Australia Vs West Indies 2023 Test Series - Itinerary

Australia Vs West Indies 2023 Test Series Itinerary

The West Indies or the Caribbean is a very special region to visit no matter which name you call it. We have often believed and said, that the West Indians have the perfect lifestyle and approach to living. To use a generic expression, 'they don't give a fig'. It is relaxation, simplicity, tolerance, and warmth personified.

There are rules and regulations, but as a visitor you wouldn't be forgiven for thinking there weren't any, especially going to the cricket and comparing it with the over-zealous and officious security that spoils many a day at the game in Australia.

This said, not every nation we visit on an Australian Cricket Tour to the West Indies is laid back. When looking forward to touring 'the islands' we always have fingers crossed to not play in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Guyana, no disrespect to our friends there. These 3 of the original 5 West Indies Cricket bastions are simply not the relaxed, carefree, easy-going locales of everywhere else we can enjoy the game.

We likewise have fingers crossed for Barbados and Antigua, where we started way back in 1995. Life on each of these postcard isles is the definition of watching cricket in the Caribbean. With 10 nations now campaigning or waiting their turn to host a Test Match, we could end up anywhere.

To prepare, however, so you know what you too can look forward to in 2023, we have created a 'sample fixture' of three Tests and time in between across the islands, offering a healthy slice of island life.

Island hopping the West Indies these days, sadly, is not what it was. When we played 4 or 5 Tests and 5-7 ODI's, you found yourself strapped in for 12+ inter-island flights compared with 2015 when we only had to fly from Dominica to Jamaica before going home! In 2023 we hope to leave our 'Luggage In Another Terminal' (LIAT Airline) on no fewer than 6 islands to bring a bit of nostalgia back into a West Indies Cricket Tour.

Though we have no idea where and when or if we will play in the West Indies in 2023, we would love you to join us on this spectacular cricket tour itinerary.

**THIS IS A SAMPLE FIXTURE. ALL DATES, HOTELS, SIDE TRIPS, AND VENUES ARE TBC**

Side Trip: St Maarten

June 2 - 6

1st Test: Australia Vs West Indies

Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium
Antigua, June 8 - 12, 2023

2nd Test: Australia Vs West Indies

Kensington Oval
Barbados, June 16 - 20, 2023

Side Trip: St Vincent & The Grenadines

June 22 - 27

3rd Test: Australia Vs West Indies

Darren Sammy Cricket Ground
St Lucia, June 29 - July 3, 2023

Side Trip: St Kitts

July 5 - 10

AUSTRALIA VS WEST INDIES 2023 TEST SERIES ITINERARY

Welcome To St Maarten / St Martin

One of the world's best beaches for plane-spotting awaits you on the world's smallest shared landmass. Rather than spill blood in conflict, neither wanted to concede this beautiful island in its entirety so in 1648 France and The Netherlands agreed to draw a line across the middle and they've been drinking together in paradise ever since. Since 1995, we have whiled away many days on Maho Beach under final approach into Princess Juliana International Airport, and will continue to do so! Back then we lived in 'France', but now we live in 'Holland' on Maho Beach where even the most hardened plane-haters can be found in awe. Away from Maho, enjoy the BBQ 'lollos' of Grand Case, chic of Marigot, and bling of Phillipsburg. Offshore, a day trip to Anguilla is a must, if not daring to fly to Saba, home to one of the world's most dangerous runways.

JUNE 1

We Arrive on St Maarten
Day on Maho Beach

JUNE 2

Arrive St Maarten
If You Arrive Today, The Hotel Will Collect You
Rest of The Day on Maho Beach

JUNE 3

Day on Maho Beach
Happy Birthday Kahuna
Party At The Resort

JUNE 4

All-Inclusive Day Trip To Prickly Pear
Depart 9am. Return 5pm

JUNE 5

Day on Maho Beach
Day Trip To Saba?
An Afternoon In Phillipsburg?
This Is Our Last Night In St Maarten

Welcome To Antigua & Barbuda

With 365 beaches on which to top up the bronze, you have more than enough reason than cricket to head to Antigua. If cricket is your reason, you can only hope for a 3-day test to give more time to wallow in the cool that is Antigua. Though we no longer play at the famous Recreation Ground where cricket in the islands was defined, the lifestyle of the nation and its people are equally admired. From the sun-kissed west coast lined with boutique hotels and giant resorts on amazingly blue waters, the rugged Atlantic east coast along which we sail on a day-trip, historic Nelson's Dockyard, English & Falmouth Harbours, and lush forest interiors, to quaint St John's and famous Shirley Heights, Antigua's attraction and distraction away from the game makes you wish we played two Tests here... every year!

