Itinerary
By Craig Tansley
Just one kilometre from the CBD in Woolloongabba, Brisbane's cricket ground the Gabba is one of the greatest stadiums in the world.
Heading to the Vodafone Brisbane Test: Australia vs India this month? Here's how to enjoy a day (or two) at the Gabba – before, during, and after the game.
Photo by Pawpaw Cafe via Facebook
Just across the road from the Gabba is the chic Pawpaw Café. With trendy tropical influences that epitomise the new hipness of Brisbane (it’s nicknamed BrisVegas because it knows how to entertain), here you can tuck into the best south-east Asian-influenced breakfast in Brisbane. The handmade banana bread is to-die-for, and while the custard French toast won’t save your waistline, the caramelised banana and coffee ice-cream are worth the calories.
It's time to get yourself ready for the sporting spectacle of the year and there's plenty to explore. First established in 1895, the Gabba is one of the finest cricket stadiums on the planet. Seating 42, 000, it’s had $128 million spent on recent refurbishments. Now, there’s unrestricted views from every seat, and you'll find hi-tech score-boards and TV screens to turn your day into much more than a game of cricket.
Stadium luxury aside, the level of cricket here is worth the entrance fee alone. Australia has only lost eight of the last 55 test matches played at the Gabba, and there have been no losses since 1988.
While you're here, book yourself into a Gabba venue tour (they run on Thursdays and require pre-booking). Volunteers take you behind the scenes of this great stadium, where you'll learn fascinating details like the first test match was played here 90 years ago (against South Africa), and it's where the only tied test match in history occurred (against the West Indies in 1960).
Photo by @detourrestaurant
After a classic Aussie lunch of stadium snacks, you’ll be ready for something classier – and you’re in the right place. Just across the road from the stadium, there are plenty of restaurants to discover, but for a unique dining experience, head to Detour. Found in Woolloongabba’s antique precinct, Detour offers modern contemporary share plates with a focus on sustainability.
It’s time for a few drinks – and you still don’t have to travel far as this eastern part of Brisbane has some of the best bars of all.
Open since 1886, drinks in Brisbane don’t get more iconic than at the Story Bridge Hotel. It's built between the foundations of the Story Bridge, and looks across the Brisbane River to the CBD.
The Pineapple Hotel is where Queensland’s state cricket team go to unwind. It’s one of the oldest pubs in Queensland (1864), and if you’re still hungry after dinner, its steaks are legendary across Brisbane.
Finish your day in style at Canvas Cocktail & Wine Bar which is located directly across the road from the Gabba. Have a night-cap cocktail in one of the city’s most chic bars – within mural-covered walls, sitting at antique bespoke furniture.
If you've still got a thirst and looking for more bars, here are 16 of the best bars in Brisbane right now.
Photo by Oaks Woolloongabba Suites
Stay local at one of Brisbane’s newest hotel developments – Oaks Brisbane Woolloongabba Suites. Tomorrow morning, be sure to check out its stunning roof-top with a 20-metre lap pool, two spas, and a tiered viewing deck looking across the city (and the Gabba). Its apartments all come with full kitchens.
Alternatively, there are plenty of other nearby hotels to choose from. Check out our guide to the hottest new hotels in Brisbane.
With so much to see and do around Brisbane, make sure you allow enough time after (or before) the cricket.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb | the Gabba Brisbane
One of the best ways to see the entire city – and beyond to Moreton Bay in the east and the mountains of the Scenic Rim to the south – is by climbing its most iconic structure. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is one of only three bridge climbs available on Earth. What’s more, you can try its brand-new Cantilever Lean-Out, the first of its kind in the world. You’ll have nothing but air below you and the bridge traffic 50 metres below.
For something slightly more relaxing, wander along Brisbane's iconic riverfront. Start at Howard Smith Wharves, a stylish precinct of bars and restaurants sitting directly under the bridge. Catch the CityCat or wander your way around the river's curves to South Bank, where you'll find multiple perfect souvenir photo moments, from the giant Wheel of Brisbane to the colourful "Brisbane" sign with the river as its backdrop.
Stroll alongside Australia's only inner-city man-made beach, at South Bank Parklands. It's a favourite for locals to cool off in the sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by palm trees and white sand, patrolled by real-life lifeguards. You can even bring some supplies for a BBQ by the lagoon, looking across the Brisbane River to the city. There are 17 hectares of parklands and riverside promenade, built next to Little Stanley Street, one of Brisbane’s most popular eating streets, home to over 30 bars, restaurants and cafes.
Staying in the city a little longer? Here's how to spend 48 hours in Brisbane.