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Everything the squad and staff need for the Australia tour. Pick a section from the menu above. Keep this passcode within the squad.
ATM Fee Saver — find the cheapest ATMs nearby for an overseas card (iPhone · Android). More on the Money Matters tab.Quick Reference · Weather & Clothing · Packing · Final Reminders
City-specific safety notes and scam warnings now live on each city's own Overview tab — see Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane Guides.
| City / Region | Dates | Accommodation | Key Fixtures / Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney, NSW | Fri Oct 30 – Wed Nov 4 | Meriton Suites, Sussex St | Matches vs Pasifika Warriors & Sydney Emus – Mon Nov 2, McCredie Park, Guildford (Guildford Owls JRLC). RLWC double header (Lebanon v France, Tonga v Samoa) – Sun Nov 1, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta |
| Gold Coast, QLD | Wed Nov 4 – Mon Nov 16 | Artique Resort, Surfers Paradise | Match vs NSW & Queensland – Sat Nov 7. Match vs Australia & Great Britain Rebels – Fri Nov 13 |
| Brisbane, QLD | Day trip – Sun Nov 15 (departure flight Mon Nov 16) | Day trip from Gold Coast (Artique Resort) – no overnight accommodation | RLWC Final – Sun Nov 15, Suncorp Stadium |
Emergency (police / fire / ambulance): Triple Zero – 000
Non-urgent police assistance: 131 444
Australia's country/dialling code: +61
Tap water is safe to drink everywhere on this itinerary.
Late October to mid-November sits at the tail end of spring moving into early summer across NSW and Queensland. Expect warm, increasingly humid days with the storm season beginning in Queensland toward the end of the tour.
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain / Storms | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | ~24°C | ~16°C | Occasional showers; spring, generally dry | Moderate |
| Gold Coast | ~27°C | ~19°C | ~106mm over 11–12 days; afternoon storms increase late Nov | High (65–68%) |
| Brisbane | ~26–28°C | ~17–19°C | ~86mm over 11 days; storm season begins, late-afternoon storms | High, rising through month |
☀️ These are seasonal averages only. For an up-to-date 14-day forecast summary, plus detailed daily forecasts for Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane, see the Weather page →
Australian notes and coins, exchange rates, paying by card, ATMs and ATM fees, and tipping now live on their own Money Matters tab →
Prepared for the Canada Grizzlies touring squad – Sydney, Gold Coast & Brisbane, October–November 2026.
Aussie notes and coins, exchange rates, paying by card, ATMs and their fees, and tipping — everything you need to look after your money on tour.
Australia is a largely cashless society where credit cards, debit cards, and contactless “tap-to-pay” systems (EFTPOS) are accepted almost everywhere.
The world’s first polymer notes
Specimen images of the current notes, shown at reduced size. Each value is a slightly different length — the $5 is the shortest and the $100 the longest.
Coins are shown roughly to scale against each other. Note the $2 is smaller than the $1.
| Note | Colour | Who’s On It |
|---|---|---|
| $5 | Purple / pink | Queen Elizabeth II and Parliament House, Canberra (a new First Nations design is on the way, so you may see both) |
| $10 | Blue | Poets Banjo Paterson (“Waltzing Matilda”) and Dame Mary Gilmore |
| $20 | Red / orange | Mary Reibey (convict turned businesswoman) and Rev John Flynn (founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service) |
| $50 | Yellow / gold | David Unaipon (Ngarrindjeri inventor and writer) and Edith Cowan (first woman elected to an Australian parliament) |
| $100 | Green | Dame Nellie Melba (opera singer) and Sir John Monash (WWI general) |
The Canadian and Australian dollars are close to level at the moment: in mid-October 2026, C$1 bought about A$1.01, and the rate has stayed between about A$1.00 and A$1.02 since June. For a quick estimate, an Aussie price is roughly the same number in Canadian dollars.
| Price in Australia | About (market rate) | On a card with a 2.5% foreign fee |
|---|---|---|
| A$5 | C$4.94 | C$5.06 |
| A$10 | C$9.87 | C$10.12 |
| A$20 | C$19.75 | C$20.24 |
| A$50 | C$49.37 | C$50.60 |
| A$100 | C$98.74 | C$101.20 |
| A$200 | C$197.47 | C$202.41 |
Based on C$1 = A$1.0128 (mid-market, 15 Oct 2026). Rates move daily — check the XE Currency app for today’s rate.
ATMs are everywhere, but fees vary a lot. Every Australian ATM shows its fee on screen before you confirm, so you can always cancel if it’s too high.
| Option | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ANZ | About A$2–3.50 per withdrawal | Usually the cheapest of the big four for an overseas card. Your own bank’s fee is extra. |
| Westpac | About A$4 per withdrawal | Good value. Your own bank’s fee is extra. |
| Westpac — Scotiabank customers | A$0 — no Westpac fee and no Scotiabank international ATM fee | Part of the Global ATM Alliance. The exchange rate markup still applies. |
| CommBank (CBA) | About A$7.50 per withdrawal | One of the dearest. Use ANZ or Westpac instead where you can. |
| NAB | About A$7.50 per withdrawal | One of the dearest. Use ANZ or Westpac instead where you can. |
| Independent ATMs (pubs, clubs, convenience stores, tourist strips) | A$3–7.50+ per withdrawal | Avoid where you can. Common on Cavill Ave and Orchid Ave (Surfers Paradise) and in Kings Cross (Sydney). |
| Airport currency exchange counters | 5–10% above the market rate | Only for a small emergency amount on arrival. |
The banks don’t publish what they charge overseas cards, so the big-four figures are what travellers reported paying in 2024–25 (via the ATM Fee Saver community). Fees can change and can differ from one machine to the next — always check the fee on screen before you confirm.
Before you take cash out, check ATM Fee Saver. It maps ATMs near you and shows what each one charges an overseas card, plus withdrawal limits and reviews from other travellers. Most of the fee data comes from users and is checked by the app’s team, so treat it as a guide; the ATM screen always shows the actual fee before you confirm.
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Staff are paid a proper minimum wage, and the price you see includes GST. A small tip for great service is always appreciated, but nobody will think less of you for not leaving one.
| Where | What’s Normal |
|---|---|
| Cafes and casual eateries | Nothing. Drop your coins in the tip jar if you like. |
| Sit-down restaurants | Not expected. Round up, or leave around 10% for great service or a big group booking. |
| Pubs and bars | No tipping at the bar. Buying a round (a “shout”) is the local custom. |
| Taxis and Uber/DiDi | Not expected. Rounding up a taxi fare is common; tipping in the app is optional. |
| Hotel staff | Not expected. A$2–5 for a porter who carries heavy bags is a nice gesture. |
| Tour guides and drivers | Optional. A$5–10 per person for a great day out is appreciated. |
Some card machines now show a tip screen. It’s fine to press No tip or 0% — nobody expects you to add one.
Rates and fees checked 18 October 2026. Exchange rates and bank fees change, so check with your own bank before you go.
The Aussie food worth trying on tour — from a proper meat pie to a feed of fresh prawns — plus how to order it without sounding like a tourist.
📌 Restaurant and café picks for each city are on the Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane guides — see City by City below.
The everyday food Australians actually eat — you haven't done the trip until you've had most of these.
The national snack — minced beef and gravy in pastry, eaten from the hand with tomato sauce on top. Bakeries do the best ones; servo pies are for emergencies only.
Sydney icon: Harry's Café de Wheels in Woolloomooloo, a pie cart since the 1930s. Order a Tiger — pie topped with mushy peas, mash and gravy.
Crumbed chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham (sometimes) and melted cheese, served with chips and salad. Every pub in the country has one and most have a cheap parmy night.
Tip: it's a "parmy" or "parmi" in NSW and Queensland — only Victorians call it a "parma".
A snag on a slice of white bread with fried onions and tomato or BBQ sauce. It's the fundraiser food of Australia — you'll find one at junior footy clubs, school fetes and outside Bunnings on weekends.
Tip: expect one at the local rugby league grounds on game day — a couple of dollars, and the money goes to the club.
Best eaten out of the paper, sitting on the sand or the grass. Ask for flake (gummy shark), barramundi or whatever the local catch is, and add a potato scallop — a battered, deep-fried slice of potato.
Tip: on the Gold Coast, keep an eye on the seagulls — they're bold.
The Aussie burger: beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, a fried egg, pineapple and — the key bit — a slice of beetroot. Find it at local takeaways and pubs rather than the chains.
Australia takes breakfast seriously. Smashed avo on sourdough, eggs your way with bacon, or banana bread with butter — with a flat white on the side. Check the coffee decoder on the What to Drink tab before you order.
Try once: Vegemite on hot buttered toast — a thin scrape, not a Nutella-thick layer.
November is warm-water season on the east coast, and the seafood is excellent.
Smaller and creamier than the Pacific oysters you'll know from Canada. Order them natural with a squeeze of lemon.
Queensland king and tiger prawns are the pick — buy a kilo of cooked prawns from a fish shop, peel them yourself and eat them outdoors. Very Australian.
Tip: it's always "prawns" here — never "shrimp".
Don't let the name put you off. These flat, slipper-lobster-like crustaceans from Queensland taste like a sweeter lobster — often grilled with garlic butter.
Barramundi is Australia's best-known native fish — mild, flaky white flesh. Great grilled or battered, and on plenty of pub menus. Also keep an eye out for:
A Queensland specialty — big, sweet and messy. Pricey, so worth sharing between a few of the boys.
The best place in Sydney to eat seafood cheaply — buy it cooked and eat at the waterfront tables. It's now in a new building; the address and how to get there by light rail are in the Sydney Guide. Sydney Guide → Where to Shop →
Prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and spanner crab sold straight off the trawlers on The Spit at Main Beach, from 7am until sold out. Our apartments at Artique have full kitchens and there are electric BBQs by the pool, so a Co-op run makes for the best-value seafood night of the tour. Gold Coast Guide → Where to Eat →
For a sit-down seafood feed on the Gold Coast, try Johnny Omeros on the Isle of Capri, Seascape on the Surfers beachfront, or the coast's most famous restaurant, Rick Shores at Burleigh (book ahead). Gold Coast Guide → Seafood Restaurants →
Chocolate biscuits that inspire genuine national pride. Try a Tim Tam Slam: bite off two opposite corners, use it as a straw for hot coffee or Milo, then eat it quickly before it collapses.
"Lollies" is the Aussie catch-all word for candy — and more specifically, gummy candy. Simply put, lollies are better in Australia: less cloyingly sweet and made without high fructose corn syrup.
Grab a bag of: Allen's Snakes or Pythons, or a Party Mix for a mix of everything. You'll be hooked!
Lamingtons are squares of sponge cake dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut — find them at any bakery. Pavlova is a meringue dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit.
Chewy oat, coconut and golden syrup biscuits with a story going back to the First World War. Supermarkets and bakeries stock them year-round.
A cult-classic Aussie ice cream on a stick — toffee and vanilla ice cream, dipped in chocolate and rolled in biscuit crumbs. Grab one from any servo or corner store freezer on a hot day.
We land at the start of the Aussie summer fruit season, and Queensland grows a lot of it. Fruit shops, farmers markets, Coles and Woolworths will all have these. Where to buy on the Gold Coast is in Gold Coast Guide → Where to Shop.
Australian mangoes run from about September to April, and supply peaks from November to February, so our timing is spot on. Prices are still a bit high in early November and drop as the month goes on.
How to eat one like a local: slice off the two “cheeks” either side of the stone, score each one into a criss-cross without cutting the skin, then push it inside out (the “hedgehog”). Best eaten cold from the fridge, over the sink.
Grown in Queensland and available most of the year. Spring is a quieter patch, so early November prices can be a bit higher, with the big summer crop coming on from December. Cut one in half and spoon out the tangy pulp, seeds and all — or have it on top of a pavlova.
Buying tip: pick fruit that feels heavy for its size. Smooth skin is fine. Wrinkly skin means it's older and drying out, not riper.
The first new-season lychees from North Queensland usually arrive in mid-November. Peel off the bumpy red shell and eat the sweet, juicy white flesh around the stone. Look for bright red shells; brown ones are past their best.
The season is just starting. Apricots, peaches and nectarines come down from Stanthorpe on Queensland's Granite Belt, and the first cherries appear later in the month (pricey early on, but a proper Aussie Christmas treat).
Queensland grows most of Australia's pineapples. They're around all year, getting sweeter and cheaper into summer. Pick one that smells sweet at the base.
Pawpaw (yellow flesh) and red papaya are at peak supply, great with a squeeze of lime for breakfast. Queensland rockmelon (cantaloupe) and watermelon are perfect after a session in the sun.
North Queensland bananas are available all year and cheap. Blueberries from the NSW North Coast are in season, and southern strawberries take over now that Queensland's winter crop has finished.
📌 Seasons shift a few weeks either way depending on the weather. If it looks good and the price is right at the market, it's in season.
Kangaroo is lean, sustainable and tastes like a rich, gamey beef — best cooked rare to medium-rare. You'll see it at pubs and in the meat section at Coles and Woolworths, where it's much cheaper than on a tourist menu. You may also spot crocodile or emu on the odd menu — fun to say you've tried, but kangaroo is the one worth ordering.
Specific restaurants, cafés and pubs near our accommodation are in each city guide.
Chinatown, Thaitown, bakeries, pubs and late-night feeds near the hotel. Sydney → Where to Eat →
Prawns off the trawlers for a barbie at Artique, butchers, fish and chips by the water, surf clubs, night markets and the best seafood restaurants. Gold Coast → Where to Eat →
From a world-class flat white in the morning to a cold schooner in the arvo — what to order, what it costs and how to do it like a local.
📌 Looking for pubs, breweries and bars? The Sydney and Gold Coast guides each have a Where to Drink tab, and the Caxton St pubs for the Final are on the Brisbane Guide’s RLWC Final tab. 📌 Looking for food? See What to Eat. All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD).
Australians are serious about their coffee — and it shows in the cup.
Coffee in Australia is genuinely world class. It's built on independent cafés and skilled baristas rather than big chains — Starbucks famously struggled here and closed most of its Australian stores. Almost every corner café pulls a proper espresso, and locals will happily queue for their favourite.
It isn't cheap: expect to pay around $5–6 AUD for a regular flat white, more for a large or oat milk. Worth every cent — but it adds up over a few weeks, so factor it into your daily budget.
| Order this | What you get | Closest thing at home |
|---|---|---|
| Long black | Hot water with a double espresso poured on top | Americano / regular black coffee |
| Flat white | Espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam | A smaller, stronger latte |
| Latte / Cappuccino | Same as at home, usually served smaller | Latte / Cappuccino |
| Short black | A single espresso | Espresso |
| Iced coffee | Coffee with milk, ice cream and often whipped cream | Closer to a milkshake than an iced coffee |
Glass sizes and beer loyalties change from state to state — here's what to ask for.
| Glass | Size | Sydney (NSW) | Gold Coast & Brisbane (QLD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middy | 285 ml | ✔ Standard small beer | Called a pot in Queensland |
| Pot | 285 ml | — | ✔ Standard small beer |
| Schooner | 425 ml | ✔ The most common order | ✔ Also widely used |
| Pint | 570 ml | ✔ Mostly at pubs with craft or Irish-style bars | ✔ Same |
Average prices for a schooner (425ml) in AUD, cheapest first. A middy or pot (285ml) is roughly two-thirds the price.
| Where you're drinking | Sydney | Gold Coast | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footy (leagues) clubs | $7–10 | $7–10 | $7–10 |
| RSL & bowls clubs | $7–10 | $7–10 | $7–10 |
| Surf clubs (SLSC) | $8–11 | $8–11 | No surf clubs |
| Pubs | $11–14 CBD & The Rocks $9–12 in the suburbs | $10–13 | $10–13 $11–14 on Caxton St, Final day |
| Brewery taprooms | $11–14 | $10–13 | $10–13 |
| Stadium bars | $12–15 | — | $12–15 |
| Rooftops & tourist bars | $14–18 | $12–16 | $13–17 |
📌 Typical prices, October 2026. A$1 is about C$0.98, so they're close to the same in Canadian dollars. Venue-by-venue tables are on the Where to Drink tabs for Sydney and the Gold Coast.
Australia is one of the world's great wine countries — and it's far better value here than on a Canadian liquor store shelf.
Three World Cups at once — men's, women's and wheelchair — and our tour lands right in the business end. Here's the history, the teams and every game on while we're in Australia.
Host cities: Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville and Perth in Australia, plus Christchurch (New Zealand) and Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea). The tournament runs Thursday October 15 – Sunday November 15.
The first Rugby League World Cup was held in France in 1954 — the first World Cup of either rugby code, 33 years before rugby union's. Great Britain won it, and the Paul Barrière Trophy has been the prize ever since.
Only three nations have ever won the men's World Cup: Australia (12 times), Great Britain (3) and New Zealand (1, in 2008). The Kangaroos are the defending champions after winning in England in 2022.
The Women's World Cup began in 2000 — New Zealand won the first three, and the Jillaroos have won the last three. The Wheelchair World Cup started in 2008 and has been an England v France affair: England are the defending champions.
This tournament was meant to be in France in 2025 (and before that, the USA and Canada). France withdrew in 2023, and it moved south as a slimmed-down event in 2026 — only the second time all three World Cups have been played together.
Pool A: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands
Pool B: England, Samoa, Lebanon
Pool C: Tonga, Papua New Guinea, France
Pools B and C play crossover games and are ranked together for the semi-finals. Defending champions: Australia.
Pool A: Australia, England, Samoa, Wales
Pool B: New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, France, Fiji
Top two in each pool make the semis. Defending champions: Australia (the Jillaroos).
Group A: England, Ireland, Wales, USA
Group B: Australia, France, Scotland, New Zealand
Every game is at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, October 30 – November 13. Fast, physical and well worth watching. Defending champions: England.
There's also a Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) tournament — Australia, England and New Zealand — played at Cabramatta in Sydney's south-west.
October 30 – November 15. 🎟️ = the squad is at the ground · 📺 = catch it at the hotel or a pub.
| Date | Comp | Match | Venue | Kick-off (local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri Oct 30 | Wheelchair | Ireland v USA | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | Afternoon |
| Wheelchair | England v Wales | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | Afternoon | |
| Women's | England v Samoa | WIN Stadium, Wollongong | ~5:50pm | |
| Men's | 📺 England v Papua New Guinea | WIN Stadium, Wollongong | ~8:05pm | |
| Sat Oct 31 | Women's | Fiji v France | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast | TBC |
| Men's | New Zealand v Fiji | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast | TBC | |
| Women's | New Zealand v Papua New Guinea | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast | TBC | |
| Wheelchair | France v Scotland | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | Afternoon | |
| Wheelchair | Australia v New Zealand | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | Evening | |
| Men's | 📺 Australia v Cook Islands | Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville | ~7:05pm (QLD) | |
| Sun Nov 1 | Women's | 🎟️ Australia v Wales | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 3:45pm |
| Men's | 🎟️ Lebanon v France | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 5:40pm | |
| Men's | 🎟️ Tonga v Samoa | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 8:05pm | |
| Tue Nov 3 | Wheelchair | France v New Zealand · Australia v Scotland · Ireland v Wales · England v USA | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | Late morning to evening |
| Fri Nov 6 | Wheelchair | Scotland v New Zealand · Wales v USA · England v Ireland · France v Australia | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | Late morning to evening |
| Sat Nov 7 | Women's | 📺 Semi-Final 1 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | ~5:55pm |
| Men's | 📺 Semi-Final 1 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | ~8:05pm | |
| Sun Nov 8 | Women's | 📺 Semi-Final 2 | Allianz Stadium, Sydney | ~5:55pm |
| Men's | 📺 Semi-Final 2 | Allianz Stadium, Sydney | ~8:05pm | |
| Mon Nov 9 – Tue Nov 10 | Wheelchair | Play-offs and Semi-Finals | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | TBC |
| Thu Nov 12 | Wheelchair | Placing matches | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | TBC |
| Fri Nov 13 | Wheelchair | 📺 Wheelchair World Cup Final | WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong | Evening |
| Sun Nov 15 | Women's | 🎟️ Women's World Cup Final | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 3:10pm (QLD) |
| Men's | 🎟️ Men's World Cup Final | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 6:35pm (QLD) |
📌 Sunday November 1 times are confirmed by CommBank Stadium (gates open 3pm). Other times are from the published draw and may change — check the official schedule before heading out. Queensland doesn't use daylight saving, so QLD kick-offs are one hour behind Sydney time. Sat Nov 7 is also a Grizzlies Game Day on the Gold Coast — the semis make for a good post-match session.
Touring squad and emergency contacts for the Grizzlies tour.
Emergency in Australia: dial 000 (police, fire, ambulance). From a mobile, 112 also works. Then let the Team Manager know.
Tap a number to call or an email to write. Numbers include the country code, so they dial correctly from an Australian SIM or eSIM. These are personal details: please keep them within the squad and don't share screenshots outside the team.
Unlock the Tour Hub to view contacts.
Flights, accommodation and the day-by-day schedule for the Australia tour.
The live, up-to-date team itinerary — flights, accommodation and schedule — is maintained on TripIt. Always check here first for the latest changes.
These PDF itineraries and the online version below have been finalised as initial reference tools and will not be updated from this point on. Please refer to the TripIt live, up-to-date team itinerary.
Travel to Sydney - Flight Departs Vancouver at 10.40pm AC 33 or Qantas / Other
WhereVancouver International Airport, BC
WhenMeet in AC Lounge @ 21.00
—
—
In the Air - In Transit to Sydney International Airport - NSW
Arrive Sydney Airport - 08.35 am - Commute to Apartments
WhereMeriton Suites, 234 Sussex st, Sydney, NSW 2000
WhenTrain, taxi, or Uber to hotel
Free Time in Sydney / Apartment Check In 15.00hrs - Acclimatize in Sydney
WhereCheck In - Meriton Suites, 234 Sussex St, CBD, Sydney, NSW 2000.
Optional Team Event - World Cup Game England v PNG (choose one)
Option 1Attend the game: WIN Stadium, Wollongong — make your own way there
Option 2Viewing party: Paragon Hotel, Circular Quay — starts 7pm, meet in lobby 6:30pm
Captains Run and Kit Distribution. Meet in lobby at 8:00am
WhereThe Domain, Sydney, Field 2, Sir John Young Crescent
When10am-12pm
Jersey Presentation and dinner - Meet in lobby at 2:30pm
WhereHarbour View Hotel, 18 Lower Fort St, The Rocks.
When3pm-5pm (Bring full kit (don't wear it))
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time / Optional Team Event - World Cup Game Tonga v Samoa, Lebanon v France, Australia Women v Wales Women
WhereCommbank Stadium, Parramatta
WhenFerry from Sydney Terminal
Free Time / Game Preparation (Individual)
Free Time / Game Preparation (Individual)
Game 1 - Canada Grizzlies v Pasifika+Aboriginal and Sydney Selects Team (2 games) - Kick Off 6pm (TBC) (HAKA / Smoking Ceromony (Painted Up))
WhereGuildford Leagues Club
WhenTeam Meeting 2:45pm, Pick up 3:15pm, Kick Off 6pm, Return 11:50pm
Free Time to Recover
Free Time / Optional Event - Royal Randwick Race Day - The Big Dance - Sydney - Meet in the hotel lobby at 10.15am
WhereAlison Road, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031
WhenCoach to racecourse - 10:30am pick-up, 8pm return
Free Time
Free Time
Travel To Gold Coast - Check out of apartments
WhereTrain, taxi, or Uber to airport
Arrive in the Gold Coast - Free Time - Acclimatize in Queensland
WhereCheck In - Artique Apartments, Artique Resort, 18 Enderley Ave. Corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd / Enderley Ave, QLD 4217.
