Wallabies vs France:
Where to eat, stay and play before and after the match
Les Bleus are coming to town for the first time in five years, the Wallabies are ready to rumble, and Suncorp Stadium is about to show exactly why it's earned its place as one of the Rugby World Cup venues in 2027.
With riverside dining precincts, world-class art institutions, an abundance of outdoor activities and easy access to World Heritage-listed rainforests, scenic regions and pristine islands, it's easy to kick holiday goals in Brisbane, before and after the whistle blows.
Here’s how to make the most of Brisbane before and after cheering on the mighty Wallabies this July.
Where to stay
Whether you're after a riverside room with a view, a boutique stay tucked into one of Brisbane's leafy inner-city pockets, or something close to Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane's accommodation scene has you covered.
Just a walk away from Suncorp Stadium is Hotel Indigo and Voco Brisbane, two hotels that offer thoughtfully designed rooms and incredible views. Conveniently located within Brisbane's City, you will gain easy access to both the bustle of The City and the quaint, quietness when you discover the collection of Brisbane’s cosiest suburbs, ensuring there is something for both the high and soft energy adventurers.
Also located in The City is the iconic InterContinental, which pairs sleek design and understated elegance, with a hint of Brisbane’s heritage style. In addition to providing a luxury stay, the hotel also offers unrivalled access to The City's iconic offerings from Queen Street Mall to signature dining venues and unforgettable cultural experiences, this is a perfect stay for all.
For those who'd rather base themselves in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment district, Fortitude Valley, look no further than The Alva Hotel. Just moments from James Street and some of Brisbane's most celebrated dining, shopping and nightlife hotspots, this boutique hotel perfectly positions guests who are looking to experience Brisbane from a different perspective.
Things to do
Don’t just stay for the game, discover the abundance of things to do in Brisbane from the quiet and cultural to the loud and adventurous, and everything in between.
For fans of world-class art, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) are host to the Brisbane-exclusive exhibition ‘Presence’, from Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson.
For outdoor lovers, Brisbane has you sorted. Take your adventures to new heights with the 'Toast at the Top' experience on The Story Bridge Adventure Climb as you experience a once in a lifetime chance to climb Brisbane’s most iconic structure, providing 360-degree views of the city. For a more naturistic climb, hike your way up the scenic Mount Coot-tha, where the lookout delivers postcard-worthy views over Brisbane and out to Moreton Bay, while the Botanic Gardens below offer a peaceful wander through rainforest, a Japanese garden and a planetarium.
If it's adrenaline you're after, Trident Jetskis offers a thrilling 'Brisbane at Sunset' adventure, tracing the Brisbane River past city icons like the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point and South Bank as the skyline lights up. Or for both water and land activities, Riverlife Adventure and Events at Kangaroo Point is just a short ferry ride or walk from The City and home to some of the best activities . Take on the Kangaroo Point cliffs with a guided rock climb or abseiling adventure , or you can even hire a kayak to see Brisbane from a totally different vantage point.
If slow adventure is how you prefer to spend your time, then you shouldn't miss Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, where you can get up close with koalas, kangaroos and other native wildlife. And if you're keen to swing the clubs, Brisbane's golf scene has plenty on offer too, from the riverside fairways of St Lucia Golf Links to the championship greens of Royal Queensland Golf Club.
For those who get their energy at night, Brisbane comes alive when the sun sets with some of the country’s best live music venues, and plenty of after-hours activities.
Beyond the city
The city might be where the game is, but just beyond the tall buildings and river-crossing bridges is where Brisbane’s best secrets are hidden. Just an hour in any direction opens up a different world of possibilities that you won’t find anywhere else.
July is prime time to visit Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, with humpback whales making their annual migration north, right past the island's shores. For the best chance of a sighting, jump aboard a Tangalooma Whale Watching Cruise. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, why not take a trip to Cape Moreton at the island's north-eastern tip, where you’ll find one of the best land-based whale watching spots around?
Beyond the whale watching, the island is a playground of its own: take on the towering dunes with sand tobogganing, snorkel the famous Tangalooma Wrecks for a colourful underwater world of fish and coral, or simply post up on the beach with the kind of white sand and turquoise water that makes you feel like you’re a world away.
If you’re looking to switch up sand-based activities with something more flora-focused, Lamington National Park offers a complete escape into an ancient rainforest. Split into two sections - the Green Mountains and Binna Burra - this World Heritage-listed park is home to towering trees, cascading waterfalls and an incredible network of walking trails.
Just a short drive from Lamington National Park, Tamborine Mountain offers a slice of hinterland charm with a packed list of things to do. Take a relaxed wander along the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a series of elevated boardwalks and suspension bridges weaving through the treetops, before unwinding at SOL Elements day spa. From there, sip your way through a tasting at Witches Falls Winery, one of the mountain's boutique cellar doors, or make a pit stop at one of the areas trendy foodie spots, including Loborn Distillery and Franquette bakery.
Where to eat and drink
Whatever your idea of a good feed looks like, Brisbane delivers, from world renowned dining experiences to breweries, family-friendly options and grab and go options.
Win or lose, you're going to need to eat, and thankfully, Brisbane's dining scene caters to both extremes. Victory demands a celebratory feast at a restaurant worthy of the occasion, while a close loss calls for comfort food and a venue that understands emotional eating.
Start the day right with one of Brisbane's best breakfast and brunch spots. Morning After in West End delivers unique and hearty feeds that set you up for a winning day, while Felix For Goodness in The City, Industry Beans in Newstead, and Gramps in Red Hill all serve quality coffee alongside delicious breakfasts plates.
Brisbane's casual dining also kicks goals, Unbearable Bagels, Sunny Side Sandwiches and Ben’s are all a go-to for carb loading, while pizza lovers can choose from top-tier slices at Little G in Woolloongabba or the iconic Julius Pizza in South Brisbane.
For something with a bit of fire, Land of Smiles (LOS) on James Street and Mama Taco in West End elevate tacos and tequila in ways you never thought they could be.
When victory demands celebration, or you simply want to eat top tier cuisine, Brisbane's restaurant scene steps up. Massimo delivers Italian dining riverside, Dark Shepherd brings contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with Queensland ingredients, and Hellenika on James Street offers Greek-inspired dishes in stylish surrounds. For something extra special, treat yourself to some of Brisbane's best steakhouses such as Walter's Steakhouse in Brisbane City, or find SK Steak & Oyster, Fat Cow and The 203 in Fortitude Valley.
