Summer of Cricket
This summer, Brisbane is the ultimate destination for cricket fans! Feel the buzz as The City comes alive with some of the biggest matches of the season, from hard-hitting rivalries to unmissable international showdowns. Beyond the boundary, keep the energy going with Brisbane’s best experiences, from world-class dining, rooftop drinks, adventure on the river and so much more. With cricket at the heart of it all, your Brisbane summer adventure is set to be one to remember.
Day One
Afternoon: Check into your accommodation
If you’re looking to be amongst the action on and off the pitch, look no further than one of Brisbane’s inner-city hotels. Brisbane Skytower and Ibis Styles will put you right in the centre of The City or Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill will have you located just a stone throw from Queen Street Mall with stunning outlooks of Roma Street Parklands.
Travelling with family, or on a budget? You don’t have to sacrifice comfort or location for affordability. From Fortitude Valley to South Brisbane and Brisbane City to Woolloongabba, you’ll find a range of apartment hotels that combine practicality with resort-style facilities. Ideal for small or large groups, these apartment stay options make it easy for every to relax and enjoy their time in Brisbane.
For those seeking a touch of luxury, Brisbane boasts glamorous hotels that offer top-notch service and deluxe amenities. Each venue has its own unique flair, catering to your personal style. If you love artsy vibes, check out the Crystalbrook Vincent on Howard Smith Wharves. Prefer a more refined, minimalist approach? The Calile Hotel is your perfect match.
Pre-game:
Get hyped up for the match with your mates at one of the popular bars or restaurants close to The Gabba or Allan Border Field.
If you're heading to The Gabba this summer, get ready for some unforgettable cricket action. Catch the Men’s T20I Series vs India (4th T20I) on the 4th November, or the Men’s T20I Series vs India (5th T20I) on the 8th November, or settle in for the ultimate showdown at the NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes from the 4-8 December.
Start your game day right with a visit to Christian Jacques Artisan Boulangerie and Banneton - perfect for a flaky pastry and delicious coffee before heading to The Gabba.
When the stumps are drawn, dive into Woolloongabba’s unbeatable dining scene. Tuck into Italian at Sasso Italiano or 1889 Enoteca, savour French flair at C’est Bon, or enjoy global flavours at PawPaw Café & Restaurant. Craving something more laid-back? Frankie’s Smokehouse or Superfly Pizza are perfect for a casual meal and beer to end the day.
Keep the night rolling with a drink or two at Mr Badgers & The Copocabana Club or Canvas Club’s The Tailors for drinks at their speak-easy style venues, or embrace the eclectic energy and quirky vibes at Electric Avenue. If rooftop cocktails and Mediterranean share plates are more your style, you can’t go past Joey’s or Sunsets for unbeatable views. Whether you’re in it for the wickets, the atmosphere or the eats, game day at The Gabba is the full Brisbane experience.
If you are looking to attend the Women’s ODI Series vs India on CommBank Women’s 1st ODI Series v India on the 24th February located at Allan Border Field in Albion, don’t miss out on these pre-game spots. For your morning coffee and a delicious treat, head to the Albion Bakehouse, Botanica Real Food, Fonzie Abbott or Artie and Mai. Adela and Wineism have a wide range of wine if you fancy a tipple. For more of a relaxed atmosphere and casual dining and drinking experience, the Breakfast Creek Hotel or the Albion Hotel are perfect for a pour before the big match.
Night
Post match celebrations or losses both call for kick ons, and Brisbane’s nightlife won’t disappoint. If you’re looking to grab a pub feed and few beers with your mates near The Gabba, the Story Bridge Hotel or The Plough Inn should be your go to. Whether it be delicious plates or fun cocktails, Howard Smith Wharves has everything you need and is halfway between The Gabba and Allan Border Field. For when it’s time to hit the dancefloor, you can find some old school hits, chart topping songs and alternate bars in Fortitude Valley.
Day 2
Morning
If you are an early morning riser and love your breakfast, then you will fit right in with the locals. Sweet or savoury, classic or innovative, big or small, you’ll be able to find exactly what you are looking for in this brunch loving city. If you prefer to grab a coffee on the go, you can get a caffeine hit at any of these coffee roaster specialists.
If you needed a sleep in, there are a plethora of lunch spots, both upscale and casual. Little Provence, Walters, Supernormal and Naldham House are all centrally located in The City and offer luxurious bites. For something more casual and ‘on the go’ drop into one of Brisbane’s best casual eateries.
Afternoon
Take the afternoon to rest as you soak up some arts and culture at Queensland Arts | Queensland Gallery of Modern Art or Queensland Museum where you can take your time to wander through the free art while enjoying the aircon. If you prefer to cool off at the beach, head to Street Beach in the middle of South Bank where you can take a dip at the iconic inner-city man-made beach overlooking the Brisbane River.
Night
While in South Brisbane, make your way to Fish Lane, a buzzing laneway filled with acclaimed restaurants that take your tastebuds on a culinary journey that dish up flavours from around the world and hidden bars that serve up your favourite drops in style.
Not quite ready to call it a night? Pop over to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to watch a live stage show or performance. From big-name musicals to breathtaking ballet, stand-up comedy to renowned plays, there’s no shortage of entertainment that keeps going long after dinner.
Day three – Day Trip
Brisbane isn’t just a city of skylines- it’s the gateway to stunning beaches, lush hinterlands and boutique wineries. So, while you’re here, make the most of all that the Brisbane region has to offer. Skip the planning and take a day trip with Kiff & Culture Tours, with curated escapes to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah for pristine beaches, the Scenic Rim for rolling hinterlands or a city adventure to uncover Brisbane’s hidden gems and renowned dining spots.
Prefer to set your own pace? Just 75 minutes ferry, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin is a playground of natural beauty and adventure. Snorkel the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks, join an ATV quad bike tour, heli-flight or day cruise with Tangalooma Island Resort, or simply unwind on the white sandy shores and take in the ocean views.
If the hinterland calls, Moreton Bay region has plenty to explore. Hike to swimming holes like Rocky Hole, sip and swirl at Ocean View Estates, or trail through the lush Maiala Rainforest. For something more laid-back, browse the Redcliffe Markets and pick up a few goodies to enjoy along the bay.
Can’t choose between the beach, bay, or hinterland? On the Redlands Coast you don’t have to choose! Just 45-minutes from Brisbane, a ferry trip from Cleveland will take you to the beautiful North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah where white sandy beaches and island adventures await. Head into the hills of Mount Cotton to discover the award-winning Sirromet Winery, or simply soak up the east coast views of the Redlands Coast, with its sparkling blue bays.
