SYDNEY AND NEW SOUTH WALES
THE SPORTS LOVER’S ULTIMATE DESTINATION THIS SUMMER
With its stunning and iconic beaches like Bondi Beach, landmark attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, worldrenowned culinary spots, excellent shopping, arts and culture scene and an abundant sports and leisure scene, Sydney and New South Wales offer a dream summer getaway.
But for American college sports fans in particular, Sydney is bringing even more to the table. Sydney is hosting the Opening Round of the 2017 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One College Football Championships for the second consecutive year. The Stanford University Cardinal (California) will play the Rice University Owls (Texas) on Sunday, August 27th at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park. It’s the perfect time to book a vacation if you’ve been wanting an excuse to watch sports while also experiencing the Aussie way of life in Sydney. We’ve put together everything you need to know about the game, top Sydney and New South Wales experiences, and the best way to book your trip.
The game day details.
If last year’s game of 61,000 screaming fans when University of California thumped the University of Hawaii 51-31 is any indication, this year’s game is going to be a sporting extravaganza. The upcoming game experience will have nothing short of everything you love about American college football, including cheerleaders, mascots, and marching bands. But unlike your typical College Football game at home, this one is in beautiful Sydney, and thousands of fans are expected to be flocking into the city to watch live.
The mouthwatering eats.
Just because you’re watching the game live in Sydney, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to chow down on some classic American football eats. You can prep your palate for burgers and donuts themed to Stanford and Rice.
Live match-day experiences.
Fans will have the opportunity to participate in a number of match-day experiences, including a Quarterback Challenge. During halftime of the game, one lucky fan will be given the opportunity to throw a football through a target, and if successful, will win a major cash prize.
More than the game: An unforgettable trip to Sydney and New South Wales.
Yes, the game is going to be epically exciting, but we know that a big reason you want to visit is also because of the location. With hiking, surfing, diving, snorkeling, trekking, swimming, beaching, wine sipping, and exotic animal watching (and munching) on the daily itinerary in Sydney and New South Wales, you’ll have plenty to do both pre- and post-game. Before the game you can explore right within the Sydney city limits. It’s a short metro ride to the renowned Bondi beach where you can take a surf lesson or explore the laid back beach suburb. If you want to stay in Sydney’s downtown area, catch a show at the Sydney Opera House or experience breathtaking views of the city from the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. When dinner comes around, head to The Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks for a kangaroo pizza. Post-game we know you may be ready for some R and R outside of the city, and regional New South Wales offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Just 90 minutes’ drive west from Sydney, you’ll find the Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s most dazzling natural attractions. There are plenty of mustsee attractions to explore in the area including the Jenolan Caves, Scenic World near Katoomba, the Three Sisters at Echo Point and copious amounts of walking tracks in the Blue Mountains National Park. Head up the coast from the Blue Mountains and you’ll encounter Australia’s largest and oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley, and its charming towns and villages, luxury accommodations, rolling vineyards and olive groves — with tastings — and splendid national parks. Continue up the North Coast and you’ll find Byron Bay, where you can catch some of Australia’s best surfing, breathtaking bushwalks in hinterland rainforest, spectacular coastal trails, and amazing marine life including dolphins, turtles, and whales. Byron streets are filled with funky providores, coffee roasters, raw-food vendors and an endless list of eateries and bars. An easy two-hour drive from Sydney, the Shoalhaven region is a whole world away from urban stress. Popular beachside towns include Shoalhaven Heads, Sussex Inlet and Ulladulla, where water sports, sun and relaxation beckon. Renowned for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and whale watching, Jervis Bay is bookended by two national Parks. Visitors can see kangaroos in the wild, savour freshly shucked oysters, and enjoy a range of watersports, cycling, and bushwalking.
Book your trip today.
Anthony Travel, the fan travel partner for the NCAA College Football Sydney Cup, is now offering official travel packages which feature hotel accommodations, admission to an exclusive welcome reception, pre-game tailgate admission and much more.