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Ultimate Guide to the Gabba in Brisbane
The Gabba is an iconic landmark in Brisbane playing host to a number of major sporting and entertainment events. It’s most popularly known for being Brisbane’s cricket grounds and the home of the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls cricket teams.
This is also the home stadium of the Brisbane Lions football team. And apart from cricket and football, you can also catch baseball and rugby matches, and major concerts!
What’s more, the Gabba will take center stage in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics as it will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events.
The Gabba is definitely a must-visit landmark in Brisbane! If you’re interested in exploring this iconic stadium, check out our ultimate guide to the Gabba in Brisbane!
Location
The Gabba is located on Vulture Street in the suburb of Woolloongabba QLD 4102, just one kilometer from the Brisbane CBD and 11 kilometers from the Brisbane airport.
History
The Brisbane Cricket Ground or the Gabba was established in 1895, a major sports stadium in the Queensland capital. The name was simply coined from the suburb in which it is located, Woolloongabba.
The very first cricket match was held on 19 December 1896 and it also became a venue for greyhound racing until 1993. That same year, it was developed into an all-seater stadium with a capacity of 42,000.
The first Test match or first-class cricket at an international level played at the Gabba was between Australia and South Africa from 27 November to 3 December 1931.
Over the years, the stadium became a venue for athletics, baseball, cricket, rugby union, rugby league, Australian rules football, AFL, and cycling.
In 2032, Brisbane will play host to the Olympics wherein the Gabba will be a central venue. Upgrades on the stadium are in the pipeline to be able to accommodate more events and more seats for 50,000 spectators.
How to Get to Gabba
The Gabba is very accessible as it’s only one kilometer from the city center and there are lots of transport options, too!
Public Transport
The best way to get to the Gabba is via public transport.
It’s great that you can even ride the Brisbane City buses, Queensland Rail City Network trains, and special event shuttles for free! Just present your pre-purchased ticket four hours before the event.
You can plan your commute through the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30 for more details on public transport around the city.
Taxi
You can get to the stadium via taxi or a ride hailing app but take note that due to road closures because of the event, there are designated drop off points.
You can be dropped off or picked up on Hubert Street, or Potts Street which are only a short walk from the venue.
Although we still recommend using public transport as heavy traffic is to be expected when there are events.
Private Car
There’s no public parking at the Gabba, so public transport is still the best option. A 15-minute parking limit applies in the area during event days, so it’s not recommended to use a private vehicle when heading to an event.
This also ensures that residents living near the Gabba have street parking spaces. If you still wish to bring your vehicle, you can check the traffic information signs around the area if the space is within the Gabba traffic area.
Parking spaces with a “P No Limit” sign can be used beyond the parking limits, while those with parking permits are exempted from the area’s parking limit policies.
Bike / Walk
If you’re staying at a place near the Gabba, it’s always best to just walk or cycle to the venue! It’s a great way to squeeze in some exercise and you’ll avoid heavy traffic and the crowds, too!
Where to Eat
It’s best to enjoy an event at the Gabba with a full stomach, so here are some of the best spots to catch a bite before the game!
Pawpaw Cafe
Address: 898 Stanley St E, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Contact: +61 7 3891 5100
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Just a short stroll from the Gabba, Pawpaw Cafe could be your next go-to breakfast/brunch place even on non-game days!
You get to enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine in a modern tropical atmosphere, plus good coffee to boot!
We love that they have all-day breakfast as well and we personally recommend their Croffle Benedict and their Pawpaw Signature Hash, which are both gluten-free, too!
Beartown Coffee House
Address: 19b/803 Stanley St, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Contact: +61 415 210 608
Pricing: $ – $$
A cozy little nook right across the Gabba, Beartown Coffee House is another great option if you want to fuel up before watching a game.
Their prices are pretty affordable with generous servings as well, while their coffee and overall atmosphere definitely feel like a hug!
We recommend going for their Big Bear Breakfast or their Beartown Eggs Benny because there’s nothing like starting the day with a hearty breakfast!
Brown Dog Cafe
Address: 54 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Contact: +61738917355
Pricing: $ – $$
A short walk down Logan Road takes you to a cute corner cafe. It’s the kind of spot that you’d want to check out when you see it from the street, and you’d surely want to go back again and again!
We love their coffee and breakfast menu and we also love seeing some customers bring in their furry friends!
Our personal favorites are their Japanese Omelette and Brekky Wrap!
Where to Drink
It’s always a good idea to cap off a game day/night with some great food and drinks! Here are some of our favorite bars and pubs near the Gabba!
Electric Avenue & Mrs J. Rabbits
Address: 23 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Contact: +61 7 3891 2316
Pricing: $$ – $$$
You’d surely fall into the rabbit hole of this quirky little joint that’s adorned with antique decor and memorabilia that makes for an interesting night out!
Grab some dinner downstairs in Electric Avenue then tiptoe into wonderland to Mrs J. Rabbits speakeasy known for its bespoke cocktails and luxurious liquor.
It’s great that they offer set menus which are perfect for groups of four people or more. And you can also enjoy food for sharing such as Arancini (vegan) and Beef and Haloumi Skewers.
The Brisbane German Club
Address: 416 Vulture St, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
Contact: +61733912434
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Just along Vulture Street, you can get a taste of a European pub experience at the Brisbane German Club! Serving authentic German food and beverage, the menu is something you won’t find anywhere else!
You can check out their lunch and dinner specials and events here. Also, take note that on game days, they only accept walk-ins.
1889 Enoteca
Address: 10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Contact: +61733924315
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Craving for Italian cuisine and wine? Do as the Romans do – in the heart of Brisbane, you can explore traditional Roman cuisine at 1889 Enoteca which is just a few meters away from the Gabba!
Traditional flavors from an ancient city – why not? We’re surprised at the diversity of food options near the Gabba, so we love to crawl through the area for some interesting food finds even when we’re not watching a cricket or AFL match!
It’s a great place to bring friends and family for an intimate sit-down meal and it’s also a perfect spot for a date! This is one of the places that we highly recommend as the experience would most definitely be bellissimo!
What to See Inside
Inside the Gabba, there are plenty of food outlets and bars, so you won’t have to worry if you get hungry while watching the game.
You can watch cricket games and catch the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls in action, and root for the Brisbane Lions in AFL matches.
You can check out upcoming events at the Gabba here.
Ready to watch the game? First, locate your nearest gate entry! You can find your gate number on your ticket and the venue is color-coded so you can easily find your section!
- Gates 1, 2, 3, & 11 – Yellow
- Gates 4 & 5 – Dark Blue
- Gate 6, 7 & 8 – Maroon
- Gates 9 & 10 – Teal
How to Enjoy Your Visit
Before your visit, make sure to check out the stadium’s policies to avoid any unwanted delays upon entry and to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable time!
If you want to get access to the best seats in the house, you can opt to sign up for Gabba membership! You’ll also get to indulge in premium food and beverages, and more!
You can call 1300 THEGABBA (1300 843 422) and select 1 for Membership to inquire.
Enjoy the games!
