RIDE TO RICHES - 2 HONDA HRVs TO BE WON IN MAY & JUNE
RIDE TO RICHES - 2 HONDA HRVs TO BE WON IN MAY & JUNE
Test Cricket Comes to Mackay
History in the Making at Great Barrier Reef Arena
For the first time in history, Mackay will host a Test Match when Australia takes on Bangladesh at Great Barrier Reef Arena from 22–26 August 2026.
This landmark event will see Great Barrier Reef Arena become just the fourth venue in Queensland to host Test cricket, joining some of the state’s most iconic grounds and cementing Mackay’s place on Australia’s cricketing map.
The awarding of a Test Match is the culmination of years of investment, development and dedication to cricket in North Queensland.
Over the past decade, Great Barrier Reef Arena has established itself as one of Australia’s leading regional cricket venues, hosting:
Men’s and Women’s International cricket matches
Australia A fixtures against New Zealand and India
Weber Women’s Big Bash League matches
Sheffield Shield fixtures
Domestic One-Day competitions
National Indigenous Cricket Championships
More recently, the venue has successfully hosted sold-out international fixtures, including Australia v South Africa matches, further demonstrating Mackay’s ability to deliver world-class sporting events.
Test cricket is regarded as the pinnacle of the sport, showcasing the highest level of skill, endurance and strategy across five days of competition.
For Mackay and the wider region, this match represents far more than a cricket fixture. It is a major milestone for regional Queensland cricket and a significant opportunity to showcase the region to a national and international audience.
The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Mackay and generate almost $2 million for Queensland’s economy, providing benefits for local accommodation providers, hospitality venues, tourism operators and businesses throughout the region.
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson described the announcement as the culmination of many years of hard work and collaboration between cricket organisations, government partners, local stakeholders and the Mackay community.
Australia v Bangladesh – Second Test
Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Harrup Park, Mackay
Dates: 22–26 August 2026
Start Time: 10:00am daily
The Mackay Test forms part of a two-match series between Australia and Bangladesh, with the opening Test to be played in Darwin before the teams arrive in Mackay for this historic occasion.
Tickets will be released by Cricket Australia through the following schedule:
CricketPlus Member Pre-Sale: Friday, 5 June 2026
General Public Sale: Monday, 15 June 2026
Fans can join CricketPlus for free to access the pre-sale period.
Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or simply looking to witness a historic sporting moment, the Australia v Bangladesh Test Match promises five unforgettable days of international cricket at one of Australia’s premier regional sporting venues.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history as Test cricket comes to Mackay for the very first time.
