NRL Magic Round 2021: Enjoy a magical long weekend in Brisbane

Brisbane is preparing to show off its exciting new experiences and food and drink venues for a super sporting weekend in May.

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March 31, 2021 - 1:56PM

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Brisbane is preparing to show off its exciting food and drink venues and new experiences when the NRL Magic Round returns in May.

Thousands of interstate travellers are expected in Brisbane for the super sporting weekend and we’ve got the best ways to spend a magical three days in the River City.

It’s only the second time NRL Magic Round has been held after last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

NRL Magic Round 2021 will be held at Suncorp Stadium from Friday, May 14 to Sunday, May 16.

Ticketing is available now through the NRL Magic Round ticket page and includes three-day, single day and travel and hospitality packages.

Brisbane’s newest hotels – featuring rooftop pools, free happy hour and 24/7 room service – will open guests with open arms.

HOW TO SPEND 3 AMAZING DAYS IN BRISBANE

ICONIC SUNCORP STADIUM

All 16 teams featuring the league’s biggest names and best players will be in one place for three days of action-packed excitement at Suncorp Stadium.

NRL Magic Round 2021 draw:

Friday, May 14: Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights (6pm), Manly Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos (8.05pm)

Saturday, May 15: Canterbury Bulldogs v Canberra Raiders (3pm), Cronulla Sharks v Souths Sydney Rabbitohs (5.30pm), Sydney Roosters, North Queensland Cowboys (7.45pm)

Sunday, May 16: NZ Warriors v Parramatta Eels (1.50pm), Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Dragons (4.05pm), Gold Coats Titans v Penrith Panthers (6.25pm)

Tara Hakowski and Jack Griffin at NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium in 2019. Picture: Steve Pohlner

This year’s theme will be about bringing everyone together for one magical weekend in Brisbane. And the city is ready to show off.

BEST BRISBANE EXPERIENCES

Twilight kayaking with River Life

Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute kayak on the Brisbane River, taking in the sensational city and river views in the early evening light, gliding under Brisbane’s inner city bridges. Bookings essential.

Kayaking on the Brisbane River, run by River Life.

Hop-on-hop-off Brewery Cruise

Starts at Newstead’s iconic craft brewery – Brewdog, the booze cruise goes between Eat Street Markets, Brisbane Power House, Howard Smith Wharves, Sealegs and the Eagle St Precinct allowing passengers to board and disembark at their discretion. It’s the hottest, most exhilarating way to experience Brisbane’s best nightlife.

The all-new Manly Boathouse

A bayside favourite, Manly Boathouse has reopened with a complete Hamptons-style refurbishment, all new menus and a first-class kitchen – this is Brisbane’s most talked about restaurants.

Manly Boathouse. Picture: Mark Cranitch

Eat Street North Shore

Eat Street has more than 70 traders including five themed bars, eclectic shops and micro restaurants offering delicious dishes and tasty treats from six of the world’s seven continents including Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Scale the Story Bridge, which has bragging rights as one of only three bridges in the world you can climb. Take a Story Bridge Adventure Climb and get a cracking view of the Brisbane River and the CBD.

XXXX Brewery Tours

Experience the inner workings of the heritage XXXX Brewery, explore the story of beer, and gain an insight into the 135-year history of a Queensland icon. See how beer is made, from the raw ingredients through to the state-of-the-art packing hall, then learn how to pour the perfect beer and taste it like a brewer.

See the islands off Brisbane

River to Bay has just launched the brand-new Best of Moreton Bay Day Tour, Using their state-of-the-art, high-speed vessel, passengers will go on an incredible adventure out to three of Brisbane’s most beautiful islands in one day – Tangalooma, Straddie and St Helena Island.

Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Discover more at Queensland.com/Brisbane

BRISBANE BARS, CAFES, RESTAURANTS

Coppa Spuntino, Brisbane City

The love affair between Brisbane and Italy continues with the much-awaited opening of COPPA at Eagle Street Pier. COPPA brings Italian flavours and flair to the table with indoor and alfresco spaces available when it opens in mid January.

Will & Flow, Brisbane City

Treasury Brisbane has launched its newest venture – Will & Flow at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. The overwater bar and eatery is the first venue outside the heritage Treasury buildings and promises a new experience in the city.

Felons Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves

Felons Brewing Co has expanded, the new Felons Barrel Hall is a Brisbane take on the German beer hall experience with fresh beer, a modern menu and live music.

Felons at Howard Smith Wharves. Picture: TEQ

City Winery, Brisbane City & Fortitude Valley

A winery in the city? We’re sold! City Winery is bringing wine making to the heart of Fortitude Valley and has opened a space that houses not only Gerler’s wine barrels and bar but also a restaurant and private dining area.

Joey’s, Kangaroo Point

Joey’s is your answer to sippin’ spritzes cliffside this summer. Perched on the Kangaroo Point cliffs, the European Summer inspired décor, iconic city skyline views and a Mediterranean food and drinks menu to match make Joey’s the perfect spot for a Sunday sunset soirée.

Bisou Bisou, Fortitude Valley

Craving caviar for breakfast? No worries. Brisbane’s newest French brasserie and aperitivo bar awaits you in Fortitude Valley, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner plus lobby snacks (it’s conveniently located under Hotel X on Brunswick Street).

Ping Pong, Newstead

The restaurateurs behind Morning After and Yolk can do no wrong as far as we’re concerned, and new addition Ping Pong is no exception. Head along to enjoy Thai street eats and killer cocktail slushies served alongside mood-altering light installations and a secret oasis in Newstead’s Gasworks precinct.