Free Time
Team Event
WhereBarefoot Bowls - Club Broadbeach (Team Flat Green Bowling)
WhenStart at 12pm, meet in lobby 11:00am
Free Time / Optional Team Event - Sunset Boat Cruise
Where63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
WhenStarts at 4:45pm, meet in lobby at 4:15pm
Free Time
Team Event - Beach Game of Touch - Rebels
WhereLifeguard Tower 40, Southport Surf Club
WhenMeet at 10:30am in Lobby, depart 10:45am, kick off 11:30am
Team Event - BBQ / Meal with the Rebels
WhereWaxy's Irish Pub, 3206 Surfers Paradise Blvd
When3pm start at the pub
Game 2 - Canada Grizzlies v NSW & QLD
WhereOwen Park, Southport Tigers Leagues Club
WhenTeam Meeting 9am, Pick up 9:30am, Kick off 11am, Return 5pm
Free Time
Free Time to Recover
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Kangaroos and Koalas Trip
WhereCurumban
WhenMeet at 9:30am in the lobby, taxis to the venue
Free Time
Free Time / Optional Event - Day In Brisbane
Free Time / Optional Event - Day In Brisbane
Free Time / Optional Event - Day In Brisbane
Remembrance Day Event
WhereSurfers Paradise RSL Club
WhenMeet in lobby at 10:30am
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Pub Crawl with Rebels & Aussies
WhereStart at Curumban surf club
WhenMeet in lobby at 11am
Free Time / Optional Team Event - Draculas
Where1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach, QLD
WhenMeet in lobby at 6:45pm, arrive 7:30pm, ends at 10:30pm
Free Time / Game Preparation (Individual)
Game 3 - Canada Grizzlies v Great Britain Rebels & Australia
WhereTugan Sea Hawks Leagues Club
WhenTeam Meeting 10:30am, Pick up 11am, Kick Off 1pm, Return 7pm
Free Time to Recover
Free Time
Team Awards Dinner
WhereSurfers Paradise Surf Club
WhenMeet in lobby at 3:30pm, Starts at 4pm
Free Time
World Cup Final - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Party on Caxton St
WhereSuncorp Stadium, Brisbane
WhenMeet in lobby at 9:45am, coach pick up at 10am. Return via coach at 9pm
—
Return to Canada - Flight Departs Brisbane International Airport
WhereBrisbane International Airport, QLD
WhenTrain, Taxi, or Uber to airport
Individual and group flight details for the Australia tour.
✈️ 31 players, staff and partners booked, plus 2 with flights TBC · arriving in Sydney between Fri 23 Oct and Wed 4 Nov
This section is in two parts. Flight 1 is your first flight out, in order of departure. Arrival in Sydney is your long-haul flight into Australia, in order of arrival. All international flights land at Sydney Airport (SYD), Terminal 1 International.
All times are local to each airport, 24-hour. Canada stays on daylight time until 1 November, and Sydney is on daylight time (AEDT, UTC+11). Crossing the International Date Line means you lose a day on the way over: leave Vancouver on Wednesday night and you land in Sydney on Friday morning.
Sorted by departure date and time
| Name | Date | Departs | Route | Arrives | Airline | Flight # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Barnicoat | Wed 21 Oct | 16:20 | Toronto → Vancouver | 18:19 | Air Canada | AC 119 |
| Chris & Marie Swift | Thu 22 Oct | 09:05 | Toronto → Vancouver | 11:09 | Porter Airlines | PD 305 |
| Jeff & Rachel Mehltretter | Thu 22 Oct | 19:00 | Toronto → Vancouver | 20:53 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Paul Buchanan | Fri 23 Oct | 09:30 | Toronto → Vancouver | 11:45 | WestJet | WS 713 |
| Greg Furyk | Tue 27 Oct | 19:00 | Toronto → Vancouver | 20:53 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Eric Moyer & Potato Morgensen | Tue 27 Oct | 22:25 | Vancouver → Nadi | 05:15 (Thu 29 Oct) | Fiji Airways | FJ 881 |
| Chris Bainbridge | Wed 28 Oct | 09:30 | Toronto → Vancouver | 11:45 | WestJet | WS 713 (QF 3595) |
| Dave Wainwright | Wed 28 Oct | 09:30 | Toronto → Vancouver | 11:45 | WestJet | WS 713 (QF 3595) |
| Jarrett Muldoon | Wed 28 Oct | 09:30 | Toronto → Vancouver | 11:45 | WestJet | WS 713 (QF 3595) |
| Russ Montgomery | Wed 28 Oct | 09:30 | Toronto → Vancouver | 11:45 | WestJet | WS 713 (QF 3595) |
| Sherif, Laurel & Shabeen Helmi | Wed 28 Oct | 09:30 | Toronto → Vancouver | 11:45 | WestJet | WS 713 (QF 3595) |
| Craig Lauzon & Erica McMaster | Wed 28 Oct | 14:59 | Toronto → Dallas-Fort Worth | 17:29 | Qantas | QF 4622 (AA 1993) |
| Steve van Niekerk | Wed 28 Oct | 16:20 | Toronto → Vancouver | 18:19 | Air Canada | AC 119 |
| Michael Mullen | Wed 28 Oct | 17:35 | Winnipeg → Vancouver | 18:50 | Air Canada | AC 297 |
| Dan & Lynne Tate | Wed 28 Oct | 19:00 | Toronto → Vancouver | 20:53 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Nicholas & Carrie Mew | Wed 28 Oct | 19:00 | Toronto → Vancouver | 20:53 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Joey Broadbent & Elizabeth Boggis | Wed 28 Oct | 20:35 | London → Singapore | 16:45 (Thu 29 Oct) | Singapore Airlines | SQ 319 |
| Joe Bwanka | Thu 29 Oct | 16:20 | Toronto → Vancouver | 18:19 | Air Canada | AC 119 |
| Steve Weber | Thu 29 Oct | 16:20 | Toronto → Vancouver | 18:19 | Air Canada | AC 119 |
| Steve Piatek | Thu 29 Oct | 20:20 | Kelowna → Vancouver | 21:25 | Air Canada | AC 275 |
| Josh Knight | No connecting flight — flies direct from Vancouver (see Arrival in Sydney below) | |||||
| Eugene Soga & Susan Symchych | Flight details to be confirmed | |||||
WS 713 (QF 3595) is the same WestJet flight sold under a Qantas codeshare number. QF 4622 is operated by American Airlines as AA 1993.
Sorted by arrival date and time
Departs Vancouver · Wed 21 Oct · 22:50
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Fri 23 Oct · 08:35
Departs Vancouver · Thu 22 Oct · 22:50
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Sat 24 Oct · 08:35
Departs Vancouver · Tue 27 Oct · 22:50
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Thu 29 Oct · 08:35
Departs Nadi · Thu 29 Oct · 18:15
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Thu 29 Oct · 22:05
Departs Vancouver · Wed 28 Oct · 21:10
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Fri 30 Oct · 06:35
Departs Dallas-Fort Worth · Wed 28 Oct · 21:55
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Fri 30 Oct · 06:55
Departs Singapore · Thu 29 Oct · 20:45
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Fri 30 Oct · 07:25
Departs Vancouver · Wed 28 Oct · 22:50
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Fri 30 Oct · 08:35
Departs Vancouver · Thu 29 Oct · 22:50
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Sat 31 Oct · 08:35
Departs Vancouver · Mon 2 Nov · 21:10
Arrives Sydney (SYD) · Wed 4 Nov · 06:35
Joins Chris on QF 594 to the Gold Coast the same afternoon.
Departs Vancouver · Fri 6 Nov · 00:45
Arrives Brisbane (BNE) · Sat 7 Nov · 08:45
Joins the squad in Queensland rather than Sydney.
Flight details will be added once booked.
Friday 30 October is the big arrival morning. 19 of us land at Sydney International between 06:35 and 08:35, so there's a good chance to share transport into the city with others from your flight.
| Name | Departs | From | Arrives | Arrival Time | Airline | Flight # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Barnicoat | Wed 21 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Fri 23 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Jeff & Rachel Mehltretter | Thu 22 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Sat 24 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Greg Furyk | Tue 27 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Thu 29 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Eric Moyer & Potato Morgensen | Thu 29 Oct · 18:15 | Nadi | Thu 29 Oct | 22:05 | Fiji Airways | FJ 915 |
| Chris Bainbridge | Wed 28 Oct · 21:10 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 06:35 | Qantas | QF 76 |
| Chris Swift | Wed 28 Oct · 21:10 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 06:35 | Qantas | QF 76 |
| Dave Wainwright | Wed 28 Oct · 21:10 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 06:35 | Qantas | QF 76 |
| Jarrett Muldoon | Wed 28 Oct · 21:10 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 06:35 | Qantas | QF 76 |
| Paul Buchanan | Wed 28 Oct · 21:10 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 06:35 | Qantas | QF 76 |
| Russ Montgomery | Wed 28 Oct · 21:10 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 06:35 | Qantas | QF 76 |
| Sherif, Laurel & Shabeen Helmi | Wed 28 Oct · 21:10 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 06:35 | Qantas | QF 76 |
| Craig Lauzon & Erica McMaster | Wed 28 Oct · 21:55 | Dallas-Fort Worth | Fri 30 Oct | 06:55 | Qantas | QF 8 |
| Joey Broadbent & Elizabeth Boggis | Thu 29 Oct · 20:45 | Singapore | Fri 30 Oct | 07:25 | Singapore Airlines | SQ 221 |
| Dan & Lynne Tate | Wed 28 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Michael Mullen | Wed 28 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Nicholas & Carrie Mew | Wed 28 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Steve van Niekerk | Wed 28 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Fri 30 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Joe Bwanka | Thu 29 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Sat 31 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Steve Piatek | Thu 29 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Sat 31 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Steve Weber | Thu 29 Oct · 22:50 | Vancouver | Sat 31 Oct | 08:35 | Air Canada | AC 33 |
| Marie Swift | Mon 2 Nov · 21:10 | Vancouver | Wed 4 Nov | 06:35 | Qantas | QF 76 |
| Josh Knight | Fri 6 Nov · 00:45 | Vancouver | Sat 7 Nov (Brisbane) | 08:45 | Air Canada | AC 35 |
| Eugene Soga & Susan Symchych | Flight details to be confirmed | |||||
Updated 22 October 2026 from the latest flight list. Check your airline app 24–48 hours before you fly in case of schedule changes.
✈️ Wednesday 4 November · 25 players, staff and partners on four flights, plus 4 driving and 2 TBC
Every flight lands at Gold Coast Airport (OOL), Coolangatta, about 25–30 minutes' drive from the Artique Resort in Surfers Paradise. Find your name below, then see the Airport → Hotel tab for transfer options. Arriving on the same flight as someone else? Share an UberXL or taxi with them.
All times are local, 24-hour. Departure times are Sydney time (AEDT, UTC+11). Arrival times are Queensland time (AEST, UTC+10), as Queensland doesn't use daylight saving. The flights take about 1 hr 20 min, even though they look like 20 minutes on paper.
Departs SYD Terminal 2 · 08:20
Arrives OOL · 08:40
Departs SYD Terminal 2 · 10:20
Arrives OOL · 10:40
Departs SYD Terminal 3 · 13:40
Arrives OOL · 14:05
Departs SYD Terminal 2 · 13:50
Arrives OOL · 14:10
Making their own way up from Sydney
Travel details will be added once booked.
QF 594 and VA 525 land just 5 minutes apart. That's 21 of us arriving at OOL between 14:05 and 14:10, so meet up in arrivals and split into groups of four for UberXLs or taxis.
| Name | Date | Sydney Terminal | Departs (SYD) | Arrives (OOL) | Airline | Flight # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff & Rachel Mehltretter | Wed Nov 4 | T2 | 08:20 | 08:40 | Virgin Australia | VA 509 |
| Joey Broadbent & Elizabeth Boggis | Wed Nov 4 | T2 | 10:20 | 10:40 | Virgin Australia | VA 515 |
| Chris & Marie Swift | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Craig Lauzon & Erica McMaster | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Dave Wainwright | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Jarrett Muldoon | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Paul Buchanan | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Russ Montgomery | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Scott Barnicoat | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Sherif, Laurel & Shabeen Helmi | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Steve van Niekerk | Wed Nov 4 | T3 | 13:40 | 14:05 | Qantas | QF 594 |
| Chris Bainbridge | Wed Nov 4 | T2 | 13:50 | 14:10 | Virgin Australia | VA 525 |
| Dan & Lynne Tate | Wed Nov 4 | T2 | 13:50 | 14:10 | Virgin Australia | VA 525 |
| Greg Furyk | Wed Nov 4 | T2 | 13:50 | 14:10 | Virgin Australia | VA 525 |
| Michael Mullen | Wed Nov 4 | T2 | 13:50 | 14:10 | Virgin Australia | VA 525 |
| Nicholas & Carrie Mew | Wed Nov 4 | T2 | 13:50 | 14:10 | Virgin Australia | VA 525 |
| Steve Piatek | Wed Nov 4 | T2 | 13:50 | 14:10 | Virgin Australia | VA 525 |
| Eric Moyer & Potato Morgensen | Wed Nov 4 | — | — | — | Driving | — |
| Joe Bwanka | Wed Nov 4 | — | — | — | Driving | — |
| Steve Weber | Wed Nov 4 | — | — | — | Driving | — |
| Eugene Soga & Susan Symchych | Travel details to be confirmed | |||||
Published schedules as at 18 October 2026. Check your airline app 24 hours before you fly in case of schedule changes.
✈️ Most of the squad fly home on Monday 16 November, with later departures through to December
This section is in two parts. Flight 1 is your first flight out of Australia, or up to Sydney, in order of departure. Arrival in Canada is your last flight home, in order of arrival.
All times are local to each airport, 24-hour. Flying east across the International Date Line, you get a day back: leave Brisbane at 10:00 on Monday and you land in Vancouver at 06:29 the same Monday morning. Canada goes back to standard time on 1 November, so check your arrival time in your airline app before you fly.
Monday 16 November is an early start. Eleven of us fly out of Brisbane International between 09:45 and 10:00. It's about 1 hr 15 min from the Artique, and you should check in 3 hours before an international flight, so plan to leave the hotel by about 05:30. Joe and Steve W fly out of the Gold Coast at 06:00. See the Hotel → Airport tab for your transport options.
Sorted by departure date and time
| Name | Date | Departs | Route | Arrives | Airline | Flight # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Bwanka | Mon 16 Nov | 06:00 | Gold Coast → Sydney | 08:30 | Virgin Australia | AC 2762 |
| Steve Weber | Mon 16 Nov | 06:00 | Gold Coast → Sydney | 08:30 | Virgin Australia | AC 2762 |
| Sherif, Laurel & Shabeen Helmi | Mon 16 Nov | 08:20 | Gold Coast → Sydney | 10:50 | Qantas | QF 591 |
| Chris Bainbridge | Mon 16 Nov | 09:45 | Brisbane → Dallas-Fort Worth | 10:10 | American Airlines | AA 8 (QF 4927) |
| Dave Wainwright | Mon 16 Nov | 09:45 | Brisbane → Dallas-Fort Worth | 10:10 | American Airlines | AA 8 (QF 4927) |
| Jarrett Muldoon | Mon 16 Nov | 09:45 | Brisbane → Dallas-Fort Worth | 10:10 | American Airlines | AA 8 (QF 4927) |
| Russ Montgomery | Mon 16 Nov | 09:45 | Brisbane → Dallas-Fort Worth | 10:10 | American Airlines | AA 8 (QF 4927) |
| Dan & Lynne Tate | Mon 16 Nov | 10:00 | Brisbane → Vancouver | 06:29 | Air Canada | AC 36 |
| Greg Furyk | Mon 16 Nov | 10:00 | Brisbane → Vancouver | 06:29 | Air Canada | AC 36 |
| Josh Knight | Mon 16 Nov | 10:00 | Brisbane → Vancouver | 06:29 | Air Canada | AC 36 |
| Michael Mullen | Mon 16 Nov | 10:00 | Brisbane → Vancouver | 06:29 | Air Canada | AC 36 |
| Steve Piatek | Mon 16 Nov | 10:00 | Brisbane → Vancouver | 06:29 | Air Canada | AC 36 |
| Steve van Niekerk | Mon 16 Nov | 10:00 | Brisbane → Vancouver | 06:29 | Air Canada | AC 36 |
| Nicholas & Carrie Mew | Mon 16 Nov | 10:55 | Gold Coast → Auckland | 17:00 | Air New Zealand | NZ 188 |
| Joey Broadbent & Elizabeth Boggis | Mon 16 Nov | 14:45 | Brisbane → Singapore | 20:45 | Singapore Airlines | SQ 236 |
| Scott Barnicoat | Mon 16 Nov | 14:50 | Gold Coast → Sydney | 17:20 | Qantas | QF 595 |
| Eric Moyer & Potato Morgensen | Thu 19 Nov | 14:00 | Sydney → Nadi | 19:05 | Fiji Airways | FJ 910 |
| Chris & Marie Swift | Mon 23 Nov | 20:30 | Sydney → Vancouver | 16:25 | Qantas | QF 75 |
| Jeff & Rachel Mehltretter | Tue 24 Nov | 10:00 | Brisbane → Vancouver | 06:29 | Air Canada | AC 36 |
| Craig Lauzon & Erica McMaster | Mon 7 Dec | 13:05 | Sydney → Dallas-Fort Worth | 12:30 | Qantas | QF 7 |
| Paul Buchanan | Wed 28 Apr 2027 | TBC | Sydney → Vancouver | TBC | Qantas | QF 75 |
| Eugene Soga & Susan Symchych | Flight details to be confirmed | |||||
AA 8 is also sold by Qantas as QF 4927. It's the same American Airlines flight, so check in with American Airlines. AC 2762 is a Virgin Australia flight sold by Air Canada, so check in with Virgin Australia.
Your last flight home, sorted by arrival date and time
Departs Brisbane · Mon 16 Nov · 10:00
Arrives Vancouver (YVR) · Mon 16 Nov · 06:29
Direct from Brisbane to Vancouver.
Departs Vancouver · Mon 16 Nov · 08:25
Arrives Winnipeg (YWG) · Mon 16 Nov · 13:10
Brisbane → Vancouver on AC 36, then home.
Departs Vancouver · Mon 16 Nov · 08:00
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Mon 16 Nov · 15:35
Brisbane → Vancouver on AC 36, then home.
Departs Sydney · Mon 16 Nov · 20:30
Arrives Vancouver (YVR) · Mon 16 Nov · 16:25
Gold Coast → Sydney on QF 595, then direct to Vancouver.
Departs Vancouver · Mon 16 Nov · 09:00
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Mon 16 Nov · 16:29
Brisbane → Vancouver on AC 36, then home.
Departs Dallas-Fort Worth · Mon 16 Nov · 12:29
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Mon 16 Nov · 16:34
Brisbane → Dallas on AA 8 (QF 4927), then home. AA 1111 is also sold by Qantas as QF 4371.
Departs Vancouver · Mon 16 Nov · 11:00
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Mon 16 Nov · 18:37
Brisbane → Vancouver on AC 36, then home.
Departs Vancouver · Mon 16 Nov · 13:00
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Mon 16 Nov · 20:23
Gold Coast → Sydney → Vancouver on AC 2762 and AC 34, then home.
Departs Dallas-Fort Worth · Mon 16 Nov · 19:00
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Mon 16 Nov · 23:05
Gold Coast → Sydney → Dallas on QF 591 and QF 7, then home. Booked as Qantas QF 3307, operated by American Airlines as AA 2804.
Departs Singapore · Mon 16 Nov · 23:00
Arrives London (LHR) · Tue 17 Nov · 05:55
Brisbane → Singapore on SQ 236, then home to London.
Departs Nadi · Thu 19 Nov · 22:00
Arrives Vancouver (YVR) · Thu 19 Nov · 14:05
Sydney → Nadi on FJ 910, then home.
Departs Vancouver · Mon 23 Nov · 22:35
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Tue 24 Nov · 06:10
Sydney → Vancouver on QF 75, then the overnight flight home. Booked as Qantas QF 3429, operated by WestJet as WS 736.
Departs Vancouver · Tue 24 Nov · 08:00
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Tue 24 Nov · 15:35
Brisbane → Vancouver on AC 36, then home.
Departs Vancouver · Wed 2 Dec · 09:00
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Wed 2 Dec · 16:29
After New Zealand: Sydney → Vancouver → Toronto, all on AC 34.
Departs Dallas-Fort Worth · Mon 7 Dec · 19:00
Arrives Toronto (YYZ) · Mon 7 Dec · 23:05
Sydney → Dallas on QF 7, then home. Booked as Qantas QF 3307, operated by American Airlines as AA 2804.
Departs Vancouver · Wed 28 Apr 2027 · TBC
Arrives TBC · TBC
Sydney → Vancouver on QF 75, then WestJet home.
Flight details will be added once booked.
| Name | Departs | From | Arrives | Arrival Time | Destination | Airline | Flight # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Knight | Mon 16 Nov · 10:00 | Brisbane | Mon 16 Nov | 06:29 | Vancouver (YVR) | Air Canada | AC 36 |
| Michael Mullen | Mon 16 Nov · 08:25 | Vancouver | Mon 16 Nov | 13:10 | Winnipeg (YWG) | Air Canada | AC 292 |
| Steve van Niekerk | Mon 16 Nov · 08:00 | Vancouver | Mon 16 Nov | 15:35 | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | AC 104 |
| Scott Barnicoat | Mon 16 Nov · 20:30 | Sydney | Mon 16 Nov | 16:25 | Vancouver (YVR) | Qantas | QF 75 |
| Dan & Lynne Tate | Mon 16 Nov · 09:00 | Vancouver | Mon 16 Nov | 16:29 | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | AC 34 |
| Greg Furyk | Mon 16 Nov · 09:00 | Vancouver | Mon 16 Nov | 16:29 | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | AC 34 |
| Chris Bainbridge | Mon 16 Nov · 12:29 | Dallas-Fort Worth | Mon 16 Nov | 16:34 | Toronto (YYZ) | American Airlines | AA 1111 (QF 4371) |
| Dave Wainwright | Mon 16 Nov · 12:29 | Dallas-Fort Worth | Mon 16 Nov | 16:34 | Toronto (YYZ) | American Airlines | AA 1111 (QF 4371) |
| Jarrett Muldoon | Mon 16 Nov · 12:29 | Dallas-Fort Worth | Mon 16 Nov | 16:34 | Toronto (YYZ) | American Airlines | AA 1111 (QF 4371) |
| Russ Montgomery | Mon 16 Nov · 12:29 | Dallas-Fort Worth | Mon 16 Nov | 16:34 | Toronto (YYZ) | American Airlines | AA 1111 (QF 4371) |
| Steve Piatek | Mon 16 Nov · 11:00 | Vancouver | Mon 16 Nov | 18:37 | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | AC 110 |
| Joe Bwanka | Mon 16 Nov · 13:00 | Vancouver | Mon 16 Nov | 20:23 | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | AC 114 |
| Steve Weber | Mon 16 Nov · 13:00 | Vancouver | Mon 16 Nov | 20:23 | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | AC 114 |
| Sherif, Laurel & Shabeen Helmi | Mon 16 Nov · 19:00 | Dallas-Fort Worth | Mon 16 Nov | 23:05 | Toronto (YYZ) | American Airlines | QF 3307 (AA 2804) |
| Joey Broadbent & Elizabeth Boggis | Mon 16 Nov · 23:00 | Singapore | Tue 17 Nov | 05:55 | London (LHR) | Singapore Airlines | SQ 322 |
| Eric Moyer & Potato Morgensen | Thu 19 Nov · 22:00 | Nadi | Thu 19 Nov | 14:05 | Vancouver (YVR) | Fiji Airways | FJ 880 |
| Chris & Marie Swift | Mon 23 Nov · 22:35 | Vancouver | Tue 24 Nov | 06:10 | Toronto (YYZ) | WestJet | QF 3429 (WS 736) |
| Jeff & Rachel Mehltretter | Tue 24 Nov · 08:00 | Vancouver | Tue 24 Nov | 15:35 | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | AC 104 |
| Nicholas & Carrie Mew | Wed 2 Dec · 09:00 | Vancouver | Wed 2 Dec | 16:29 | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | AC 34 |
| Craig Lauzon & Erica McMaster | Mon 7 Dec · 19:00 | Dallas-Fort Worth | Mon 7 Dec | 23:05 | Toronto (YYZ) | American Airlines | QF 3307 (AA 2804) |
| Paul Buchanan | Wed 28 Apr 2027 · TBC | Vancouver | TBC | TBC | TBC | WestJet | WS TBC |
| Eugene Soga & Susan Symchych | Flight details to be confirmed | ||||||
Published schedules as at 20 October 2026. Check your airline app 24–48 hours before you fly in case of schedule changes.
