By Dilvin Yasa|
FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 madness is almost upon us.
Nabbed your tickets?
It's time to turn your attention to what else is happening in each of the host cities.
A North Island harbour city home to dramatic black sand beaches, a plethora of city rooftop bars and some dazzling island wineries. On July 20, 2023, Auckland will also host the opening match between New Zealand and Norway.
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Check into The Hotel Britomart, the country's first 5 Green Star-certified hotel, or embrace a little city chic with SO/ Auckland before curating your ultimate list of must-visits while in town. Solid options include taking an eclectic bike guided tour of the city with Power to the Pedal, enjoying an immersive Bush and Beach tour designed to take you through the city's history, top sights and secret spots, and locking in a day at SkyCity. Here, you can book in a SkyJump, SkyWalk or SkySlide, or for those who can do without the adrenaline, unleash your inner All Black at the All Blacks Experience, or inner artist at Weta Workshop Unleashed.
Just don't forget to spend a day at nearby Waiheke Island, a mere 40-minute ferry ride away. Either put yourself in the capable hands of Ananda Tours, or pop in for lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard or The Heke, which features a new brewery, distillery, tasting room and restaurant surrounded by four acres of lush gardens.
There's a lot to love about a holiday in Queensland's sun-soaked capital, and it isn't only about the weather. Up here, there's a strong focus on the outdoors – whether you're immersing yourself in the city's celebrated rooftop bar scene and alfresco restaurants, kayaking, hiking or enjoying picnics by the waters of Brisbane River or taking a short detour to the beaches of the Gold Coast.
Nab your soccer tickets, lock in a room at the ridiculously chic The Calile, W Brisbane or Crystalbrook Vincent, then strap on your walking shoes to make the most of the sunny city's top sights. The best way to get a feel for the city? By taking a three-hour Brisbane by Bicycle tour, then by eating your way through the open-air precinct that is Eat Street Northshore. Energy restored, you'll want to add Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, enjoy a sundowner at Howard Smith Wharves, shop James street and get cultured at QAGOMA. And that's all before you even think about dipping a toe in Australia's only inner-city, man-made swim spot, Streets Beach.
The FIFA Fan Festival will be held at South Bank Parklands.
Located on the banks of the Waikato River and celebrated for its themed gardens, behold the home of the FIFA Fan Festival (July 20 – 23, 2023). A multidimensional event for football fans to share their passion for not only the sport, but for music, local culture, games and tasty bites, it's the perfect starting point to explore the region.
Book a stay at retro-inspired Ramada by Wyndham, or at Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton (perfect for those keen on self-contained apartments) and be sure to visit Hamilton Gardens, Zealong – the country's only tea plantation, and Waikato Museum. Nearby, a journey through an ancient world 30 million years in the making is yours at Waitomo Caves, and for those who want a strong serve of adrenaline with their FIFA action, a Black Water Rafting adventure is also available.
Happy to go on a little road trip? The lush hills of Hobbiton, of The Lord of the Rings fame, is only an hour away.
Pack a suitcase full of classic black carb and call ahead for a suite at the newly opened The RItz-Carlton, Melbourne; this is a stay that's all about embracing a sophisticated foodie scene while making the most of the city's galleries, laneways and cafes. There's plenty to do and the good news here is that Melbourne's iconic tram is free to ride within city limits.
Many begin by meandering (and eating their way) along the iconic laneways of Degraves Street and Centre Place – not to mention a stroll through Fitzroy Gardens and a sail along the Yarra River – courtesy of GoBoat. Since you're in town for the FIFAWomen's World Cup 2023, there's every chance you'll want to pop by the Australian Sports Museum. Don't miss learning about Melbourne's First Nations history by taking an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Fancy a browse in the largest shopping centre in the southern hemisphere? Chadstone is only a shuttle away, but those who prefer something a little more high-end may prefer to do their shopping on Collins Street. Once you've worked up an appetite, earmark bites at Lune, Flower Drum and Gimlet at Cavendish House.
Don't forget to plan a side trip down the Great Ocean Road, or perhaps even a day trip to Phillip Island.
Fuelled by a thriving culinary, craft beer and arts scene, this bustling North Island city enjoys the perfect locations between a picturesque harbour and lush green hills. In celebration of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, both Weta Workshop and the famous Wellington Cable Car will be decked out in support of players; the former featuring workshop trolls in their favourite football jerseys, and the latter featuring football decals on the front of the cars and a goal post at the end of the track.
