The British & Irish Lions tour Australia this summer and there’s no better time to be on a working holiday downunder. Whether you like rugby or not, you are sure to be picked up and carried along with the occasion. Aussies are passionate about sport and love an excuse for a party; this will be a month long carnival for locals and visitors alike.

Here are a few useful pointers if you are thinking about travelling to Oz this summer.

• Dates: the first test is in Hong Kong on 1st June v.s. Barbarians FC. The Australian tour kicks off on the 5th June in Perth and concludes with the final test v.s the Wallabies on 6th July in Sydney
• Flights: be flexible – check your dates against the tour calendar and compare flight prices across a few weeks to make sure you are getting the best deal. Direct flights coinciding with any of the three tests are likely to be expensive.
• Accommodation: if you are going to be visiting one of the hosting cities around the time of a test match book in advance. Travelling supporters will have paid out loads for their travel package and will be looking to save on accommodation. Backpacker accommodation may fill quickly. Check availability and book online here. Also check the cost per-night. Some may take advantage and increase prices during the test.
•  Domestic travel: if you are travelling inter-city by train or bus check availability as soon as you can. Especially if you are following the tour.
  • Greyhound buses: http://www.greyhound.com.au/ (there are also regional bus operators in each State and Territory)
  • Train: http://www.railaustralia.com.au

 Tickets and more information.

Find out more about the tour including dates, tickets and promotional offers at the official British and Irish Lions website: http://www.lionstour.com