Few events in Test cricket match the intensity and heritage of the Ashes. There's no better cricketing experience than watching England take on Australia under the blazing sun at some of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world.

Cricket holds a special place in Australia's sporting culture, and you can feel its heritage in its historic stadiums. Whether it's the colossal Melbourne Cricket Ground or the charming Sydney Cricket Ground, each venue has a unique character, raucous atmospheres, and thousands of passionate fans.

On Spectate's Ashes tour, you can expect to be in the best seats with the most incredible views to experience these magical stadiums to the fullest. With opportunities to meet cricketing legends, hospitality as standard, and luxurious accommodations throughout — it's the ultimate way to experience the Ashes.

As the hype for the Ashes in 2025 cranks up, we're exploring the Australian Cricket Grounds set to host the age-old Test series, showcasing why they are revered by players and spectators alike.

Top Cricket Grounds in Australia

  1. Optus Stadium, Perth

  2. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

  3. Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

  4. Adelaide Oval

  5. The Gabba, Brisbane

4. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Over 180 years old, the home of Australian Test Cricket, and widely renowned as the birthplace of Australian Cricket, The Melbourne Cricket Ground is a stadium that's on every cricket fan's radar to visit. It's also the largest cricket stadium in the world with a capacity of over 100,000, making for an incredible atmosphere.

When the crowd gets rocking, you really feel part of something extraordinary at this iconic ground, especially in the Great Southern Stand. The steep stands create a bowl-like feel which only amplifies the raucous atmosphere on match day. It's truly unmissable.

Steeped in history, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has hosted numerous major events over the years including the first-ever Test match played in Australia back in 1877 and has been the stage for many thrilling international matches since. More recently, the MCG played host to the 2015 Cricket World Cup where Australia overcame New Zealand by 7 wickets to lift the famous trophy.

It's not just a cultural hub for Test cricket, but for other sports too including Australian Rules Football, Rugby League, Rugby Union, International football matches and even the Olympics — the famous Olympic Stand was built to host the Athletics for the 1956 Summer Olympic Games.

As you'd probably expect, hospitality is some of the best in the cricketing world at the Melbourne Cricket Ground Private suites, exclusive lounges and theatre-style seating in the Openers Pavillion are all available to make your cricket experience unforgettable.

"I didn't comprehend just how breathtaking the Melbourne Cricket Ground was until I stepped onto its hallowed turf. Its scale and history make it a truly unique stadium and one that I'm eager to revisit for the Ashes." — Simon Gee, Travel Specialist and Cricket Expert.

3. Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

Sydney in sunny New South Wales is one of the most iconic cities in the world and it has a cricket ground to match. The Sydney Cricket Ground is the oldest in Australia dating back to 1848, making it the most historic in the country.

Walking around the ground is like a trip down memory lane of Australia's cricketing history. Every wall possesses a unique character and is soaked in the successes of bygone eras. The stadium is a delightful mix of old and new, with the modern details modelled with heritage in mind.

The Members Stand is the centrepiece of the stadium, and its grand structure draws the eye from every corner of the ground. Watching international matches played here transports you through cricketing history. Its heritage design adds to the SCG's unique character and charm, reflecting the prestige and tradition of the old ground.

The 48,000-seater feels more personal than other stadiums, bringing you even closer to the action. The smaller capacity doesn't lessen the atmosphere — if anything, it enhances it as the smaller structure creates a melting pot of passionate cricket fans.

“Watching a game at the history-steeped Sydney Cricket Ground is an honour that should be on every cricket fan’s bucket list. The heritage is unmatched, and the atmosphere is electric.” — Simon Gee, Travel Specialist and Cricket Expert.

2. Adelaide Oval

Regarded as one of the most picturesque grounds in the world, The Adelaide Oval in South Australia sits on a backdrop of beautiful mountains and lush parks lined with leafy greenery.

Watching Test Cricket on television here doesn't do the stadium justice, you have to be there to fully appreciate just how stunning this venue really is. The roofs appear sail-like and are architectural masterclasses in their own right, and the open feel to the ground means it really glows up on a sunny day.

The Adelaide Oval has hosted numerous Test matches and One-Day Internationals, including 2010's battle between Australia and England. It was a match to be remembered with Graeme Swann taking a five-wicket haul for England to emerge victorious in the 2nd Ashes Test.