While in Wellington, visit Hannahs Laneway on a self-guided eating tour, check out the cafes and boutiques along Cuba Street, go seal spotting at Red Rock Reserve, and tackle the Craft Capital Beer Trail, a thirst-quenching adventure through the city's specialist craft beer bars, breweries, bottle shop and eateries. The Wellington Chocolate Factory is holding a limited-edition football-themed chocolate tour during the World Cup, You can even make your own football-themed chocolates.
Keen to hit the local wine regions? Wairarapa is located an hour away – the perfect place to either book a wine tour such as those from Martinborough Wine Tour, or to sightsee the region by hiring a bike from Green Jersey Cycles.
Naumi Hotel Wellington and TRYP by Wyndham Wellington have opened in the past 12 months and are excellent additions to the capital city skyline.
Disregard its 'City of churches' moniker; Adelaide, with its multitude of festivals and proximity to world class wine regions, is fast becoming one of the hottest cities in the country. Your role? To check into a centrally located property such as Crowne Plaza Adelaide, an IHG Hotel, or the luxurious Mayfair Hotel, and give yourself over to the best of what the city has to offer.
If you're arriving in town early, be sure to check out Illuminate Adelaide, a month-long winter program bringing together the best and the boldest in art, lights, music and technology. Key highlights? Mirror Mirror and Architects of Air, both ticketed events.
Take time meandering through Adelaide Central Market (you're going to need check-in luggage), visit the city's favourite city beach, Glenelg (and climb the 70 obstacle frames which make up West Beach Adventure while you're there). Roof Climb Adelaide Oval continues to win fans with its spectacular views, while the city's museums and galleries (check out the University of South Australia's MOD, South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia) will keep you thirsting to learn more.
Is a trip to Adelaide ever complete without at least one side visit to a nearby wine region? Of course not.
A wildlife wonderland, a live music epicentre and a bustling university town rich in graffiti streetscapes and neon-lit eateries; Dunedin – located right at the bottom of the South Island – is a destination that has something for everyone.
Opened in 2021, adults-only Ebb Dunedin, with its striking steel and glass exterior, is one of the slickest properties in town, while Fable Dunedin holds its own with its clever old-meets-new design. Once checked in, be sure to wander over to Tuhura Otago Museum for pre-match celebrations on July 23, July 30 and August 1, as well as a walk around the museum itself (free of charge). The museum will also be hosting family friendly screenings on football classics on July 22 and July 29.
While on the subject of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, there will also be a Supporters High Tea at Larnach Castle, which also includes a self-guided tour of both the building and the gardens, and a free glass of bubbles upon presenting your match ticket.
In town, book a chocolate tasting journey and factory tour of Ocho, tackle the world's steepest street (Baldwin), visit the little blue penguin colony and the the Royal Albatross Centre and take on an adventure with Monarch Wildlife Cruise & Tour to make the most of the region's wildlife.
Let's be honest, most of us would make the trip over to Perth just to see the famous quokkas of Rottnest Island, but happily, the capital of Western Australia has got a lot more going for it than its much-adored furry residents.
Give yourself plenty of time for various day trips, including the wineries of Swan Valley, Fremantle, Busselton and yes, Rottnest Island, but be sure to also lock in some down at Cottesloe and Scarborough beaches. Energised? Take a Bindi Bindi Dreaming cultural tour, join a Oh Hey WA walking tour, visit WA Museum Boola Bardip, glide along Swan River with a waterbike – thanks to Perth Waterbike Co.
A hike through John Forrest National Park, a frolic in Kings Park and grabbing a bite at Elizabeth Quay (not to mention a post-gelato gondola ride) is essential for a well-rounded visit to Perth – just don't miss a stay at COMO The Treasury, or for those who prefer something that's a little more boutique, Alex Hotel.
The Emerald City (also known as the Harbour City) might have the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the golden beaches, but on August 20, Sydney will also set the stage for the FIFA Womens' World Cup 2023 Final.
Head into town early (Kimpton Margot Sydney, and Shangri-la Hotel Sydney are excellent options), and explore the harbour by My Sydney Boat or Sydney By Sail. on foot or with a kayak tour. Just don't forget to gift yourself a better understanding of the city's First Nations history by booking The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming tour.
Once you've exhausted the beaches, splurged on at least one decadent waterfront restaurant (Quay, we see you), and explored one multicultural suburb away from the city centre (check out Auburn or Cabramatta), take a train out ot the Blue Mountains to tackle the iconic Three Sisters Walk.
The FIFA Fan Festival will be held at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, a spot where fans can get together and watch matches live and get caught up in the vibrant atmosphere.
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