in brisbane for nrl magic round?
Here's what you need to get up to
If you're heading to Brisbane for the Women's State of Origin and NRL Magic Round 2025, you'd be mad not to make a long weekend of it. From top-notch food to cold brews and poolside chills to adventure and thrills, there's a stack of things to do both before and after the final whistle sounds.
Ready for a magic Brisbane weekend? Tickets are on sale now so don't miss out!
Thursday
Check in and start exploring
Welcome to one of Brisbane’s biggest sporting events of the year! Once you’ve arrived in Brisbane check into your accommodation. If you’re wanting to be central to The City and live in luxury for a few days, Amora, Brisbane Marriott, The Westin, Capri by Fraser Brisbane and The Star Grand offer four- and five-star accommodation. Or if you’d prefer to stay close to Suncorp Stadium where all the action is taking place, The Milton Brisbane may be your preferred pick. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, it's time to explore the city before the on-field action kicks off. If you're a foodie looking to experience the best of Brisbane’s dining scene, grab a late lunch or early dinner at one of Brisbane's best restaurants, cafés and bars.
Book in for a 90-minute tour of the heritage XXXX Brewery to explore the story of beer and gain an insight into the 135-year history of a Queensland icon. View how beer is made, from the raw ingredients through to the state-of-the-art packing hall, then learn how to pour the perfect beer and taste it like a brewer.
Check out River to Bay’s day brewery tour and cruise along the river stopping off at Brisbane's most-loved breweries. Step it up a notch with a helicopter pub crawl through Greater Brisbane with Elite Helicopters. Hop between three to five classic country pubs, sinking a beer at each and stopping for lunch along the way.
If land-based tours are more your thing, let Hop on Brewery Tours or Queensland Day Tour’s Brisbane Brewery Tours show you around local microbreweries with a comprehensive range of tours to choose from. Thirsty work!
Then gear up for your first game of the weekend - the Women's State of Origin Game 1.
Friday
Fun for everyone
Whether you’re a morning person and decide to join the Brisbane locals on a run along the Brisbane River or prefer to sleep in and enjoy the luxuries of your accommodation, you will be able to smell the fresh coffee calling your name all over the city. As you enjoy your morning brew, ponder over to South Bank and explore the 17 hectares of lush parklands, stunning river views, and world-class museums and cultural centres; the perfect spot to relish a relaxing morning.
For lunch choose from a wide range of delicious eateries available along the river, from quick eats the whole family will enjoy to world-class fine dining experiences.
If you’re looking for some fun activity after your restful morning and before kick-off, then drop by Victoria Park Putt Putt for a few rounds of mini golf or head to the driving range to perfect your swing while taking in spectacular view of Brisbane City.
Want to experience a Brisbane icon? Book in for a 90-minute tour of the heritage XXXX Brewery to explore the story of beer and gain an insight into the 135-year history. View how beer is made, from the raw ingredients through to the state-of-the-art packing hall, then learn how to pour the perfect beer and taste it like a brewer.
If beer is not your cup of tea, Brisbane is also home to wide range of distilleries and wine bars.
Distilleries & wine bars
Head to Nosferatu Distillery to enjoy an intimate afternoon sitting with friends while enjoying delicious gins, whiskeys and liqueurs made from unique ingredients and distillation techniques by this locally-owned distillery.
If you're keen to stay close to the action, jump over to Milton Rum Distillery to discover this group of passionate distillers working together to refresh the rum scene in Australia by creating craft spirits with a mix of traditional and innovative distilling techniques.
Brisbane also has plenty of wine bars to choose from where you can relax as you enjoy a tipple and sophisticated tapas. Find La Lune Wine Co. or Maeve Wine Bar in Fish Lane, still a walking distance from Suncorp Stadium, but have a sophisticated atmosphere. Or for an intimate setting, Wine Experience in Rosalie Village, also a walk away from the action.
After your tipple, walk over and experience the thrill of the whistle blowing to kick start Magic Round.
James Street, Fortitude Valley
Saturday
Brunch & boutiques
Before kick-off, join in on Brisbane brunch culture and head to The Green on James Street to sample their popular The Green Shakshuka, then take a stroll down the high street to savour designer boutiques and leading Australian brands like Assembly Label and Mitchell Ogilvie Menswear. Better yet, embark on a personal shopping tour with Spree With Me and let an experienced stylist show you the best of Brisbane's boutiques.
Not interested in shopping? Take a leisurely wander down the beautiful streets of New Farm to New Farm Park. Stop in at New Farm Deli or BYO picnic by the waterfront or rose garden, or potter through the weekly markets.
Head down to Caxton Street early to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere and visit the iconic venues for a craft brew, a cheeky burger and live entertainment.
After the final whistle, dive into post-game action. It’s back to the bustling Caxton Street to keep the party rolling! If you’re keen for a change of scenery, take a short drive and find yourself at Howard Smith Wharves, the ultimate riverfront precinct. Or, if you want to experience the bustling nightlife of Brisbane, explore Fortitude Valley’s trendiest spots to drink and dance. Visit Cloudland for a boutique bar experience, The Tivoli for a live gig, or dance the night away at one of Brisbane’s nightlife go to’s.
Sunday
Adventure on the river
After a sleep-in, it’s now time to make the most of your long weekend before the final matches kick off. Pack a picnic and book a cruise on GoBoat self-driven electric boats. These boats can be rented for up to 3 hours and don’t require passengers to have a boat licence.
If you’re up for something a little more adrenaline-inducing, try abseiling down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or kayaking on our Brisbane River. Riverlife Adventure Centre has it all for the active enthusiast.
Why not book yourself an adrenaline-filled adventure with Jet Ski Tours Brisbane. Choose from their guided jet ski safaris along the Brisbane River or even venture out to the stunning Moreton Bay – no license required!
Stay a little longer
If you’ve got time to kill, here are a few more suggestions for things to do.
Race your mates at one of Australia’s most famous race kart courses, Kingston Park Raceway.
Visit the “brewmuda triangle” in Newstead. Brisbane has a number of inner-city craft breweries set within walking distance of one another.
Why not go on a day trip?
Take the ferry across to Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin and enjoy a day of sun, sand, and snorkelling. Check out River to Bay’s day brewery tour and cruise along the river stopping off at Brisbane's most-loved breweries. Step it up a notch with a helicopter pub crawl through Greater Brisbane with Elite Helicopters. Hop between three to five classic country pubs, sinking a beer at each and stopping for lunch along the way.
If land-based tours are more your thing, let Hop on Brewery Tours,Queensland Day Tour’s Brisbane Brewery Tours or Kiff & Culture show you around local microbreweries with a comprehensive range of tours to choose from. Thirsty work!
