That is why Rugby World Cup 2027 feels like such a special opportunity: it is not just about the matches, it is a chance to visit loved ones and see more of this incredible country in one carefully planned trip.

Ireland’s pool cities, offer three very different Australian experiences.  We face Portugal on 4th October in Sydney, Scotland on 10th October in Perth and Uruguay on 17th October in Melbourne.

For me, this is where it gets exciting from a travel point of view, because each of these cities offers a completely unique slice of Australia.

Sydney: familiar favourites and harbour magic

I absolutely loved this city. The first glimpse of the harbour, the sparkle of the water, the mix of iconic sights and easy beach life: it really does live up to the dream.

For Irish fans, Sydney is a brilliant place to start the adventure. You have the match atmosphere at Sydney Football Stadium, days by the water, coastal walks and neighbourhoods to explore, and for many people it is also where family and friends are based. It is a natural hub, and it is very easy to settle in here after the long flight before moving on.

Perth: the new frontier on many Irish wish‑lists

Perth is high on my own list for my next Australian trip. It has that “far‑flung” feel even by Australian standards, but with gorgeous beaches, a relaxed lifestyle and easy access to places like Fremantle, Rottnest Island and nearby wine regions.

For the Ireland v Scotland match, Perth gives you the chance to experience Australia’s west coast, which is still under the radar for many Irish visitors. It is ideal if you like the idea of sunshine, outdoor living and a slightly slower pace between games, or if you have family over that way you have been meaning to visit for years.

Melbourne: sport, culture and a proper city buzz

By the time you reach Melbourne for Ireland v Uruguay, you will be well into the rhythm of the tournament. Melbourne is a fantastic city for anyone who loves sport, food, coffee and culture. Think hidden laneway bars, a serious café scene, galleries, markets and that particular buzz that only a big sporting city seems to create.

Docklands is very central, so it is easy to combine the match with time in the city, day trips along the coast or simply soaking up the atmosphere with other fans.

And if rugby really is not your thing…

You absolutely do not have to be glued to every kick to make the most of Australia 2027. It is a brilliant time to travel even if you are more about cafés, coastlines and culture than conversions and scrums.

You might fly out with your rugby‑mad partner, siblings or friends, but:

• Spend match days doing your own thing in each city, from coastal walks in Sydney to galleries and shopping in Melbourne.
• Use the gaps between fixtures for a solo side‑trip, a spa break, wine tasting or a few quiet days by the beach.
• Join in with the social side around the games, without feeling you have to sit through every minute if you do not want to.

The beauty of a trip like this is that one itinerary can work for both the die‑hard rugby fans and those who simply want a very special Australian holiday at the same time.

Building a smart route around the fixtures

With three matches over two weeks, the key is to let the fixtures guide you, but not dictate the whole shape of your trip. You might:

• Start in Sydney for a few days before the Portugal game, getting over the jet lag and catching up with family.
• Fly on to Perth for the Scotland clash and some time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor lifestyle.
• Finish in Melbourne for the Uruguay match, then add extra nights there, or head on to visit relatives elsewhere before flying home.

Done well, it becomes a proper journey across Australia rather than just hopping from stadium to stadium.

Match packages and then the “holiday around the edges”

We have partnered with the official Irish ticket supplier, Killester Travel, to offer match packages for those who want that security for the rugby side of things. Then my role is to design the holiday around those fixtures: the internal flights, the stopovers, the time with your Australian‑based family and friends, and the little touches that turn it all into a once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip.

Because I know both rugby and Australia, I am very comfortable helping you work out:

• How long you realistically need in each city.
• Whether to keep it simple with two bases or embrace all three.
• How to balance stadium days, travel days and proper downtime, especially if you are travelling with children or older relatives.

Turning an idea into your own Australia 2027 story

If you are from a rugby‑mad family like mine, or you have always said “we will go to Australia one day”, Rugby World Cup 2027 is a wonderful reason to finally do it. You can follow Ireland across three very different cities, hug family you have not seen in years, and experience a country that rewards every extra day you give it.

And if rugby is not really your thing, it is still the perfect moment to tag along, carve out your own Australian adventure around the fixtures, and come home with your own stories.

If you would like help shaping your own Australia 2027 plan, from match packages through to the wider holiday, I would be very happy to talk it through and put together something that feels just right for you.