Best bars and pubs to watch NRL Magic Round 2025 in Brisbane

If you didn’t buy tickets for Magic Round but still want to get in on the action, here are the best places to watch the four-day rugby league extravaganza.

Crowds at Caxton St ahead of last year’s Magic Round. Photo: Steve Pohlner

If you haven’t bought tickets for NRL Magic Round 2025 but still want to get in on the action, here are the best places to watch the four-day rugby league extravaganza.

Brisbane will be buzzing across the weekend and fans will be spoiled for choice when it comes to where they can tune into the action.

Here are some of our best picks on where you can watch Magic Round in Brisbane this weekend.

The Caxton Hotel, Petrie Terrace

While nothing will beat heading to The Cauldron and watching all the on-field action live and in-person, attending The Caxton Hotel is the next best thing.

One of the most iconic pubs in Queensland, The Caxton Hotel is renowned for being a sportsperson’s haven, regularly drawing fans before and after matches at nearby Suncorp Stadium.

The landmark Caxton St venue will be buzzing during Magic Round, but the street outside will be just as lively.

Set to be closed off to traffic and converted into a pedestrian-only fan zone, Caxton St will offer fans DJs, dance parties, beer pong and interactive games during the footy festivities.

However, there is a strong chance you will feel FOMO at The Caxton if you haven’t got a ticket, given it the majority of punters attending Magic Round will more-than-likely be there beforehand.

Any of the other venues on Caxton St would also be a suitable spot to watch Magic Round.

The Caxton Hotel is a popular venue to watch rugby league in Queensland. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Fan Land - The Star Brisbane/Queen’s Wharf

Nestled in the heart of the Queen’s Wharf precinct, Fan Land is a free venue boasting the largest outdoor sports screen in the city to watch Magic Round.

Located in the outdoor leisure deck area surrounded by The Star Brisbane casino and Grand Hotel, Fan Land is a space where rugby league fans can catch all the action from the all-Brisbane round of the NRL.

The highlight of the space is a gigantic 9m x 5m 350inch LED screen, which will showcase the on-field action from all eight games in high definition.

Fan Land will also feature live halftime shows, in-game competitions, interactive experiences, as well as food and drink options.

Alternatively, fans can also catch all the action from the sports bar inside The Star Brisbane casino.

A render of Fan Land at the Queen's Wharf precinct.

Story Bridge Hotel, Kangaroo Point

The Story Bridge Hotel at Kangaroo Point. Photo: Instagram

One of Brisbane’s most iconic venues, the Story Bridge Hotel will be one of the places to catch all the action from Magic Round.

Renowned for being one of Brisbane’s most popular pubs for watching sports, the Story Bridge Hotel is known for its giant screens and lively atmosphere.

The pub will be showcasing all eight games of Magic Round live on-screen - every game, every try, all weekend long.⁠

While punters will have the option of tucking into traditional pub meals, there will also be Mexican fare for fans feeling a little festive, with the venue hosting a Casa Sunday Brunch with a Cinco de Mayo twist - serving tacos and tequila from 2-4 pm on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Breakfast Creek Hotel, Albion

Among Brisbane’s best loved pubs, the Breakfast Creek Hotel is a decent shout for a venue to watch Magic Round at.

Nestled along Breakfast Creek, the iconic hotel is busy on most weekends throughout the year, with it widely expected that fans will attend the venue at some point during Magic Round.

Boasting five unique bars and a beer garden, there will be plenty of spots for fans to sit and tune in to Magic Round.

Throw in great food, good vibes, and cold beer, you can’t go wrong with the Breakfast Creek Hotel.

Breakfast Creek Hotel. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Sporting Globe, Chermside

Although slightly north of the Brisbane CBD, The Sporting Globe at Chermside will be a popular choice for fans to watch Magic Round at.

Located at Westfield Chermside, The Sporting Globe is a renowned sports bar for fans to gather and watch major games and events.

With over 50 screens, including private booths with touchscreen televisions, fans will be hard-pressed to miss a moment of Magic Round at this venue.

The Sporting Globe also has a wide selection of food and drinks to enjoy while taking in all the action.

The Sporting Globe Bar and Grill at Westfield Chermside.

Originally published as Best bars and pubs to watch NRL Magic Round 2025 in Brisbane