How we'll play in Australia — field structure, set calls, positional roles and the Masters rules every Grizzly needs to know cold.
Team Grizzlies – welcome. I presume like me anticipation and excitement is building. It will be a tour of mammoth proportions, but there is a job to be done whilst over there. Please take a look below at some things I'd like you all to think about, and get into the mindset of how we will be structured in our games.
Possession and completion win games — let's get to the 5th tackle on as many sets as possible.
For the first 2 or 3 sets of each game, keep it simple. Let everyone take a drive — simple one-out tip passes or drives directly from the play the ball. Get a feel for the ball and the opposition, see how fast they're moving up, and look early for a few soft shoulders in their defence that we can expose as the game goes on.
Penalties are a game killer in Masters. The most common fouls — and how we avoid them:
Get back to the referee. Talk to each other and pull people back onside to the line.
If two of our guys are committed, don't join in — trust them to complete the tackle.
No fending when pushing through contact. Top tip: run with the ball in both hands.
The most common turnover. If a player over-runs the line, have the mental prowess to take the tackle — we keep possession and go again.
For the guys with a bit of speed — be mindful running across the line, especially around the back of your teammates.
Re-read the rules of Masters — they're different and unique. Not knowing them and giving away penalties is not acceptable; it puts your teammates under undue pressure. They're all in the Masters Rules tab.
We'll set up with a half back playing on each side of the ruck / play the ball, unless we're close to the touchline. At the Captain's Run we'll quickly run through our attacking set-up and how we want to play out our sets. We set up the same way in defence.
Middle channel. Stay in the centre of the field.
Play outside the props.
Play on the outside of the 2nd row forwards.
A roaming role on your designated side.
Centre channel. If the play the ball goes wide, a centre or winger commits to dummy half — the hooker doesn't run all over the field.
Forwards play in allocated pods on the left or right side of the field. Each pod is a prop, a second row and a loose forward or fullback. The prop and second row consistently offer themselves in the line — one on an inside line off first receiver, the other on an outside line — and the loose forward / fullback plays the ‘wedge’ out the back of the running forwards.
In Rugby League you own a 10-yard square — defend that square. Know your channel, know your lane. Chase the ball and you leave gaps that must be filled, which isn't always possible. You should be running more forwards and backwards than laterally.
In defence the fullback guides us on whether to shift left or right based on what he sees. Listen to him — he'll see where the gaps are and where we could be exposed.
The playmakers call the set colour based on where we receive the ball. You have to listen and fall into line accordingly.
Typically from fielding a kick-off or a 5th-tackle kick. A simple drive set — from the play the ball or from first receiver.
A little more structure. This is where our pods come into play — solid drives and lines, while feeling out and testing their defence.
More autonomy for everyone when we're in an attacking position.
The playmaker hits the loose forward or fullback out the back of the play with a ball. He then runs and tips on to the centres / wingers to have a go at the defence.
A simple missed pass across the line, usually missing the forward runner, to the centre — who then tips on to the outside, or back inside to a forward runner.
This is what the coach is looking at right now — positions and pods may change due to tactical decisions or injury, but please prepare yourself for the below. The game-day team sheet will tell you whether you're playing on the right or left side.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Fullback | Buchanan · Barnicoat |
| Wing | Furyk · Sherif · Soga · Mew |
| Centres | Van Niekerk · Tate |
| Halves | Mullen · Piatek |
| Hookers | Bainbridge · Wainwright |
| Loose Forward | Bwanka · Fleming |
| Group | Players |
|---|---|
| Forwards | Moyer · Weber · Muldoon · Montgomery · Bwanka · Fleming · Swift · Mehltretter · Lauzon · Lovell · Bainbridge · Wainwright · Knight |
| Backs | Buchanan · Piatek · Mullen · Tate · Van Niekerk · Furyk · Mew · Soga · Sherif · Barnicoat |
Be 100% familiar with the rules. Drag-down tackles from behind and ankle taps are not allowed. No driving back or running over the top of players. Run at gaps, not players — spaces, not faces. All of these will be penalised and we'll give up field position.
Talk on the field — we should be vocal, and if you're unsure, ask a question.
Most importantly, have fun — but be under no illusion that these are international games. The level of rugby will be high and the intensity will ratchet up considerably. So at the Captain's Run, listen and understand your role, ask questions if you're unsure, and switch on for game day!
Let's make Canada proud — up the Grizzlies!
— Coach
Masters Rugby League is strictly a social version of the sport for the over-35s. The rules are slightly modified to cater for the older gentleman, where the safety of old bones is paramount.
Masters referees referee the games strictly to Masters rules and in the Spirit of Masters. The International Rules of Rugby League apply in full, with the 15 exceptions below.
ALL players must wear the correct short colour for their age. Exceptions can be agreed where a player, through medical need, requires the protection of Gold shorts — to be agreed with the referee before the game. When an active player (35–59 yrs) wears GOLD shorts as protection due to injury or any other reason, they do not wear tags and are tackled by touch only.
White and Black short players can tackle each other normally. However, the runner dictates the level of tackle — if a runner slows into contact, the tackler must adjust accordingly and not be over-aggressive.
On attack, RED short players must be physically stopped and held, not necessarily brought to ground. If momentum isn't stopped initially, a red shorter should still not be brought to the ground — the referee will deem when a tackle is complete. Once a tackle is completed, under no circumstances is the player brought to ground. Typically the red short attacker dictates the level of impact.
On defence, RED short players must have a minimum of a definite two-handed positive hold on the attacker.
In defence, a GOLD short player touches his opponent to enact the tackle, then stands at the point of the tackle and raises his hand to signal it to the referee. The tackled player MUST return to the point of the tackle to play the ball.
On attack, the defender must remove the tag from the GOLD short player — no other contact is permitted. The tackler stands at the point of the tackle and raises his hand and the tag to signal the referee. The tackled GOLD short player MUST return to the point of the tackle to play the ball.
The referee will, if required, blow the whistle to stop play and ensure play restarts at the point of the tackle.
A GOLD short player is counted as a tackler. A GOLD, GREEN or BLUE shorter must pull the tag off an opposing GOLD, GREEN or BLUE shorter. For all other short colours, a tackle is made by touch.
GREEN and BLUE short players follow the GOLD requirements. Always show respect to GOLD, GREEN and BLUE players and ensure no contact is made throughout the game.
Your ETA visa, travel insurance, mobile roaming, power adapters, a simple travel protocol for beating jet lag and how to handle the Aussie sun — the things to sort before you leave.
Every Canadian passport holder needs an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), Subclass 601 to enter Australia. It's a digital travel authority linked electronically to your passport, so there's no visa label, stamp or printout. You apply through the official Australian ETA app on your phone, and it costs AUD $20.
Home Affairs recommends applying at least 4 weeks before you travel, and we leave on Wednesday 28 October. Most applications are approved within minutes or hours, but some need further checks that can take 24 hours or longer.
You can't board your flight to Australia without a granted ETA, so please don't leave it to the last minute.
| Feature | ETA — Subclass 601 |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | All Canadian passport holders (also USA, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, UK and selected others) |
| Cost | AUD $20 service fee (non-refundable) |
| How to apply | Australian ETA app only (mobile). You can't apply in a web browser. |
| Validity | 12 months, multiple entries |
| Maximum stay per visit | 3 months (90 days) |
| Processing time | Usually within hours; up to 24 hours |
| Work permitted | No |
| Extendable | No. You'd need a new ETA or a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). |
Some third-party websites charge big fees to "process" your ETA. The genuine ETA costs AUD $20 and is only available through the official Australian ETA app from the Department of Home Affairs. Don't use any other website or service.
If you have a criminal conviction in any country, apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead. You may be refused entry if you arrive on an ETA with a conviction.
Your ETA is tied to the passport number it was issued for. If you renew or replace your passport after your ETA is granted, you must apply for a new ETA.
If you're travelling on a British Citizen or EU passport instead, you can apply for the free eVisitor (Subclass 651) through ImmiAccount. Whichever visa you get, travel on the passport it's linked to.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| ETA Subclass 601 overview | Home Affairs — ETA 601 ↗ |
| Eligible countries | Home Affairs — ETA eligibility ↗ |
| ETA app — Apple | App Store — Australian ETA ↗ |
| ETA app — Android | Google Play — Australian ETA ↗ |
| Check your visa status (VEVO) | Home Affairs — VEVO ↗ |
| Report a visa scam | Border Watch ↗ |
| Help by phone | Home Affairs Global Service Centre: +61 2 6196 0196 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm local time) |
📌 This is a general guide only, not legal or migration advice. Visa rules can change, so always check the current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before you travel.
Here's what you need to know about World Nomads Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical cover plus pre- and post-departure cover for trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, emergency evacuation, and baggage and personal effects. Policy options, costs and a link to buy are below.
If you plan to use workplace insurance or credit card insurance, confirm that the policy covers Sports Activities, and specifically Rugby League/Union. Some workplace policies and most credit card travel insurance do not include these activities.
Credit card travel insurance is the weakest option in a serious situation. It has lower limits, stricter conditions, and fewer provisions for the kinds of events happening at the moment. Don't rely on it without carefully reading every word of the policy.
World Nomads Travel Insurance covers medical treatment if you fall ill or are injured while travelling abroad. The pre- and post-departure cover includes trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, emergency evacuation, and baggage and personal effects. That's especially valuable with the lead-up time before we leave, the nature of air travel, and the time of year, when flight delays, cancellations and lost baggage are common. World Nomads also covers more than 250 adventure sports and activities, including Rugby League.
Unlike other travel medical policies, where you pay upfront and claim the money back later, World Nomads pays Emergency Medical expenses directly. This applies as long as the problem is covered by the policy and you, or someone acting for you, contacts their 24/7 Emergency Assistance team for approval.
For everything else, you make the claim online after the fact, which is quick and easy.
Covers emergency medical expenses if you become ill or are injured during your trip, up to the limits in your plan. This includes doctor and hospital bills, medication and lab work.
Pays for your medical evacuation to the nearest facility that can treat your condition if you're injured or ill during your trip. The World Nomads emergency assistance team can arrange the transport.
Reimburses 100% of prepaid, non-refundable costs if you cancel for a reason listed in your policy. Covered reasons include severe weather, or the illness, injury or death of you, your travel companion or a close family member.
Reimburses extra costs for accommodation, meals and local transport if your trip is delayed for a covered reason.
Pays for a last-minute flight home in an emergency, and compensates you for money lost by cutting the trip short, such as non-refundable activities and hotel stays.
Pays out up to the policy limits if your luggage is lost or stolen, reimbursing the depreciated value of your suitcases and their contents. If your bags are delayed, it reimburses essential purchases. It also covers personal belongings that are lost, damaged or stolen.
World Nomads offers two plans, Standard and Explorer. The Explorer Plan costs more but, in most cases, doubles the amount of coverage.
| Age | Standard Plan | Explorer Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 30–39 | $95.53 | $114.11 |
| 40–49 | $95.53 | $114.11 |
| 50–59 | $134.92 | $175.35 |
| 60–65 | $151.09 | $180.07 |
📌 Sample quotes for Australia, 28 October to 16 November 2026. Your own price will depend on your exact dates and details.
If you've already bought your flights, buy your insurance as soon as possible so you're covered for anything that happens before departure.
Sixteen days on tour — Sydney, the Gold Coast and beyond, including anyone continuing on to Fiji — so it's worth sorting your phone plan before you leave rather than at Sydney Airport. Every major Canadian carrier (and their flanker brands) offers a 30-day pass that comfortably covers the tour.
Roaming without a pass runs $16–$18/day on Canadian carriers — $256–$288 across the 16-day tour. A 30-day pass runs a flat $30–$125 depending on carrier. Sorting the pass in advance is a straightforward saving.
Some carriers offer shorter regional or weekly passes, but none cover the 16-day length of this tour. Make sure you select each carrier's 30-day pass specifically — not a shorter one.
Check whether your carrier's pass activates automatically on first use in Australia or immediately once added. The 30-day countdown starts from that moment — if it activates on purchase, add it on the day your trip starts, not before.
| Option | Cost (CAD) | Voice | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell / Virgin Plus International 30-Day Travel Pass | $120 | ✔ Yes | No Australia/Oceania-specific plan — this is Bell's only option covering the tour. Full voice, uses existing plan data. |
| Freedom Mobile Included in plan | $0 extra if plan includes Roam Beyond | ✔ Yes | Check My Account to confirm Roam Beyond is included — Australia is one of 120+ covered destinations. If not, see pass options below. |
| Freedom Mobile 30-Day Roam Beyond Pass — 5GB | $30 | ✔ Yes | Own data bucket — doesn't draw from your plan. |
| Freedom Mobile 30-Day Roam Beyond Pass — 10GB | $50 | ✔ Yes | Own data bucket — good for heavier users. |
| Rogers / Fido Oceania 30-Day Travel Pass | $90 | ✔ Yes | Covers Australia, NZ, Fiji, French Polynesia, PNG, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. Same price on both Rogers and Fido. |
| Telus / Koodo Global 30-Day Pass | $125 | ✔ Yes | Both brands only offer a 7-day AU/NZ pass ($50) — not enough for the tour — so the Global 30-Day pass is the practical option. Uses existing plan data. |
| Airalo / Holafly Australia eSIM — Unlimited | ~$94–$104 | ✘ Data only | Unlimited data on the Optus network. No voice — use WhatsApp instead. An option if your carrier pass doesn't suit. |
Do this before you leave Canada — don't wait until you land.
If Roam Beyond is in your plan: My Account → Manage Features → turn on International Roaming and International Calling → Accept and Enable.
If purchasing a pass: same steps first, then Shop Add-Ons → 30-day Roam Beyond Pass ($30/5GB or $50/10GB).
MyRogers → Manage → Manage Add-ons → Oceania 30-Day Travel Pass. Can be set up to 60 days ahead — pass starts 12:00am ET on the activation date, so set it for departure day. Or text TRAVEL to 222 to confirm Roam Like Home is active.
Fido My Account → Manage Add-ons → Oceania 30-Day Travel Pass ($90, same as Rogers). Purchasable up to 60 days ahead with a set start date. Or text ROAM to 222 to confirm Fido Roam is active.
My Account (bell.ca or MyBell app) → add the International 30-Day Travel Pass. Activates immediately once added — add it on departure day, not before. Or text INTL30 to 4400. For Roam Better daily backup: text ROAM to 8000.
Add the pass in My Account. Activates immediately once added — add on departure day. Or text INTL30 to 4800. For Roam Sweet Roam: text ROAMHOME to 8800.
My TELUS app → check/enable Easy Roam → add the Global 30-Day Pass. Activates automatically on first use in Australia, 45-day window from purchase — the 30-day countdown starts on first use abroad. Or text ROAM to 7626.
Koodo Self Serve → enable Easy Roam. Important: also enable International Voice Roaming and International Data Roaming add-ons (both free) before the travel pass will work. Then add the Global 30-Day Pass. Or text ROAM to 7626.
If your carrier's pass isn't great value, or you just want unlimited data without worrying about a cap, a travel eSIM is the way to go. Both run their Australia eSIMs on the Optus network with unlimited data.
| Provider | 30-Day Plan | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $66.50 USD ≈ $94 CAD | Optus network, unlimited data, 200+ locations globally |
| Holafly | $73.90 USD ≈ $104 CAD | Optus network, unlimited data, 1GB/mth Always On backup |
Australia runs on 230V / 50Hz using Type I plugs (three flat pins — two angled, one straight). Bonus: this is the same standard right across the wider Pacific, including Fiji and New Zealand — whatever gets you sorted for Australia covers those legs too.
The voltage gap is a non-issue: phones (iPhone/Android), laptops, iPads and tablets are all dual-voltage (100–240V) and just need the right plug adapter. The only devices that genuinely need a voltage converter are single-voltage appliances with heating elements — hair dryers, straighteners, clippers, travel kettles — pack accordingly.
120V / 60Hz
230V / 50Hz ⚠ switched
230–240V / 50Hz ⚠ switched
| Origin | Adapter Needed | Voltage Converter? |
|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Type I (Australia & wider Pacific) | Not needed for phones/laptops/tablets — check single-voltage devices (e.g. hair dryers) |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Type I (Australia & wider Pacific) | Not needed |
⚠️ Australian outlets have a switch next to the socket, same as the UK — flip it ON or your charger won't work.
💡 Check device labels: "100–240V, 50/60Hz" = works everywhere with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage labels (120V or 230V only) need a converter — common with hair dryers and straighteners.
🛒 Forgot yours? Because Type I is Australia's own standard, any Woolworths/Coles, chemist, JB Hi-Fi or Officeworks near the Meriton Suites (Sydney) or Artique Resort (Surfers Paradise) will sell a local multi-adapter cheaply if you land without one.
The interchangeable head set includes Type I, along with A, C/F and G — covers up to 5 devices at once in one compact unit. Not a voltage converter (dual-voltage devices only).
🔥 On sale now — $29.99 CAD $39.99
Buy on Amazon Canada →Interchangeable plugs (Type C, G, A, I) with 2× USB-C and 1× USB-A — covers 224+ countries including Australia. Cheap and widely available for UK-based players and partners.
Buy on Amazon UK →This is a lighter, Masters-friendly version of the travel protocol the Canada Wolverines use for Test matches. Nobody's asking you to give up beer for a week or tape your hotel curtains shut. These are simple habits for the trip over and your first few days in Sydney. They'll help you feel human on arrival, enjoy the tour from day one and have your legs under you for the first game. Take what works for you, and it applies to partners just as much as players.
We land in Sydney on Friday 30 October and play on Monday 2 November, which is only our fourth day on the ground. A rough rule of thumb is one day to adjust for every hour of time difference, so most of us won't be fully adjusted by game day. A bit of structure makes a big difference.
| Travelling from | Sydney is… | Body clock at 8am Sydney landing | How hard is it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Ontario / Eastern Canada | 15 hours ahead | 5pm Thursday | Moderate–High Body clock needs to shift ~9 hours later |
| 🇨🇦 Manitoba | 16 hours ahead | 4pm Thursday | Moderate ~8 hours later |
| 🇨🇦 BC / Western Canada | 18 hours ahead | 2pm Thursday | Moderate ~6 hours later. The West Coast boys have it easiest this time |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 11 hours ahead | 9pm Thursday | High The biggest adjustment in the squad |
Heading to Australia from Canada, your body has to stay up later rather than go to bed earlier. That's the easier direction. Most people find it much easier to push bedtime back than to fall asleep early.
You lose Thursday 29 October completely when you cross the International Date Line. Don't let it throw you.
Queensland doesn't use daylight saving, so the Gold Coast is 1 hour behind Sydney. When we fly up on Wed 4 Nov you gain an hour, which is a small bonus for your body clock.
Nudge your body clock (if work and family allow)
Look after the body
Medications
Probably the single most useful item for a Masters squad. They cut leg swelling and lower your risk of blood clots on a 15-hour flight. Cheap at any pharmacy, so wear them from take-off to landing.
Eye mask, good earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and a neck pillow. Add a small lumbar cushion (or a rolled jumper) for your lower back.
Take a reusable bottle through security empty and fill it up airside. Electrolyte sachets (Nuun, Liquid I.V., Hydralyte) help on the plane and on arrival day.
Protein bars, nuts and crackers beat airline food. But Australian biosecurity is very strict, so eat them or bin them before you land, or declare them. Fresh fruit, meat and dairy will be confiscated, and undeclared food can earn an on-the-spot fine.
Some people find a low dose (0.5–3mg) taken around bedtime helps for the first few nights. It's over the counter in Canada but prescription-only in Australia, so bring your own in its original bottle. Check with your doctor first if you take other medications.
A clean shirt, toothbrush and deodorant in your carry-on, plus sunnies, a hat and sunscreen. Your room may not be ready when you land, and you'll want to get straight outside (more on that below).
Before you board
On the long-haul flight
Flying via Dallas, Fiji, Singapore or arriving later? The principle is the same: find out what time it is in Sydney (or Brisbane) and sleep when it's night there. Stay awake when it's daytime there, even if your body disagrees.
At Sydney Airport
Get outside — daylight is your best weapon
The nap rule
Evening
Sunday is the RLWC double header at Parramatta, a great day out, and the beers will flow. Enjoy it, but remember we play the next day. Drink water between rounds, eat properly, and get back to the hotel at a sensible hour. Your hamstrings will thank you on Monday.
After the game
Everything above applies to you: the sleep shift, the flight routine, the nap rule and the daylight. Jet lag doesn't care whether you're playing.
Don't book a big tour or an early-start day trip for Friday 30 Oct. Save the Blue Mountains and the bigger outings for later in the week, and use day one for easy, outdoor wandering: the harbour, a ferry ride or a café in the sun.
Sydney is a great walking city. A couple of hours on your feet outdoors on arrival day is the best jet-lag cure there is. See the Sydney Guide for ideas.
The risk goes up with age and with long flights, and both apply to a Masters squad. Compression socks, aisle walks and water are your protection.
In the days after the flight, watch for pain, swelling or warmth in one calf, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain. If you notice any of these, get medical help straight away. In Australia, call 000 in an emergency.
The urge to run a hard session on Saturday to “shake off the flight” should be resisted. Short, light and technical is far more useful, and it's how you avoid pulling something before a ball has been kicked.
Long-haul flights and changes to your routine slow the gut down. Eat fibre (fruit, veg, oats), drink plenty of water and go for a walk. Stick to familiar food for the first day or two, and consider bringing a probiotic or whatever usually works for you.
Aussie sun, warm humid days, jet lag and a few beers add up to dehydration fast. Keep a water bottle on you every day of the tour, not just on game days.
Flying back to Canada, your body has to go to bed earlier, which most people find tougher. Expect the first week home to be rougher than the arrival in Sydney. Use the same tools: set your watch to home time on boarding, get morning daylight once you're home, avoid long naps, and if you can, don't schedule anything important for the first few days back.
