The British and Irish Lions have confirmed the itinerary for their nine-match tour of Australia in 2013.

Lions: Will play nine matches in Australia in 2013

The Lions will play Test matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, as well as tour games against all five Super Rugby franchise and a combined New South Wales-Queensland country team.

The Lions, who were 2-1 losers on their last visit to Australia in 2001, will kick-off the tour against Western Force in Perth on June 5, before taking on the current Super Rugby champions Queensland Reds in Brisbane three days later.

The New South Wales-Queensland country team provide the opposition in Newcastle on June 12, followed by matches against the NSW Waratahs on June 15 and ACT Brumbies on June 18.

The first Test takes place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on June 22.

The final tour match will be against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on June 25, followed by the second Test at Etihad Stadium three days later.

The tour concludes with the final Test at ANZ Stadium on July 6.

"The Lions tour here in 2001 was an extraordinary event and one which provided significant economic benefit to those cities which hosted major matches," ARU chief John O'Neill said.

"A Lions tour is a massive occasion. Behind the Rugby World Cup it is the most engaging, high-profile and popular event our game can showcase."

The Lions will warm up for the tour with an historic clash with the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1.

The British and Irish Lions tour to Australia

Wednesday, June 5: Lions v Western Force, PerthSaturday, June 8: Lions v Queensland Reds, BrisbaneWednesday, June 12: Lions v Combined NSW-Queensland Country, NewcastleSaturday, June 15: Lions v Waratahs, SydneyTuesday, June 18: Lions v Brumbies, CanberraSaturday, June 22: Lions v Australia, BrisbaneTuesday, June 25: Lions v Melbourne Rebels, MelbourneSaturday, June 29: Lions v Australia, MelbourneSaturday, July 6: Lions v Australia, Sydney