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Get ready, rugby league fans! Whether you're a die-hard NRL supporter or eagerly awaiting the 2025 State of Origin clash, Brisbane is the place to be in winter.
Kicking off Game 1 in Brisbane’s famous Suncorp Stadium, 2025 is ready to take State of Origin to a whole new level. Aside from cheering on your team and (fingers crossed) celebrating a triumph with your crew, what else can you expect when you head into the game?
Here's your ultimate guide to experiencing the excitement, from getting to Suncorp Stadium to the best places to watch, eat and stay.
In This Blog
2025 State of Origin Dates
We won’t be the first or only ones to tell you that State of Origin tickets are a hot commodity - especially in footy loving Brisbane. Lock these game dates in your diary and be ready to grab some State of Origin tickets when they’re available.
- Game 1: Suncorp Stadium, Queensland, May 28
- Game 2: Optus Stadium, Perth, June 18
- Game 3: Accor Stadium, New South Wales, July 9
Your Guide to Getting to Suncorp Stadium
Suncorp Stadium is centrally located in Milton, just 3km west of the CBD, making it easily accessible from most parts of Brisbane.
Public Transport is Your Best Bet
If you're thinking about driving to the game, we strongly recommend you switch course.
Suncorp Stadium is designated as a public transport destination. On event days, hefty parking restrictions are enforced in the local Lang Park Traffic Area – plus, it’s just impossible to get a park anywhere within walking distance.
While there is short-term parking available for up to fifteen minutes, these spots are hotly contended and not for long stays, so it's much better to get a rideshare or public transport.
Even better, your game day ticket includes free* travel on all Queensland Rail City Network services (excluding Airtrain) and all transport for Brisbane bus services. So, why not take advantage and ride with the rest of the clan attending the game?
Buses to State of Origin
Regular Brisbane City Council bus services can take you to Suncorp Stadium. Special event shuttle buses will also run from the City, Carindale, Eight Mile Plains/Mt Gravatt (Garden City), Chermside, and The Gap directly to the Stadium.
- To the Game: Special shuttle services operate at regular intervals starting 2 hours before kick-off.
- From the Game: After the game, head to the designated bus departure points where high-frequency services will run for one hour.
*This free travel offer is valid from 4 hours prior to main game kick-off until 4 hours after the game ends. Simply present your game day ticket to rail and bus staff when boarding.
Trains to State of Origin
If your accommodation is closer to a train station than a bus stop, you'll want to get off at either Milton or Roma Street stations, which are the closest to Suncorp Stadium.
- To the Game: Regular services run to both Roma Street and Milton stations.
- From the Game: Additional post-match services are available on all train lines.
Travelling From Rambla Apartments
Rideshares can be tricky to secure on busy days like State of Origin, so consider these public transport options:
- Best public transport for Perry House in Bowen Hills: The Bowen Hills station is a 7-minute walk from Perry House. Catch either the Ipswich or Springfield train and depart at Milton Station. From there, it's a 750m walk to the stadium.
- Best public transport for South/City/SQ in Woolloongabba: Head to the Logan Rd at Lewis Street Stop 11 bus stop (just a 2-minute walk from South/City/SQ). Grab the 61 bus and depart at Caxton St near Chapel St, Stop 4. From there, it’s a 640m walk to the stadium.
To make things easier, you can plan your journey to and from any location in Brisbane using the Translink Journey Planner.
Navigating the Stadium
Navigating Suncorp Stadium during a major event can be a bit daunting, but with some tips, you'll find it much easier.
There’s great signage both in and outside of the stadium, and plenty of friendly Brisbanites to guide you in the right direction. The stadium staff are well-versed when it comes to State of Origin, so don’t be afraid to ask for a little help.
Suncorp Stadium Regulations: Be Prepared
The stadium has a few core regulations in place for big events like State of Origin in Brisbane. Experience the night hassle-free by following these guidelines:
- Avoid the queues by arriving early. Gates open at 5:30pm and kick-off is at 8:05pm (with plenty of excitement and entertainment in between) so be sure to get there early.
- Get through the gate faster by downloading your ticket before you arrive. Have the barcode ready for staff to scan as you enter.
- Bring a bag with your essentials and some snacks, but make sure your bag is no bigger than A4.
- The venue is cashless, so bring a card if you want to purchase anything on-site like food or drinks.
The Best Places to Eat Near Suncorp Stadium
State of Origin is Brisbane’s biggest, best, and most exciting event, so you’ll want to be fuelled for the entertainment.