General guidance only, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or take regular medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you travel.
The Australian sun can burn you badly on a mild 20°C day. The temperature tells you nothing about the danger. Sunburn comes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not heat, and in November the UV on the Gold Coast and in Sydney regularly reaches the “extreme” range.
Coming from a Canadian or UK autumn, a breezy, comfortable day feels like the safest day to be outside. Often it's the opposite: you don't feel the sun working, so you stay out longer and skip the sunscreen. The burn shows up that evening, quite often the night before a game.
When the UV Index is 3 or above, protect your skin, whatever the temperature.
On an extreme UV day, fair skin can start to burn in around 10–15 minutes.
The warmth you feel is infrared. The damage comes from UV, which you can't see or feel, and the two are unrelated, so a cool, windy day can carry the same UV as a scorcher. Australia publishes the UV Index every day:
| UV Index | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Low | Protection generally not needed |
| 3–5 | Moderate | Protection needed |
| 6–7 | High | Protection essential |
| 8–10 | Very High | Unprotected skin can burn quickly |
| 11+ | Extreme | Normal in Queensland and NSW from spring to autumn, so expect it on tour |
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Roughly two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.
The Gold Coast sits at about 28°S, much closer to the equator than Toronto (43°N) or Vancouver (49°N). The sun is higher overhead for more of the day.
The Earth is closest to the sun during the southern summer, which adds several per cent more UV than a northern summer at the same latitude.
Low pollution and long runs of cloudless sky mean less UV gets filtered out before it reaches you.
The tour runs in late spring, heading into summer. UV on the Gold Coast and in Sydney is regularly 11+ by mid-morning.
Australia's Cancer Council has run this campaign since the early '80s, and every Aussie kid grows up with it. Do all five together, not just one.
Slip on sun-protective clothing: a collared shirt with sleeves, in a lightweight fabric with a tight weave.
Slop on SPF 50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
Slap on a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat. A baseball cap leaves your ears and neck exposed.
Seek shade, especially between 10am and 3pm, and remember reflected UV still reaches you under an umbrella.
Slide on wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian standard (AS/NZS 1067) or are marked UV400.
The free SunSmart app and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast show the day's UV Index, plus the times protection is needed where you are.
Australian SPF 50+ is tested to strict TGA standards. It's cheap at Woolworths, Coles, Chemist Warehouse or Priceline, and it saves room in your luggage.
Apply before warm-ups and reapply at half-time. Keep a team bottle of sunscreen on the bench.
Sun and breeze dry you out faster than you notice. Drink water before you feel thirsty.
Alcohol dulls your sense of heat and burn. Find a shaded table and keep water going between rounds.
Some common medications make you more sensitive to the sun. Ask your pharmacist before you fly.
Get out of the sun, cool the skin with a cool shower, drink water and use aloe vera gel. See a pharmacist or doctor if you have blistering, fever, chills or dizziness.
General guidance drawn from Cancer Council Australia's SunSmart programme, not medical advice. Check the daily UV forecast for local conditions.
Nov 4–16 · Artique Resort, Surfers Paradise — home base for the tournament.
Wednesday November 4 – Monday November 16, 12 nights at the Artique Resort, Surfers Paradise. This tab covers the Gold Coast leg in full, from the practicalities to the day-by-day schedule through to the departures on Monday 16 November. See the Accommodation tab for hotel and room details, and Getting Around for trams, buses and e-bikes.
Times, flights, hotels and the daily schedule all live on TripIt. If anything below conflicts with TripIt, TripIt wins.
Open Team Itinerary on TripIt →Warmer and more humid – highs around 27°C, lows near 19°C, humidity climbing to ~65–68%. Sea temperature is a pleasant ~23.5°C. Afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent as November progresses, though mornings are typically clear.
In November the Gold Coast UV index regularly reaches 11+ (Extreme). Unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10–15 minutes, even on cloudy or overcast days, and the sea breeze hides how much sun you're getting.
Remember the Aussie rule: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunnies.
| Property | Artique Resort — Surfers Paradise · artiqueresort.com.au |
|---|---|
| Address | 16–18 Enderley Avenue (cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd), Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 · +61 7 5564 3100 |
| Stay | 12 nights — group booking under “Canada Grizzlies” |
| Check-in | Wednesday, November 4 — online check-in is preferred for our group (the office closes at 5:00pm — see below) |
| Check-out | Monday, November 16 — Brisbane flyers leave around 5:00am, before the office opens, so settle up the night before |
| Office hours | Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:00pm · Sat–Sun 9:00am–4:00pm — not a 24-hour reception |
| Included | One car park per apartment (secure underground, 2.1 m height clearance) · free Wi-Fi · Foxtel |
| Dining | Every apartment is self-contained with a full kitchen, and cafés and supermarkets are a short walk away (see Where to Eat) |
At check-in, one guest per apartment must show photo ID and a credit card for a pre-authorisation covering incidentals during the stay.
| Pre-authorisation per apartment | $200 |
| Released by your bank | 7–10 business days after check-out |
Agree among your roommates beforehand who is putting their card down. Amex carries a 2.95% surcharge.
Complete online check-in before you travel so your keys are left out for you. If anything goes wrong, contact the resort on info@artiqueresort.com.au or +61 7 5564 3100 for late-arrival instructions, and let the Team Manager know in the WhatsApp group.
Artique enforces a strict no-party policy — breaches can mean eviction with all money forfeited. Enjoy the tour, but take the big nights out to the pubs and clubs, and keep it respectful in the apartments, the lifts and around the pool. The building is non-smoking, with designated outdoor smoking areas only.
Artique Resort is a high-rise apartment resort on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Enderley Avenue, about a block back from the beach. The air-conditioned apartments range from one to three bedrooms and are fully self-contained, with a full kitchen, laundry and ensuite bathroom, and views over the ocean, the city or the hinterland depending on the floor. Resort facilities include a partly covered, heated outdoor pool, a poolside BBQ area, spa, sauna and steam room, a gym and a private theatre.
The Northcliffe G:link tram station is a 2–3 minute walk, putting Cavill Avenue one stop north and Broadbeach a few stops south. Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is about 25–28 km away and Brisbane Airport (BNE) roughly 75–90 minutes by road — see the Airport → Hotel and Hotel → Airport tabs for transfer options.
Artique has full kitchens in every apartment and electric BBQs by the pool, so the best-value feeds on the Gold Coast are the ones we cook ourselves. Prawns straight off the trawlers, snags and steaks from a proper butcher, and a cold XXXX. This guide covers where to buy it all, plus fish and chips, night markets, breweries, pies and a late feed. Distances are from Artique Resort, 16–18 Enderley Ave, Surfers Paradise (nearest tram stop: Northcliffe).
Get four to six of the team together, split an Uber up to the Fishermen's Co-op in the morning and a butcher on the way back, and you've got a seafood-and-BBQ feast by the pool for a fraction of what a restaurant would charge.
The shopping list:
What to drink: you're in Queensland, so at least one carton of XXXX Gold is compulsory. For something better, pick up local craft from Burleigh Brewing (Big Head or Twisted Palm) or Balter (the XPA was voted Australia's best craft beer). With seafood, a Hunter Valley Semillon, a Clare Valley Riesling or a Tasmanian sparkling (Jansz is good value) all work. In Queensland, alcohol is sold in separate bottle shops (BWS, Liquorland, Dan Murphy's), not on the supermarket shelves.
Using the electric BBQs:
Keep it cold and bin it fast: November is warm and humid on the Gold Coast. Buy the seafood last, take an esky with ice, and get it straight into the fridge. Wrap prawn shells and heads tightly and take them to the bin the same night, or the apartment will let you know about it in the morning.
Queensland's annual prawn-trawling closure runs from 20 September to 1 November, so the trawlers will have only just gone back out when we arrive on 4 November. The first week's catch should be fresh and plentiful, but supply varies with the weather. Check the Co-op's Today's Catch page or call 07 5528 5783 before you go.
For seafood, go to the Fishermen's Co-op on The Spit at Main Beach (about 15 minutes by Uber), open from 7am until sold out. For meat, the Brickworks Centre in Southport has a butcher, a seafood shop and a bakery under one roof, and Super Butcher will deliver to Surfers. Near the hotel, BMD Northcliffe Surf Club and the Surfers Paradise Surf Club are the best-value sit-down meals with an ocean view.
| If you want… | Go to | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| Prawns straight off the boat | Gold Coast Fishermen's Co-op, Main Beach (from 7am) | ~15 min Uber |
| The whole BBQ shop in one stop | The Brickworks, Southport (butcher, seafood, bakery) | 10–15 min Uber |
| Meat delivered to the door | Super Butcher (free delivery over $200) | Order online |
| A special seafood dinner | Johnny Omeros (Isle of Capri), Seascape (Surfers beachfront), or Rick Shores (Burleigh). See Seafood Restaurants. | Uber / walk |
| A cheap feed with an ocean view | BMD Northcliffe Surf Club or Surfers Paradise Surf Club | Short walk |
| Fish and chips by the water | Peter's Fish Market (Main Beach), Charis (Labrador), Fish Shak (Broadwater) | 10–15 min Uber |
| Street food and live music | Miami Marketta (Wed–Sat from 5pm) | Tram south or ~10 min Uber |
| A craft beer | Surfers Brewery (Elkhorn Ave), or Burleigh Brewing and Black Hops in Burleigh | Walk / tram |
| A great pie | Main Beach Bakery (Tedder Ave), Flour Bakery (Brickworks), Yatala Pies (on the way to Brisbane) | Varies |
| Food after midnight | The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach | Tram south |
For the nights you don't feel like cooking. Artique is at the quieter Northcliffe end of Surfers, a block back from the beach, so the surf clubs are our local.
Address: 51 Garfield Tce, Surfers Paradise, right on Northcliffe Beach
From the hotel: a short walk towards the beach
Order: the house burger, a rump steak, seafood, or the parmy. Big breakfasts too.
Why: award-winning surf club food at club prices, with a big deck over the ocean. It's not-for-profit, so your money supports the volunteer lifesavers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days.
Good to know: check their website for weekly meal specials. As at most clubs, visitors sign in at the door, so bring ID.
Where: corner of Hanlan St and The Esplanade. About 10 minutes' walk north along the beach.
Casual alfresco dining by the sand, with daily specials and $13 lunch options. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Where: 30 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise.
Seafood platters and casual food, with half-price oysters Monday to Friday, 4–6pm. A good pre-dinner stop.
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, near the beach end of Cavill. Some guides still list it as BOBs Beer.
Surfers' only brewery, with around 16 beers brewed on site and pub food (pizza, wings, burgers) to go with them.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, in the laneway through to Orchid Ave, next to the Hilton.
A hawker-style food court with ramen, Thai curries, dumplings, Korean and Indian stalls. Cheap, quick and open late. Stalls change often, so check what's trading on Google Maps.
Where: under the Chevron Renaissance towers, near Cavill Ave.
Levendis for slow-cooked souvlaki and mezze, El Patio de Cuba for Cuban food and cocktails, and Betty's Burgers for a quick, reliable burger.
The restaurants along Cavill Mall are aimed squarely at tourists, and the hotel seafood buffets (Citrique, Horizon Sky Dining) are fun but pricey. For the same money, you could feed four people prawns and bugs back at Artique.
The Gold Coast has a working fishing fleet on its doorstep, so you can buy prawns that were in the water a few hours earlier. The Co-op and Peter's are next door to each other on The Spit, so do them in one trip.
Address: 168 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach (on The Spit, on the Broadwater side)
Hours: 7 days, from 7am until sold out, weather permitting. Go early.
From the hotel: about 6–7km north. Roughly 15 minutes by Uber or taxi, so split it between four.
What they sell: Eastern king prawns (cooked on the trawlers, and green), spanner crab (live and cooked), Moreton Bay bugs when available, plus squid, octopus and cuttlefish. Everything is caught by the Co-op's own boats.
Good to know: sales are from the floating pontoons where the boats unload. Cooked spanner crab is cash only, so bring some cash. Prices change daily with the catch.
Contact: 07 5528 5783 · todayscatch@freshestcatch.com.au
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach.
Hours: daily, about 9am–7pm.
Whole fish, fillets, prawns and crabs, plus a popular fish-and-chip counter with outdoor tables on the Broadwater. Handy if the Co-op has sold out, or for lunch while you're up there. Expect a queue at lunchtime.
Where: 371 Marine Pde, Labrador, opposite the Grand Hotel, on the Broadwater.
Hours: 7 days, about 8:30am–7pm. No website, so call ahead on 07 5527 1100.
Fresh seafood, platters and whole eskies for groups, plus fish and chips. The owners feed the pelicans on the foreshore behind the shop at about 1:30pm, a great photo.
Where: Labrador, opposite Harbour Town shopping centre.
Hours: weekdays 9am–6:30pm, weekends 8am–6:30pm.
Fish delivered daily by local fishermen: whole fish, fillets, prawns, crabs, bugs and freshly shucked oysters, plus fish and chips and ready meals.
Where: The Brickworks Centre, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport. About 10–15 minutes by Uber.
Family-owned, with a wide range of fresh seafood and oysters shucked in store. The Brickworks also has a butcher and a bakery, so you can do the whole BBQ shop in one stop (see the Butchers & Groceries tab).
Where: 1/54 Paradise Ave, Miami, just down the road from Miami Marketta.
Hours: daily 8am–6pm, Sunday to 4pm.
Responsibly sourced seafood, freshly shucked oysters and a sashimi bar. Dearer than the Co-op, but very good quality, and the cooked-to-order fish and chips (including lobster) are a treat.
Where: 20 Casua Dr, Varsity Lakes. Further south, so best by car.
Hours: 7 days, 7am–6pm.
Run by a local family with its own prawn trawlers. Prawns, bugs, squid and octopus, and they'll clean whole fish for you on the spot for free.
Where: G Pier, Sanctuary Cove Marina, Hope Island. About 25 minutes north by car.
A trawler that docks on Saturday mornings and sells green and cooked prawns, bugs and crabs by the kilo from 8:30am. Could suit a hire-car group on Saturday 14 November. Check their Facebook page to confirm it's in.
Both Woolworths stores in Surfers (2 Cavill Ave and Circle on Cavill) have seafood counters. Fine in a pinch, but the prawns are usually previously frozen and dearer than what you'll get off the boats.
The Co-op often sells frozen whole squid and octopus very cheaply. Thaw it in the fridge, slice the squid into rings, toss in olive oil, garlic, chilli and lemon, and it takes a minute on the barbie. Excellent value.
For the night you want someone else to do the cooking and the washing up. These range from casual waterfront dining to the coast's most celebrated restaurants. Most take bookings, and the popular ones fill up on Friday and Saturday nights, so book ahead, especially for a group.
Address: Capri on Via Roma, 15–21 Via Roma, Isle of Capri
From the hotel: about 5–10 minutes by Uber, just across the Nerang River from central Surfers
Hours: Monday to Saturday, lunch and dinner (from about 12:30pm until late)
Order: the big seafood platter (oysters three ways, fresh and barbecued prawns, calamari, baby octopus, smoked salmon, Moreton Bay bugs, mussels and scallops), live mud crab grilled Greek-style with garlic, oregano and lemon butter, or a whole lobster mornay.
Why: Johnny Omeros is the son of the family behind Omeros Bros, the Marina Mirage seafood institution from 1989 to early 2026. He opened this waterfront restaurant on the marina in July 2026. Greek-Mediterranean, generous and built for sharing, and it seats about 140, so it's one of the easier places to get a group table.
Where: Levels 1 & 2, 4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, on the beachfront near Cavill Ave. About 15–20 minutes' walk.
The closest proper seafood restaurant to the hotel, looking straight over Surfers beach. The Level 1 bistro and bar is open-air and casual, and the Level 2 restaurant is the dressier option, with seafood platters, sashimi and a good wine list. Go at sunset.
Bookings: 07 5527 6655
Where: Berths C7–C8, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach. About 10–15 minutes by Uber, close to the Fishermen's Co-op.
A bar and restaurant built on two restored timber fishing trawlers on the Broadwater. Freshly shucked oysters, trawler-fresh prawns and bugs, and the "Holy Ship I'll Have It All" platter, plus cocktails and beer on tap. They've run a half-price oyster hour in the afternoon, so check their website for current specials.
About 25 minutes south by Uber, or the G:link tram to Burleigh. All three of these are in the Burleigh Pavilion building, right on the beach at 43 Goodwin Tce.
Address: 3/43 Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads, with the surf breaking just below the windows
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9pm, Fri–Sun 11am–9pm
Order: the fried Moreton Bay bug roll, the dish that made its name. Then share plates from the Pan-Asian menu, like the lobster and prawn dumplings and the coal-grilled octopus.
Why: it's won the Gold Coast's best restaurant awards and is the one locals take visitors to. A special-occasion price tag, but you're eating on the edge of one of Australia's best surf beaches.
Good to know: book well ahead online or on 07 5630 6611, especially at weekends. Ask for a window table. Lunch is easier to get, and the view is better in daylight.
Where: 3b/43 Goodwin Tce, at the northern end of Burleigh Pavilion.
A relaxed but polished Mediterranean take on Australian seafood: seafood on ice, ceviche, taramasalata and whole goldband snapper, with a terrace looking out over the ocean. A little easier on the wallet than Rick Shores next door.
Bookings: 07 5661 9050
Where: 43 Goodwin Tce, the main bar and dining room in the same building.
The casual option: a big, buzzing beachfront bar and dining room with a deck over the sand and a crowd-pleasing menu. The place to go if Rick Shores is booked out, or for a drink before dinner. Busy and loud at weekends.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach. A few tram stops south of Northcliffe.
The Star's signature Japanese restaurant and a regular on the Gold Coast's best restaurant lists. Sushi, sashimi and seared kingfish nigiri, with a set sharing menu and an omakase option. Check the dress code when you book.
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach. About 15 minutes by Uber.
A relaxed seafood spot for sharing: chilli garlic butter char-grilled prawns, a fish-fillet sandwich, and crispy tots with caviar. They've run a cheap midweek small-plates night, so check what's on.
Where: on Elephant Rock, 741 Pacific Pde, Currumbin.
Club prices with one of the best views on the coast, looking north up the beaches from the rock. The seafood platter is the thing to order. A great lunch on Monday 9 November after the Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors sign in, so bring ID.
Where: Awaken building, 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta, at the southern end of the coast. About 35–40 minutes by Uber.
From the Gambaro family, of Brisbane seafood fame. Mediterranean seafood cooked over an open-flame grill: chargrilled Mooloolaba king prawns, lobster linguine and the Pipi's seafood platter. Pair it with a day at Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks.
Plenty of "best seafood" lists online still recommend Omeros Bros, Glass Dining and La Luna Dining at Marina Mirage, and The Fish House at Burleigh. All four have closed. Marina Mirage is also being redeveloped, so expect some of the centre to be fenced off.
Supermarket meat will do, but a proper butcher's snags and steaks are worth the extra trip. There's no traditional butcher right on our doorstep in Surfers, so these are the best options a short ride away.
Address: 107 Ferry Rd, Southport
From the hotel: about 10–15 minutes by Uber
The butcher: Standard Market Company: grass-fed and grain-fed steaks, gourmet sausages, marinated chicken, and the odd exotic cut (kangaroo, crocodile) if anyone wants to try something different on the barbie
Also here: Reef Seafood & Sushi for prawns and oysters, and Flour Bakery for pies (the butter chicken pie is the famous one) and fresh bread for the BBQ
Good to know: Southport is also where we play Game 2 at Owen Park on Saturday 7 November, so partners could combine a stock-up with coming to cheer
Southport: 10/201 Ferry Rd (corner of Cotlew St), just up from the Brickworks.
Mermaid Beach: Mermaid Plaza, 2376–2400 Gold Coast Hwy, a short tram or Uber ride south.
Hours (both): Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 7am–5pm, Sun 8am–5pm.
A big range at sharp prices, with free slicing and vacuum sealing. Delivery to Surfers Paradise is $19 for orders under $200 and free over $200, so a pooled order for a big team barbie could arrive at the door.
Where: Shop 3/90 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters.
Hormone- and antibiotic-free, grass-fed and organic meats, gluten-free sausages, and free marinating. A good pick if anyone in the group is coeliac.
Where: Treetops Shopping Centre, Burleigh Waters.
Famous for its sausages, with up to 25 flavours on the go at once. Worth a detour if you're heading south with a car.
Where: 33 James St, Burleigh Heads.
Premium meats and gourmet smallgoods on Burleigh's main eat street. Handy on Monday 9 November, when What to See and Do suggests stopping in Burleigh after Currumbin. Bring a cooler bag for the tram ride home.
Where: 2 Cavill Ave, at the beach end of Cavill. About 15–20 minutes' walk, or one tram stop north (Cavill Avenue).
Open 7am–10pm. Seafood counter and sushi bar.
Where: 9 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, at the western end of Cavill Ave.
Open 7am–9pm. A bigger store, and easier for a big shop.
🍺 Bottle shops: in Queensland you buy beer and wine at a separate bottle shop (BWS, Liquorland, Dan Murphy's or a pub's drive-through "bottle-o"), not in the supermarket aisle. There are several around Cavill Ave. Check Google Maps for the nearest one when you're shopping, or see Where to Shop.
The Gold Coast way: grab a parcel of fish and chips and eat it on the grass by the Broadwater or the beach. Watch out for the seagulls and pelicans.
Next to the Co-op on Seaworld Drive. Battered, crumbed or grilled fish, prawns and calamari, cooked while you wait. Combine it with the morning seafood run. Details in the Buying Seafood tab.
Fish and chips, crumbed calamari and fresh prawns. Eat in Harley Park or on the Broadwater foreshore, and time it for the 1:30pm pelican feed. Details in the Buying Seafood tab.
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Southport.
Overlooks the Broadwater. Beer batter, panko crumb or grilled, with or without garlic butter. The parklands are a great spot for a walk afterwards.
Where: Chevron Island, just across the river from central Surfers.
Family-owned since 1995, known for grilled seafood and fresh salads. A good local alternative to the Cavill strip.
Where: James St, Burleigh Heads.
One of the coast's longest-running fish and chip shops, with fish caught fresh daily. Take it to the park at the foot of Burleigh Headland.
Where: Thrower Dr, Currumbin, beside Currumbin Creek.
Known for value pack baskets, and a 5-minute drive from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. A good lunch on Monday 9 November.
Where: Miami.
Daily fresh catches, house-made sauces, fish tacos and craft beers on tap. Pairs well with a night at Miami Marketta.
Address: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm (to about 10pm). Friday and Saturday are the big nights.
Getting there: about 10 minutes south by Uber, or take the G:link tram south (it now runs through to Burleigh)
What's on: a neon-lit warehouse precinct with street food from Japan, Korea, Greece, Spain and more, several bars, a dessert hall and free live music. Seats about 500.
Why: cheap eats, a beer and a band without the backpacker scene. Easily the best fit for a relaxed group night out. Precinct Brewing and Lost Palms Brewing are both a short walk away for a beer first.
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, near Cavill Ave.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 4–9pm. More arts, crafts and souvenirs than food, but there are snack stalls, and it's a nice stroll along the beachfront on arrival night (Wednesday 4 November).
Where: Burleigh industrial estate.
Friday and Saturday evenings. Ribs, brisket, wings, Reubens and jerk chicken. Check their socials for current dates before you go.