In 2025, it will be the scene for the pivotal third Test match in the Ashes, the midpoint of the five-Test series.

1. Gabba, Brisbane

Brisbane is hosting the second Test match, and the first of four on the East coast of Australia. It's ground, The Gabba, is known worldwide for its outstanding stadium, but the passionate fans filling it are what really draw your attention when you see a match there. The fan experience here is stunning and you can feel the buzz for Test cricket on matchday around the city, even before you've reached the ground.

Affectionately called the Gabba for its location in Brisbane's Suburb, Woolloongabba, the stadium is a popular venue for international Test cricket and hosts many high-profile Test matches.

Australia has a fantastic record against fierce rivals India here, but in 2021 recent history was made at the Gabba when their 32-year undefeated run against the visiting team came to an end. It was finally ended by Rishabh Pant who went 89 not out to seal a historic win for the Men in Blue over the Aussies.

They hold a similar record against the Three Lions who often do not enjoy a trip to the Gabba, only winning twice there since the end of the Second World War. The next chance for England to break the Gabba curse will be in the Ashes series in 2025, where they'll meet at Australia's cricketing fortress for the second Test.

“I was blown away by how passionate Australians are about sports, and it comes across in everything from the standard of their facilities to the conversations you have with people in Brisbane.” — Simon Gee, Travel Specialist and Cricket Expert.

5. Optus Stadium, Perth

The highly anticipated 2025 Ashes series begins on the West Coast in Perth at the Optus Stadium, previously voted the Most Beautiful Sports Facility in the World. It will be hosting the Ashes' first Test match to start the iconic five-Test cricket series, and it promises to be one of the most exciting we've seen in some time — we can't wait!

The Optus is a special stadium and leads the way in many ways for the future of Test cricket stadiums. It was designed with a 'fans first' approach and is kitted out with over 1,000 TV screens for action replays, so you don't miss a second of action.

The stadium feels as though it's sprouted out of the very ground it was built upon. It's central to the ground's surrounding beauty and its modern wood design blends seamlessly with the adjacent Swan River and Chevron Park Lake.

Aside from its design and location, what sets this stadium apart from others Down Under is its state-of-the-art amenities, including a next-level premium hospitality experience that combines a riveting atmosphere, unbeatable views and culinary masterpieces with guest celebrity chefs. You won't want to miss the first Test match here.

Beyond The Boundary: Extra Activities to Combine with your Australian Ashes Tour

As well as sport aficionados, we're experts in creating bespoke holidays and unforgettable experiences. Our travel experts have first-hand experience at the Ashes and can advise on the best excursions to pair with your trip to Australia, so here is a flavour of the extra activities you can combine with your tour.

After the first test match in Perth, discover Australia's unique wildlife and sail to the beautiful Rottnest Island to spot quokkas in their natural habitat and enjoy stunning beaches.

In Sydney, take on the famous Harbour Bridge Climb for unbeatable views of the city, and in Adelaide, indulge in a wine-tasting tour of the Barossa Valley to sample some of Australia's most sumptuous wines.

"Housed within the MCG in Melbourne, the Australian Sports Museum is home to original ‘Baggy Greens’ from past players and includes a Shane Warne experience. It's a must-visit for any test cricket fan looking to immerse in Australia's cricketing history." — Simon Gee, Travel Specialist and Cricket Expert.

If you're in the mood for more sports, Rugby League and Rugby Union matches are breathtaking spectacles. Or why not experience an Aussie Rules Football match?

There are countless incredible experiences available to enhance your Australia cricket holiday, and more details on our packages will be announced soon.

Book your Ashes 2025 Tour with Spectate

Ever wanted to meet a cricketing legend? As well as getting tickets to the best seats in the house at five thrilling Test matches, you'll have the unique opportunity to meet cricket legend Mike Gatting and hear his insights as the series unfold with our Ashes tour.

What's more, Spectate's expert hosts will take care of everything with a 24-hour concierge service to assist with excursion bookings, restaurant reservations and more — meaning you won't have to lift a finger on your cricket tour.

Pre-register for our Ashes 2025 tour and be the first to hear the unmissable details of our bespoke packages when they become available to purchase.