. 

At Sydney Harbour, be sure to grab front-row seats to the spectacular Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as you enjoy a Boxing Day cruise. 

If you wish to marvel at Sydney’s beauty from a high vantage point, opt for a 360-degree helicopter tour, which will take you over the iconic landmarks of Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the scenic stretches and beaches along the coastline. 

The popular beaches include Bondi, Coogee, Cronulla and Manly. Bondi Beach is a renowned surfing destination and a great place to learn to surf. 

(Feature image: Nihar Apte)