There’s no feeling quite like marching out of Suncorp Stadium when your team wins, hooking a right turn up towards Caxton Street and sitting down to celebratory beers with hundreds of cheering fans (aka your new best mates). But before and after your rugby league, rugby union or soccer match at Lang Park – what else is there to do in Brisbane?  

Answer: Heaps! From a brewery tour to climbing the bridge, we’ve pulled together an itinerary to give you some ideas for things to do around the match so you can make the most of your short stay in the city.

Day 1 

Arrive and check-in 

Need to hear the whistle blow? Treat yourself to a lush room at the luxury and boutique Gambaro Hotel Brisbane. Located on Caxton Street you’ll be in the centre of the action all weekend and living it up in style. If you're looking for a Brisbane City escape W Brisbane, Inchcolm by Ovolo and Pullman King George Square are great hotels within easy walking distance to the stadium.

Public transport to and from the game is usually free for ticket holders, so don’t let that stop you from staying at one of the stunning hotels a bit further away. Book in with The Westin Brisbane and enjoy the luxurious swim up pool bar or stay right on the water at the 5-star Crystalbrook Vincent.

Kick off with a XXXX tour 

Can you even begin to understand the state of Queensland if you haven’t stepped foot in the birth ground of the Milton Mango? Probably not. To learn how this iconic brew got its name, join a 90-minute factory tour in the heritage brewery at Milton. Learn about the 140-year history, discover how the iconic beverages are brewed and packaged and, of course, pour yourself a fresh frothy.

Dress up and hit the town 

In Brisbane City it’s easy to find dinner - from fancy restaurants by the river at Eagle Street Pier to cheap places tucked down laneways. If your budget allows, give in to Italian food at Settimo, try modern Chinese at Stanley or New York-inspired eats at The Lex. Alternatively, the more casual Felons Brewing Co or bao buns at Mr Bao might be more your style. 

Afterwards catch a blockbuster flick at the independent Elizabeth Street Theatre, head to Fortitude Valley for live music and late-night partying, or seek out a rooftop bar - some of our picks include Maya Mexican, Soko, Sixteen Antlers, and Iris Rooftop. 

Day 2 

The most important meal of the day 

Brunch. Just west of Suncorp Stadium, the ultra-quaint suburb of Paddington is known for its decorative wooden Queenslander homes that dot the hilly neighbourhood. Along the ridge, the main street is filled with cute cafes and little boutiques. It’s the perfect place to relax, tuck into a plate of eggs with a flat white and while away the morning Brisbane style. Try Naim, Chapter IV, or Anouk for your morning meal. 

Make your way towards the stadium 

Drop into the friendly neighbourhood bars in Paddington or Milton on your way towards the stadium. Little Social is a neighbourhood hangout with good beer, Darling & Co is a big, plush venue with an abundance of food and drink offerings, and Hope & Anchor is a boutique English-style pub with ample charm and character. For those venturing in from further away, hit up crowd-favourites like the expansive local brewery Green Beacon Brewing Co, BrewDog with its ready-to-play shuffleboard tables, the classic Stone & Wood Brewing Co or Newstead Brewing Co - all worth passing by for a tasting paddle or four.

Game on 

When it’s game time nothing else matters. Finish your beer and head to Suncorp Stadium at Lang Park. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the King outside. 

Win or lose, time for a beer 

There’s nothing like the atmosphere of Caxton Street on game days. This short strip is dense with bars, pubs and a brewery – the perfect spot to begin and end match day. After the game the Caxton Hotel will be pumping. Head here for a couple of schooners of XXXX and no-frills service. If you’re hungry, microbrewery Fritzenburger does a damn good burger (and fries), or Black Hide Steakhouse will serve you the best steak you may ever eat. 

Keep the fun going at Lefty’s 

Looking to step it up to a boot scootin’, whisky shootin’ good time? Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall is the answer. Grab a whisky with freshly pressed apple juice from the bar and change into your dancing shoes – there’s almost always excellent live music that will be hard to sit still to. It’s arguably one of the best bars in the country, let alone Brisbane, and has the awards to prove it. Lefty’s is open late and also serves American-style bites. 

Day 3 

With limited time and so many possibilities, how will you choose to spend your last day in Brisbane? 

Take to the skies 

Rise and shine for a bucket list experience like no other. Feeling weightless while you watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon is a sensational moment like you’ve never had before. Book your flight with  Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights from Ipswich, 30 minutes west of the city and take in the stunning views of the Scenic Rim.

Focus on the food 

Food lovers, step right up. Brisbane is home to the best dining in Queensland and has a few of Australia’s top restaurants too. Reserve a table ahead of time at riverside favourites Opa or Babylon for a delicious spread and stunning atmosphere. Head to Howard Smith Wharves for trendy bars like Mr Percivals and Fiume, as well as delicious food options like the intimate Ciao Papi and upmarket Japanese, Yoko. 

More of a morning person? Wander over to West End and explore all this eclectic suburb has to offer. Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at the picture-perfect Picnic Cafe, delve into a delicious brunch and coffee at local hangout Morning After, eat baked donuts at Brisbane-staple Nodo, or grab a quick bite at the weekly Saturday markets.

Step up, up, up 

Get an eagle-eye view from the heart of the city by climbing the Story Bridge. A two-hour experience will see you reach the top and reward with 360-degree views of Brisbane city, the river and surrounding mountain ranges. The truly adventurous can even opt to abseil 30m vertically down the anchor pier. If you’re not tired of adventurous activities just yet, head down to Riverlife afterwards and hire kayaks or rock climb up the natural Kangaroo Point cliffs.  

Jump into culture 

Immerse yourself in a cultural tour and learn about Brisbane’s heritage. Head to Brisbane’s northern suburbs for a First Nations experience with Nyanda Cultural Tours or visit North Stradbroke Island / Minjerribah with Yura Tours to learn about Quandamooka Culture. If you’d rather stay near the city, consider contacting the Brisbane Greeters for a free guide through the city and its modern history.