The Gold Coast has one of Australia's best craft beer scenes, and most of it is in the southern beach suburbs, along the tram line or a short Uber away. For pubs, surf club decks and live music, see Where to Drink.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads.
Brewing since 2006, with multiple World Beer Awards golds. A big taphouse with live music. Try the Big Head and Twisted Palm.
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads.
Regularly rated among Australia's best breweries. Eight taps, with food trucks on Friday and Saturday.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin.
Founded by surfers (including world champion Mick Fanning). The XPA topped the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie craft beers. Close to the Wildlife Sanctuary, so it's a good stop on Monday 9 November.
Precinct Brewing (17 Christine Ave) is a converted workshop with a restaurant. Lost Palms (11 Oak Ave) does fun modern beers and $12 burgers and fries on Fridays. Both are close to Miami Marketta.
Where: 3–4/105 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters.
Award-winning beers with a BBQ smokehouse menu, a beer garden and live music.
The bakery checklist from the Sydney guide still applies: pie, sausage roll, vanilla slice, lamington. Most bakeries close mid-afternoon, so go before 1pm.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach, on the way to the Co-op.
Known for its Jack Daniel's pie, plus chunky steak and cheese and bacon. Breakfast sorted on the early seafood run.
The butter chicken pie is the famous one. Next to the butcher and seafood shop at the Brickworks, 107 Ferry Rd.
Pie Pie makes everything in-house with grass-fed meat (porterhouse steak, brisket). Burleigh Baker uses fermented pastry, with a slow-cooked pork belly pie. Both fit the Burleigh stop.
Paddock Bakery (Miami) does a steak, bacon and cheese pie in hand-made puff pastry. Fosters Bakery (Nobby Beach) has a big range of flavours.
Where: Yatala, just off the M1 between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
A Queensland roadside institution that bakes over 3,500 pies a day. Pepper steak is the classic, and save room for an apple pie. A perfect stop if you're driving to Brisbane on Tuesday 10 November or for the RLWC Final on Sunday 15 November.
At the southern end of the coast. The steak, bacon and cheese pie is the pick. Open from 6am Friday through to 5pm Sunday, so it suits a weekend drive south.
Surfers is quieter late at night than its reputation suggests, outside the Orchid Ave club strip. These are the reliable options.
The casino's Food Quarter is open around the clock, and Mei Wei Dumplings stays open late on Friday and Saturday. A few tram stops south of Northcliffe.
Dumplings and ramen in a Broadbeach back laneway, serving until 1am at weekends.
The hawker precinct off Orchid Ave is the closest late feed to the club strip. Details in the Near the Hotel tab.
Open until 10pm for snacks, breakfast supplies or a ready meal. Or raid the leftover prawns in your fridge.
Uber to the Fishermen's Co-op for 7:30–8am → buy prawns and bugs → breakfast pie at Main Beach Bakery on Tedder Ave → walk on Main Beach → Uber home with the esky. Back at Artique by 10am, with the seafood in the fridge for that evening's barbie.
Owen Park is in Southport, close to the Brickworks (butcher, seafood, bakery) and the Broadwater Parklands (Fish Shak). Partners coming to cheer could have lunch at the parklands and stock up for a post-match barbie at Artique.
Fish and chips at Throwers by Currumbin Creek, or a beer at Balter Brewing. Fuel Bakehouse in Currumbin does a deep-dish pie with seven-hour slow-cooked beef.
Fish Mongers on James St, a pie at Pie Pie, a pint at Burleigh Brewing or Black Hops, and snags from Meat on James St for the barbie. Then catch the tram back to Northcliffe.
Lunch is the Aussie BBQ at Club Broadbeach. If you want a drink or a bite afterwards, Kurrawa Surf Club (Old Burleigh Rd) is a short walk away on the beach, and Oasis Shopping Centre and Victoria Ave have plenty of casual options.
The theme-park food courts and the Cavill Mall restaurants with photo menus out the front. You're paying for the location. Walk a block or two, or head to a surf club.
📌 Addresses, hours and prices were checked in late October 2026 from venue websites, Experience Gold Coast, Moving to the Gold Coast's seafood guide, and recent local food guides. Some smaller venues (Charis, Chop Chop, the butchers) don't publish current hours online, so call or check Google Maps before heading out. Prices are in AUD and approximate. Got a find of your own? Share it in the tour WhatsApp group.
Beachfront coffee shops and cafés, surf club decks, pubs, local craft breweries and live music, from the Artique Resort to Burleigh Heads. Our closest coffee is on the beach at Northcliffe Surf Club, and most of the rest is on the G:link tram line.
The best drinking here isn't on the Surfers nightclub strip. Start at Northcliffe Surf Club on the beach near the hotel. Watch the footy at The Sporting Globe or Waxy's. Then take the 50c tram south for a free afternoon at the Miami breweries and a sunset at Burleigh Pavilion.
Typical prices on the Gold Coast, in AUD. Cheaper than Sydney, and the clubs are excellent value. A pot (285ml) is roughly two-thirds the price.
| Where you're drinking | On our tour | Schooner (425ml) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footy (leagues) clubs | Southport Tigers (Game 2), Tugun Seahawks (Game 3), Southport Sharks | $7–10 | Our after-match drinks will be club prices |
| RSL clubs | Surfers Paradise RSL (Remembrance Day, Wed 11 Nov) | $7–10 | Members' prices can be cheaper still |
| Bowls clubs | Club Broadbeach (barefoot bowls, Thu 5 Nov) | $7–10 | Club prices with a beer on the green |
| Surf clubs (SLSC) | Northcliffe, Surfers Paradise, Kurrawa, Currumbin | $8–11 | Best value with a view on the coast |
| Pubs & sports bars | Waxy's, Fig ’n Fox, The Sporting Globe, The Local Tavern, The Loose Moose | $10–13 | Watch for game-day and happy-hour specials |
| Brewery taprooms | Burleigh Brewing, Black Hops, Balter, the Miami breweries | $10–13 | Craft beer. Some run cheap schooner happy hours |
| Rooftop & beach bars | The Island Rooftop, Burleigh Pavilion | $12–16 | Busy and glam. Fine for one at sunset |
Most cafés open early (6–7am) and close by 2–3pm, so get your coffee in the morning. Order a flat white or a long black. There’s no drip coffee, and the full Coffee Decoder is on the What to Drink tab. Skip the hotel lobby and the chains: the small café around the corner is almost always better. Expect about $5–6.50 for a flat white.
Walk north along the beachfront or Surfers Paradise Blvd towards Cavill Ave, or take the G:link from Northcliffe.
Where: 51 Garfield Tce, a 5 minute walk east of the Artique.
Our closest coffee, with a deck right on the sand. Perfect for a sunrise coffee or a recovery brekkie the morning after a game.
Where: 4 Esplanade (Soul Boardwalk), opposite the beach at the Cavill Ave end.
Specialty coffee from its own Colombian/Brazilian blend, with pastries and sandwiches, looking straight out at the surf.
Where: 10 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise. There’s also a café at 4 Charles Ave, Broadbeach.
The Gold Coast’s own roaster, roasting ethically sourced beans on site. The pick for serious coffee drinkers.
Where: Shop 67/3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd (Asian Alley).
A tiny takeaway tucked into a stairwell, with a local roast, every milk option and toasties.
Where: Circle on Cavill, k1/3184 Surfers Paradise Blvd.
A minimalist café using locally roasted beans. The banana and date pancakes are popular.
Where: 40–42 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise.
Classic big breakfasts and good coffee, a short walk from the Surfers Paradise Surf Club.
Where: 19 River Dr, Budds Beach, on the river side of Surfers.
A cosy, homey café by the Nerang River. Try the Moreton Bay bug slider. A quiet change from the beach crowd.
Where: 3/17 Tedder Ave, Main Beach. Tram to Main Beach.
A local favourite on Tedder Ave serving Single O coffee and creative breakfasts. The breakfast sliders are the highlight.
Where: 4 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach. Tram to Broadbeach.
A community café with indoor and outdoor seating and a seasonal menu. Handy before the bowls on Thu 5 Nov.
Where: 17–19 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach.
A sleek espresso bar popular with locals, with breakfasts and gourmet toasties.
Where: Corner of Hythe St and Marine Pde, Miami. Tram to Miami.
A small beachfront coffee window. Grab a flat white and walk the sand.
Where: 20 James St, Burleigh Heads. Tram to Burleigh Heads.
A local roastery using organic beans, which you can take home. Pair it with a walk round Burleigh Head.
Walking times are approximate, from the Artique Resort. Our tram stop is Northcliffe, about 2 minutes from the hotel, and each trip is 50c. Heading home late? The tram runs all night on Friday and Saturday. On other nights after midnight, take night bus 70 or a rideshare.
Where: 3206 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.
Getting there: About 1km, a 15 minute walk north along Surfers Paradise Blvd. Or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Surfers Paradise or Cavill Avenue (about 5 min).
Our venue for the BBQ with the Rebels on Fri 6 Nov. A friendly Irish pub with Guinness on tap, and the footy on the screens.
Where: Corner of Cavill Ave and Surfers Paradise Blvd.
Getting there: About 900m, a 13 minute walk. Or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Cavill Avenue (2 stops, about 5 min). It's right by the station.
The big sports bar in Surfers: more than 60 screens, booths with their own TVs and beer brewed on site by 4 Pines. Open from 10am until late daily. The best place to watch the World Cup semis on Sat 7 Nov.
Where: Chevron Renaissance, G29/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd.
Getting there: About 1.2km, a 17 minute walk. Or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Cavill Avenue, then walk a block north to Elkhorn Ave (about 3 min).
Giant screens showing NRL, rugby union, AFL and cricket, with a pub menu. Ring (07) 3558 3323 to book an area for a group.
Hours: Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri 11am–10pm, Sat 11am–midnight.
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, on the corner of Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise.
Getting there: About 1.2km, a 17 minute walk. Or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Cavill Avenue, then a 4 minute walk north to Elkhorn and Orchid Aves.
A big new two-level English-style pub that opened in 2026 on the old Surfers Brewery (BOBs Beer) site. Expect proper pints, Guinness upstairs, pool tables and electronic darts, and a classic English menu: beef-and-Guinness pie, fish and chips, Scotch eggs and a Sunday roast.
Downstairs, Timmy’s Tea Room is a basement bar with live cover bands playing throwbacks.
Where: Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, upstairs above the mall.
Getting there: About 800m, an 11 minute walk to Cavill Mall. Or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Cavill Avenue, then walk a couple of minutes east along the mall towards the beach.
A wraparound deck above Cavill Mall with a retractable roof. Good for an arvo beer and watching the world go by.
Where: 75 Surf Pde, Broadbeach. It’s in Broadbeach rather than Surfers, but an easy trip from the hotel.
Getting there: About 2km south. Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach (6–8 min), then a short walk to Surf Pde. Or it’s a 5 minute Uber.
A prohibition-themed, award-winning tap and grill house with about 25 craft beers on tap, more than 160 whiskies and cocktails. The food is Canadian-style: ribs, wings and burgers. A taste of home for the lads. Live music too.
The strip of nightclubs on Orchid Ave is a young, loud party scene with queues, cover charges and bouncers. There are better nights out at the surf clubs, breweries and music venues on this page.
The free day after Game 2, and the one proper Sunday session of the tour: Sun 1 Nov is the CommBank triple-header and Sun 15 Nov is the Final. Beers, food and live music, from a short walk from the Artique to a day out at Burleigh.
For a group, go to Burleigh. Take the tram down mid-morning, then have lunch and live music at Burleigh Brewing from midday and a sunset beer at Burleigh Pavilion (sunset is about 6:10pm). The tram takes you back to Northcliffe. If the legs are sore after Game 2, Surfers Paradise Surf Club from 3pm is the easy, walkable option.
Where: Corner of Hanlan St and The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.
Getting there: About 1km, a 13 minute walk north along the beachfront.
Live music every Sunday from 3pm, a bistro with weekly specials and club-priced beer, right on the beach. The easiest good Sunday session from the hotel.
Where: The Island hotel, Surfers Paradise Blvd.
Getting there: A 10–15 minute walk north, or the G:link to Surfers Paradise or Cavill Avenue.
Home of Above Sundays, a Sunday party from about 11am to 8pm with live DJs, cocktails and share-style food. Groups of six or more who book get a bonus drink. A younger, glammier crowd, so it suits some of the squad more than others.
Where: Shop 12/15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach.
Getting there: About 2.5km. Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach (6–8 min), then a short walk.
Spice Bag Sundays for $65 per person: bottomless Guinness or prosecco, a spice bag (the Irish takeaway classic of crispy chicken, chips and peppers tossed in spices), live music and Sunday sport on the screens. A proper Irish Sunday session.
Book ahead and check the session times when you do.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach.
Getting there: Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach North (about 6 min). The Star is right by the station.
Live music on the lawn and deck, with food and bar service.
Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Burleigh Heads (about 25 min, 50c). The tram runs back late.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads.
Getting there: From Burleigh Heads station, a 5–10 minute rideshare inland.
Open Sunday 12–6pm, with live music most days it’s open and Burleigh Bites food. Start with a tasting paddle.
Where: Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads, on the beach.
Getting there: About a 5 minute walk from Burleigh Heads station.
A huge beachfront bar with a big Sunday crowd and the best sunset view on the coast, looking back up to the Surfers skyline.
Surf Life Saving clubs are the best-value drinking on the Gold Coast: beachfront decks, club-priced beer, good bistro meals, and the money funds the volunteer lifesavers. Visitors are welcome. Just sign in at the door with photo ID.
Where: 51 Garfield Tce, Surfers Paradise, on the beach.
Getting there: About a 5 minute walk east from the Artique to the beach. No tram needed.
Our "local". An airy deck right on the sand, cold beer, seafood, pizzas and the famous Bradnam burger. Perfect for a sunset drink or recovery the morning after a game.
Where: Corner of Hanlan St and The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.
Getting there: About 1km, a 13 minute walk north along the beachfront. Or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Surfers Paradise or Cavill Avenue (3–5 min), then walk a few minutes east to the Esplanade.
Our venue for the Team Awards Dinner on Sat 14 Nov. Worth a look beforehand for a beer on the deck.
Where: Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach.
Getting there: About 3km south. Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach South (about 8 min), then walk about 5 minutes east to the beach.
A large deck over Kurrawa Beach, near Pacific Fair. Easy to pair with the bowls at Club Broadbeach.
Where: Currumbin Beach, next to Currumbin Rock.
Getting there: About 20km south. For the pub crawl on Thu 12 Nov we meet in the lobby at 11am. Any other day, take the G:link to Burleigh Heads (about 25 min), then bus 700 south to Currumbin (about 15 min). Or it's a 25–30 minute rideshare.
Where the pub crawl with the Rebels and the Aussies starts on Thu 12 Nov. One of the best views on the coast.
Where: 169 Surf Pde, Broadbeach, just back from the beach.
Getting there: About 2.5km south. Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach (6–8 min), then it's a short walk. Or it's a quick Uber.
Our venue for the barefoot bowls and Aussie BBQ lunch on Thu 5 Nov. It’s the Broadbeach Bowls Club: four international-standard greens (it hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games bowls), a restaurant and bar, and club-priced drinks. Worth a return visit for a cheap cold one in the middle of Broadbeach.
Full teams and draw are on the Barefoot Bowling tab. Visitors sign in with photo ID.
The craft beer is mostly south of Surfers, in Miami and Burleigh. Since August 2026 the G:link tram runs all the way to Burleigh Heads for 50c a trip.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads (in the industrial estate, inland from the beach).
Getting there: About 13km south. Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Burleigh Heads (about 25 min), the last stop, then a 5–10 minute rideshare inland. Or a rideshare from the hotel takes about 20 min.
The coast's best-known brewery (try the Bighead or Hef), with live music most days it's open.
Hours: Fri 3–9pm, Sat 12–9pm, Sun 12–6pm. No bookings needed.
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads.
Getting there: Take the G:link to Burleigh Heads (about 25 min), then a short rideshare.
A brewery started by three local mates, with a big rotating tap list. Pairs well with Burleigh Brewing in one afternoon.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters.
Getting there: About 20km south. Take the G:link to Burleigh Heads, then bus 700 towards Currumbin and a short walk or rideshare. Or it's about a 25 minute rideshare from the hotel.
Founded by pro surfers, and their XPA is everywhere in Queensland. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Handy on the Currumbin days (Mon 9 Nov and Thu 12 Nov).
A good free afternoon: tram to Christine Avenue or Miami, then walk between them.
Where: 17 Christine Ave, Miami, next to Christine Avenue tram station.
Getting there: Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Christine Avenue (about 16 min). The brewery is right by the station.
An industrial-chic brewhouse with 12 taps, all brewed on site.
Where: 11 Oak Ave, Miami.
Getting there: Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Christine Avenue or Miami (16–18 min), then a short walk.
A bright warehouse taproom with core beers, sours and kombucha. They have run cheap schooners on Thursday and Friday arvos (4–6pm), so ask.
Where: 47 Lemana Ln, Miami.
Getting there: Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Christine Avenue or Miami (16–18 min), then a short walk.
The new kid: Japanese-style lagers, electric darts and karaoke.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami.
Getting there: Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Miami (about 18 min), then a short walk. The tram runs all night on Friday and Saturday for the trip home.
Street food from 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday, with blues, jazz and touring acts. See Live Music.
Where: The Island hotel, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.
Getting there: A 10–15 minute walk north along Surfers Paradise Blvd. Or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Surfers Paradise or Cavill Avenue (3–5 min).
Billed as the Gold Coast's largest open-air bar: a big rooftop with DJs, cocktails and a lively Sunday session. Busy and a bit glam, but a fun afternoon.
Where: Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads, on the beach.
Getting there: Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Burleigh Heads (about 25 min), the last stop, then a 5 minute walk to the beach. Or it's about 20 minutes by rideshare.
A huge beachfront bar looking up the coast to the Surfers skyline. The view at sunset is the best photo of the trip (sunset is around 6:10pm, as Queensland has no daylight saving).
For views at club prices, the surf clubs are hard to beat. See the Surf Clubs tab.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.
Getting there: About 1.2km, a 17 minute walk. Or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Cavill Avenue (about 5 min), then walk a block north.
A resident pianist takes requests. Live music from 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 6pm Thursday to Sunday. A relaxed, grown-up night close to the hotel.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami.
Getting there: Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Miami (about 18 min), then a short walk. The tram runs all night on Friday and Saturday for the trip home.
A street-food market and music venue, open from 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday. Blues, jazz and national acts. Big-name shows sell out, so check the gig guide.
Where: 15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach.
Getting there: About 2.5km south. Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach (6–8 min), then a short walk.
A small live music bar with jazz, blues and world music, plus British, Irish and European food. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Booking recommended. On Sundays it runs Spice Bag Sundays ($65pp, bottomless Guinness or prosecco). See the Sunday Session tab.
Where: Corner of Musgrave and Olsen Aves, Southport.
Getting there: About 6km north. Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Southport (about 15 min), then a 10 minute rideshare. Or it's a 15 minute rideshare from the hotel.
A big footy club with free pub rock, R&B and tribute bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Close to Owen Park for after Game 2 on Sat 7 Nov.
Where: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach.
Getting there: About 2km south. Take the G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach North (about 6 min). The Star is right by the station.
Live music at several bars, including the Atrium Bar. Our Draculas night is next door in Broadbeach on Thu 12 Nov.
📌 Venues, hours and prices checked October 2026 and can change — check the venue's website or Google Maps before heading out. All prices in AUD. Drink sizes and local beers are explained on the What to Drink tab.
For everyday groceries, the Coles and two Woolworths in central Surfers are all an 11–17 min walk (or a couple of tram stops) from the Artique, and the Woolies in the Paradise Centre stays open latest (10pm Mon–Sat). For seafood straight off the boats, the Gold Coast Fishermen's Co-Op on The Spit is the place to go, and it's worth pairing with the Marina Mirage Farmers Market on Saturday 14 Nov. Mangoes, lychees and passionfruit are in season, too — see What to Eat → Fruit in Season.
There's no full-size supermarket right next to the Artique. The closest are clustered around Cavill Avenue in central Surfers, north of the hotel. Head up Surfers Paradise Blvd on foot, or take the G:link from Northcliffe to Cavill Avenue (about 5 min, 50c). There are convenience stores along the strip for milk and bread, but they cost more.
| Store | Address & Walk from Hotel | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Woolworths — Paradise Centre | Basement level, Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave (beach end of the Cavill Mall) — 800m, 11 min walk, or tram to Cavill Avenue. There's a BWS in the same centre. | Mon–Sat 7am–10pm Sun 7am–9pm |
| Woolworths — Circle on Cavill | 9 Ferny Ave (cnr Cavill Ave, the western end, near the tram) — 1.1km, 15 min walk, or tram to Cavill Avenue | Open daily, 7am–9pm |
| Coles — Chevron Renaissance | 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd (cnr Elkhorn Ave, a block north of Cavill) — 1.2km, 17 min walk, or tram to Cavill Avenue and a short walk north | Mon–Sat 7am–10pm Sun 8am–8pm |
| Coles & Woolworths — Pacific Fair | Pacific Fair shopping centre, Broadbeach Waters — tram south to Broadbeach South (about 6–8 min). Best for a big shop, with both supermarkets under one roof. | Centre hours — check closer to the date |
📌 Walking times are from Google Maps. Remember that Queensland supermarkets don't sell alcohol — see the Bottle Shops tab.
Address: 168 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach (The Spit), about a 5 min drive north of Surfers. Turn left at the first roundabout after the Imperial (formerly Versace) hotel.
Hours: 7 days, from 7am “until sold out”, weather permitting. Get there early for the best pick.
From the hotel: a rideshare is easiest (about 10–15 min). By public transport, take the G:link to Southport and then the 704 bus along Seaworld Drive. Check the Translink Journey Planner on the day.
Buy: the trawlers' own catch — prawns, spanner crab, Balmain bugs and whatever fish came in that morning.
Good timing: the annual prawn trawling closure ends on 1 November, so fresh local prawns should be back by the time we arrive on 4 Nov.
The Gold Coast has a weekend farmers market almost every morning, and they start early. These are the ones that suit our dates. Market times change, so check each market's page the week before.
When: Saturdays, 6:30am–12pm, under the sails at Marina Mirage on Seaworld Drive. Sat 14 Nov is the date that works — Sat 7 Nov is Game Day.
From the hotel: rideshare (about 10 min), or the G:link to Southport and then the 704 bus to Seaworld Drive. The Co-Op is further along the same road.
When: Sundays, 6am–11:30am, beside the lake at HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd. Sun 8 Nov is the one to aim for — Sun 15 Nov is World Cup Final day.
From the hotel: about a 10 min rideshare across the river.
Buy: in-season produce, artisan food and breakfast to eat on the spot.
| Other Markets | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Burleigh Farmers Market | Burleigh Heads State School, 1750 Gold Coast Hwy — tram to Burleigh Heads | Saturdays from 7am |
| Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market | Merrimac State High School, Dunlop Ct, Mermaid Waters — certified organic | Sundays 6–11am |
| Carrara Markets | Cnr Gooding Dr & Manchester Rd, Carrara — 400+ stalls, some fresh produce; more general market than farmers market | Sat & Sun 8am–3pm |
📌 None of the markets are known for seafood — for that, the Co-Op is the place. The Coastal Markets at Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach only run on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, which falls on World Cup Final day while we're here, so they're left off this list.
