Tourism Australia_Aerial of Adelaide Oval at Sunset_SA 29 Sep 2022
Football's Heading Down Under: Where to Eat, Sleep and More

Tourism Australia

In 2023 the ninth edition of the hugely anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup – a record-breaking 17.4 million tuned in to watch the Lioness’s roar to their 2022 victory – will be co-hosted across Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 20 August 2023.

A tournament of firsts, the event is Australia’s biggest sporting event since the Rugby World Cup in 2003, with 32 nations playing 64 matches across nine host cities in Australia and New Zealand. It also marks the first time in Women's World Cup history that the matches have been held in the Asia-Pacific region.

The tournament embodies Australia’s passion for women’s football and provides visitors with the opportunity to watch and be inspired by the best footballers in the world – including the Lionesses, who earlier this month secured their place in the tournament during a euphoric 10-goal victory against Luxembourg – the best record in qualifying history.

As tickets go on sale on 6 October, now is the time to ‘line up’ the perfect Australian getaway. With five stadiums hosting across Australia, there are unlimited options for creating a wonderfully unique and exciting trip for football – and more. From unique hotels and incredible restaurants to unbelievable road trips and exciting adventures, Australia has everything you need to experience the country beyond its world-class football highlights.

For more information visit Australia.com, to buy tickets head to FIFA.com, and for package holidays based around the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 visit Freedom Destinations.

Hindmarsh Stadium, South Australia

Only a five-minute free tram-ride out of Adelaide, Hindmarsh Stadium is one of the easiest stadiums to get to.

Stay: Australia’s first accommodation property inside a stadium, Oval Hotel is set in the heart of the city of Adelaide. Home to some of the country’s biggest festivals and sporting events, it offers exquisite dining experiences at Five Regions Restaurant, celebrating Adelaide’s renowned wine regions through an innovative seasonally driven menu. On top of this visitors can take their trip to new heights and have a go at the Adelaide Oval Climb, inspired by the O2 Climb down in London. Prices from AU$249 per night

Eat: Located in the idyllic Adelaide Hills, Casa Freschi Cellar Door opened in summer 2022 and now welcomes guests every weekend for wine flights and cheese boards at the Ashton vineyard. With stunning views of the vines and a fire burning nearby, guests can sink into a sofa and let Casa Freschi’s wines do the talking – the ideal way to unwind after watching a match.

Do: When the football is done, take a short 45-minute journey out of Adelaide and visit the beautiful Kangaroo Island to relax, unwind and reconnect. Stay at One KI for an all-inclusive luxury beachfront retreat experience- swim, snorkel or paddleboard and watch the dolphins swim by. 

Brisbane Stadium, Queensland

Nicknamed ‘The Cauldron’, Brisbane Stadium is home to an array of major concerts, Rugby League and Rugby Union matches. Close to Brisbane’s city centre, anyone with a game ticket can jump on a train or bus for free to get to the stadium.

Stay: For a touch of tropical luxury, without leaving the city centre, stay at The Calile – a state of the art, modern hotel perfect for drinks, dinner and shopping. Located on James Street, minutes away from the city’s downtown packed with delicious cafes and fashion finds, giving diversity to the World Cup tour. Prices from AU$417 per night

Eat: Mews offers a playful culinary experience as guests dine amongst a living street art gallery, filled with custom pieces from Brisbane creatives such as Mr.Sor2, JORDACHE and James Ellis. This experiential dining experience, located inside the 5-star Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, heroes hyper-local, sustainable produce.

Do: Complete a hat trick and combine football, a family vacation and a bit of fun. The Gold Coast is just an hour’s drive from Brisbane city centre so it’s perfect for a day trip! Tackle the waves on an epic surf experience at the aptly named Surfers Paradise beach with Go Ride A Wave, where you can hire a board or take part in one of their daily surf lessons.

Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Victoria

Just a 20-minute walk down the Yarra River from Melbourne’s city centre, AAMI Park is located in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling Sports and Entertainment Precinct.

Stay: For a quintessential Melbourne experience head to QT Melbourne for a winning combination of rooftop bars, quirky design and exceptional service. This one-of-a-kind boutique stay is just a short walk to the city stadium, so you can easily head back for post-match cocktails. Prices from AU$250 per night

Eat: Have a ball at the newly opened four storey eatery, Stella, delivers Italian food with a modern Australian twist, the ideal spot for those looking for Italian favourites whilst still embracing the Australian culture. Perfect for either a match day treat, a quick bite or a more elegant meal, Stella offers house-made artisanal pasta and pizzas topped with adventurous combinations.

Do: While the trophy is all to play for, rest and recharge at the recently opened Alba Thermal Springs & Spa in the Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne/Naarm, or easily accessible via public transport. Offering a range of indoor and outdoor hot springs and pamper treatments, it’s the perfect place to recharge before the next match.

Perth Rectangular Stadium, Western Australia

Located in the city centre, the 22,225-capacity venue has hosted matches for the Socceroos and Matildas.

Stay: For a boutique experience, stay at Quay Perth, located on the waterfront Esplanade in the heart of the city. Quay Perth offers an abundance of dining, shopping, entertainment and attractions within easy walking distance. This 80-room hotel is laid-back yet stylish, taking its design cue from the region’s natural landscape. Prices from AU$140 per night

Eat: Just a short journey out of Perth to North Freemantle, tourists can find themselves admiring the impressive views at Bib and Tucker. Combining seasonal ingredients, crafty cocktails and relaxed Indian Ocean views, perfect for a day on the coast between matches. With a focus on fresh produce, the food is just as good as the vistas.

Do: Take a break from football frenzy and visit Rottnest Island and explore lush vegetation, turquoise waters and outdoor adventure. This is all on top of snapping a selfie with one of Australia’s cutest animals – the quokka.

Sydney Football Stadium, New South Wales

Rebuilt just in time for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the stadium is close to the centre with light rail services operating directly to the park.

Stay: For an iconic Sydney spot, holidaymakers can go to the InterContinental Sydney, located on the doorstep of Sydney Royal Botanic Garden and Circular Quay. With an extensive $110 million renovation that finished this year, InterContinental Sydney’s new design is a contemporary interpretation of the building’s historical significance, now offering innovative new fine food and beverage experiences. Prices from AU$290 per night

Eat: Bar Patron is a wonderful spot for dinner with a view, located harbourside with world-class views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Bar Patrón is a chic Mexican restaurant and bar serving top-tier tequila, margarita and cocktails, along with an authentic Mexican food menu that pulses with bold flavours and rich spices.

Do: Along the World Cup trail, experience Australia’s aboriginal culture by visiting beautiful cultural markets or taking part in an immersive two-hour tour with Kadoo Indigenous Experiences at Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park.

ENDS

Contact

One Green Bean                       tourismaustralia-UK@onegreebean.com

Maddy Schilg                            maddy.schilg@onegreenbean.com

Lauren Fisher                            lauren.fisher@onegreenbean.com

Hollie Nash                               hollie.nash@onegreenbean,com