'People keep ribbing me' over the Ashes concluding prior to my arrival.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
That will not be happening this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.
The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.
In addition, there are travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
A group of four supporters are a prime example.
The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a rare England series success.
Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for English supporters.
However, the group said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.
"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side currently."
"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."
Even with the series lost, the fans are anticipating the trip.
"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."
"Naturally, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season out there. It is also our first experience away from home during the festive period."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.