If there’s a ranking of top things to do on Boxing Day, we have a submission for number 1: watch England and Australia compete for The Men’s Ashes alongside 100,000 spectators. The Ashes are a spectacle to behold, especially when there’s a series in Melbourne. Want to make this upcoming Christmas something extraordinary?  It’s hard to top a journey to Australia’s sporting capital for The Ashes followed by a holiday spent exploring Victoria. Here are just a few reasons you should find yourself down under for England vs. Australia in the final days of 2017:

The 4th series takes place at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground

This 100,000+ seat stadium is made for cricket and should be completely full on Boxing Day for the opening day of the 4th Test of The Ashes. There’s not a bad seat in the house in this historic venue.

MCG hosted the first Ashes Test 135 years ago

We said it was historic! A significantly smaller MCG hosted the first Ashes competition back in 1882. You can literally watch the 2017 version from the same place the competition started more than a century ago.

The 4th Test in Melbourne starts on Boxing Day

The Boxing Day Test is a Melbourne tradition but it’s even more of a must-see event when two major international teams are involved.

England needs your support

In the last 20 years, England has only won The Ashes once while playing in Australia. Clearly, the team needs traveling supporters to help carry them to victory on Australian soil!

Christmas Day in Melbourne usually looks like this

Josie Withers

Surely, you’ll want to arrive well before the first Test begins, which means Christmas in Melbourne.  Ever dreamed of a white (sand) Christmas?

The Melbourne Test is within walking distance to Melbourne’s CBD

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is conveniently located close to all of the attractions that visitors to the city love. Hotels, laneways, cafes and famous landmarks are all walkable from the MCG.

You can get world-class coffee and smashed avocado on toast before the Test begins

Matches begin at 10:30am each day, which is plenty of time to indulge in Melbourne’s supreme coffee and oh-so-Australian breakfast of smashed avocado on toast.  Once you’re done with brekkie, just walk on over to the MCG and take your seat.

Tickets are still available

We suggest you buy your plane tickets and Test tickets soon!

Melbourne is the hub to some of Australia’s greatest road trips

There’s much more to Melbourne in December and January than cricket. Incredible road trips can be taken from the city that include luxurious vineyards, stunning ocean overlooks and the most iconic Australian animals. Take a look at these road trip itineraries and pick one that fits your interests!

Victoria’s average high temperature in December is 24C

Whether you’re on a road trip outside the city or watching England vs. Australia at the MCG,  you can expect significantly warmer temperatures than the UK.  Enjoy two summers in one year!

The series in Melbourne concludes two weeks before the Australian Open

Australia vs. England on the cricket pitch is just one of the many major international sporting events coming to Melbourne in the next year. The annual Australian Open begins just two weeks after the final Test at the MCG. Stick around and witness tennis superstars compete in the first Grand Slam of the season!

There is a perfect road trip between the 4th and 5th Tests

David Hannah

The Test in Melbourne just before New Year’s eve. The fifth and final match begins in Sydney four days later. Want to see both? Well, we’ve got a road trip itinerary for you. The Go Beyond Melbourne touring routes involve incredible beaches, pristine national parks and marine wildlife including penguins and dolphins!

Follow your country to Australia for the 2017-2018 Ashes and stay to enjoy the best of Victoria. Our website www.visitmelbourne.com is full of information and itineraries to help you plan your Melbourne holiday.