The stadium has a range of delicious dining options scattered throughout the venue, including licensed bars, vegan and gluten free choices, and the new Muster Grill (burger aficionados, you’re welcome).
Lines can be long here, especially during events like Origin, so you might want to try one of these nearby restaurants before or after the game.
Related: Taste your way through our Favourite Brisbane Restaurants and Bars
Black Hide Steakhouse
Steak is served at Black Hide Steakhouse – and it’s likely going to be one of the best steaks you’ve ever had. This finer dining establishment is on Caxton Street, just a 5-minute walk to Suncorp Stadium, making it perfect for a pre-game dinner.
If you're dining with friends, try the share plates and don’t miss the mouth-watering wagyu fat-roasted potatoes!
Libertine
A little further along Caxton Street is Libertine Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, which offers a unique blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine in a lively, hawker-style setting.
You can enjoy a sumptuous seven-dish banquet or choose from their a la carte menu, all while sipping on handcrafted cocktails. It's an excellent spot to soak up the game day vibes and leave with a full stomach.
South/City/SQ
If you’re staying at Rambla @ South/City/SQ, you’ll get to enjoy some of Brisbane’s best food and drinks right outside your door in the fabulous dining precinct.
Dig into fresh sushi from Ha’ne Sushi, dig into some American classics at Sue’s American diner, or share a charcuterie board and glass of wine at South City Wine.
Whether you’re after a quick bite before heading into the game or a celebratory lunch the day afterwards, you’ll find something delicious here.
Newstead Brewing Co
Beers on tap, craft spirits, quality pub food, and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. This is Newstead Brewing Co, a Brisbane staple and ideal spot for a pre- or post-game feed. Located just across the street from Suncorp Stadium, it couldn’t be more perfect.
Tiger Eye Bar
Perfect for a quick bite before the game or a relaxed meal afterwards, Tiger Eye Bar serves up bistro classics accompanied by drinks and live music to enhance the atmosphere. They also have a game day menu designed to get you fed and back to the action as quickly as possible.
Where Can I Watch State of Origin?
If you don’t have tickets to witness the game from inside the stadium, don’t panic. During Origin, Brisbane’s hospitality venues come alive with screenings, crowds, beers, pub food, and celebrations so no one misses the fun.
Some of the best Origin vibes and big screens can be found at:
- The Story Bridge Hotel in Kangaroo Point
- Brisbane Brewing Co in Woolloongabba
- Felons Brewing Co in Brisbane City
- The Boundary Hotel in West End
- The Regatta Hotel in Toowong
- Breakfast Creek Hotel in Albion
While you can of course tune into free to air TV and host your own private viewing party, these pubs and bars are hands-down the best places to catch the games live on air – sometimes, the atmosphere is even better than being inside the stadium!
Where to Stay During State of Origin Brisbane
Travelling from interstate to catch the final rumble in Brisbane? Choose accommodation that’s close to Suncorp Stadium but not caught up in the thick of the action, as you could be faced with pesky road closures and slow-moving streets.
Other considerations when selecting your home away from home include nearby and accessible public transport options, restaurants, bars, pubs, and distance from the Brisbane Airport.
Our recommendation? Somewhere on the city’s fringe is ideal.
Rambla Serviced Apartments
For the ultimate convenience and comfort, stay at Rambla’s Brisbane apartments. Here’s why our Bowen Hills, Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley, and Woolloongabba accommodations are the perfect choice:
- Proximity to the Suncorp Stadium: Jump into a rideshare and be at the stadium in less than 15 minutes, or travel in via easy-access buses and trains close by.
- Close to Public Transport: Both apartments are within walking distance of main line train and bus stations, making your trip to and from the stadium easier.
- Food and Entertainment: With numerous dining options right at your doorstep, you can enjoy a pre-game meal or post-game celebration without going far.
- Streamlined Digital Check-in: We know you’re desperate to check-in, get ready, and head straight into the game. So, make things easier and quicker with our digital check-in via mobile app.
Experience the State of Origin With Rambla
With this guide, you're all set to enjoy the NRL and State of Origin in Brisbane to the fullest.
From navigating Suncorp Stadium and savouring the best local eats to relaxing in style at Rambla, your game day experience will be unforgettable.
Book your stay at Rambla’s Brisbane apartments and immerse yourself in the excitement of Brisbane's vibrant rugby culture. Game on!
Further reading: Hungry for more sport? Discover the Best Golf Courses in Brisbane
