Hope you are enjoying the matches of this 2015 cricket world cup with your favorite teams winning. There were some exciting matches too between some not so popular teams. For example, the match between Ireland and UAE (match #16 on Feb 25) where Ireland beat UAE in the last over of the match. For me this was so far the most exciting match of the world cup. As the tournament is taking more exciting turns so is my tour (err…virtual tour 😛 ) of Australia and New Zealand. However, I don’t want to stretch it longer because I want to watch the final at home, completely relaxed. 😉 So, this is the last and the concluding part of my virtual tour of the Cricket World Cup 2015. If you have missed the first two here are the links – My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part I and Part II.
Wellington – Match #22, #36, #46 (Quarterfinal)
While Wellington is going to host three more matches of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 we’ll have plenty of time to explore the region. Wellington is a beautiful city which ranked 4th in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2011. So you can expect a lot from your tour of the city. A ride on Wellington’s historic cable car is a must-do to get the glimpses of the city’s main attractions in one go. The cable cars depart in every 10 minutes from Lambton Quay in the city center. Or you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Oriental Bay beach after the matches. Well, there is no dearth of beaches in the city though. But if you are a nature lover Zealandia Sanctuary awaits you with a treasure of exotic flora and fauna of the region. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from the city. Find out the secrets of some most fascinating Hollywood movie making such as Lord of The Rings on a guided tour of Weta Cave.
Match details:
- Match #22 (March 1) – England Vs Sri Lanka
- Match #36 (March 12) – South Africa vs UAE
- Match #46 (March 21) – A4 vs B1 (4th Quarterfinal)
Brisbane – Match #23
While Pakistan takes on Zimbabwe at The Gabba on 1st March you can enjoy a river cruise in Brisbane. The Brisbane River connects most of the inner-city precincts and sets the stage for a whole range of outdoor adventures, riverside attractions and dining options. And don’t forget to pay a visit to cute koalas as they are waiting for you at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the suburbs of Brisbane.
Match details: Match #23 (March 1) – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
Canberra – Match #24
Canberra has a lot to offer. If you want to know about Australia as a nation this is a great place to start with. From National Zoo and Aquarium to National Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy – an extensive city tour can give you insights about the history, art and culture Down Under. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the city’s most iconic monument Australian War Memorial. Australian National Botanic Gardens offers a refreshing leisure escape from the city.
Match details: Match #24 (March 3) – South Africa vs Ireland
Napier – Match #25, #31, #41
With an eclectic mix of Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture and the beautiful Hawke’s Bay to set the backdrop Napier is peaceful retreat. The downtown area was reconstructed in Art Deco style after the devastating earthquake of 1931. Art Deco tour in the city is one of the popular things to do in Napier. On the contrary, excursions by the bay will give you many of such pleasing views of the city of Napier to enjoy.
Match details:
- Match #25 (March 4) – Pakistan vs UAE
- Match #31 (March 8) – New Zealand vs Afghanistan
- Match #41 (March 15) – West Indies vs UAE
Perth – Match #26, #28
The capital city of the state of Western Australia enjoys Mediterranean type climate, which is ideal for beachfront activities. Whether you want to watch beautiful sunsets by the Indian Ocean or visit the aquarium to witness Australia’s rich marine life or take cycling tour of the city choices are a plenty. If you have time after the world cup matches head to Swan Valley for a wine tour or take a day trip to Nambung National Park to witness the exotic landscape formation called The Pinnacles and get the taste of Australian Outback.
Match details:
- Match #26 (March 4) – Australia vs Afghanistan
- Match #28 (March 6) – India vs West Indies
Nelson – Match #27
Split Apple Rock in the Tasman Bay, is an interesting geological absurdity. It is located in shallow water where you can wade to it. As a popular tourist attraction in Abel Tasman National Park it is accessible from Nelson, the venue of tomorrow’s Cricket World Cup match #27 between Bangladesh and Scotland.
