Melbourne: Cricket, Christmas and the MCG
The last two legs of the tour took us to Melbourne and Sydney, fittingly my two favourite cities on the itinerary.
I have been to Melbourne many times. In December 2019, I spent 10 days here around Elton John’s concerts at Marvel Stadium, which gave me the chance to explore the city properly. When touring, that is not always possible, as everything depends on how long the Test match lasts.
We arrived on December 23 and, after some preparation for the busy days ahead, I met up with a few guests for dinner and a couple of beers. The following day the tour really got going, with a range of pre-planned excursions. Some guests joined those, while others preferred to soak up the city at their own pace.
Christmas on tour always feels strange. The sun is blazing, yet Santa Claus, snowmen and festive decorations are everywhere. It never quite feels like Christmas to me. That said, Christmas Day itself was wonderful. We enjoyed a relaxed lunch at a beautiful spot on Southbank by the Yarra River, with excellent food and great company.
What surprised me most was how busy the city was. Back home, the streets would be deserted, but Melbourne felt more like a Saturday. Shops and restaurants were open and the city was buzzing. That evening, a few of us shared a quiet beer to mark the occasion before the Boxing Day Test.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is a bucket list experience for any cricket lover. This one came with a twist. Despite record attendance, the temperatures were so cold that the MCC shop was selling hoodies, sweatshirts and blankets by the box load. It reminded me of how the tour began back in Christchurch.
The cricket itself was not a run fest. Quite the opposite, in fact, with 20 wickets falling on day one. By day two it was all over, with England securing victory in what became the second two-day Test of the series.
Beyond the City and a Fond Farewell to Melbourne
With three days to spare, we offered clients a variety of options to fill the gap. Everyone pitched in, taking groups to different locations, and it worked brilliantly.
I opted for a day at the races in the Yarra Valley. I had been there eight years earlier with Barry Jones and remembered what a great day it was. The course is small but stunning, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Around 25 guests joined us and it proved a perfect escape from the hustle of the city.
On my final day in Melbourne, I took a boat trip along the river. Seeing the city from the water is a wonderful way to take it all in. One detail that really caught my attention was Princes Bridge, which was built in England, transported to Melbourne and reassembled there in 1888. An incredible achievement for the time, and remarkably similar to Blackfriars Bridge in London.
Sydney: Fireworks, Racing and the Harbour Bridge
We left for Sydney early on the morning of the 31st. I went straight into preparations for the fifth Test, the New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise, and welcoming new clients to the city, finishing the day with dinner alongside 75 of our guests on board the Majestic luxury yacht.
New Year’s Eve was unforgettable. Eighty of us were out on the water, easily the best way to experience Sydney’s famous fireworks. With great food, flowing drinks and spectacular views, it was a night to remember.
Over the next two days, we enjoyed racing at Canterbury Park and Royal Randwick. In between, I finally ticked something off my own bucket list by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was without doubt one of the standout moments of the entire tour. The views from the top are breathtaking, and I would encourage anyone visiting Sydney to do it.
That evening, we hosted our first event, An Evening with Dan Norcross and Aggers. With delicious canapés and stunning views of the bridge, it offered something a little different and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The SCG Test began on January 3 and drew a record 211,032 spectators over five days. The SCG ranks right up there as one of my favourite grounds, alongside Newlands. Australia went on to win the Test and the series 4 to 1.
During the Test, we held our final event at the Helm Bar in Darling Harbour, joined by the TMS team, Andy Zaltzman, Tuffers and Dan Norcross. I kicked things off with a game of Heads and Tails, which seems to grow more popular every time, before the guys delivered an entertaining and insightful look back at the series, packed with stats and stories from Tuffers.
A Personal Reflection and Thank You
During the tour, I suffered the loss of my father. My last proper conversation with him was during the first break at the Gabba in Brisbane. He loved his cricket, and I took him to Sydney back in 2003, a trip he treasured. He always wanted to return, but that was not to be.
One evening, I went to a pub in Darling Harbour that he used to visit after play. It had not changed in 23 years. I sat in the same spot, watched the day’s highlights, and the memories came flooding back. I bought him a pint and left it on the bar. He would not have wanted any fuss and, fittingly, he had a simple cremation while I was still in Sydney.
To everyone who travelled with us to Australia, thank you. It is always a pleasure to make new friends and reconnect with old ones, some of whom I have known for over 10 years. I had a wonderful time with you all, and I hope you have taken away memories that will stay with you for years to come.
Take care, and see you on another tour one day soon.
Gary
