Ultimate Australian Ashes Road Trip Itinerary: All Play, No Nullarbor!

November 16, 2025•Tom Lanauze•Australia

Forget the 4,000 km desert crossing—only the true masochists drive the Nullarbor. We're getting smart. The only flight you need to take after arrival into Australia is the one from Perth to the East Coast. After that, we’re hitting the road for the ultimate, cricket-fueled Australian summer adventure, mixing five days of world-class Test match action with legendary Aussie road stops.

Here is your essential itinerary, running from November 2025 to January 2026.

✈️ Phase 1: The Flying Start (Perth to Brisbane)

Perth - The First Test (Nov 21 - 25)

Enjoy the opener at Perth Stadium - the fastest pitch we are likely to see this summer. Expect the high pace attack of England to be at its best here. Perth is beautiful; soak up the sun on the beaches, explore Fremantle, and chase down a Quokka selfie on Rottnest Island. When the day's play is done, you’ll find the atmosphere at the official Barmy HQs, often at The Camfield (lunchtime) and The Globe (evening).

The Great Escape (Nov 26 - Dec 3)

This is the crucial step: FLY from Perth to Brisbane. Pick up your hire car or campervan here. This flight frees up days of difficult driving and allows you to enjoy a full week to recover and acclimatise to the Queensland humidity before the second Test starts.

The Gabba Fortress (Dec 4 - 8)

Settle in for the 2nd Test at The Gabba for a Day/Night match. This ground is a fortress for the Aussies, so you need to be singing louder than usual. The Barmy Army often sets up its base at The Pineapple Hotel (lunchtime) and the Pig 'N' Whistle (Official HQ) for essential pre-match brunches and celebratory/lamenting pints.

Will it be the familair hunting ground for the Aussies? Or will Tim Paine's "I can't wait to get yopu to the Gabba" line come back and haunt them yet again, like it did with India not long ago.

🏜️ Phase 2: The Inland Dash (Brisbane to Adelaide)

This driving leg covers $\sim$2,050 km, an essential 22 hours of driving time. We’re bypassing the immediate coastal path to see the true Australian interior—it's remote, scenic, and shows you a different side of the country.

The Outback Push (Dec 9 - 13)

Day 1 - Brisbane to Goondiwindi: An easy 4-5 hour drive. Get across the Queensland/NSW border, grab a beer, and explore outback Qld. Cool off in the Goondiwindi Natural Heritage & Water Park, take a stroll on the Macintyre Riverwalk befoe relaxing at the Victoria Hotel for a pint and a meal.

Where to stay in Goondiwindi

Days 2-3 - Broken Hill, NSW: Push through the outback. Stop in Moree for a soak in the natural Artesian Hot Springs—perfect for easing those stiff driving muscles. Arrive in the historic mining town of Broken Hill.

Where to stay in Broken Hill

Day 4-5 - Broken Hill Stop: Rest and explore! Check out the iconic Living Desert Sculptures at sunset and the essential, if slightly absurd, Mad Max 2 Museum in nearby Silverton.

Day 6 - Mildura/Renmark: Head south-west towards the Murray River region. Stop at a local cellar door to stock up on South Australian wine ahead of the next Test.

Adelaide Arrival (Dec 14 - 16): The final leg into South Australia. Visit the Barossa Valley for a wine tour before cruising into Adelaide. Settle in and find the party atmosphere at The Home Ground (often the Official Barmy Pre-Test Party Venue on the Riverbank).

The Picturesque Test (Dec 17 - 21):

Enjoy the 3rd Test at the Adelaide Oval. Widely regarded as the most beautiful ground in the world. When you're not at the cricket, be sure to take a stadium tour to see the famous Bradman Collection.

🥂 Phase 3: The Festive Coastline (Adelaide to Sydney)

This is the shortest but arguably the most iconic driving leg, perfectly timed for the peak Australian holiday period: Christmas and New Year's. This is peak season—book all accommodation well in advance.

The Great Ocean Road (Dec 22 - 24)

Day 1 - Coastal Victoria: Drive east from Adelaide, stopping at Mt. Gambier to see the stunning Blue Lake, Little Blue Lake, and Umpherston Sinkhole. Cross into Victoria and stop near the start of the Great Ocean Road (GOR), perhaps at Port Fairy.

Day 2 - The GOR and Melbourne: Drive the famous Great Ocean Road, stopping at the iconic Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Make sure to get your photo at the Great Ocean Road Arch which makes for a memorable trip photo. Arrive in Melbourne in time for Christmas Eve.

Melbourne, Boxing Day & Cricket History (Dec 25 - 30):

Christmas Day: Book your tickets for the legendary Barmy Army Christmas Day Lunch (essential!).

4th Test, MCG (Boxing Day!):

Experience the roar of 90,000 people at the "G." Outside the stadium, take a wander around the park to find the fantastic Statues of Shane Warne, Dennis Lillee, and Sir Don Bradman. Melburnians are still waiting for Scott Bolands statue to be built after Howie's famous commentary call!

Post-match, head to Beer DeLuxe or the classic Cricketer's Bar at The Hotel Windsor.

The Sydney Finale (Dec 31 - Jan 3):

New Year's Eve/Day: Drive up the coastal route (approx. 10-12 hours total). We recommend the scenic route through the NSW South Coast. Stop at Jervis Bay and visit Hyams Beach (pure white sand) and Kiama to see the Kiama Blowhole and to grab a famous pie. Target Sydney for New Year's Eve and the spectacular Harbour fireworks.

Arrival in Sydney

New Year's Test Prep: Attend the Barmy Army New Year's Eve Party at the official venue (often on Darling Harbour/Circular Quay).

The Decisive Test (Jan 4 - 8):

Enjoy the 5th Test at the SCG. The final showdown is at this historic ground. After the match, celebrate (or commiserate) with the final Barmy Army gatherings at Watson's or Cargo Bar. Don't forget to visit the excellent SCG Museum.

Mission Complete (Jan 9 onwards):

You have followed the entire series, driven across half a continent, and survived the Australian summer. Time to continue on with your travels or book the flight home and wear that tour shirt with pride!