Match details: Match #27 (March 5) – Bangladesh vs Scotland
Auckland – Match #29, #39, #47 (semifinal)
Auckland, the venue of ICC cricket world cup matches, is a cosmopolitan city which is built in similar patterns as is Los Angeles. The city is home to plush shopping malls and international designer boutiques. If you want to get the vibe of Kiwiland check out the bustling city markets such as Victoria Park Market and Takapuna Market full of shops, cafes, eateries and crafts stores from where you can collect goodies and local made artifacts as souvenirs.
Match details:
- Match #29 (March 7) – South Africa vs Pakistan
- Match #39 (March 14) – India vs Zimbabwe
- Match #47 (March 24) – 1st Semifinal
Hobart – Match #30, #35, #40
Booming tourism in Australia’s southernmost town Hobart has plenty to offer starting from historic city tour (Salamanca Market, Battery Point) to unique Cadbury Chocolate Factory tour to conventional full-day sailing cruise. But the most exciting part of your Hobart travel could be Hobart City Flight which is a 30-minute scenic flight in a small plane over Mt Wellington and Derwent River. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of Hobart coastline
Match details:
- Match #30 (March 7) – Zimbabwe vs Ireland
- Match #35 (March 11) – Sri Lanka vs Scotland
- Match #40 (March 14) – Australia Vs Scotland
Sydney – Match #32, #38, #43 (Quarterfinal), #48 (semifinal)
Sydney the famous Harbour City in Australia is the capital of the state of New South Wales. With its rich heritage, art and culture there is no dearth of options when it comes to entertainment and touristy activities in and around Sydney. After watching all those big matches at Sydney Cricket Ground you definitely need to chill out. And what can be a better place than Tamarama Beach which is only 7 kilometers from the bustling business precinct of Sydney.
Match details:
- Match #32 (March 8) – Australia vs Sri Lanka
- Match #38 (March 13) – England vs Afghanistan
- Match #43 (March 18) – A1 vs B4 (1st Quarterfinal)
- Match #48 (March 26) – 2nd Semifinal
Adelaide – Match #33, #42, #45 (Quarterfinal)
Adelaide Botanic Garden – A must see in Adelaide, Australia. Do you know there are 275 more things to do in Adelaide other than watching Cricket World Cup? Here is a comprehensive list of things to do in Adelaide. Hope you don’t get carried away with all these touristy activities and forget to watch the match between – England and Bangladesh on 9th March here in Adelaide. 😉
Match details:
- Match #33 (March 9) – Australia vs Sri Lanka
- Match #42 (March 15) – England vs Afghanistan
- Match #45 (March 20) – A3 vs B2 (3rd Quarterfinal)
Hamilton – Match #34, #37
Initially an agricultural center Hamilton today is a booming city in Waikato, New Zealand. The city offers a plenty of things to do for tourists and locals alike. You can visit the zoo, or go shopping in the Downtown Plaza, or hit the gaming parlours in SKYCITY Hamilton for nonstop fun and excitement. Those who seek some quiet scenic escape can visit Hamilton Gardens or take a stroll along the Waikato River that splits the city in two halves. But the best way to see Hamilton is a hot air balloon ride.
Match details:
- Match #34 (March 10) – India vs Ireland
- Match #37 (March 13) – New Zealand vs Bangladesh
Melbourne – #44 (Quarterfinal), FINAL
The world is round and we have now reached where we started our 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Tour – Melbourne. 🙂 The city is said to be the cultural hub of Australia and offers plenty of Victorian style architecture to behold and photograph. For example, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trinity College, Scots Church, Flinders Street Station and so on.
Match details:
- Match #44 (March 19) – A2 vs B3 (2nd Quarterfinal)
- FINAL (March 29)
P.S: My four semifinalists are Australia, NZL, India and South Africa. What are yours? And how did you enjoy the Cricket World Cup tour with me? Don’t forget to share your opinion in the comment box below. 🙂
Disclaimer: All Images in this post are taken from Internet.
Footloose Forever 