The Magpie Army is migrating north for Easter, with the black and white faithful heading to Queensland in their droves for Collingwood’s huge Easter Thursday clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
We want you to be part of our travelling party!
And once you’ve watched the Pies in action at the Gabba you can sample some of the other great things on offer in south-east Queensland.
Here are five ideas for some post-footy fun:
City Slicking
For a day of sunshine, shopping and secret laneways, journey into the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Kickstart the day’s adventures by getting acquainted with the open-air Queen Street Mall. It’s located directly in the centre of the city and is home to over 700 retailers ranging from international brands to Australian designers. When your feet need a rest, search for the nearby (and almost hidden) laneways to find specialty coffee and delicious eats, take a look at Albert or Burnett Lanes.
Brisbane adventures like this
The capital of adventure, explore Brisbane’s iconic experiences by day and feel the pulse of the city at night. From walking tours to jet boats out on the bar or beautiful parklands and eclectic neighbourhoods, Brisbane really does offer something for everyone. Rent a CityBike and cruise your way along the bike paths that fringe the Brisbane River or scale the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for a truly memorable Brisbane experience. Challenge yourself to rock climbing or abseiling the Kangaroo Point cliffs, or take a leisurely kayak on the Brisbane River with Riverlife Adventure Centre.
Eat, Drink & Play
Brisbane is well-versed in outstanding eateries, and a visit to one of its most revered restaurants deserves to form a key part of any Brisbane getaway. James Street is overflowing with edible potential - it’s here that you’ll find Greek haven Hellenika and Middle Eastern-inspired Gerard’s Bistro. Though those craving Asian are particularly well catered to, with SameSame found on James Street, Happy Boy nearby, and PingPong Asian down the road in Newstead.
Re-hydrate after a day’s adventure with a pub crawl that introduces you to some of Brisbane’s best breweries. Start your journey at Newstead Brewing, making your way through the likes of Green Beacon Brewing Co, Stone and Wood, Felons Brewing Co, and Catchment Brewing Co, among more. Brisbane’s vibrant bar and dining scene offers a surprise around every corner.
Island time
We’ve found paradise – and the best part – you can get there and back as a day trip from the city. The perfect island escape is easily accessible, and you’ll feel a world away when you arrive on Moorgumpin (Moreton Island), just 90 minutes after boarding the ferry from the Port of Brisbane.
While you’d need a 4WD to explore the whole island, there’s heaps of adventures to occupy your day trip that will make your heart race. Be sure to visit the famous wrecks on Moreton Island, where the deliberately sunken vessels have created an underwater playground of marine life. See the turquoise waters up close by diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or take in the views from above.
Explore our arts & culture scene
Gorge on culture with a visit to some of Brisbane’s best galleries. Brisbane is passionately creative, as is best seen in its array of art spaces. A few spare hours are best spent at the QAGOMA duo (the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art), each hosting an admirable permanent collection of old and new artwork, alongside a rotating line-up of exhibitions year-through. Or, explore Indigenous art with a visit to Birrunga Gallery and Dining, the only Indigenous-owned and operated cultural hub in the CBD, which celebrates mixed media artworks and handmade products from local First Nations artisans.
