The Gabba (Brisbane) - Sports Tourist

The Gabba is a 42,000 capacity stadium in the Woolloongabba (which it is named after) suburb of Brisbane. Established in 1895, The Gabba has hosted international cricket since 1931. The ground has hosted Cricket World Cup matches and is due to host matches for the World Twenty20 in 2020.

As well as being home to Queensland and the Brisbane Heat, The Gabba is the home of the Brisbane Lions who play in the AFL.

The Gabba also hosted several football/soccer matches for the 2000 Olympic Games.

The stadium is due to host the first AFL Grand Final outside of the state of Victoria in October 2020.

Tenants: Brisbane Lions (AFL), Brisbane Heat (Big Bash League), Queensland Bulls (Sheffield Shield/One Day Cup)

Opened: 1895

Capacity: 42,000 (36,000 for international cricket)

Address: Vulture Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102

Tickets at The Gabba

Brisbane Lions (AFL)

Tickets are available to purchase through the Brisbane Lion’s official partner, Ticketmaster here.

Brisbane Heat (Big Bash League)

The Big Bash League runs between December and February, with ticket prices to see the Brisbane Heat at The Gabba ranging from:

Adult – $22-$57

Concession – $15-$42

Child – $8-$24

Family (2 Adults & 2 Juniors) – $48-$123

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek here or by clicking on Ticketmaster here.

The capacity is restricted to 36,000 for some matches, allowing a pool deck on the side of the field for a unique way of watching the match!

Queensland Bulls (Sheffield Shield)

The Sheffield Shield takes place between October and March, with entry to Sheffield Shield matches at The Gabba free and no ticket is required.

Location & Travel to The Gabba

The Gabba is located in the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba,

Brisbane’s excellent public transport network is run by TransLink, I would recommend purchasing one of the reusable Go Card’s if you intend on taking a few journeys. Public transport is free with the cost of your ticket 4 hours before and after the match.

There is an excellent TransLink journey planner available online or as an app, click here to access.

Air – Brisbane Airport is 16km north of Brisbane CBD and serves many international and domestic destinations.

Thinking of flying to Brisbane? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.

To/From Airport – The Airtrain links Brisbane Airport with the CBD with tickets costing $16.50 one way, $31 return.

Bus – Most services stop at Queen Street Bus Station and King George Square Bus Station. On match days, there are shuttle services to the stadium from the City, Carindale, Eight Mile Plains/Mt Gravatt (Garden City) and Chermside.

Ferry – TransLink also runs a number of ferry services along Brisbane River. The closest terminal to the Suncorp Stadium is at Mowbray Park, approximately a 15 minute walk away.

Parking – There are no public car parks at The Gabba, with parking restrictions in force in the stadium’s surrounding area.

Train – South Bank Station is about a 20 minute walk from The Gabba,

Walk – The Gabba is approximately 3km away from the CBD or about a 40 minute walk along Brisbane River.

Where to Stay

I visited Brisbane several times in 2018 and can therefore recommend the following accommodation:

Mercure Brisbane King George Square – Located right in the heart of King George Square, this is everything you’d expect from a Mercure hotel and more. Rooms from about $150 a night.

The Capitol Apartments – located in South Brisbane, these modern apartments are located about a 15 minute walk from South Bank. Apartments from about $120 a night.

Oaks Aurora Tower – another set of modern apartments overlooking Brisbane River, about a 10 minute walk from Brisbane CBD. Apartments from about $150 a night.

Art Series Hotel – The Johnson – a very modern and bright hotel, set in the area of Spring Hill. A little further out, it will take you about 15 minutes to walk into the CBD and rooms start from $100 a night.

Read other traveller’s reviews and book your stay on TripAdvisor by clicking on the links above, or search for other Brisbane accommodation by clicking here.

Where to eat/drink

The main hub of Brisbane is located at Queen Street, with plenty of restaurants and bars to be found nearby. Fortitude Valley has a number of reasonably priced restaurants and bars.

If you’re looking for some quick and easy food pre-match in Brisbane CBD, try Sushi Hub on Albert Street, probably the best sushi I’ve had anywhere in the world, or the Ginger Garlic Indian Cuisine on Adelaide Street for a cheap, ready to take away Indian.