Vodafone Ashes Series 2010-11
Inspection Report - Brisbane
The first Vodafone Ashes Series test match between Australia and England will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane. Brisbane - the capital of Queensland - is one of the sunniest cities in Australia and attracts professionals, business, families and visitors alike, all helping to shape Brisbane into the flourishing and vibrant city it is today.
The Brisbane Cricket Ground is also known as The Gabba - named after the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba, in which it is located. It has a capacity of 42,000 and as well as international cricket, it is also the home of the Queensland Bulls cricket team and Brisbane Lion Australian Rules Football Club.
A modern, oval style stadium resembling a smaller version of the MCG, the Gabba will no doubt again provide a fitting venue to kick off the Vodafone Ashes series, with a noisy expectant crowd and an electric atmosphere.
Howzat Travel seating arrangements will be as follows*:
Silver - Southern Stand Blocks 64 and 65 (See map / See view)
Platinum - Southern Stand Block 67 or 68 (See map / See view)
Read Cricket Australia's 'Conditions of Entry' guidelines here.
Hotels
Howzat Travel will be using two properties for our customers' stay in Brisbane - the Mantra South Bank - on the south bank of the Brisbane River, and the Rendezvous, which is in the city centre.
Mantra South Bank 4*Hotel website
The Mantra South Bank is located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River - a very pleasant area made up of parklands that are ideal for morning running or walking. The hotel is located opposite the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and is within walking distance of several major tourist attractions including the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, State Art Gallery and Museum, the South Bank man-made beach, the Suncorp Piazza (where TV shows and auditions are hosted regularly), the Brisbane Wheel tourist attraction, plus lots of bars, restaurants, convenience stores and a (very reasonably-priced) cinema. Public transport buses and trains are all within walking distance of the hotel and the famous Brisbane River CityCats pick up and drop off on the bank of the river nearby. To walk across to the main city Central Business District (CBD) is about 10 mins, across the Victoria Bridge.
The 161-room property itself has a laid-back feel to it and a modern, contemporary design. All rooms are tastefully decorated and feature air-conditioning and broadband internet access. Leisure facilities at the hotel include an outdoor heated swimming pool, spa and gym. The excellent 'Stone' restaurant and bar sits at the front of the hotel and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had an evening meal here and can highly recommend the food.
The Mantra South Bank is located on Grey Street on the south bank of the river - see map to the left, click to enlarge. It is a 25-minute walk to the Gabba, south-east down Grey Street and east along Vulture Street. It is our understanding that there will be free shuttle buses to the Gabba all over Brisbane when the cricket is on.
Rendezvous Hotel 4.5*Hotel website
This grand and traditional feeling hotel is in one of Brisbane’s heritage buildings, located in the heart of the city's CBD, opposite the Central Railway Station and overlooking evergreen Anzac Square Memorial Gardens. It offers easy and immediate access to the great shopping Brisbane has to offer including the Queen Street Mall and Queens Plaza. It is only a short walk from the Treasury Casino and a little further over the Victoria Bridge to the South Bank area. Public transport around the city is also on your doorstep.
The hotel's landmark building features 137 rooms each with the high speed broadband internet (free for the first 3 hours of use each day) and cable TV. Downstairs at the charming Rendezvous Hotel, you will also find a guest library and 'Berkley's on Ann' Restaurant and Wine Bar, which offers a selection of modern Australian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although the hotel has no pool or gym facilities, it does have an arrangement with a local gym for discounted (-25%) use of their facilities for Rendezvous guests.
The Rendezvous Hotel is located in Brisbane's city centre - see map to the left, click to enlarge. You could walk to the Gabba by walking through the city shopping areas, across the Victoria Bridge, then down Grey Street on the south bank and along Vulture Street - this will take you about 45 minutes. However, it is our understanding that free shuttle buses to the Gabba will be running all over Brisbane when the cricket is on.
Citigate King George Square Hotel 4*Hotel website
We have taken a small allocation of rooms at the King George Square Citigate in Brisbane, located two blocks away from the Rendezvous. The Howzat Travel team are happy to tell you about this hotel - call us on 0800 840 1110 if you wish to discuss it.
Things to do in and around Brisbane
Take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, which is located on the South Bank. It provides excellent 360° panoramic views of the city by day and night, and - via an audio commentary - insight into Brisbane's many landmarks that can be seen on the thirteen-minute 'trip'. Take a trip on the CityCat on the the Brisbane River, or if you're feeling a bit more energetic, you can kayak down it! There is lots of great shopping in Brisbane, including the Queens Plaza, the Myer Centre, the Brisbane Arcade and the Wintergarden. You can take a Castlemaine XXXX Brewery Tour, learn the history of XXXX, see the inner workings of the brewery, learn to pour a perfect beer and taste it like a brewer and enjoy a brewery-fresh beer at the end! It has been said that you cannot visit Brisbane without visiting the Lola Pines Koala Sanctuary, which house not only koalas, but kangaroos, emus and Tasmanian Devils. One of Brisbane's best-kept secrets is Moreton Island, where you can see doplhins and turtles, enjoy excellent actvities like sand-boarding in the desert, snorkelling, picnic lunch, swimming at Blue Lagoon and much more. Visit the Sunshine Coast, two hour's drive north up the coast. Here you can enjoy fishing, surfing, canoeing, spa treatments and eating out against a stunning backdrop. The Sunshine Coast is also the location of the highly recommended Australia Zoo and Underwater World.
Weather
Brisbane is famous for its favourable weather and enjoys a climate of brilliant hot summers and clear mild winters. The summer months have some extremely hot days with maximum average temperatures around 30°C. Sun cream, hats and light protective clothing are essential. Average summer temperature is 24.8°C (Av. max. 29.2°C, Av. min. 20.4°C).
