Overview
This May, the NRL Magic Round will once again transform Brisbane into the unofficial capital of rugby league. From Thursday, May 14, to Sunday, May 17, all 16 teams will head to Suncorp Stadium for four days of back-to-back games. If you didn't manage to score a ticket to one of the NRL Magic Round games, or you'd simply rather watch the matches over a pub meal with mates, these venues across Queensland are stepping it up with big screens, cold beers and a buzzing atmosphere.
Each of these pubs is also listed on the pub+ app. It's free to sign up, there are over 350 participating pubs, and you earn one point for every dollar spent, which then turns into rewards and prizes for you and your mates to enjoy. Download the pub+ app and get more from your local this footy season.
Whether you're chasing a classic heritage pub or something a little more coastal, here's where to post up for one of the biggest weekends in rugby league.
Breakfast Creek Hotel
Few venues do Queensland pub culture quite like Breakfast Creek Hotel. A Brisbane institution (built in 1889), Breakfast Creek Hotel blends old-school charm with serious game-day energy. There are also plenty of dining options to snap up some food between games. Choose from Pizza at The Creek, the Brekky Creek's signature steakhouse, Spanish Garden, or the relaxed Staghorn Garden (the hotel's beer garden). If you're after a Brisbane classic to soak up Magic Round weekend, ideally with a burger in hand, this is the place.
Oxford 152
In Bulimba, Oxford 152 delivers a comfortable setting, ideal for watching the footy. The riverside suburb setting means you can make a full day of it, bouncing between the beer garden and the screens. It's Oxford Street's one-and-only pub, making it a local favourite. With a modern bar, share plates, steaks and massive projectors screening the games all weekend long, the Oxford 152 is the perfect place to watch the NRL Magic Round.
The Pub Mooloolaba
If you're escaping Brisbane for the weekend, the Pub Mooloolaba has you sorted. Just steps from the beach, this Sunshine Coast staple delivers big screens, salty air and a slightly more relaxed take on Magic Round. Enjoy light, seasonal dishes from the bistro or hearty pub classics, along with a cold pint to wash it down. There are projectors ready to go in the beer garden, so you can park up for the afternoon to watch the matches unfold.
Blue Mountain Hotel
Located north of Toowoomba, Blue Mountain Hotel in Harlaxton is a local favourite that serves classic pub grub as well as elevated dishes, including barramundi and pork belly from the bistro. The building is heritage-listed and offers views of the Lockyer Valley. During Magic Round, expect the Sports Bar to have every screen tuned into the action and a sprawling beer garden that's made for pints with your mates.
Springwood Hotel
South of Brisbane (halfway to the Gold Coast), Springwood Hotel is known for its sports-loving atmosphere. With multiple viewing areas, a huge Patriots Sports Bar setup and plenty of space for groups, it's an easy pick if you're ready to lock in for the weekend. If you're looking for a crowd of sport-obsessed fans, food for the whole family, or a quick stop in to catch a game, Springwood Hotel has you covered.
Download the pub+ app, and get more from your local this footy season.
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