Your Complete Guide to Magic Round 2026
Eight NRL games. Three days. One stadium. Everything you need to plan your Magic Round weekend in Brisbane — from the full fixture schedule to where to eat, drink, and stay.
The biggest weekend in rugby league
What is Magic Round?
NRL Magic Round is the world's largest rugby league festival. Every team in the NRL plays at a single venue — Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane — over one massive weekend. It's eight games across three days, plus the Women's State of Origin on Thursday night.
For Brisbane, it's one of the biggest weekends on the calendar. Tens of thousands of fans descend on the city, and South Bank sits right in the middle of the action — a 15-minute walk from the stadium, with restaurants, bars, and the river right on your doorstep.
8
NRL Games
3
Days
16
Teams
52,500
Capacity
Every game, every kick-off
Magic Round 2026 Schedule
All games at Suncorp Stadium, Milton
Thursday 14 May
Women's State of Origin
QLD Maroons Women vs NSW Blues Women
WSOO Game 2Friday 15 May
Day 1 — Double Header
Sharks vs Bulldogs
Rabbitohs vs Dolphins
Saturday 16 May
Day 2 — Triple Header
Wests Tigers vs Sea Eagles
Roosters vs Cowboys
Eels vs Storm
Sunday 17 May
Day 3 — Triple Header
Titans vs Knights
Warriors vs Broncos
Local DerbyPanthers vs Dragons
Eat well before kick-off
Pre-Game Dining at Poppies
We're a 15-minute walk from Suncorp Stadium. Here's when to arrive for each session so you can enjoy a proper meal without rushing.
Settle in for an early dinner before the double header. Order mains by 4:30 PM and you'll be walking to the ground by 5:15 PM.
Start with a long lunch. Saturday's first game kicks off at 3 PM, so arrive by noon for a relaxed meal before the triple header.
Between the first and second Saturday games, duck back to Poppies for a quick bite and a drink before the evening session.
Sunday brunch before the footy. We open at 7 AM — come for eggs, coffee, and a Bloody Mary before the final day of Magic Round.
Poppies to Suncorp
Getting to the Stadium
Your Magic Round ticket includes free public transport on game days — Queensland Rail City Network and TransLink buses.
Walk (15 minutes)
The easiest option. Head along Grey Street, cross the bridge, and continue up Caxton Street to the stadium. Flat, well-lit, and you'll pass plenty of pubs along the way.
Train (5 minutes + walk)
Catch a train from South Brisbane or South Bank station to Milton — it's just one stop. From Milton station, it's a 5-minute walk to the stadium via the pedestrian walkway.
Bus
The 61 bus runs from South Bank Busway Station to the Suncorp area. There's also a free City Shuttle from Central Station (Ann Street Stop 7) direct to the stadium.
Rideshare
Drop-off on Castlemaine Street or Milton Road. After the game, walk a few blocks from the stadium before ordering — the surge pricing and wait times are much better.
Triple header days
What to Do Between Games
Saturday and Sunday are triple headers. That's a lot of footy — here's how to fill the gaps.
Streets Beach
Free man-made beach at South Bank — perfect for a break between games on a warm May afternoon.
South Bank Parklands
Stroll the riverside boardwalk, grab a coffee, and stretch your legs before the next kick-off.
Caxton Street
The pubs along Caxton Street are the traditional pre-game and between-game gathering spot for footy fans.
Poppies, of course
Duck back for a quick share plate and a glass of wine between games. We're only 15 minutes away.
Base yourself in South Bank
Where to Stay
South Bank is the ideal base for Magic Round — close to the stadium, close to the river, and close to Poppies. Book early, because hotels fill up fast.
Rydges South Bank
2 min walk to PoppiesRight on Grey Street, walking distance to both Poppies and the stadium
Novotel Brisbane South Bank
5 min walk to PoppiesRiverside location with easy access to South Bank Parklands
Emporium Hotel South Bank
5 min walk to PoppiesLuxury option in the heart of South Bank
The Milton Brisbane
5 min walk to SuncorpRight next to the stadium — ideal if the game is your priority
Sofitel Brisbane Central
10 min to PoppiesCity centre location, one train stop to Milton station
Got questions?
Magic Round FAQs
Poppies is about a 15-minute walk from Suncorp Stadium. Head along Grey Street, cross the bridge, and continue up Caxton Street. It's a flat, well-lit walk.
We strongly recommend booking ahead. Magic Round is one of the busiest weekends in Brisbane and we fill up quickly, especially for Friday and Saturday evening sittings.
Yes — your Magic Round ticket includes free travel on all Queensland Rail City Network services (excluding Airtrain) and TransLink bus services on game days.
We recommend arriving at least 2 to 2.5 hours before kick-off. This gives you time to enjoy a proper meal without rushing, then walk to the stadium.
Yes — we're open until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 9 PM on Sunday. Walk back from the stadium for post-game drinks and a late dinner.
We don't have screens at the restaurant — we're more of a pre-game and post-game destination. For live viewing, the pubs on Caxton Street are your best bet.
South Bank is a great base. Hotels like Rydges South Bank, Novotel South Bank, and Emporium Hotel are all within walking distance of both Poppies and the stadium.
Walking is the easiest option — it's 15 minutes along a flat route. Alternatively, catch the train from South Brisbane or South Bank station to Milton (one stop), then it's a 5-minute walk.
Don't Miss Out
Magic Round is one of the busiest weekends of the year at Poppies. Whether you're after a long lunch before the Saturday triple header or a quick dinner before the Friday night double header — book early to secure your spot.
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