Grab your mates and get set for the best boys’ weekend this Magic Round with a whole weekend filled with rugby league, martinis, good food and James Bond-like escapades on the roulette table.
With one of the year’s best rounds of rugby league set to kick off on in Brisbane May 14-16 at Suncorp Stadium, the NRL Magic Round will see rugby lovers from far and wide flock to the balmy city to enjoy a weekend of sporting fun. So, we thought it timely to put together the ultimate boys’ weekend guide to Brisbane so you can start planning the best boys’ trip yet.
Make like James Bond
He’s the epitome of cool; suave to the very bone; and synonymous with martinis and roulette. In the film franchise, Bond loves a card game (both baccarat and poker are hot favourites), while in Ian Fleming’s novels it’s all about the roulette table. No matter your style, high tail it to Treasury Brisbane’s casino to find your game and make it a boys’ weekend that James Bond would be truly proud of.
Watch our video below on how to play mahjong
Watch non-stop rugby
LiveWire is a 24/7 sports bar at Treasury Brisbane showing the very best live sports events on super-sized screens at any given time. Greyhounds, boxing, cricket, UFC, basketball, baseball… you name it, it’s all shown here, with live music every weekend to boot. The Magic Round rugby league competition in Brisbane will feature 16 teams and eight games all played across one epic weekend at Suncorp Stadium. You don’t want to miss it, and – no matter if you’re cheering for the Broncos or Bulldogs, Roosters or Rabbitohs – the place to watch it outside the stadium? LiveWire.
Organise a private boat charter
Imagine this: three hours cruising on the Brisbane River, a $1,000 bar tab, two platters piled with hot food and your best buddies. BrisVegas Cruises is one of the city’s best-loved party cruises and perfect for a boys’ getaway. There are two boats to choose from, aptly named Lady in Red and James Cavill, and you’ll have the vessel all to yourselves. Check out the Yeah the Boys cruise for more information. Pre- or post-cruise head to Will & Flow on the Brisbane River for one of the best riverside alfresco settings in the city.
Wrap your lips around the NRL Burger
A weekend of league is never complete until you’ve gorged on a whole lot of pub grub, and by that we’re talking hearty, juicy burgers, classic meat lovers’ pizzas, thick cut hot chips and all the rest. The Big Kevie Burger is a limited menu item available at the LiveWire sports bar during the NRL Magic Round competition. It will compliment other existing menu items including a southern fried chicken burger, fried chicken wings and chicken schnitzel – all best washed down with a pint.
Drink martinis
It’s James Bond’s drink of choice and for good reason. It’s simple, classic and utterly cool. The great thing about the martini, however, is that you can drink it in so many forms. From the classic “shaken not stirred” style of vodka martini that Bond loves, to a zingy espresso martini or a colourful million-dollar martini, make martinis your cocktail of choice on your boys’ weekend in Brisbane. Treasury’s Will & Flow bar overlooks the Brisbane River and serves up a delicious espresso martini to keep the boys at their peak all weekend long.
Cocktail inspiration: 7 cocktail recipes for your next bash
Dine on the juiciest steak ever
If it’s a juicy steak and a fine night out with good wine that you and the boys are craving, then Black Hide by Gambaro is your venue of choice. Featuring one of Brisbane’s most extensive selections of world-class Australian wagyu and Angus beef steak cuts, degustation menus, a mighty wine list including the exclusive Reserve Cellar (bottle of Grange anyone?) and only the finest, local produce, this is one place not to miss.
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