The England cricket team is travelling to Australia hoping for its first win on Australian soil since 1986 and those lucky enough to be following them on tour this year will have to brace themselves for the most expensive Ashes tour in 25 years due to the strength of the Aussie dollar, advises Currencies.co.uk.

The exchange rate is currently 1.58 (**) Australian dollars to the pound, stronger than it has been during each of the last 6 Australian legs of the competition. Over the last three Australian legs the pound was worth around $2.47 (2006), $2.78 (2002) and $2.58 (1998).

A room in a 5* hotel during the Sydney leg of the tour will cost an average of 1539 AUD.  This equates to £974.  During the last test the same room would have set fans back £623.  For a 3* hotel fans will be expected to pay an average of $862 AUD, equating to £545 at today’s exchange rate and £349 during the 2006 test.

In recent years, 2002 represented the best value for England fans going to Australia – so good, in fact, that the Barmy Army chanted the refrain “three dollars to the pound” from the stands. Dedicated fans who travelled then will find they’ll have to spend an eye watering 80% more in Sterling to match their holiday spending money this time around.

Stephen Hughes, chief analyst at currencies.co.uk said: “Over the last few years, Australia has represented excellent value for money for British tourists. Unfortunately for us, the Australian dollar has strengthened in a time where most currencies, including our own have depreciated. A family planning to follow the England team on a budget of $10,000 will have to pay around £6,300 for their currency now, about 80% more than the £3,500 it would have cost in 2002.

“Fans should make the most of favourable rates offered by currency brokers, particularly if they are looking to transfer money to pay for rented apartments through estate agents. This will enable fans to claw back around 6 per cent compared to what the high street banks charge. ”