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 within walking distance of Suncorp Stadium so the post-match pint is just steps away from home, Brisbane's accommodation scene has you covered.
Close to Caxton Street, the Beetson Hotel is a boutique stay right in the heart of the action, just a four-minute walk from Suncorp Stadium and surrounded by the bars and restaurants that make this precinct famous on game day. A short stroll away, Meriton Suites Herschel Street offers spacious self-contained apartments, perfect for groups or families wanting a little extra room to spread out after the match.
For those who'd rather base themselves in the heart of the action, The City keeps you within easy reach of Suncorp Stadium, with the added bonus of The City's incredible shopping, dining and nightlife on your doorstep. Oaks on Charlotte Street offers stylish, spacious apartments perfect for longer stays, while The Marriott delivers polished comfort. For those after classic grandeur, Stamford Plaza is a Brisbane institution, known for its elegant rooms and riverside location.
If you're after something a little more indulgent, Brisbane's luxury hotels ensure decadent rooms, amenities and services for your entire stay. W Brisbane brings bold designs and statement style to the riverfront, while Emporium Hotel South Bank (recently named Australia's best hotel by Tripadvisor) offers five-star sophistication, just moments from Brisbane’s cultural hub. Crystalbrook Vincent places you on the doorstep of Howard Smith Wharves, with its riverside dining and entertainment scene at your fingertips, while The Calile and Spicers Balfour Hotel bring boutique glamour to the leafy streets of Fortitude Valley and New Farm.
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.
