Australia appears ready to expand its list of Test venues, with the regional city of Mackay emerging as a strong favourite to host a Test match during Bangladesh’s 2025 tour. If confirmed, the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay would become the country’s 12th official Test venue, marking a significant chapter in Australia’s cricketing development.
Bangladesh, who obtained Test status in 2000, have only once toured Australia for a Test series—and that was 22 years ago, in 2003. On that occasion, they were not given the opportunity to play in Australia’s major cricketing stadiums such as the MCG, SCG or Adelaide Oval. Instead, the Tigers played in two newly inducted Test venues in the tropical north: Darwin’s Marrara Oval and Cairns’ Bundaberg Rum Stadium. The 2003 series marked the arrival of Australia’s 8th and 9th Test grounds, and though Bangladesh lost both matches by innings margins, the series remains a historical landmark for both nations.
Now, more than two decades later, Bangladesh are set to return for another two-Test series in August 2025. Cricket Australia has not yet officially published the venue list, but its official website has strongly suggested that one of the Tests will take place at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has openly declared that Mackay is fully prepared to host a Test immediately after the Ashes. His confidence has added substantial momentum to the movement advocating regional Test venues. He underscored that even though Brisbane’s Gabba will not host a Test during the 2026–27 summer—a rare occurrence not seen since the 1976–77 season—Queensland will not be excluded from Test cricket altogether. Mackay, he insisted, will fill that void.
Cricket Australia’s increasing interest in northern venues is driven by practical considerations. The northern part of the country enjoys warm weather throughout the year, making it an ideal location for cricket even during winter. Apart from Mackay, Darwin, Cairns and Townsville are all under review as possible hosts.
Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey recently expressed cautious optimism that Darwin might secure a Test. However, Mackay’s advanced infrastructure appears to give it an edge. The Queensland Government has invested more than 20 million dollars into developing the Great Barrier Reef Arena, transforming it into a venue capable of hosting major international events. The stadium now includes 10,000 seats, modern broadcasting facilities and an international-standard training centre.
Australia’s northern venues have already demonstrated their capability. Earlier this year, Darwin, Cairns and Mackay successfully hosted South Africa for a white-ball series, attracting large crowds and generating strong enthusiasm. These successful events have further boosted Cricket Australia’s confidence in expanding Test cricket beyond the traditional southern venues.
If Mackay is granted Test status, it will mark a historic moment for both nations. For Australia, it represents the continued decentralisation of elite cricket. For Bangladesh, it provides a rare chance to be part of a milestone occasion in Australia’s cricketing evolution.