England head to Australia this winter to try and cling on the Ashes. You can be there too! Freedom Australia have some great packages, taking in different venues and different cities. Here’s what’s on offer in Brisbane.

Brisbane 

Englishmen have long suffered in Brisbane. The sporting bear pit they call The Gabba has rarely been a happy place for English cricketers, with decades of contests mostly unkind to the visiting team but Brisbane and its surrounding area couldn’t be more different – indeed, they couldn’t be more welcoming. 

The city centre celebrates natural and metropolitan life in equal measure. The South Bank is home to 17 hectares of stunning riverside gardens while just over the river stands the modern city centre, filled with cafés, restaurants and shops to complete the perfect day out. 

[caption id=”attachment_49883″ align=”alignnone” width=”750″] A view of beautiful Brisbane[/caption]

And Brisbane demonstrates that Sydney doesn’t have the only bridge down under. Take in the fabulous views from the top of the Story Bridge and capture that panoramic photo from Moreton Bay in the east all the way to the lush green hills of the Scenic Rim in the west.

If that’s too high though, get right down to sea level with a river cruise along the Brisbane River, there’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer’s day, especially if England are already 1-0 down and you’re looking to drown your sorrows. 

[caption id=”attachment_49884″ align=”alignnone” width=”750″] Famous Story Bridge in its full glory[/caption]

An Australian adventure can’t be completed without koalas and kangaroos so head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary if you’re keen to get to know the furry fellas. 

After all this city activity, get some well-earned hydration on Caxton Street. A stone’s throw away from the Suncorp Stadium this is a regular stomping ground for Queensland’s rugby fans; perhaps don’t mention Eddie Jones too much. But being surrounded by sports fans provides the ideal setting in which to watch the Melbourne Cup, maybe this will be the year you finally pick a winner. 

[caption id=”attachment_49885″ align=”alignnone” width=”750″] Idyllic Fraser Island[/caption]

But there are still a few days until the next Test, why not head out of Brisbane to Rainbow Beach. A short ferry ride takes you to the idyllic Fraser Island where you can forget all about England’s middle-order collapse in the company of Australia’s remarkable wildlife. Whether you are staying at one of the eco-friendly hotels or in a beachfront cabin the sunset is just as stunning and there will be no trouble finding a spot on the world famous 75-mile beach. 

Thrills await south of Brisbane too in the aptly named Surfers Paradise. Grab a board and get out on the waves during the day and on the dance floor at night. No worries here about the weather, it’s always hot and perfect for surfing!