Itinerary Highlights

  • Witness the Iconic NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Ashes Test in Melbourne
  • Category A seating across the 5-Day Test with unbeatable views of the action
  • Attend an exclusive Christmas dinner and event with Mike Gatting OBE
  • Experience a festive Australian city break in Melbourne
  • Count Down to the New Year in Melbourne

Price Includes

  • Tickets with the Best Seats at the 4th NRMA Insurance Ashes Series Test in Melbourne
  • International Flights & Transfers
  • Luxurious Hotel Stay
  • Fully Hosted Tour with Mike Gatting and the Spectate Team
  • Exclusive State of Play Event and Christmas Dinner

Overview

Witness the Iconic NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Ashes Test on a Celebrity-Hosted Tour in Melbourne!

Our Officially Licensed Ashes Tour includes premium viewing of the 4th NRMA Insurance Ashes Test at the MCG, a luxurious stay at the Crown Metropol Hotel, and exclusive invites to celebrity-hosted festive events — it’s the ultimate Ashes experience. 

It's simply a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the legendary Boxing Day Test and spend the festive period with a former England captain at your side. As well as watching the Ashes with Mike in the stands, you’ll be invited to our exclusive ‘State of Play’ event hosted by the man himself to hear his thoughts on the action.

We guarantee Category A seating, so you'll have unbeatable Test views at one of the best Stadiums in Australia when you book with us. You’ll stay in a prime location in the heart of the city at the Crown Metropol, just a short drive from the MCG. With a dedicated entertainment precinct and state-of-the-art amenities, it’s the perfect place to spend the Ashes and welcome the New Year in Melbourne.

As an Official Licensed Tour Operator, we don’t just guarantee the best seats and luxurious accommodations. We also excel at providing a seamless tour from start to finish with incredible experiences along the way including an unforgettable Aussie Christmas and New Year — it's all included with Spectate. 

We’ll tailor your Ashes experience to you. We're experts in Australian travel and our 24-hour concierge service can assist you with everything from reserving the best table in a Michelin-star restaurant to booking private excursions in and around Melbourne, helping you make the most of your time Down Under.

Speak to our experts to book your NRMA Insurance Ashes Series Tour today!

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Accommodation

Crown Metropol Melbourne

In the heart of Melbourne's city and a short drive to the MCG, the Crown Metropol is the perfect spot to enjoy the famous Boxing Day Test. The hotel is a centre of assured luxury with fabulous amenities, including the unique Metropol Precinct housing a cinema, mini golf, bowling alley, escape rooms and more. You’ll stay in a Luxe King room on a bed-and-breakfast basis and enjoy 'sky-high swimming' on the high-rise infinity pool and spa. The 28 Skybar Lounge serves up a delightful array of cuisines with jaw-dropping views of the city’s skyline, making the Crown Metropol Melbourne a foodie's dream!

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Itinerary

Day 1-2 | Fly to Melbourne

Be welcomed at your UK Airport of choice with our meet-and-greet service before flying overnight to Melbourne. Transfer to the Crown Metropol Melbourne for your 9-night stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 3-4 | Christmas in Melbourne

Explore Melbourne at leisure on Christmas Eve and enjoy complimentary welcome drinks in the evening with your tour group and Mike Gatting OBE. Delight in the festivities on Christmas Day with a traditional Christmas Dinner hosted by Spectate and the legendary cricketer.

Day 5-9 | 4th NRMA Insurance Ashes Test | Melbourne

Experience the legendary Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Join Mike Gatting in Category A seating with views from behind the bowler's arm across the 5-day Test. On day two of the Test, attend our exclusive ‘State of Play’ event hosted by Mike Gatting to hear his expert opinion on the Test so far, with throwback tales of his days donning the England whites.

Day 10 | New Year’s Eve

Spend the day at leisure on New Year’s Eve. Use our personalised concierge service to book a tour of the city, reserve a table at a Michelin-star restaurant, or embark on an enriching cultural excursion – the options are endless! In the evening, why not head into Melbourne for a wonderful evening celebrating New Year's Eve and count down to 2026 with a view?

Day 11-12 | Fly to UK

Spend the day at leisure and savour your last few hours Down Under before taking a private transfer to Melbourne Airport in the evening and flying back overnight to the UK.
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Tickets

Five-Day Test Ticket | 4th NRMA Insurance Ashes Test | Melbourne

Witness the iconic Boxing Day Test of the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series at the MCG with exceptional views behind from your seat. With Category A seating positioned behind the bowler's arm, you'll have excellent viewing of all the action across every day of the legendary 5-day Test.

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Official 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Tour: Melbourne

22 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026 | 11 nights from £5,595 pp

What's included in your Spectate experience?

  • Return economy flights from the UK
  • UK Airport meet and greet
  • UK Airport Lounge
  • Luxury accommodation 
  • Transfers throughout 
  • Fully Hosted Tour with Mike Gatting and Spectate Team
  • Services of our local representatives throughout
  • Tickets with the best seats to the 4th NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match in Melbourne

The Spectate service means your holiday will be totally personalised and you'll benefit from 24-hour assistance. You also have access to our personalised concierge service for a range of excursion options from private tours to adventurous activities.

Why Choose Us?

Tailor-Made

Customise your experience to create something truly memorable

  • Add excursions to your trip
  • Travel at your own pace
  • Choose hotels, flights etc
Exclusivity
  • Get the best seats, closest to the action
  • Hosted tours with special celebrity guests
  • Stay in the most luxurious accommodation
  • Fully inclusive service
  • Expert hosts take care of you every step of the way
  • All transfers and fees are included

For 30 years, we have crafted and delivered the highest quality, unforgettable experiences

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