The closest bottle shop is BWS in the Q1 building, a 5 min walk from the Artique (350m) and right by the tram. For late-night top-ups, the two BWS stores on Cavill Ave and Hanlan St (about 10–11 min walk) stay open until 11:45pm. For a big team shop, Thirsty Camel is a 13 min walk, and the nearest Dan Murphy's (Mermaid Waters) is a 12 min drive.
As in NSW, Queensland supermarkets don't sell alcohol, so it's a bottle shop (the “bottle-o”) for beer, wine and spirits. Most open at 10am (a few at 9am) and close around 10pm. All of these are on or just off Surfers Paradise Blvd, heading north from the hotel towards Cavill Ave. Walking times are from Google Maps.
| Store | Address & Walk from Hotel | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BWS — Q1 Building | 2993 Surfers Paradise Blvd (ground floor of Q1) — 350m, 5 min walk. The closest by a distance, right by the tram, with a good range of wine and craft beer. | From 10am Closes around 10pm |
| BWS — Hanlan St | Paradise Centre, cnr Hanlan St & Surfers Paradise Blvd — 750m, 10 min walk. Same centre as the Woolworths. | Daily 10am–11:45pm |
| BWS — Cavill Ave | Cavill Ave mall — 750m, 11 min walk. A smaller shop, but handy and open late. | From 10am Closes 11:45pm |
| Star Liquor | Shop 3, 3142 Surfers Paradise Blvd — 800m, 11 min walk. An independent with excellent reviews (4.8 on Google). | From 10am Closes around 10pm |
| Thirsty Camel | 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd — 950m, 13 min walk. Usually sharp prices, and good for a bigger shop. | From 10am Closes around 10pm |
| Liquorland — Chevron Renaissance | Ground level, Chevron Renaissance (same centre as Coles) — 1.2km, 17 min walk | Mon–Wed 9am–9pm Thu–Sat 9am–10pm Sun 9am–8pm |
| Surfers Paradise Bottler | Surfers Paradise Blvd, central Surfers — 1.3km, 18 min walk. A late-night option when everything else has shut. | Open until midnight |
📌 Hours are from Google Maps and the store websites in October 2026. Check on your phone before heading out late.
Address: Lonestar Tavern, cnr Markeri St & Sunshine Blvd, Mermaid Waters
Hours: Mon–Tue 9am–8pm · Wed–Thu 9am–9pm · Fri 9am–10pm · Sat 9am–9pm · Sun 9am–8pm
From the hotel: about 5km, a 12 min drive or rideshare. It's not on the tram line.
Worth it for: stocking up for a team function or a few days of post-match beers. The prices are the best around, and there's a huge range of Aussie beer and wine. Dan Murphy's also delivers, which can be easier than lugging slabs back in an Uber.
In Queensland it's against the law to drink in public places, and that includes the beach, the Esplanade and the parks. Police in Surfers do hand out on-the-spot fines. Keep the drinks for the hotel, the pub or the surf club.
Staff may ask for photo ID, and some stores ask everyone in the group, not just the person paying. If someone in the group can't show ID, they may refuse the whole sale. A passport or driver's licence works.
A slab is a carton of 24, a six-pack is six, and a tinnie is a can. What to order at the pub (a pot, a schooner) is in What to Drink.
📌 Easiest default: BWS in the Q1 building is 5 minutes from the front door. If it's after 10pm, head for the BWS on Cavill Ave or Hanlan St, which are open until 11:45pm.
The Souvenir Guide explains what's worth buying, how to spot real Aboriginal art and opals, and how the GST refund works. Open the Souvenir Guide →
Our recommended places to buy souvenirs on the Gold Coast, with addresses, opening hours and map links. Walking and travel times are from the Artique Resort, 18 Enderley Ave, and come from Google Maps.
Address: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, along the beachfront near Cavill Ave
Hours: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, 4pm–9pm. That gives us Wed 4, Fri 6, Wed 11 and Sat 14 Nov (Sat 7 and Fri 13 are game days).
From the hotel: 900m, about a 12 min walk via Northcliffe Terrace.
Buy: more than 100 stalls of handmade fashion, jewellery, personalised gifts and local crafts, with live music and food. A good evening stroll before dinner.
Skip: Aboriginal art and opals. Most stalls won't give a tax invoice, so you can't claim TRS on what you buy there.
Address: 1711 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads, at the base of Burleigh Head National Park beside Tallebudgera Creek
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9am–4pm, Sunday 9am–1pm. Closed on Queensland public holidays. Entry is free.
From the hotel: about 40 min — the G:link from Northcliffe to Burleigh Heads, then the 700 bus a few stops south (50c each). Or take the tram to Burleigh Heads and walk the paved track around the headland, one of the best walks on the coast.
Buy: the gift shop sells authentic Aboriginal gifts and souvenirs, and the gallery sells work by local Indigenous artists from the Gold Coast's Yugambeh region. You'll also see traditional artefacts such as boomerangs, shields and message sticks.
Make a morning of it: the centre runs a 2-hour Jellurgal Walkabout cultural tour of the headland (book ahead), and Burleigh has some of the best cafés on the coast.
Queensland's state gemstone is the boulder opal, so the Gold Coast is a good place to look for one.
Address: 186 Brisbane Rd, Arundel
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30am–5pm
From the hotel: about a 20 min drive north. It's on the same road as Harbour Town (below), so combine the two in one trip.
Why here: more than 25 years in the trade, and it sells only natural solid Australian opal, no doublets or triplets. It's listed with the Opal Association and rates 4.7 on Google, where locals say it's the opposite of the tourist-strip opal shops.
Tip: get the opal type and where it was mined written on the invoice. Spending $300 or more? Ask for a tax invoice so you can claim TRS.
Where: 147–189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters. About a 21 min drive north.
Hours: opens 9am daily.
Australia's largest outdoor outlet centre, with more than 220 stores including R.M. Williams, UGG Australia and Oroton. There's a free shopping shuttle for tourists from Surfers and Broadbeach (book a seat ahead), and visitors can ask for a tourist discount card.
Billabong was born on the Gold Coast, so a boardie or a hoodie from here is a proper souvenir. All three have stores in central Surfers, 10–15 min walk from the hotel: Billabong (Circle on Cavill), Rip Curl (Paradise Centre) and Quiksilver (Soul Boardwalk, on the Esplanade).
Hours: generally from 9am.
Where: Pacific Fair, Broadbeach. The tram from Northcliffe to Broadbeach South takes about 6–8 min.
The closest rebel store, for NRL jerseys and Titans, Broncos, Maroons and Kangaroos gear. Official RLWC merchandise is also sold at the stadiums on game days.
The cheapest places for Tim Tams, Vegemite, Papaw ointment and wine.
The closest supermarkets and bottle shops, with walking times from the hotel, are in the Groceries and Bottle Shops tabs above. Remember the Canadian limit of 1.5L of wine (two bottles).
For Papaw ointment, Sukin, Bondi Sands and sunscreen, far cheaper than airport stores. Priceline is in the Paradise Centre (about 11 min walk). Surfers Paradise Chempro, 3197 Surfers Paradise Blvd (17 min walk), is open until midnight. The nearest Chemist Warehouse is in Southport, a 15 min tram ride.
Fine for a cheap magnet or stubby holder, but it's mostly imported stock at tourist prices, and it's where you'll find most of the fake “Aboriginal” goods.
Locals warn about tourist-trap opal shops in Surfers. Be wary of big “discounts” and doublets or triplets sold without being clearly labelled.
They run on commission, and you're a captive audience.
Often twice the supermarket price, so do your Tim Tam shopping in town.
📌 Addresses and opening hours were checked in October 2026. Please check the shop's website before you go. Questions? Ask in the tour WhatsApp group.
Travel times are from the Artique Resort, 18 Enderley Ave, and come from Google Maps.
Address: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri 9am–5:30pm, Thu 9am–9pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm.
From the hotel: G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach South, then a short walk into the centre. About 25 min door to door, 50c.
Stock: rugby league boots from Nike, adidas, PUMA and ASICS, plus NRL club jerseys, training gear, mouthguards and footballs. JD Sports, adidas, Nike and The Athlete's Foot are in the same centre if you want to compare.
Tip: join rebel Active (free) for member prices, and use free Click & Collect to order online and pick up here.
Address: 32 Strathaird Rd, Bundall
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 8:30am–5pm, Sun 9am–3pm.
From the hotel: about 4km, an 8 min drive or rideshare. It's not on the tram line.
Why go: a long-standing local favourite billed as Australia's largest sports store, with 10 departments under one roof. Reviewers rate the footwear staff for fitting football boots. All Ballsports, in the same building, is good for footballs and training gear.
Address: Ashmore Factory Outlets, Central Park Ave, Ashmore.
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–3pm.
From the hotel: about 9km, a 14 min drive.
A warehouse-style shop with gear for every NRL and AFL team, and plenty of discounted lines you won't see elsewhere. Be prepared to dig through the racks.
Address: Shop C70, Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Biggera Waters.
From the hotel: about a 21 min drive, or the free tourist shuttle (see Souvenirs).
Discounted Nike footwear and training gear. Worth combining with the rest of Harbour Town and the opal shop just down the road.
Official NRL supporter gear for every club and State of Origin, from babies to adults, mostly $14–$32. The nearest stores are at Stockland Burleigh Heads (149 West Burleigh Rd) and Runaway Bay (10–12 Lae Dr), each about a 20 min drive. Free 2-hour Click & Collect makes it a quick in-and-out.
On World Cup Final day (Sun 15 Nov), official RLWC merchandise stands are expected at the stadium, and What's Your Team has a store at Suncorp Stadium (Caxton St, between Gates C & D).
Go early: popular sizes of the big nations' jerseys sell out fast on match days.
The online shops (NRL Shop, RLWC26 Shop, rebel, Jerseys Megastore and more), the current sales, and our boot sizing and stud tips are in the Sydney Guide. They apply on the Gold Coast too. If you order from rebel, pick Click & Collect at rebel Pacific Fair. Open Sydney Guide → Sports Stores →
📌 Opening hours are from Google Maps in October 2026. Check before you go. Questions? Ask in the tour WhatsApp group.
Like the rest of Queensland, most shops close at 5:30pm, with late-night shopping on Thursdays until 9pm.
Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters · about 25 min door to door by tram
Pacific Fair is the Gold Coast's leading shopping centre and one of the biggest in Australia, with around 400 stores over two levels. It opened in 1977 as an outdoor, Disneyland-inspired centre with mock-Tudor shops and a French Quarter. Locals knew it for years as the “Pink Palace” because of its pink turrets, which went in a $670 million rebuild finished in 2016.
What's there:
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 9am–5:30pm, Thu 9am–9pm, Sun 9am–5pm. Restaurants and the cinemas open later.
Getting there: G:link from Northcliffe to Broadbeach South (50c), then a short walk. The Star casino and Broadbeach's restaurants are one stop back, so it's easy to make an afternoon of it.
Tip: spending $300 or more in one store? Ask for a tax invoice for the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Cavill Ave and Surfers Paradise Blvd · a 10–17 min walk from the hotel
Surfers doesn't have one big centre. Instead, a handful of smaller centres sit around the Cavill Ave pedestrian mall, which runs from the tram down to the beach. It's more about holiday shopping, food and nightlife than a big shop, but it has everything for day-to-day needs.
Tip: combine it with the Beachfront Markets on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday evening (see Souvenirs).
Hotel → north along Surfers Paradise Blvd to Chevron Renaissance → across to Circle on Cavill → down the Cavill Ave mall to the Paradise Centre and the beach → back south along the Esplanade past Soul Boardwalk. It's flat all the way, and you can take the tram home from Cavill Ave if the knees have had enough.
Where: 147–189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters. About a 21 min drive north.
Getting there: rideshare, or the free tourist shopping shuttle from Surfers and Broadbeach (book a seat ahead).
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 9am–5:30pm, Thu 9am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm.
Australia's largest outdoor outlet centre, with 220+ stores including R.M. Williams, UGG, Oroton, Seafolly and a Nike Factory Store. The Australian Opal Shop is just down the road.
Where: James St, one block back from Burleigh beach.
Getting there: G:link from Northcliffe to Burleigh Heads, about 30 min door to door (50c).
One of the Gold Coast's best high streets, with independent fashion, swimwear and homewares boutiques and great cafés. Pair it with the Jellurgal Cultural Centre and a walk around Burleigh Head.
Where: Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina. About a 17 min drive.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 9am–5:30pm, Thu 9am–9pm, Sun 10am–4pm.
Six department stores and 350+ shops, all air-conditioned, with a lakeside dining promenade. Pacific Fair is closer and has more, so it's only worth the trip if you're out that way.
Where: 42 Marine Parade, Southport, opposite the Broadwater. About 25 min door to door by tram.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 9am–5:30pm, Thu 9am–9pm, Sun 10:30am–4pm.
A practical centre with supermarkets, fashion and a food court. Handy if you're in Southport (Owen Park, our Game Day 2 ground, is nearby), with the Broadwater Parklands across the road.
📌 Hours and travel times are from Google Maps in October 2026. Individual stores may vary, so check before you go.
The Gold Coast's only Costco is in Coomera, about 30km north of the hotel. Your Canadian Costco card works here — memberships are valid at any Costco warehouse worldwide. It's worth the trip for a bulk team shop (water, sports drinks, snacks, sunscreen, an esky) or just to see how the Aussie Costco differs from home. It's members only, so bring your card.
47 Creek Rd, Coomera · about a 30 min drive north of the hotel via the M1
Opened in June 2023, this is one of the biggest Costcos in Australia: about 14,300m² of floor space, roughly the length of three footy fields. It's laid out much like the warehouses at home, so you'll know your way around.
Address: 47 Creek Rd, Coomera QLD 4209 · Phone (07) 5609 4700
Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–8:30pm, Sat 9:30am–6:30pm, Sun 10am–6pm. Check the Costco Australia website before you go, as hours can change.
What's there:
Getting there: easiest by car or rideshare (about 30 min each way, longer in peak traffic). Coming back with a bulk shop, an Uber XL or a hire car makes the most sense. By public transport, take the G:link to Helensvale (about 40 min, 50c), then the train one stop north to Coomera, then a short rideshare. That works for a look around, but not for a trolley full of shopping.
📌 Hours and details are from Costco and published sources as of October 2026. Confirm hours on the Costco Australia website the week we go.
Twelve days on the Gold Coast gives us a lot more breathing room than Sydney. Between bowls, beach touch with the Rebels, two games, the pub crawl and the Awards Dinner, there's still a proper Free Day, plenty of free mornings and, for partners, whole game days to get out and explore. Brisbane and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are already on the itinerary, so this tab covers the other must-sees: a surf lesson with Go Ride a Wave, Burleigh Heads, the Gold Coast Hinterland, Byron Bay, and Moreton Bay and the Stradbroke Islands.
Sunday Nov 8 (Free Day) is the day for the big trips: Byron Bay, the Hinterland or Straddie. Tuesday Nov 10 is a second full day for anyone not doing Brisbane. Saturday Nov 14 gives you until mid-afternoon, and partners have all of Sat Nov 7 while the boys are at Game 2. Burleigh Heads fits almost anywhere, and pairs neatly with Currumbin on Mon Nov 9.
Full details on each one further down.
| # | Pick | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Learn to surf with Go Ride a Wave | 2 hours, right on Surfers beach. 10am lesson on Sat Nov 14 (well clear of the 3:30pm Awards Dinner call) or any free day; 1pm on Wed Nov 11 after the Remembrance Day event. |
| 2 | Burleigh Heads | Half-day. Mon Nov 9 after Currumbin (it's just up the road), Wed Nov 11 afternoon, or any free morning. Now on the tram from Northcliffe. |
| 3 | Gold Coast Hinterland | Full day: Sun Nov 8, Tue Nov 10, or partners on Sat Nov 7. Half-day Tamborine Mountain on Sat Nov 14. Best with a hire car split four ways. |
| 4 | Byron Bay | Full day: Sun Nov 8, Tue Nov 10, or partners on Sat Nov 7. Shuttle leaves Surfers 9:30am, back 5:35pm. |
| 5 | North Stradbroke Island (Moreton Bay) | Full day, early start: Sun Nov 8 or Tue Nov 10. A long day out from Surfers, but the pick of the Moreton Bay islands. |
Based on the Tour Itinerary. TripIt is the live version, so check it for any changes.
| Day | Usable Window | What's Around It & Good Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Wed Nov 4 | Evening only | Arrival and check-in at the Artique. A stroll on Surfers beach and an early night. |
| Thu Nov 5 | ~6am–10:45am | Barefoot Bowls (lobby 11am), then the optional Sunset Boat Cruise (lobby 4:15pm). A sunrise beach walk, nothing more. |
| Fri Nov 6 | ~6am–10:15am | Beach Touch with the Rebels (lobby 10:30am), then Waxy's from 3pm. Morning beach walk or coffee only. |
| Sat Nov 7 | Players: from ~5pm Partners: all day | Game 2 at Owen Park (team meeting 9am, back 5pm). Partners: Byron Bay, the Hinterland or Burleigh (the Burleigh Farmers Market is on Saturday mornings), or come and cheer for part of it. |
| Sun Nov 8 | All day — best window | Free Day. Byron Bay, the Hinterland (Springbrook glow worms if you can stay out late) or Straddie. Players may want an easy recovery morning first. |
| Mon Nov 9 | Afternoon, after Currumbin | Kangaroos & Koalas at Currumbin (lobby 9:30am). Burleigh Heads is about 10 minutes back up the coast, so stop there on the way home and catch the tram back to Northcliffe. |
| Tue Nov 10 | All day if you're skipping Brisbane | Optional Day in Brisbane. If you've done Brisbane before: Byron, the Hinterland or Straddie. |
| Wed Nov 11 | Early morning, then the afternoon | Remembrance Day at Surfers Paradise RSL (lobby 10:30am). Afternoon: Burleigh Heads or a 1pm surf lesson. |
| Thu Nov 12 | ~6am–10:30am | Pub Crawl from Currumbin Surf Club (lobby 11am), then the optional Draculas show. Take it easy in the morning: it's a long day and a big night. |
| Fri Nov 13 | Players: early morning Partners: morning, plus the afternoon if not at the game | Game 3 at Tugun (team meeting 10:30am, back 7pm). Tugun is just south of Currumbin, so partners could do Burleigh in the morning and head on to the game. |
| Sat Nov 14 | ~7am–3pm (~8 hrs) | Team Awards Dinner (lobby 3:30pm). A 10am surf lesson, Burleigh, or a half-day on Tamborine Mountain with an early start. Too short for Byron (the shuttle isn't back until 5:35pm). |
| Sun Nov 15 | ~6am–9:30am | Coach to Brisbane for the RLWC Final at 10am. A last swim and pack your bag for the 16th. |
You can't come to Surfers Paradise and not have a crack at it. Go Ride a Wave runs beginner group lessons right on the beach in Surfers, a short walk from the Artique.
Popping up from lying to standing is hard on the knees, and you'll be sore in places you didn't know you had. Riding the whitewater on your belly or knees is still a lot of fun, so tell the instructor what you're carrying. Keep lessons away from game days.
The Gold Coast at its best: a rainforest headland, a classic point break, and a laid-back village feel with good cafés and bars. If you only leave Surfers once, make it here.
The G:link tram was extended south to Burleigh Heads in August 2026, so it's now a straight run from Northcliffe station near the Artique. Tap on and off with a go card or your contactless bank card (see Getting Around). From Currumbin (Mon Nov 9), it's a short Uber or bus back up to Burleigh, then the tram home.
The Oceanview track closes now and then for maintenance or weather. Check Queensland Parks alerts on the day.
Under an hour inland, the rainforest-covered ranges of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area feel a million miles from the high-rises. There are two main areas, and with an early start you can do both in a day.
There's no useful public transport, so your best bet is a hire car split between four (we drive on the left, and Queensland speed cameras are everywhere). Otherwise there are small-group day tours and a Tamborine hop-on hop-off bus. If you've got a car, add O'Reilly's in Lamington National Park for its free Tree Top Walk, but it's a winding 1.5–2 hours each way.
Best of All Lookout, Canyon Lookout, Curtis Falls and the Skywalk are all easy. Natural Bridge has some steps. Purling Brook's full circuit is the one to skip.
Just over the border in New South Wales: the most easterly point of mainland Australia, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed, arty town.
The Byron Bay Express day trip leaves the Mantra Legends bus stop, 25 Laycock St, Surfers Paradise at 9:30am (a short walk from the Artique) and leaves Byron at 5pm NSW time, getting back about 5:35pm Queensland time. That's about five hours in Byron, from $90 return. Be at the stop 10 minutes early. A hire car is the other option and lets you add Bangalow or the hinterland villages.
NSW is on daylight saving and Queensland isn't, so Byron is one hour ahead of the Gold Coast. Your phone will switch automatically, so set your return time by NSW clocks while you're there.
Moreton Bay's big sand islands are some of the best of South-East Queensland, but they're reached from the Brisbane side of the bay, so from Surfers they're a long day out. Here's how the options compare.
For the “Moreton Bay island” day, do Straddie on Sun Nov 8 or Tue Nov 10, splitting a hire car. If that's too far, South Stradbroke gives you an island day close to home.
📌 Free-time windows are based on the itinerary finalised 20 October 2026; TripIt is the live version. Prices are in AUD, were checked in October 2026 and can change — confirm on the official booking pages before you go. Travel times are approximate.
Getting around the Gold Coast is easy and very cheap. The G:link tram runs up and down the coast, about a block back from the beach, from Southport through Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, and now all the way south to Burleigh Heads. The nearest stop to the Artique is just around the corner. Here's how to pay, what it costs and the best way to get around while we're at the Artique Resort (Wed 4 – Mon 16 Nov). For our three big team days we won't need public transport at all: a private coach will take us from the hotel to our games at Owen Park, Southport (Sat 7 Nov) and Tugun (Fri 13 Nov), and to the World Cup Final at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Sun 15 Nov), and bring us back afterwards. Details are at the bottom of this page.
Keep using the same contactless bank card or phone wallet you used in Sydney. You don't need a go card. Every bus, tram and train trip in South East Queensland is a flat 50 cents, so transport is about the cheapest thing on this leg of the tour. Your Wise Card works here too.
There are no zones, peak times or caps to think about. One flat fare covers it all.
| Fare | Amount (Adult) |
|---|---|
| Any trip by tram (G:link), bus or train | 50c, any distance, any time of day |
| Changing services (e.g. tram then bus) | Transfers within 60 minutes count as one journey |
| Daily / weekly caps | Not needed: at 50c a trip, you'd struggle to spend more than a couple of dollars a day |
| Airtrain (Brisbane Airport) | Not included. See the Hotel → Airport tab. |
💳 How to pay: tap a contactless debit or credit card, or Apple Pay / Google Pay, on the reader. You don't need to buy or top up anything.
Tap on when you start your trip and tap off when you finish, with the same card or phone both times. One thing is different from Sydney:
The G:link card readers are on the station platforms, not inside the tram. Tap on at the platform reader before you board, and tap off at the platform reader after you get off. Ticket inspectors do check, and if you forget to tap off you can be charged a higher default fare. On buses, the readers are at the doors as you get on and off.
Twelve days of four trips a day comes to just $24 AUD, and our coach covers the two game days and the World Cup Final. Set aside $15–25 AUD for public transport for the whole Gold Coast leg. Rideshares, taxis and e-bikes cost extra (see below).
