BRISBANE (25-29 November)
The ground The series opens at The Gabba, named after the suburb of Woolloongabba, which means 'fight talk place' in the Yuggera language.
Tour of duty The Barmy Army will be manning the ramparts in the grand old Norman Hotel in Ipswich Road.
Safer havens Cloudland in Fortitude Valley, a super-chic bar that seems to have been given
a billion dollars at the design stage.
Eat Jellyfish near Story Bridge serves up dazzling fish dishes and glittering views.
Beach cricket Kodak Beach on the Brisbane river with Southbank full of pubs, cafés and galleries.
Stay The Stamford Plaza is all about location: Botanic Gardens, river, city views...
ADELAIDE (3-7 December)
The ground Adelaide Oval is one of the world's prettiest grounds, but a rowdy mound called
The Hill provides reliable colour.
Tour of duty Barmies will be praying for victory next door at The Cathedral. Yes, it's a pub.
Safer havens Try nearby North Adelaide establishments, The Lion Hotel in Melbourne Street or The British in Finniss Street.
Eat There's vine dining at Magill Estate, home of Penfolds and the Grange Hermitage. Superb food, stunning views, expensive wine.
Beach cricket Glenelg is a jolly beach retreat at the end of a tramline. If you see a fin, don't worry, it's the local dolphin.
Stay The Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury Hotel (medina.com.au) has an excellent courtyard bar.
PERTH (16-20 December)
The ground The Waca has one of the world's bounciest pitches. When a sea breeze is blowing off the Indian Ocean, pace bowlers raise hell.
Tour of duty A waterfront pub called The Lucky Shag. Any questions?
Safer havens The Brisbane in Beaufort Street.
Eat Small and stylish Jackson's in Beaufort Street has been winning awards since the late 1990s.
Try the West Australian truffles.
Beach cricket Cottesloe, famous for its Sunday Sessions, a ritual of beer, bikinis and bonhomie.
Stay The Richardson (therichardson.com.au) has terrific views.
MELBOURNE (26-30 December)
The ground The Boxing Day test at the MCG is arguably one of the most daunting sporting contests in the world: 90,000 fans in full voice.
Tour of duty The Cricketers Arms in Punt
Road will swell with English pride (and at least one trumpeter).
Safer havens Riverland on the Yarra river.
Eat Shannon Bennett's Vue de Monde (vuedemonde.com.au) is a Melbourne legend, but it's eye-wateringly expensive.
Beach cricket There's no surf off the harbour at St Kilda, but the beach is sporty and well stocked with beers 'n' bites.
Stay The Art Series hotels (artserieshotels.com.au) comprise three venues, each serving up boutique, art-filled spaces.
SYDNEY (3-7 January)
The ground The SCG holds 46,000 but packs plenty of punch. Located between the champers 'burbs of Paddington, Surry Hills and Woollahra.
Tour of duty The St George will be hoisted over the Captain Cook in Foveaux Street, Surry Hills.
Safer havens Bentley Bar in Crown Street.
Eat Peter Gilmore's Quay Restaurant (quay.com.au) is the hot ticket. His now-famous Snow Egg dessert flies in the face of physics.
Beach cricket Bondi, where the Ashes combined with Christmas mean the drums
of Barmy will be thunderous.
Stay A harbour-facing suite in the Shangri-La (shangri-la.com) is perfect for the world's greatest firework extravaganza on New Year's Eve.
