Print

[GoodLeave]

I thought as much.

The only positive I could see for going with a package provider is guaranteed match tickets. Are tickets likely to be available to the general public for the tests?

This I can't really help with unfortunately. From the looks of it, they will (Would have thought it would be illegal to only distribute them to tour operators. Hardly fair for those who want tickets only). Hit the link below to get an email when they become available, but I bet you'll have to be rapid once they do.

http://m.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ASHESWAIT&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&USER_ID_=

[ScottParko]

Im sure you could get the prices down considerably from 5k by booking yourself. The mark up on package tours is huge the same as package holidays.

Can any of our aus-based friends give us an idea of ticket price/availability?

Return flights from heathrow are well under 1k.

Definitely, we package our own things all the time, Valencia for 4 nights with a match ticket to one of their matches for half the price we were quoted elsewhere at an agents!

[Over Gully]

most grounds around $7.00 mid strength only, so if you are planning on having a few hit the pubs before/at lunch and after around the grounds

Agree on this. At the MCG, unless you're in a corporate box or in the MCC Members, you'll be drinking Carlton Mid, an awful drop. Cascade is slightly better, Great Northern is terrible as well. Stupidly you can buy spirits but not full-strength beer at the public bars in the ground! There are some good pubs around however, The Duke of Wellington is very popular, The Cricketers Arms on Punt Rd, The Precinct Hotel on Swan St, The Corner Hotel also on Swan St. Even the Transport Bar at Federation Square, there are plenty of options.