From Sydney to Perth, from tropical Townsville in the north to temperate Melbourne and Adelaide in the south: discover the 7 host cities and their 8 stadiums for Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Australia is the world's sixth largest country by area. Stretching from the Indian Ocean (west) to the Pacific (east), from tropical climates (north Queensland) to temperate (Victoria, Tasmania), Rugby World Cup 2027 will offer international supporters a genuine journey across the continent. Seven cities have been chosen to host the 52 matches: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle and Townsville.
For UK and Irish supporters who want to follow their national team or simply experience Australia, this page offers a concise guide to each host city: stadium, capacity, sights to see and logistics tips.
Capital of New South Wales and Australia's largest city (5.3 million inhabitants), Sydney is the epicentre of Rugby World Cup 2027: the final on 13 November 2027 is staged here, along with the semi-finals, the bronze final and several major pool matches. Sydney hosts two stadiums: Stadium Australia and the rebuilt Sydney Football Stadium.
The largest stadium in the country, located in Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush Bay. Built for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, it hosted the Rugby World Cup 2003 final. Its partial roof and circular shape make it a modern arena, easily reached by train from the city centre (Olympic Park station).
Rebuilt in 2022 on the site of the old Sydney Football Stadium demolished in 2019, this new ground at Moore Park (close to the centre) is one of the most modern in Australia. With a more modest capacity, it is ideal for pool matches with an intimate atmosphere.
Sights in Sydney: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Royal Botanic Garden, Blue Mountains (a 90-minute trip). Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), excellent public transport (trains, buses, ferries).
Capital of Queensland (2.6 million inhabitants), Brisbane is one of the major hubs of Australian rugby — for both union and the hugely popular rugby league. Brisbane Stadium, nicknamed "The Cauldron" for its boiling atmosphere, hosts the quarter-finals of the 2027 tournament (the two quarter-finals from the "top half" of the draw).
Sights in Brisbane: South Bank Parklands, Story Bridge, GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art), Mount Coot-tha. Brisbane Airport (BNE), pleasant subtropical climate in October-November. Side trips to the Gold Coast (an hour by train) or the Sunshine Coast.
Australia's second largest city (5 million inhabitants), Melbourne is the country's cultural and sporting capital. Rugby union has less tradition here than in Sydney or Brisbane (Australian rules football reigns supreme), but the city does host pool matches at Docklands Stadium — the only Australian stadium with a retractable roof, closed during the matches.
A rectangular stadium in the Docklands district, 10 minutes' walk from the city centre. Capacity 53,000. The closed roof guarantees outstanding acoustics and protection from Melbourne's changeable October-November weather.
Sights in Melbourne: Federation Square, hidden laneways and their street art, Royal Botanic Gardens, the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), free trams in the CBD. Day trips: Great Ocean Road (two hours away, one of the world's great drives), Phillip Island. Melbourne Airport (MEL).
Capital of Western Australia (2.2 million inhabitants), Perth is the most isolated city in the tournament: a 4-hour flight from Sydney, and one of the most remote big cities in the world. Yet it is Perth that opens the show: the opening match between Australia and Hong Kong China on Friday 1 October 2027 at Perth Stadium.
Opened in 2018 on the eastern bank of the Swan River, this is one of the most modern grounds in the southern hemisphere. Designed for rectangular sports and cricket, it offers excellent sightlines and easy access (a dedicated railway station).
Sights in Perth: Kings Park (sweeping views of the city and river), Cottesloe and Scarborough beaches, Fremantle (historic port, 30 minutes away), trips to Rottnest Island and its quokkas. Time zone: Perth is UTC+8 (8 hours ahead of UK time in winter).
Capital of South Australia (1.4 million inhabitants), Adelaide is renowned for its colonial architecture, its gardens and its quality of life. The city hosts pool matches at the Adelaide Oval, one of the most beautiful sports grounds in the world.
An iconic stadium opened in 1871, thoroughly redeveloped in 2014. Its unique configuration combines modern stands with views over St Peter's Cathedral and the city parklands — a picture-perfect setting unique to Australia. Primarily a cricket and Australian rules football venue, it also hosts rugby.
Sights in Adelaide: Central Market, Adelaide Hills (vineyards, 30 minutes away), the Barossa Valley (Australia's biggest wine region, an hour away), Glenelg Beach (reachable by tram). Adelaide Airport (ADL).
A coastal city in New South Wales (450,000 inhabitants), two hours by road north of Sydney. This is the first time Newcastle has hosted Rugby World Cup matches — a notable milestone for the city and the Hunter Region, famous for its vineyards.
A rectangular stadium of around 33,000, used mainly for rugby league (the Newcastle Knights NRL) and Australian rules football. For 2027, it stages pool matches.
Sights in Newcastle: beaches (Bar Beach, Nobbys Beach), Hunter Valley (vineyards, 45 minutes away), Newcastle Memorial Walk. Reachable by train from Sydney in around 2 hours 30.
A tropical city in Queensland (180,000 inhabitants), in northern Australia, close to the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island. A first Rugby World Cup for Townsville. The city offers a radically different experience from the cosmopolitan south: tropical climate, beaches, exotic surroundings and nature.
A 25,000-capacity stadium opened in 2020 in the centre of Townsville, used mainly for rugby league. Its modern shape and urban setting make it one of the warmest, most welcoming grounds at RWC 2027. Tropical climate: expect high temperatures (28-30°C) and humidity in October.
Sights in Townsville: The Strand (seafront), Magnetic Island (25-minute ferry), Castle Hill, Reef HQ Aquarium, departures for the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville Airport (TSV).
RWC 2027 takes place from October to November, which is the end of the Australian spring / beginning of summer. Generally pleasant climate (except in Townsville, which is more tropical): temperatures of 18-25°C in the southern cities, warmer in the north.
The time difference between the UK and Australia varies by city: Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane are UTC+10/+11; Perth UTC+8; Adelaide UTC+9:30. Direct London-Sydney flights are rare; expect connections via Doha, Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong. Total flying time: 22-24 hours including the stopover.
UK travellers need a visa to enter Australia. The most common for tourism is the eVisitor (subclass 651), free of charge, valid for one year with stays of up to 3 months. Apply online before departure.
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD). 1 GBP ≈ 1.90 AUD (check at the time of travel). Cost of living is generally higher than in the UK, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
To follow a team across several cities, the domestic air network (Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar) is the fastest option: the distances are huge (4-hour flight from Sydney to Perth). Book domestic flights well ahead. Trains and buses do exist but are impractical for long distances.
Rugby World Cup 2027 ticketing opens in phases across 2026-2027 on rugbyworldcup.com. Sign up via the form at the bottom of the page to be notified at each window.