JUNE 6

Depart For Antigua
Transfer to Airport
Flight From St Maarten TBD
If You Join Us Today, You Will Be Met And Transferred To Jolly Beach

JUNE 7

Day Exploring Antigua
Pre-Test Dinner Party On Beach

JUNE 8

Day 1 - 1st Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium (SVRCS)
Transfer Leaves: 8.45am
Toss 9.30am. First Ball 1000am

Post-Play Punch Will Be Served

JUNE 9

Day 2 - 1st Test Match

Australia vs West Indies at SVRCS
Transfer: 9.15am
First Ball 1000am

Post-Play Punch Will Be Served

JUNE 10

Day 3 - 1st Test Match

Australia vs West Indies at SVRCS
Transfer: 9.15am
First Ball 1000am

Post-Play Punch Will Be Served

JUNE 11

Day 4 - 1st Test Match

Australia vs West Indies at SVRCS
Transfer: 9.15am
First Ball 1000am

Post Play Punch Will Be Served

JUNE 12

Day 4 - 1st Test Match

Australia vs West Indies at SVRCS
Transfer: 9.15am
First Ball 1000am

Shirley Heights Sunday Session

JUNE 13

Day Trip Around Antigua On A Catamaran
Depart 9am. Return 6pm
This Is Our Last Night In Antigua

Welcome To Barbados

The definitive Caribbean. No visit to the islands should exclude this incredible pear-shaped country, which is anything but. The stunning south coast is arguably the region's most popular hang-out. A wealth of awesome hotels, resorts, apartments and guesthouses sit walking distance from the island's widest selection of restaurants, street foods, rum shacks, and adventure. Turquoise waters invite you to snorkel, sunbathe, deep-sea fish, and coastal cruise. For cliche Caribbean, hire a jeep and wend the island to North Point in delightfully named St Lucy Parish, head to Pie Corner and down to the surfing mecca, Bathsheba. Walk deep into the island at Harrison's Cave, fine dine at plantation homes, or soak in the 350-year-old history of Bajan Rum. Time permitting, enjoy cricket at the famous Kensington Oval, home to legendary Sir Garfield Sobers, and once iconic Worrell, Weekes, and Walcott Stand. These three giants of West Indies cricket are now honoured at 3 W's Oval at Cave Hill University Campus where Australia often play 3-day warm-up games.

JUNE 14

If You Are Leaving The Tour Today, Returning to The Airport Is At Your Expense And Convenience To Suit Your Outbound Flight
Depart Antigua For Barbados
Transfer to Airport Included
Flight To Barbados TBC
Arrival Transfer Included
Hotel: South Coast Hotel
Welcome Drinks At Hotel
If You Are Joining The Tour Today, You Will Be Met And Driven To The Hotel

JUNE 15

Explore Beautiful Barbados
Pre-Test Dinner Party With Drinks

JUNE 16

Day 1 – 2^nd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Kensington Oval
Transfer (TBC) Leaves: 8.45am
Toss 9.30am. First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Imbibing Guaranteed

JUNE 17

Day 2 – 2^nd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Kensington Oval
Transfer (TBC) Leaves: 9.15am
First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Imbibing Guaranteed

JUNE 18

Day 3 – 2^nd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Kensington Oval
Transfer (TBC) Leaves: 9.15am
First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Imbibing Guaranteed

JUNE 19

Day 4 – 2^nd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Kensington Oval
Transfer (TBC) Leaves: 9.15am
First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Imbibing Guaranteed

JUNE 20

Day 5 – 2^nd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Kensington Oval
Transfer (TBC) Leaves: 9.15am
First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Dinner Party With Drinks

JUNE 21

Catamaran Day Trip Along The West Coast
Depart 9am. Return 6pm
This Is Our Final Night In Barbados

Welcome To St Vincent & The Grenadines

More popular with helmsmen than batsmen, this lush volcanic rock, awash with rainforest, rivers, waterfalls, and safe harbours, last hosted International cricket when Bangladesh played one Test here and one in St Lucia in 2014. We can only wish for such a fixture but failing that we will visit this beautiful 32 island nation between Tests. Our south coast hotel is close to Kingstown, home to the Western Hemisphere's oldest botanical gardens and more than 400 arches giving the city its moniker city of arches. Ferries take you to the reefs and beaches of Bequia (bek-way), from where you can sail Friendship Rose through the Grenadines to spectacular Tobago Cays, though in the past, our ferry collected us from our hotel! These blindingly white atolls, along with the rugged volcanic coasts of St Vincent, play a backdrop to many scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean, with Jack Sparrow's actual Black Pearl moored north of Kingstown. Coincidentally, St Vincent's homegrown rum is 'Sparrows'!

