Be there and do that

In case you are going to Australia and New Zealand to catch the remaining World Cup matches, we list the marvels that you can visit 

With team India making its way to the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, the cricket fanatics are bleeding blue. Indian fans will be seen supporting their team from all corners of the globe, with many flocking to Sydney to witness them play live and cheer their team into the finals. To ensure fans visiting Down Under get the most out of their trip off the field, here’s a list of places to visit and things to do while in Australia and New Zealand.

Melbourne

With a spectator capacity of 1,00,000 people, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the greatest sporting venues in the world. It hosts cricket in the summer and AFl footy during the winter months. If you’re watching cricket at just one stadium in Australia, make it the MCG — it is unquestionably the Mecca of Australian cricket. But if you can’t make it to a game, do take a stadium tour on a non-match day. Remember to check out the state of the art National Sports Museum as well.

Melbourne is well hooked when it comes to watering holes around the MCG. Whether it’s for pre-match drinks or celebration time after a well-fought cricket duel, bars in the vicinity will not disappoint. Cricketers Arms Hotel is one such establishment where you can drink up as you soak in the good old traditional Aussie pub atmosphere. There is also the open-air Transit Cocktail lounge, sitting on top of the nearby Transport Hotel, as well as the friendly and chilled out Transport Public Bar. The Terra Rossa in the historic Swiss House building is another good option.

Top things to do and see

• Royal Exhibition Building and  Melbourne Museum for some museum insights.
• Queen Victoria Market for the largest open-air shopping experience in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Royal Botanic Gardens for one of the top botanic gardens anywhere in the world.
• Street art tours around the city, guided by street artists.
• Yarra Valley wine tour and a road trip on the Great Ocean Road.

Adelaide

One of the prettiest stadiums in Australia, the Adelaide Oval is modern and contemporary, it has a long history that adds to its character. With a capacity of about 50,000 people, it hosts mainly cricket and football matches and is occasionally used for rugby, soccer and concerts. The area around the Adelaide Oval is dotted with establishments eager to host pre- and post-match enthusiasts. Jolley’s Boathouse Restaurant leads the pack along with a bunch of others where you can get together for a bite and drinks — check out Mamak Corner, Red Ochre and the Playford Restaurant. 

Top things to do and see

•      Art Gallery of South Australia is a great choice if you are an art enthusiast.
•      Head to the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel for good food and better music.
•      Spend an evening at the Exeter, the top pub in the city.
•      Take a wine tour at the century-old Penfolds Estate Winery.
•       Hop by at the funky Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Sydney

The Sydney Cricket Ground can hold up to 48,000 spectators and has been a venue for all forms of cricket plus Australian Rules football and rugby matches. Pre-match drinks in Sydney with other cricketing folks on your mindIJ Head to the popular Captain Cook Urban or the Bat and Ball.

Top things to see and do

• Do the Bondi to Coogee Beach coastal walk.
• Spend time at Sydney Harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Shop at Oxford and Williams Streets.
• Visit the museums on Circular Quay.
• A visit to the famous Sydney Opera House is a must.

Brisbane

The Gabba, as the Brisbane Cricket Ground is popularly known, can seat up to 42,000 people. It is used between October and March for cricket and also for athletics, football, rugby among other sports. It also doubles up as a concert venue. Swing by The Crosstown Eating House located in a 1920s brick building for a quick bite or drinks on your way to or from The Gabba. Also recommended are the Brewhouse Brisbane and Bisoux for friendly hospitality and lots of beer.

Top things to do and see

•  Spend a fun day out at the South Bank Parklands.
• View the city on the go by booking yourself onto a river cruise.
• Visit the first and largest koala sanctuary in the world, lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
• Check out Brisbane from Mt Coot-tha.
• Climb Story Bridge, Brisbane’s answer to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Canberra

The Manuka Oval, also known as the StarTrak Oval Canberra in non-cricket season, can seat around 14,000 people. This stadium, in Australia’s capital city, was originally a park. It is also home to the famous Bradman Pavilion, the stadium’s main stand. Polit Bar and Sherwood Bar are popular choices for a break close to the stadium. If you are in the mood for a great dining experience, head to Pomegranate.

Top things to do and see

•  The uniquely shaped Parliament House.
• The National Gallery of Art, featuring over 100,000 works.
•  Australian War Memorial — one of Australia’s top museums.
•  Cruise on lake Burley Griffin, an artificial water body in the centre of the city.
•  Book a lunch meal at Silo Bakery.

Hobart

Bellerive Oval, also known as the Blundstone Arena can seat up to 16,000 people. This stadium, in the city of Hobart, mostly hosts cricket matches and Australian Rules Football.

Top things to do and see

• Check out the old maritime village, Battery Point, with its ale houses refitted into cafes and restaurants.
• Catch a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of Mt Wellington.
• Get spooked out at the Penitentiary Chapel Ghost Tour.
• Go to the MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art.
• Visit Salamanca Place, Australia’s best preserved historic urban neighbourhood.

Perth

The WACA Ground in Perth is one of the faster cricket grounds. It is also known to have one of the quickest and bounciest pitches in the world. It has been the Mecca of cricket in Western Australia since the 1890s. Want to tank up before the match or celebrate a victoryIJ Visit the tiny but cosy Hula Bula and the fancy Devilles Pad for cocktails you’ve never sipped before.

Top things to do and see

• Spend a day at King’s Park and Botanic Garden.
•  Go to King’s Park War Memorial.
• Visit the Bell Tower, one of the largest musical instruments in the world.
• Swing by the beautiful St Mary’s Cathedral.
• Surf on Scarborough beach.

courtesy Skyscanner