Sports Tours to Australia for UK Schools and Clubs: The 2027 Guide

Australia is one of the most popular long-haul tour destinations for UK schools and clubs. It speaks the same sporting language — cricket, netball, rugby and football are all big here — and it offers sunshine, safe cities, beaches and wildlife your players will never forget. This guide answers the questions UK teachers, coaches and parents ask us most.

Olimpia Tour is based in Melbourne and hosts international teams touring Australia. Every tour is tailored, so costs are always on request.

Key Takeaways

• •Cricket tours fit the UK winter (Australia's summer, roughly October to March).
• •Netball, rugby and football tours fit the UK summer holidays (Australia's winter season).
• •UK passport holders normally apply online for a free eVisitor (subclass 651) before travel.
• •Most tours visit 2–3 cities over 12–16 days, because the flight is long.
• •Plan 12–18 months ahead for school tours.

When is the best time for a UK team to tour Australia?

Australia's seasons are the opposite of the UK's, which works in your favour:

• •October half-term, Christmas and February half-term — Australian summer and the cricket season. Ideal for school and club cricket tours.
• •Easter — warm autumn weather; good for multi-sport and football tours.
• •July and August — Australian winter sport season. Ideal for netball, rugby union, rugby league and football, with local school and club competitions in full swing.

Which cities work best?

• •Sydney — iconic sightseeing, strong school cricket, rugby and netball.
• •Melbourne — Australia's sporting capital, home of the MCG and a huge club scene.
• •Brisbane and the Gold Coast — warm all year, great for winter tours.
• •Perth — closest major city to the UK by flight time, with a strong cricket culture.

What does a UK sports tour to Australia include?

• •Fixtures against age- and level-matched schools and clubs.
• •Coaching clinics with experienced, accredited local coaches.
• •Watching elite sport when the calendar allows — Test or Big Bash cricket in summer, Super Netball or NRL in winter.
• •Experiences such as wildlife parks, beaches, the Great Ocean Road or the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• •Logistics — domestic flights, hotels, coaches, meals and a 24/7 support contact.

Fixtures, venues and coaches are arranged through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation.

What visa does a UK team need for Australia?

UK passport holders can usually apply online for a free eVisitor (subclass 651), which allows short visits for tourism and amateur sport. Players on other passports may need an ETA or a visitor visa. If any player is paid to play, a different visa may apply. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website, and carry signed parental consent letters for under-18s.

What does a typical 14-day tour look like?

1. Days 1–2 — Arrive in Sydney, recover from jet lag, light session.

2. Days 3–5 — Two fixtures, a coaching clinic and harbour sightseeing.

3. Day 6 — Fly to Melbourne.

4. Days 7–10 — Two fixtures, a stadium tour and the Great Ocean Road.

5. Day 11 — Fly to the Gold Coast or Brisbane.

6. Days 12–13 — Final fixture, beach and wildlife day, farewell dinner.

7. Day 14 — Depart.

How do we handle the long flight and jet lag?

We schedule a light first two days, avoid fixtures on arrival day and build in a stopover in Asia or the Middle East if your group prefers.

How is safety managed?

We prepare a written risk assessment for every tour, following ISO 31030 travel-risk principles. It covers vetted accommodation, agreed supervision ratios, medical access, emergency procedures and a 24/7 support contact. Venues, transport and accommodation are arranged through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation. Read our duty of care guide and our 12–18 month planning timeline.

Ready to plan your tour?

See our Sports Tours to Australia page, plus our cricket tours, netball tours and rugby tours pages. When you're ready, get a quote, message us on WhatsApp or contact us. Every tour is tailored, so costs are on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a UK school tour Australia?

For cricket, during the UK winter (Australia's summer). For netball, rugby and football, during the UK summer holidays, when Australia's winter season is running.

Do UK players need a visa for Australia?

UK passport holders usually apply online for a free eVisitor (subclass 651). Other passports may need an ETA or visitor visa. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website.

How long should a sports tour to Australia be?

Most UK teams tour for 12–16 days, visiting 2–3 cities, because of the long flight.

Can we play against Australian school teams?

Yes. We arrange age- and level-matched fixtures against schools and clubs through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation.

Can we watch professional sport in Australia?

Often, yes — cricket in summer, and netball, rugby league, rugby union and football in winter, depending on dates and ticket availability.

How much does a sports tour to Australia cost?

It depends on the sport, group size, length and inclusions. Every tour is tailored, with costs on request.