The 2023 Ashes Series will forever be etched in cricketing history as one of the most thrilling Test series ever, with almost every game keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Now, over a year later, the cricketing world has caught its breath, and we are already looking forward to an exciting showdown in Australia next year.
England will head ‘Down Under’ aiming to regain the coveted Ashes urn, however, the trip is about more than just cricket. It’s a journey filled with unforgettable experiences. Joining the Barmy Army will ensure your Ashes experience is memorable, packing the itinerary with sightseeing opportunities to immerse you in the beauty and culture of Australia.
The 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series in Australia begins in the sun-soaked city of Perth, with cricket fans treated to world-class cricket and the opportunity to explore one of Australia’s most vibrant cities. Known for its stunning beaches, sprawling parks, and lively cultural scene, Perth offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication.
Here is a look at what supporters can expect in Perth during the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series in Australia:
Cricket
Where it all begins. The West Test. Be part of history as the Optus Stadium hosts its first-ever Ashes Test match.
The Optus Stadium is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium that opened in 2018. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the Swan River and is primarily used for Australian rules football and cricket. Perth’s two Australian Football League (AFL) teams – the Fremantle Football Club and the West Coast Eagles – play their home games here, while the Perth Scorchers also play their Big Bash League home games at the venue, having previously played at the WACA Ground.
Trains go direct to Perth Stadium Station for passengers on the Joondalup, Fremantle and Armadale Lines. Passengers on the Midland and Airport Lines can choose to walk over the Windan Bridge to East Perth Station. The suburban event bus network, as well as Perth CBD shuttles, also stop at Perth Stadium Bus Station.
Food & Drink
The food and drink scene in Perth – and Western Australia in general – is incredible, promising delectable experiences at every turn. It boasts diverse dining options, ranging from sophisticated restaurants to simpler mouth-watering eateries.
Whether you’re a fan of a lively bar scene and country pubs, or prefer sipping cocktails in heritage surroundings, Perth has something for everyone. Western Australia is home to eight distinct wine regions, and you can also discover a growing number of award-winning wineries, breweries and distilleries.
If you always look for dishes containing local ingredients, try the sparkling-fresh seafood and rare black truffles! Furthermore, depending on the time of year, Perth hosts seasonal culinary events, which are always a hit with locals and tourists alike.
Things to do
While your main reason for visiting Perth during the Ashes is likely to be to watch the cricket, there is so much to see and do in Western Australia before and after England take the lead in the series!
Perth – Australia’s sunniest capital city – possesses a perfect blend of urban lifestyle with raw natural beauty. Discover its artistic side in its vibrant street art, cultural precinct and entertainment hubs, and embark on a fascinating Aboriginal walking tour through Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba) – a diverse oasis that’s one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world.
You could also check out Margaret River, which offers world-class wine alongside unspoilt coastline, as well as stunning inland rivers, tall-timber forests and ancient underground caves, making it one of the most unique destinations on Earth.
Moreover, explore countless sandy stretches as you visit the laid-back city of Fremantle (Walyalup) – famous for spearheading the Australian craft beer scene. Then, head to the pristine islands and reefs off the coast of Rockingham and Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap), where wild dolphins sometimes gather close to the shoreline. End your trip by encountering smiling quokkas and other wildlife on the island sanctuary of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup).
Travel
Perth’s extensive transport options will help tick off your list of must see & do’s by land, sea, river and air. Let the locals show you Perth most enviable lifestyle. Join a day tour or extended package tour, from four wheel drive adventures to luxury coaches.
Transperth buses and ferries will get you to and around Perth, and in metropolitan areas, Perth’s blue, red, green and yellow CAT buses offer free and frequent transport services to many of the city’s highlights. A good network of train lines get you into and out of Perth city, taking you west to Fremantle (Walyalup), north to Joondalup, east to Midland and south to Armadale and Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap). Perth has an excellent network of roads and all major car hire companies have an office in the city or at Perth airport.
Join the Barmy Army in Australia for the NRMA Insurance Ashes Series
The Barmy Army understands tens of thousands of England fans place the Ashes tour at the top of their bucket list but never actually make it out to Oz to live their cricketing dreams. They often find themselves setting the 11.45pm alarm, and after a few hours kip, stumbling down the stairs in the dark, cold midwinter to stick the kettle supporting from afar with the worst “I wish I was there” feeling in the world.
Purchasing a Barmy Army Travel package is the only way to guarantee you are sat with the Barmy Army during the NRMA Insurance Ashes Series.
Barmy Army, a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. CATO Licence Number: CATO2526/020
