Thousands of players, supporters, partners and friends will arrive in Brisbane next month for the 2026 Bingham and Amanda Mark Cup. It’s not just about the biennial world championship of International Gay Rugby; it’s about travelling as well, and for many, this will be their first time visiting Queensland’s capital.
As a local, when I tell people overseas where I’m from, I usually get a blank stare or an inquisitive, “Where’s that?”
I don’t take offence. Brisbane has long been one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, and plenty of locals would be happy to keep it that way.
But with the world set to discover the city for the 2032 Olympics, it’s probably time we started showing it off. And what better group to welcome first than our LGBTQIA+ family from around the world?
Brisbane might not have Sydney’s Opera House, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a relaxed riverside city with great food, plenty of sunshine and a welcoming LGBTQIA+ community.
First things first: we’re a cheap ride
Good news – Brisbane is easy.
Public transport across buses, trains and CityCats costs just 50 cents a trip, making it one of the cheapest ways to explore the place. The only exception is the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport, which has its own fares.
The CityCat ferries are a must. Not only are they an easy way to travel, but they’re also one of the best ways to see the city from the river. Think of it as a 50-cent sightseeing boat cruise along Brisbane’s iconic river affectionately known as the brown snake.
View this post on Instagram
Where to find Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ scene
Brisbane’s scene may not be as large, but that means everyone parties alongside each other.
But before you go out, there is one thing every visitor needs to know: after 10 pm, all venues must check your ID. It doesn’t matter if you look 19 or 90, you’ll be checked, so have it on you when heading out.
The Sportsman Hotel, or simply Sporties, has been part of Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ community for decades. It’s the sort of place where you can grab a pub meal, catch a drag show, meet locals and probably bump into half the Bingham Cup by the end of the week. It’s particularly popular with Brisbane’s bear and leather communities, but you’ll honestly meet every type of person under the rainbow here. It also prides itself on being Brisbane’s ‘home of drag.’
A few minutes away is The Wickham, a stunning Queensland-style pub built in the 1800s but serving our community since the mid 90s. It has a huge beer garden with a permanent stage for regular shows and a lively atmosphere. The crowd is truly mixed, and it also hosts regular sapphic nights.
If your night keeps going, chances are you’ll eventually end up at The Beat Megaclub. Brisbane’s biggest LGBTQIA+ nightclub has multiple dance floors, bars, karaoke and plenty of drag. It can attract a younger crowd and, particularly later in the evening, plenty of straight allies too.
Looking for something a little more intimate? Come to Daddy in West End is one of Brisbane’s newer LGBTQIA+ venues that has community at its very heart. With a slightly alternative vibe, it serves up excellent cocktails, food and regular community events and shows in a stylish setting.
On top of the regular venues, there are many regular or one-off club night events, including Precious at Spice Nightclub and Thick ‘n’ Juicy who are hosting the official Bingham Cup parties during the week.
Looking for something a little steamier?
If you’re after some adults-only recreation, WET Spa & Sauna is Brisbane’s dedicated gay sauna. Located in Bowen Hills, it’s just a short ride away from most LGBTQIA+ venues.
As always, play safe, respect consent and remember that good communication never goes out of style.
Beyond the rugby
If you like it outdoors, Brisbane is the city for you.
One of the first places you should head is Howard Smith Wharves, tucked beneath the Story Bridge. Grab a drink at Felons Brewing Co, enjoy dinner by the river and soak up one of the city’s best views. Yes, every Brisbane local will probably tell you to go there. They’re not wrong. Weekends can be busiest, so if you have time, get there during the week.
Howard Smith WharvesJust across the river is South Bank, home to QAGOMA and the Queensland Museum (both free entry) plus the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Streets Beach a giant swimming pool alongside the river. You’ll want to swim there rather than the river itself as it’s got strong currents and more than a few bull sharks.
For the best views of the city, you’ve got some great choices. Climb the iconic Story Bridge (one of only three bridge climbs in the world), visit or abseil at Kangaroo Point, or head to Mount Coot-tha, where you’ll find bushwalks, a cracking view, and also the botanic gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
You can also catch some other sporting codes at Brisbane’s stadiums: Australian Rules Football club Brisbane Lions at the Gabba or one of the city’s two Rugby League teams, Brisbane Broncos or The Dolphins, at Suncorp Stadium.
Explore the neighbourhoods
Some of Brisbane’s best experiences aren’t major attractions at all.
Fortitude Valley is the city’s nightlife heart, packed with bars, live music and restaurants and some of the Brisbane’s best LGBTQIA+ venues. Brunswick Street Mall is its epicentre, which may look like it needs a good wash during the day but it comes alive in the evening and is genuinely one of the busiest nightlife spots in the country.
West End is one of Brisbane’s most colourful suburbs, known for its independent cafés, multicultural food, bookstores, nearby markets and relaxed atmosphere.
West EndJames Street has become the city’s destination for boutique shopping, designer fashion and excellent restaurants, while neighbouring New Farm is perfect for riverside walks, an afternoon in the park or a visit to the Powerhouse – a performing arts and cultural centre which is housed in a former power station
If you prefer a classic Queensland pub, head to the Breakfast Creek Hotel, the Story Bridge Hotel or the Boundary Hotel in West End. Or if you want some rooftop bar action, visit some of my favourites – Iris in the Valley and Lina in Southbank.
Want to meet some Australian wildlife?
View this post on Instagram
There’ll already be plenty of bears around during the Bingham Cup, but if you’d also like to meet some koalas and kangaroos, Brisbane has plenty to offer.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is only a short trip from the city and is home to koalas, kangaroos, wombats, platypuses and plenty of other native wildlife.
If you’ve got a full day to spare, Australia Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin’s family, remains one of Queensland’s biggest attractions and is well worth the trip north.
August is also humpback whale season, making it a fantastic time to book a whale-watching cruise if you’re extending your stay.
Make a day of it
View this post on Instagram
If you’ve got an extra day or two after the tournament, Brisbane is perfectly placed for exploring south-east Queensland.
The Gold Coast is around an hour away, offering famous beaches, nightlife and theme parks.
The Sunshine Coast to the north provides a slower pace, with beautiful beaches, hinterland villages and plenty of great cafés.
Looking for an island escape? North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island offer plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, sand dunes and the chance to see wild dolphins.
See you in Brisbane!
That’s just a taste of what Brisbane has to offer while you’re here.
I’m lucky enough to call this city home, and while it may not shout as loudly as other cities, it’s a place that quietly wins people over.
So enjoy the rugby, chat to the locals, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations; we’ll be more than happy to share them.
Have an incredible Bingham Cup, travel safely, and I’ll see you in Brisbane!
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