Artique Resort is on the corner of Enderley Avenue and Surfers Paradise Boulevard in southern Surfers Paradise, about a block back from the beach.
| Mode | Closest Stop / Station & Distance |
|---|---|
| 🚊 Tram | Northcliffe G:link station: about 150m, a 2–3 minute walk. Trams run north to Surfers, Southport and Helensvale, and south to Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads. If you miss the stop, Surfers Paradise (by the Q1 tower) is the next one north and Florida Gardens the next one south. |
| 🚌 Bus | For buses to the southern beaches (Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, Coolangatta), take the tram to Burleigh Heads and change to Route 700. |
| 🚆 Train | The Gold Coast train line runs inland, not along the beach. For Brisbane, take the tram to Helensvale (about 40 minutes) and change to the train there. |
| 🚗 Rideshare / taxi | Get picked up at the hotel entrance. Use the full address: "18 Enderley Avenue, Surfers Paradise". |
| 🚲 Lime e-bikes | Lime parking spots are scattered around Surfers. The Lime app shows the nearest available bike. |
📌 Distances are estimated from the hotel's address. Check exact walking routes on Google or Apple Maps once you're there.
The G:link extension south to Burleigh Heads opened in August 2026, so all of Surfers, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh is now on one tram line.
| Station (north → south) | What's there | From Northcliffe |
|---|---|---|
| Helensvale | Change here for the train to Brisbane | ~40 min |
| Southport / Broadwater Parklands | Southport centre and the Broadwater foreshore | ~15 min |
| Main Beach | Tedder Avenue cafés; walk east to the beach and Southport Surf Club | ~10 min |
| Cypress Ave / Cavill Ave | The heart of Surfers: Cavill Mall, the Esplanade and Surfers Paradise Surf Club | ~5 min |
| Northcliffe | Our hotel stop | — |
| Broadbeach North / South | Club Broadbeach, The Star, Pacific Fair, and Draculas on Hooker Blvd | ~5–8 min |
| Mermaid Beach → Miami → Nobby Beach | New: quieter beach villages, local cafés and bars | ~12–20 min |
| Burleigh Heads | New: end of the line. The headland, national park walk, surf break and cafés. Change here for Route 700 south. | ~25 min |
📌 Times are approximate. Check the My G: app (below), the Translink app or Google Maps for live departures.
This is the free official app for the G:link trams, from the tram operator Keolis Gold Coast. It's worth having on your phone before you take your first ride.
Note: the app doesn't sell tickets. You still tap on and off at the platform with your contactless card or phone.
Buses link up with the tram at Burleigh Heads. Fares are the same 50c, and you tap on and off the same way:
The Oceanway is about 36km of mostly paved, flat beachfront paths. It's the best way to see the coast and easy on the knees. Our favourite stretches:
At low tide the sand is firm and flat, which makes for great walking. Walk one way along the beach and catch the tram back for 50c. An early start gets you the sunrise over the water and great photos.
Lime e-bikes are available from Biggera Waters in the north to Coolangatta in the south. Download the Lime app to find, unlock and pay for a bike.
| Charge | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Unlock fee | $1.00 per ride |
| Riding | 54c per minute |
| Ride pass | From $16.99 for 60 minutes |
What a ride costs:
📌 Prices are Lime's latest published Gold Coast rates and do change from time to time. Check the app for current rates before you ride. The tram is much cheaper for getting from A to B, so treat the e-bikes as a fun way to see the coast, such as an early-morning ride along the Esplanade.
Meeting times are in the TripIt app. Here's the easiest way to get to each one.
| Event | Where | Best way from the Artique |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 5 Nov · Barefoot Bowls | Club Broadbeach, 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach | Tram to Broadbeach North, then a short walk |
| Thu 5 Nov · Sunset Cruise | 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise | Tram to Cavill Ave, or walk (~15 min) |
| Fri 6 Nov · Beach Touch v Rebels | Lifeguard Tower 40, Southport Surf Club, Main Beach | Tram to Main Beach, then walk east to the beach |
| Fri 6 Nov · BBQ with the Rebels | Waxy's Irish Pub, 3206 Surfers Paradise Blvd | Tram to Surfers Paradise or Cavill Ave, or walk |
| Mon 9 Nov · Kangaroos & Koalas | Currumbin | Taxis from the lobby (as planned), or tram to Burleigh Heads + Route 700 |
| Wed 11 Nov · Remembrance Day | Surfers Paradise RSL Club | Meet in the lobby. A short tram ride or rideshare. |
| Thu 12 Nov · Pub Crawl | Starts at Currumbin Surf Club | Tram to Burleigh Heads + Route 700 south, or rideshare |
| Thu 12 Nov · Draculas | 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach | Tram to Broadbeach South. Rideshare home if it's late. |
| Sat 14 Nov · Team Awards Dinner | Surfers Paradise Surf Club | Tram to Cavill Ave, then walk to the Esplanade |
You won't need public transport for these three days: we travel to and from each one together on a private coach from the hotel.
Used for: Game Day 2 at Owen Park (Sat 7 Nov), Game Day 3 at Tugun (Fri 13 Nov), and the RLWC2026 Final at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Sun 15 Nov).
Pick-up and drop-off: the Artique Resort, 18 Enderley Avenue, Surfers Paradise, for all three trips.
Seatbelts: wearing a seatbelt on the coach is the law in Queensland, so buckle up.
Venue: Owen Park, 10 Jackman St, Southport, home of the Southport Tigers. It's about 15 minutes north of the hotel.
Games: 11:00am QLD v Canada Grizzlies · 12:00pm NSW v Canada Grizzlies · 1:00pm QLD v NSW. The presentation follows at 2pm at the Southport Tigers Leagues Club.
Coach: team meeting at 9:00am, coach leaves at 9:30am, and we're back at about 5:00pm. Full times are in TripIt.
Venue: Tugun Seahawks, at the southern end of the coast near Gold Coast Airport. It's about 30–35 minutes south of the hotel.
Games: 1:00pm Australia v Canada Grizzlies · 2:00pm Australia v Great Britain Rebels · 3:00pm Canada Grizzlies v Great Britain Rebels. The presentation and dinner follow at 4pm at the Tugun Seahawks Leagues Club.
Coach: team meeting at 10:30am, coach leaves at 11:00am, and we're back at about 7:00pm. Full times are in TripIt.
The day: we head up to Brisbane for the Rugby League World Cup Finals, with a party on Caxton Street before the game. The Women's Final kicks off at 3:10pm, followed by the Men's Final at 6:35pm.
Coach: meet in the lobby at 9:45am, coach leaves at 10:00am, and the coach leaves Brisbane at 10:00pm from Ann Street Stop 12 at City Hall. Allow about 75–90 minutes each way.
Heads up: most of us fly out on Monday, so pack before you leave for Brisbane.
📌 Coach departure and return times are in the TripIt app. Please be in the Artique lobby 10 minutes before departure.
You don't need a car to get around Surfers Paradise: the tram is 50c a trip and our coach covers the game days and the World Cup Final. But if a few of you want the freedom to explore the hinterland, the southern beaches or further afield, a hire car split between four or six people is good value. Here's what you need to drive, what excess means, where to pick up and what it costs for the full Gold Coast leg (Wed 4 – Mon 16 Nov, 12 nights).
Your Canadian or UK licence is all you need, with no International Driving Permit. A medium sedan costs about $700 AUD for the 12 nights and a 7-seat SUV about $970–1,010 AUD. Redspot on Trickett St, about a 10-minute walk from the Artique, is the handiest pickup for a sedan. For a 7-seater you'll need to pick up at the airport.
The excess can be charged to the card you use at pickup. Check whether your travel insurance or credit card already covers rental excess before paying for zero excess, and read the terms for exclusions such as tyres, glass and underbody damage.
| Option | Where | What's available for 4–16 Nov |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast Airport (about 25km from Surfers Paradise) | Redspot, East Coast | Full range: sedans and 7-seat SUVs |
| Surfers Paradise, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel | Redspot, 32 Trickett St | Small cars only: Intermediate and Standard sedans/hatches up to a Compact SUV. No full-size sedan or 7-seat SUV. |
| Surfers Paradise (not quoted) | Hertz, 84–89 Ferny Ave | No live quote obtained. Phone to ask about a 7-seat SUV. |
📌 Redspot's Trickett St branch is about a 10-minute walk from the Artique Resort. Confirm branch hours before booking.
Prices in AUD for drivers 25+, for the full 12 nights (4–16 Nov), at standard excess.
| Supplier | Vehicle | Pickup | 12 nights | Daily | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast | Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Airport | $708.00 | $59.00 | $413.00 |
| Redspot | Toyota Corolla | Airport | $698.76 | $58.23 | $407.61 |
| Redspot | Skoda Octavia (full size) | Airport | $855.71 | $71.31 | $499.16 |
| Redspot | Toyota Corolla | Surfers Paradise | $695.11 | $57.93 | $405.48 |
| Redspot | Skoda Scala | Surfers Paradise | $747.40 | $62.28 | $436.00 |
📌 East Coast is the pay-now rate ($804 if you pay at the counter). With Redspot's zero excess, the 12-night totals are $944.77 (Corolla, Surfers), $980.34 (Corolla, airport), $997.06 (Scala) and $1,137.29 (Octavia). Picking up at Surfers Paradise costs about the same as the airport, and saves the trip down there.
Good for a group of five to seven. Airport pickup only.
| Supplier | Vehicle | Pickup | 12 nights | Daily | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redspot | Mazda CX-8 | Airport | $967.01 | $80.58 | $564.09 |
| Redspot | Isuzu MU-X | Airport | $1,011.47 | $84.29 | $590.02 |
📌 No 7-seat SUV was offered at Redspot's Surfers Paradise branch. With zero excess: CX-8 $1,248.59, MU-X $1,293.05. Weekly price is the daily rate × 7.
| Company | Surfers Paradise depot |
|---|---|
| Hertz | 84–89 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise |
| Thrifty | 84–89 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise (same site as Hertz) |
Also at Gold Coast Airport: Hertz · Thrifty · Sixt · Enterprise · Ace Rental Cars · Apex Car Rentals
📌 Depot addresses come from directories and comparison sites, which disagree in places. Phone to confirm the depot, its hours and whether a 7-seat SUV is available before relying on it.
📌 Prices are live quotes taken on 27–28 October 2026 and will change. Check the supplier's website for the current price before you book.
✈️ Wednesday 4 November · arriving from Sydney on at least four different flights
Gold Coast Airport is at Coolangatta, at the southern end of the coast, so Surfers Paradise is a fair way north. With the squad arriving on several flights at different times, plan your transfer with the people on your flight rather than waiting for everyone. Costs below are in AUD and are current as of October 2026.
~25–28 km to the hotel · 30–75 min journey time depending on option · 50c to ~$25 AUD per person, or ~$55–90 per car
Artique Resort, 16–18 Enderley Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. It's on the corner of Enderley Avenue and Surfers Paradise Boulevard, about a block back from the beach.
Queensland doesn't use daylight saving, so the Gold Coast is one hour behind Sydney in November. Set your watch when you land. Your phone will update itself.
New for 2026: the G:link tram was extended south to Burleigh Heads in August 2026, and the airport bus (Route 777) now connects with it there. Older guides and apps that send you via Broadbeach South are out of date.
Cost: 50c per person · Time: 60–75 min incl. transfer and walk
Cost: from $25 per person · Time: 45–60 min plus any wait
UberX: ~$55 · XL: ~$82 (total, split by group) · Time: 30–40 min
Cost: ~$70–90 standard (total, split by group) · Time: 30–40 min
Leg 1: Route 777 bus, airport → Burleigh Heads (~20–25 min)
Leg 2: G:link tram, Burleigh Heads → Northcliffe (~25–30 min)
Leg 3: Walk, Northcliffe station → Artique (~2–3 min, about 150 m)
Missed your stop? The next station north is Surfers Paradise (by the Q1 tower). From there it's a 5–7 minute walk south along Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Enderley Avenue.
We're landing at different times, so there's no single group transfer. Team up with the people on your flight. Check the Flight Summaries tab, and sort out who's sharing a ride in the WhatsApp group the day before.
| Option | Cost (AUD) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 777 + G:link Tram | 50c per person | 60–75 min | Light bags, budget |
| Con-x-ion Shuttle | From $25 per person | 45–60 min + wait | Solo or pairs with luggage |
| Rideshare (UberX / XL) | ~$55 / ~$82 (total, split by group) | 30–40 min | Groups of 2–5 with kit bags |
| Taxi (metered) | ~$70–90 standard (total, split by group) | 30–40 min | No app needed, larger groups by maxi taxi |
Fares come from Queensland Government details of the September 2026 bus network changes, Translink contactless payments, G:link station information, Con-x-ion, Queensland taxi tariffs and Uber's Gold Coast Airport estimates. They are not live quotes for this date. Check the Translink Journey Planner and a live app estimate closer to travel.
✈️ Monday 16 November · flights home to Canada
We fly home from two different airports, so first check which one is yours. The options, distances and timing are very different. Costs below are in AUD and are current as of October 2026.
Not sure which airport you're flying from? Check the Flight Summaries tab or your TripIt itinerary.
Flying direct to Vancouver on Air Canada. Brisbane Airport is ~85 km north of Surfers Paradise, about 75–90 minutes by road. It's an early start.
Flying to Sydney first, then on to Vancouver or via the USA to Toronto. The airport is ~25–28 km south, about 30–40 minutes by road. It's the reverse of our arrival day.
Air Canada AC36 Brisbane → Vancouver is scheduled to depart at 9:45am from the International Terminal. Confirm the time in your Air Canada app, as schedules can change.
Cost: on quote, split by group · Time: 75–90 min
Cost: from ~$40–50 per person · Time: ~90 min plus pickups
UberX: ~$111+ · XL: ~$169+ (total, split by group) · Time: 75–90 min
Cost: ~$230–270 (total, split by group) · Time: 75–90 min
On a normal day, the G:link tram to Helensvale and then the Airtrain to the International Terminal is good value. A single fare from $24.30 covers both, and you can tap on with your contactless card. The Airtrain charges its own fare, so the 50c fare doesn't apply here.
UberX: ~$55 · XL: ~$82 (total, split by group) · Time: 30–40 min
Cost: from ~$25–29 per person · Time: 45–60 min
Cost: ~$70–90 standard (total, split by group) · Time: 30–40 min
Cost: 50c per person · Time: 60–75 min
Leg 1: Walk, Artique → Northcliffe station (~2–3 min, about 150 m)
Leg 2: G:link tram, Northcliffe → Burleigh Heads (~25–30 min)
Leg 3: Route 777 bus, Burleigh Heads → Gold Coast Airport (~20–25 min)
At Sydney Airport, domestic flights land at T2 or T3, and international flights leave from T1 International. You can't walk between them, so how you transfer depends on your booking.
| Option | Cost (AUD) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer / minibus | On quote (split by group) | 75–90 min | ⭐ The Brisbane group on AC36 |
| Con-x-ion shared shuttle | From ~$40–50 per person | ~90 min + pickups | Solo or pairs |
| Rideshare (UberX / XL) | ~$111+ / ~$169+ (total) | 75–90 min | Groups of 3–5 |
| Taxi (metered) | ~$230–270 (total) | 75–90 min | Last resort |
| Tram + Airtrain | From $24.30 per person | ~2 hrs | Later flights only |
| Option | Cost (AUD) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare (UberX / XL) | ~$55 / ~$82 (total) | 30–40 min | ⭐ Groups of 2–5 with kit bags |
| Con-x-ion shared shuttle | From ~$25–29 per person | 45–60 min | Solo or pairs with luggage |
| Taxi (metered) | ~$70–90 (total) | 30–40 min | No app needed |
| Tram + Bus 777 | 50c per person | 60–75 min | Light bags, budget |
Fares come from Airtrain, Con-x-ion's BNE ↔ Gold Coast timetable, Uber's Gold Coast → BNE and Gold Coast Airport estimates, Queensland taxi tariffs, Queensland Government bus network details, G:link and Sydney Airport transit information. Taxi totals are estimates calculated from the tariff. The AC36 schedule comes from published flight schedules. None of these are live quotes, so confirm flight times in your airline app and check a live app estimate closer to travel.
Club Broadbeach · Aussie BBQ lunch at 12:00 noon, bowls from 1:30pm
Eight teams of four, three games each, and a trophy for the winners. Losing your first game doesn't knock you out: everyone stays in it right through to the final round, and somebody goes home with the Wooden Spoon. 📄 A printable copy of the teams and draw is also attached in TripIt.
At Club Broadbeach before we hit the green.
Round 1 starts. Be on the green and ready to go.
169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218. It's a short G:link tram ride south from Northcliffe, near the hotel, or a quick Uber.
| Team | Players | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team 1 | Moyer | Buchanan | Melhtretter | Carrie M |
| Team 2 | Bwanka | Weber | Swift | Erica |
| Team 3 | Mullen | Piatek | Wainwright | Lynne T |
| Team 4 | Doon | Lauzon | Joey | Marie S |
| Team 5 | Russ | Lovell | Rachel M | Susan |
| Team 6 | Tate | Greg | Bainbridge | Elizabeth B |
| Team 7 | SVN | Nicholas | Eugene | Shabeen |
| Team 8 | Sherif | Tater | Laurel | Barnicoat |
| Round | Game | Match-up |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Game 1 | Team 1 v Team 2 |
| Game 2 | Team 3 v Team 4 | |
| Game 3 | Team 5 v Team 6 | |
| Game 4 | Team 7 v Team 8 | |
| Round 2 | Game 5 | Semi Final: Winner Game 1 v Winner Game 2 |
| Game 6 | Semi Final: Winner Game 3 v Winner Game 4 | |
| Game 7 | Loser Game 1 v Loser Game 2 | |
| Game 8 | Loser Game 3 v Loser Game 4 | |
| Final Games | Game 9 | 🏆 Final: Winner Game 5 v Winner Game 6 |
| Game 10 | 3rd Place Play-off: Loser Game 5 v Loser Game 6 | |
| Game 11 | Winner Game 7 v Winner Game 8 | |
| Game 12 | 🥄 Wooden Spoon: Loser Game 7 v Loser Game 8 |
Carry your coin everywhere, all tour. Get caught without it and you chug your drink and pay AUD$2 — with every dollar going to the Stand with Jai appeal for Jai Arrow.
Joey is responsible for recording and collecting every fine on tour. If you win a challenge, you collect (or record) the AUD$2 fines owed to you and pass them on to Joey.
If Joey isn't around, Steve steps in as Coin Master. Record your fines and pass them to Steve in exactly the same way.
You must keep the coin in its original condition. Drilling a hole in it, or attaching it to a keychain or belt buckle to make it easier to carry, is forbidden — and it disqualifies it as a valid challenge coin.
During WWI, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy young men from colleges such as Harvard and Yale who quit mid-term to join the war.
In one squadron, a lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze, carrying the squadron emblem, for every member of his squadron. He carried his own in a small leather pouch around his neck.
Shortly after the medallions arrived, his aircraft was badly damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. To discourage his escape, the Germans took his uniform and all his personal identification — except the small leather pouch around his neck, not realising what the coin meant.
Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. With no identification, he avoided German patrols, reached the front lines and, with great difficulty, crossed no-man's land before stumbling into a French outpost. The French in that sector had been plagued by saboteurs, who sometimes posed as civilians. Not recognising his American accent, and with no uniform or ID, the French took him for a saboteur and prepared to execute him.
Just in time, he remembered the coin. He showed it to his would-be executioners, who recognised the squadron emblem and held off long enough to confirm who he was — then shared a bottle of wine with him. They had challenged him to prove he was one of them, and the coin saved his life.
Back at his squadron, after hearing his story, it became a tradition that every member carried his coin at all times. That was enforced by a challenge much like the rules above — and the tradition has carried on ever since.
Every AUD$2 fine collected on tour will be donated to Stand with Jai, the Family of League’s official fundraiser supporting Jai Arrow and his family in his fight against motor neurone disease (MND).
A tough, hard-working forward and a Gold Coast local who came through the Burleigh Bears juniors — right in the backyard of our tournament.
In May 2026, aged just 30, Jai announced his immediate retirement from the NRL on medical grounds after months of tests, and was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
After sharing his diagnosis publicly, Jai chose to speak openly about the realities of living with MND to drive public conversation and research funding.
MND is a progressive disease that attacks the nerves controlling the body's muscles, affecting movement, speech, swallowing and eventually breathing. There is currently no cure. Jai is a husband and father to young daughter Ayla.
The campaign has drawn widespread support from sports fans across Australia, rapidly raising more than AU$1 million through major events and corporate initiatives.
The Titans' “Stand with Jai” round in August raised more than $325,000 through jersey sales, a 50-50 raffle and a Burleigh Bears charity lunch that raised $100,000 for MND Queensland.
Clubs across the NRL, and communities as far away as Norfolk Island, have run their own fundraisers. Our coin fines go straight to Stand with Jai — the Grizzlies' way of standing with Jai too.
Managed in partnership with the Family of League Foundation, the Stand with Jai appeal helps cover Jai’s medical treatment, specialist care and home modifications, while also helping secure the financial future of his young daughter, Ayla.
Visit Stand with Jai & Donate ↗Either way, it's a win. Get caught without it and your AUD$2 goes to a great cause.
What's worth bringing home from Australia, how to tell real Aboriginal art and opals from the imitations, and how to get the GST back when we fly out.
📌 All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD).
The recommended Sydney shops and markets, with addresses, opening hours and map links, are in the Sydney Guide. Sydney Guide → Where to Shop → Souvenirs →
A good test for any souvenir: would an Australian buy it for themselves? Everything below passes.
Tim Tams (try the flavours you can't get at home), Caramello Koalas, Violet Crumble, Arnott's biscuits, Vegemite, macadamias, and anything with lemon myrtle or wattleseed.
Tip: buy them at Coles, Woolworths or Aldi, where they cost a fraction of airport prices. November is warm, so wrap chocolate in clothing in your checked bag.
NRL club jerseys, plus Kangaroos and State of Origin gear. Official RLWC 2026 merchandise from CommBank Stadium (Nov 1) or Suncorp (Nov 15) makes a good "I was there" keepsake.
Tip: by November the NRL season has finished, so Rebel Sport and club stores often discount jerseys.
R.M. Williams boots (still made in Adelaide), Akubra hats (made in Kempsey, NSW), Driza-Bone oilskins and Blundstones.
Tip: these usually cost $300 or more in one purchase, so they're the classic TRS buys. Blundstone is a Tasmanian brand, but most pairs are now made overseas.
Lucas' Papaw Ointment (every Aussie household has a tube), Aesop, Sukin, Jurlique and Bondi Sands.
Tip: Chemist Warehouse and Priceline are far cheaper than airport stores. Anything over 100ml has to go in your checked bag.
Hunter Valley semillon and shiraz, Barossa shiraz, Margaret River cabernet.
Tip: bottle shops like Dan Murphy's and BWS beat duty-free on most everyday wines, and wine gets a bigger TRS refund. Check the Canadian limit before you stock up (see Bringing It Home below).
"UGG" is a generic word in Australia, so lots of brands use it.
Tip: look for the green-and-gold "Australian Made" kangaroo triangle logo. Many shops on the tourist strips sell imported boots at "Aussie-made" prices.
Magnets, tea towels, stubby holders, koala and kangaroo plush toys, keyrings — good for workmates and the grandkids.
Tip: markets are cheapest for these. Most of it is made in China, which is fine at $2–5 each.