JUNE 22

If You Are Leaving The Tour Today, Returning To The Airport Is At Your Expense And Convenience To Meet Your Outbound Flight
Depart Barbados For St Vincent
Transfer To Airport Is Included
Flight To St Vincent TBC
St Vincent Hotel Transfer Included
Afternoon To Explore Kingstown

JUNE 23

All-Inclusive Day Trip Through Grenadines

JUNE 24

Day Trip To Bequia

JUNE 25

Day Trip Along North Coast

JUNE 26

Sunset Trip To Mustique For Dinner
This Is Your Last Night In St Vincent

Welcome To St Lucia

When flicking through images of the West Indies, the geographic splendours of the Pitons make St Lucia one of the most instantly recognisable islands. These twin peaks are a sight to behold, and even climb if you are so inclined. Sailing from Rodney Bay is the best way to see these unique formations that rise from the sea and help form the rainforest interior, home to the world's only 'drive-in' volcano at Soufriere. The local lager is aptly called 'Piton'. If you are flying in or out of Hewanorra Airport in the south, combine your transfer with a stop at the Pitons on your way to Rodney Bay, if you are not joining us on our day trip on the water. Rodney Bay is home to amazing hotels, quaint guesthouses, and stunning golf course, just north of the capital Castries, where you will also find Darren Sammy Cricket Ground. At just over 3km from Rodney Bay, getting to the game is swift and even swifter when getting back for happy hour and rumshacks to watch the sunset on famed Reduit Beach.

JUNE 27

If You Are Leaving The Tour Today, Returning To The Airport Is At Your Expense And Convenience To Meet Your Outbound Flight
Depart St Vincent For St Lucia
Transfer to Airport Included
Flight To St Lucia TBC
Arrival Transfer Included
Welcome Drinks at Hotel
If You Are Joining The Tour Today, You Will Be Met And Driven To The Hotel

JUNE 28

Sightseeing St Lucia
Pre-Test Dinner Party With Drinks

JUNE 29

Day 1 – 3^rd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Darren Sammy Cricket Ground
Toss 9.30am. First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Sundowners On The Beach

JUNE 30

Day 2 – 3^rd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Darren Sammy Cricket Ground
First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Sundowners On The Beach

JULY 1

Day 3 – 3^rd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Darren Sammy Cricket Ground
First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Sundowners On The Beach

JULY 2

Day 4 – 3^rd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Darren Sammy Cricket Ground
First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Sundowners On The Beach

JULY 3

Day 5 – 3^rd Test Match

Australia vs West Indies
Darren Sammy Cricket Ground
First Ball 1000am

Post-Match Dinner Party With Drinks

JULY 4

All-Inclusive Catamaran Day Trip
Sunset Sundowners Off Reduit Beach
This Is Your Final Night In St Lucia

Welcome To St Kitts & Nevis

Another twin-island nation of the Caribbean is like all others, double the fun. Famed for cloud shrouded volcanic peaks and glorious beaches, at just 174sqkm St Kitts is the smallest of all 'Test-nations' in the West Indies making Warner Park the easiest of any ground to reach no matter where your hotel is. Living on the isthmus between two Frigate Bays, the Caribbean side is better for apres-play sundowners, if we were coming for cricket! It is unlikely we'l play here in 2023, the last Test Match hosted in 2011, but this dynamic double-isle should not be missed and why we add this to our West Indies Cricket Tour. For adventurers, you can hike mount Liamuiga around which St Kittians live, or little sister Mount Nevis, the other side of the 3.8km wide 'Narrows'. Otherwise, jump in a car and drive around the island to the black sand beaches of Dieppe in the north and rattle through the sugar plantations on the only working railway in the eastern Caribbean. Of course, when you join us for 4 nights 'apres-play', we will catamaran to Nevis for lunch before watching the sunset off Brimstone Hill where the Caribbean's largest fortress sits proudly.

JULY 5

If You Are Leaving The Tour Today, Returning To The Airport Is At Your Expense And Convenience To Meet Your Outbound Flight
Leave St Lucia For St Kitts
Transfer To Airport Included
Flight To St Kitts TBC
Arrival Transfer Included
Welcome Dinner On The Beach

JULY 6

Day Trip Around St Kitts On Road & Rail
Sundowners On The Beach

JULY 7

Day On The Beach
Tee-Up At Royal St Kitts

JULY 8

Catamaran Day Trip To Nevis
Sundowners Off Brimstone Hill

JULY 9

Day On The Beach
Farewell Tour Dinner On Frigate Bay
This Is Your Last Night In St Kitts

JULY 10

When Leaving Us Today, Returning To The Airport Is At Your Expense And Convenience To Meet Your Outbound Flight

Visit:

After the West Indies, join us on Australia's Ashes Test Cricket Tour To England 2023:

JULY 10 – SEPTEMBER 19 (TBC)

Australian Ashes Tour To England 2023

The Following Is The Ashes 2019 Schedule Using 2023 Dates. These Are Unconfirmed Dates.

1^st Test – Edgbaston

Birmingham, August 3 – 7, 2023

2^nd Test – Lord’s Cricket Ground

London, August 16 – 20, 2023

3^rd Test – Headingley

Leeds, August 24 – 28, 2023

4^th Test – Old Trafford

Manchester, September 6 – 10, 2023

5^th Test – The Oval

London, September 14 – 18, 2023