The Arts Law Centre of Australia estimates that about 80% of "Aboriginal-style" souvenirs in tourist shops aren't authentic. Typical examples are dot-painted boomerangs, didgeridoos, coasters and prints made in bulk in Indonesia or China, with no Aboriginal artist involved or paid. The ACCC (Australia's consumer watchdog) has taken wholesalers to court over this. Australia has no single national authenticity label, so it's up to the buyer to ask.
Where to buy, anywhere in Australia:
These are the most commonly faked items. A real didgeridoo is a eucalyptus branch hollowed out naturally by termites, traditionally from Arnhem Land in the Top End. Expect to pay $200 or more, and it's awkward to fly home with. A cheap one for the kids is fine as long as you know it's a toy and don't pay "authentic" prices.
Opal is Australia's national gemstone, and the country mines most of the world's precious opal. NSW's state gemstone is the black opal from Lightning Ridge; Queensland's is the boulder opal — worth knowing for the Gold Coast and Brisbane leg. The most important thing is understanding the three types:
| Type | What it is | Value & Care |
|---|---|---|
| Solid | One piece of natural opal, cut and polished. This is the heirloom stone. | The most valuable. Tough, and can be re-polished. |
| Doublet | A thin slice of natural opal glued to a dark backing, which makes the colour stand out. | Mid-range. Don't soak it in water — the glue can lift. |
| Triplet | A doublet with a clear glass or quartz dome on top. Very bright, and looks great under shop lights. | The cheapest. Fine as a gift — just don't pay solid-opal prices. Keep it dry. |
Where to go: a specialist opal cutter or an established jeweller, not a souvenir shop. Be wary of "opal" shops on the busy tourist strips.
If you're spending real money, compare a couple of shops in Sydney before you decide, then look again on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. You can claim TRS on anything bought in the 60 days before you leave Australia, in any state.
Shops around harbourfronts, beachfront malls and the busiest tourist streets charge the highest prices for imported stock, and sell most of the fake "Aboriginal" goods.
Opal and sheepskin shops on tour itineraries run on commission, and you're a captive audience.
Handy for a last-minute packet of Tim Tams, but often twice the supermarket price.
Treat the sign as marketing and compare prices with ordinary shops. Your tax saving comes from TRS at the airport, not at the till.
People often mix these up, but they work differently — and you can't use both on the same purchase.
Airport shops past security sell goods without GST or duty. They're good value for spirits, cigarettes and some fragrances — but everyday items, wine and chocolate are often no cheaper than a supermarket or bottle shop on special.
No GST was charged, so you can't claim TRS on duty-free purchases.
Refunds the 10% GST you paid on goods bought in ordinary shops — about 9.1% of the price, or 1/11th.
For example, a $400 pair of R.M. Williams boots gets you about $36 back.
TRS rules in a nutshell:
Official TRS rules (Australian Border Force) ↗
CBSA: what you can bring home ↗
Each adult can bring 2.25L of alcohol into Australia duty-free. There's a duty-free shop in the Sydney Airport arrivals hall before baggage claim — handy if you want a drink back at the hotel.
📌 TRS and customs rules were checked in late September 2026 — please double-check closer to the date. Questions? Ask in the tour WhatsApp group.
Oct 30 – Nov 4 · Meriton Suites, Sussex Street.
Friday October 30 – Wednesday November 4, 5 nights at the Meriton Suites Sussex Street. Everything below covers the Sydney leg in full — practicalities and the day-by-day schedule through to the Wednesday departures. See the Accommodation tab for hotel and room details.
ATM Fee Saver — find the cheapest ATMs nearby for an overseas card (iPhone · Android). More on the Money Matters tab.Times, flights, hotels and daily schedule — all live on TripIt. If anything below conflicts with TripIt, TripIt wins.
Open Team Itinerary on TripIt →A World Cup triple-header in Parramatta. We’re taking the ferry up the Parramatta River to get there, with lunch in Parramatta before the gates, then the train back to Town Hall after Tonga v Samoa. Everything for the day is on this page.
Times from CommBank Stadium’s event page. Sydney is on daylight saving, so this is one hour ahead of Queensland. Worth a quick check closer to the day.
Your World Cup ticket includes free public transport on the day: ferries, trains, light rail, Metro and buses, valid until 4am the next morning. Just show your ticket to the staff when you board. Keep it handy for the train home. Using your Opal card or contactless card instead is fine too. On a Sunday it’s capped at $9.65 for the whole day anyway.
| Time | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Free time | Have a slow one. Tomorrow is Game Day |
| 12:25pm | Meet in the Meriton lobby | 234 Sussex St. Wear your Grizzlies gear, and bring a hat and sunscreen |
| 12:30pm | Walk (or light rail) to Circular Quay | About 20 minutes on foot, flat, or the L2/L3 light rail from Town Hall. See below |
| By 12:55pm | At the Circular Quay ferry wharves | Photos with the Opera House and the Bridge before we board |
| 1:07pm | ⛴️ F3 ferry from Circular Quay | It’s the Parramatta River ferry, so check the departure screens and the front of the ferry say F3 Parramatta. It calls at Barangaroo at 1:18pm |
| ~2:15pm | Change to the bus at Rydalmere | Low tide that afternoon, so the ferry stops at Rydalmere and a bus does the last leg. More below |
| ~2:45pm | Arrive in Parramatta | Late lunch on Church St, at the Leagues Club or in a footy pub |
| 3:00pm | Gates open | No rush. The ground is about 10 minutes’ walk from Church St |
| 3:45pm | Jillaroos v Wales | Optional. Go in early if you want to see the women’s game |
| By 5:15pm | Everyone in their seats | Section 215, Level 2, eastern grandstand |
| 5:40pm | 🏉 Lebanon v France | Kick-off |
| 8:05pm | 🏉 Tonga v Samoa | Kick-off. Full time is likely around 9:50pm |
| ~10:00pm | Walk to Parramatta Station together | About 15 minutes via Victoria Rd and Church St. Head count at the station |
| ~10:20pm | 🚆 T1 train to Town Hall | About 30–35 minutes. Any city-bound train that stops at Town Hall |
| ~11:15pm | Back at the Meriton | About 10 minutes’ walk from Town Hall. Game Day tomorrow, so it’s bed, not the bar |
📌 The meeting time is a suggestion built around the ferry timetable. Confirmed times will go out on WhatsApp and in TripIt.
Starting at Circular Quay is the iconic way to do it. You pull out between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and get the whole harbour before heading up the river. It’s worth the extra 11 minutes.
Walk: about 20 minutes, flat, via George St. Light rail: the L2 or L3 from Town Hall (3–5 minutes’ walk from the hotel) runs every few minutes to Circular Quay. The F3 usually leaves from Wharf 5, but check the departure screens.
Second choice: Barangaroo. If you’re running late, the same ferry calls at Barangaroo Wharf at 1:18pm. It’s 15–20 minutes’ walk from the hotel along the harbour-front promenade, but you’ll miss the Bridge and Opera House send-off.
The F3 is one of Sydney’s best-value sightseeing trips. You go under the Harbour Bridge, past Cockatoo Island’s old convict-era shipyards, and up the river through the mangroves and waterfront parks to Sydney Olympic Park and beyond.
The whole run is about 85 minutes, and ferries leave Circular Quay at 7 minutes past the hour. Grab a seat outside for the views and photos, and put sunscreen on first. The glare off the water is fierce.
The top stretch of the river is too shallow for the ferries at low tide. Transport NSW’s tide notice shows that on Sun 1 Nov, the 11:07am, 12:07pm, 1:07pm, 2:07pm and 3:02pm ferries from Circular Quay all finish at Rydalmere, and a replacement bus does the last few kilometres to Parramatta.
Stay together when we get off at Rydalmere and follow the signs to the bus. With 32 of us we may need two buses, so nobody heads off alone. Your match ticket covers the bus too.
📌 Check the 1:07pm ferry in the Transport NSW app or Trip Planner on the Saturday night. It shows the bus leg and where it drops off in Parramatta. Any changes on the day will go out on WhatsApp.
For the whole river with no bus, catch the 10:07am from Circular Quay (or 10:18am from Barangaroo). It isn’t affected by the tide and gets into Parramatta Wharf at about 11:35am. That gives you a long afternoon in Parramatta before the gates. Good fillers:
Then meet the rest of the group on Church St for lunch.
More food and pub picks for Parramatta are on the Where to Eat and Where to Drink tabs.
The last F3 ferry back from Parramatta goes in the early evening, well before Tonga v Samoa finishes. Even if it didn’t, it’s nearly 90 minutes on the water. The train is frequent, high-capacity and much faster, and it’s built for exactly this kind of crowd. Full time should be around 9:50pm, and we’ll be back at the Meriton by about 11:15pm.
About 15 minutes via Victoria Rd and Church St, back over the river. Meet at the agreed spot after full time (it will go out on WhatsApp) and walk together. There’s no rush. Let the first wave of the crowd go.
Light rail option: the L4 from Prince Alfred Square back to Parramatta Square, right next to the station. It runs until about 1am.
Take a T1 city-bound train from Parramatta and get off at Town Hall. It takes about 30–35 minutes. Check the platform screen says Town Hall. Most city trains stop there.
There’s Sunday trackwork on parts of the T1 line, but it’s mostly early morning and further west. Check the Transport NSW app before we head off.
About 10 minutes down to Sussex St. Use the Druitt St exit. If you’re using Opal or contactless instead of your ticket, tap off at Town Hall. A tired, late-night crowd is exactly when people forget.
We’re all in Section 215, on Level 2 (the upper tier) of the eastern grandstand, the O’Connell St side. It’s dead centre, right on halfway, so it’s about the best view in the ground. Being up high is perfect for reading the play.
Getting in: the main gates, Gate 1 and Gate 2, are both on O’Connell St, right below our stand. Gate 1 is at the Parramatta Station end. Check your ticket for your entry gate, then follow the signs up to Level 2.
Sun: the eastern stand faces west, so the early games can catch the late-afternoon sun. Bring a hat and sunnies.
Tickets will be sent out to everyone before we leave. Add yours to your phone’s wallet before you leave the Meriton. It’s your entry and your free ferry and train ride.
The stadium stands on the site of the old Cumberland Oval, a racecourse in the 1840s and then a cricket ground, speedway and footy field. The Parramatta Eels have played here since 1947. Parramatta Stadium replaced the oval in 1986, and the new stadium replaced that.
Opened in April 2019 (as Bankwest Stadium) and renamed CommBank Stadium in 2021. It’s a rectangular ground with steep stands that put you right on top of the play. Home of the Eels, Wests Tigers and Western Sydney Wanderers, and the Penrith Panthers’ temporary home while their ground is rebuilt.
Parramatta is the geographic heart of Sydney and of its rugby league. Western Sydney has big Tongan, Samoan and Lebanese communities, so expect a huge, passionate home-style crowd for all three teams.
📌 Kick-off and gate times are from CommBank Stadium’s event page. Free travel, train and ferry details are from Transport NSW’s event page and low-tide notice (October 2026). Check the Transport NSW event page again closer to the day.
Spring is in full swing – expect sunny days around 22–24°C with cooler nights near 15–16°C. Some rain is possible; UV is already strong at midday.
It may only be 22–24°C, but in late October and early November Sydney's UV index regularly reaches very high to extreme (9–11+). Unprotected skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes, even on a cool, breezy or cloudy day. UV doesn't depend on temperature, so you won't feel it until it's too late.
Remember the Aussie rule: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunnies.
| Property | Meriton Suites — Sussex Street · meritonsuites.com.au |
|---|---|
| Address | 234 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 · +61 2 9160 2400 |
| Stay | 5 nights |
| Check-in | Friday, October 30 — 3:00pm |
| Check-out | Wednesday, November 4 — 10:00am |
| Breakfast | Not included — no on-site restaurant, but dining, entertainment and shopping options surround the hotel (see Where to Eat) |
A refundable bond is required from everyone at check-in, covering any damage or theft of hotel property during the stay.
| Studio Suite | $100 |
| 1 Bedroom Suite | $100 |
| 2 Bedroom Suite | $200 |
12 suites · 23 guests · 4 Studio, 4 One-Bedroom and 4 Two-Bedroom Suites · Group 12878 · Hotel manifest as of October 20, 2026. Please quote your reservation number at check-in.
| Reservation # | Name | Arrive | Depart | Nights | Room Type | Bedding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20313917 | Greg Furyk | Thu Oct 29 | Wed Nov 4 | 6 | 2 Bedroom Suite | 2 King Beds |
| Jarrett Muldoon | ||||||
| 20313918 | Craig Lauzon | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | Studio Suite | 1 King Bed |
| Erica McMaster | ||||||
| 20313919 | Dave Wainwright | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | Studio Suite | 1 King Bed |
| 20313920 | Nicholas Mew | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | Studio Suite | 1 King Bed |
| Carrie Mew | ||||||
| 20313922 | Joseph Broadbent | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | 1 Bedroom Suite | 1 King Bed |
| Elizabeth Boggis | ||||||
| 20313923 | Steve Van Niekerk | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | 1 Bedroom Suite | 1 King Bed |
| 20313924 | David Lovell | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | 1 Bedroom Suite | 1 King Bed |
| 20313925 | Eric Moyer | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | 1 Bedroom Suite | 1 King Bed |
| Melanie Jorgensen | ||||||
| 20313926 | Eugene Soga | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | 2 Bedroom Suite | 2 King Beds |
| Susan Symchych | ||||||
| 20313927 | Chris Bainbridge | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | 2 Bedroom Suite | 2 King Beds |
| Russ Montgomery | ||||||
| 20313928 | Paul Buchanan | Fri Oct 30 | Wed Nov 4 | 5 | 2 Bedroom Suite | 4 Single Beds |
| Chris Swift | ||||||
| Michael Mullen | ||||||
| Scott Barnicoat | ||||||
| 20313929 | Jeff Mehltretter | Sat Oct 31 | Wed Nov 4 | 4 | Studio Suite | 1 King Bed |
| Rachel Mehltretter |
Dates in red are different from the main group arrival (Fri Oct 30). Everyone checks out Wed Nov 4 at 10:00am.
Meriton Suites Sussex Street is located in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), close to several well-known tourist destinations and landmarks. The property offers a 24-hour fitness centre, an indoor heated pool, a hot tub, a sauna, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour reception desk. Suites are equipped with either a full kitchen or a kitchenette, a Nespresso coffee machine, an in-suite washer and dryer, dining and living areas, designer bathrooms, and a flat-screen television.
Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Cockle Bay Wharf are all within walking distance. The Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay are about a 30-minute walk, or reachable by public transport including the nearby light rail. Town Hall train station is also close to the property. Kingsford Smith Airport is approximately 9 km from the hotel.
Most of our evenings are already booked, so this guide covers the other meals: good-value lunches, Chinatown and Thaitown, food while we're out sightseeing, and where to get a late feed after the footy. Walking times are from the Meriton Suites, 234 Sussex St.
Our suites have full kitchens, so one of the best nights in Sydney costs a fraction of a restaurant. Get a few of the team together, head to the Fish Market and bring back:
Beer and wine: on the walk back, stop at Red Bottle, 374 Sussex St, on the same street as the hotel. Get some cold beers and a good Aussie white. A Hunter Valley Semillon (from NSW) or a Clare or Eden Valley Riesling goes perfectly with oysters and prawns. For a bit of celebration, add a bottle of Tasmanian sparkling, which is Australia's best. Jansz is good value, and House of Arras is a step up. Bubbles and fresh oysters are a classic match.
Keep it cold: bring a cooler bag, or ask for extra ice. Buy the seafood last, head straight back on the L1 light rail (about 15–20 minutes), and get it into the fridge.
Clean up the same night: wrap the prawn and oyster shells tightly and take them straight out to the bin. They'll make the suite smell by morning.
The best-value food in Sydney is a 10–15 minute walk south of the hotel in Chinatown (Dixon St and Haymarket) and Thaitown (Campbell St and Pitt St). Food courts there do a solid lunch for about $12–20 AUD, and a sit-down Thai or Malaysian feed is about $20–30. For a late feed after a game, Chat Thai serves supper until 2am, and the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel is open 24 hours, just across the bridge from the hotel.
| If you want… | Go to | Walk from hotel |
|---|---|---|
| A cheap, fast lunch close by | Sussex Centre or Dixon House food court, or Hawker Lane (Westfield) | 8–12 min |
| Thai right around the corner | Home Thai, 299 Sussex St | 3–5 min |
| A proper Chinatown feed | Old Town Hong Kong, Chinese Noodle Restaurant, or yum cha at Marigold or Emperor's Garden | 10–15 min |
| Thai food the way Thais eat it | Boon Cafe, Chonsiam, Yok Yor, Dodee Paidang | 12–15 min |
| A pub feed and a beer | Pyrmont Bridge Hotel (24 hrs), Sussex Hotel, or Pumphouse | 8–12 min |
| A late feed after the footy | Chat Thai (to 2am), Old Town HK (to 1–2am), Ho Jiak or Dodee Paidang (to midnight) | 12–15 min |
| A pie, sausage roll or lamington | Banksia Bakehouse (1 Sussex St) or Central Baking Depot. See the Bakeries tab. | 8–12 min |
| An Aussie classic | A pie and peas at Harry's Cafe de Wheels, Woolloomooloo | Taxi or rideshare, or on foot from the Botanic Gardens loop |
For a quick lunch or a feed between team commitments.
Address: Shop 1, 299 Sussex St (corner of Bathurst St)
From the hotel: about 3–5 minutes south along Sussex St
Order: crispy pork belly with greens, hot-and-sour prawn soup, grilled Isaan sausage
Cost: noodles about $17–20, mains $20–26
Good to know: very popular and usually has a queue at dinner, so it's easier at lunch. Takeaway is available if you want to eat back in your suite.
Where: 401 Sussex St, Haymarket. About 8–10 minutes' walk.
A no-frills Asian food court where locals eat. Laksa, pho, Korean fried chicken and Thai noodles, mostly $12–18.
Where: Level 6, Westfield Sydney (Pitt St Mall). About 8 minutes' walk.
A cleaner, more modern hawker-style food court. Laksa, pho, ramen and yum cha, mostly $12–18. Handy if you're shopping on Pitt St or at the QVB.
Where: a laneway off George St at 501 George St, opposite the Town Hall end. About 6–8 minutes' walk.
A small Japanese laneway with ramen, katsu, izakaya plates and Japanese sweets. Good for a quick, cheap bowl of noodles.
Where: a laneway between Clarence St and Kent St, near Wynyard. About 8 minutes' walk north.
Office-worker lunch spots: Bar Pho (noodle soups), Mo'st (Chinese meat sandwiches), Fishbowl (poke bowls) and good coffee. Busiest from 12 to 1:30pm on weekdays.
Where: 20 Sussex St, at the Barangaroo end. About 5 minutes' walk north.
A traditional pub with weeknight meal deals: $25 steak night on Monday, $22 burgers on Wednesday and a $22 schnitzel on Thursday, all from 5:30pm. Happy hour runs Monday to Friday, 5–7pm, with $8 schooners and house wines.
Where: 17 Little Pier St, at the southern end of Darling Harbour. About 18 minutes' walk.
A heritage pumping station converted into a pub, with a big beer list and a beer garden. A good place to meet up on the way to or from Chinatown.
Where: between Darling Harbour and Chinatown, around the round "Exchange" building. About 12 minutes' walk.
A modern precinct with dozens of casual Asian places, many in the Steam Mill Lane laneway. Nakano Darling is a cheap, lively Japanese izakaya (karaage, gyoza, sake) that stays open until midnight on weeknights and 2am at weekends.
Where: Kensington St, Chippendale, behind Central Park Mall near Central Station. About a 20-minute walk, or a short light rail ride.
A string-lit laneway of Singaporean, Malaysian, Thai and Chinese hawker stalls with shared outdoor tables. Great on a warm evening. It's cashless, so bring a card.
Where: 1 Bridge Rd, Glebe. Take the L1 light rail from Paddy's Markets to Wentworth Park (about 400m walk). Full directions are in Where to Shop → Groceries.
Open daily, 7am–10pm. Get takeaway fish and chips, oysters or prawns and eat outside on the water. It's not as cheap as the old market, but still a great lunch outing. Watch your chips, because the seagulls are bold.
Barangaroo's restaurants are aimed at corporate expense accounts. Instead, grab a picnic from Woolworths or Barrack Place and eat on the sandstone headland at Barangaroo Reserve, with harbour and bridge views for free.
The restaurants right on the Darling Harbour waterfront, opposite the hotel, are tourist-priced chain dining. For better food at half the price, walk 10 more minutes to Darling Square or Chinatown.
About 10–15 minutes' walk south along Sussex St. Dixon St is the pedestrian heart of Chinatown, and the best value is in its food courts and small specialist shops.
Address: 10A Dixon St, Haymarket
Hours: until about 1am Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 2am on Friday and Saturday
Order: soy sauce chicken, roast duck congee, BBQ pork bao, XO noodles (good as takeaway)
Cost: about $10–50 per person. The portions are big, so don't over-order.
Where: Prince Centre, 8 Quay St, Haymarket.
Hand-pulled Xinjiang-style lamb noodles and dumplings, around $15. Expect a queue and a quick turnover.
Where: basement, corner of Dixon St and Little Hay St.
A basement food court that hasn't changed in decades. Go for the beef ball noodle soup at Hong Ha, around $15.
Where: Haymarket.
Xiao long bao (soup dumplings), around $15 for 12. Bite a small hole first, because the soup inside is scalding.
Where: 90 Hay St, Haymarket.
A hole-in-the-wall serving the fatty pork "Chinese burger" (rou jia mo) with chilli oil. Most plates are around $13.
Where: Haymarket.
Time Out's 2023 Best Cheap Eat. Fiery beef hot pot and smashed cucumber in chilli oil. Better for a group, and you can book on OpenTable.
Where: Haymarket.
Classic trolley yum cha, the Sydney thing to do on a weekend morning. Allow about $30–45 per person. Get there before 11am on Saturday or Sunday to beat the queue.
Where: 15 Goulburn St, Haymarket.
Watch them stretch the roti in the front window. Order roti canai with curry, satay and nasi lemak, all cheap. There are no bookings, so expect a queue at peak times. It's usually shorter late on a Friday or Saturday night.
Where: Haymarket.
Malaysian street food, open until midnight. The char koay teow with king prawns is the star. A bit dearer than Mamak, but worth it.
Where: Thomas St, Haymarket, a minute from the original Hay St shop.
Sydney's famous custard cream puffs, made fresh in the window. They returned in mid-October 2026, open midday to 8pm "for a limited time", so check they're still trading when we arrive.
Thaitown is on the eastern edge of Haymarket, a few blocks from Dixon St and about 12–15 minutes' walk from the hotel. It's where Sydney's Thai community eats, and many places have menus in Thai first.
Address: 20 Campbell St, Haymarket
Hours: lunch 10am–5pm, dinner 5–10pm, supper 9:30pm–2am
Order: crispy pork belly with Chinese kale, grilled pork skewers, Hainanese chicken rice, banana fritters
Cost: noodles about $24, mains and curries $25–40
Why: it's the institution of Thaitown, and the most reliable late feed after a night game.
Where: 425 Pitt St, Haymarket.
A Thai café and grocery in one. Thai-style breakfasts ($10–26), fried chicken buns and som tum at lunch, and northern Thai dishes in the evening. The whole fried fish is the signature. Browse the Thai grocery shelves on your way out.
Where: 83 Campbell St, Haymarket.
A no-frills eatery popular with the Thai community. Order the boat noodles, a rich, spiced noodle soup.
Where: Shop G06, 323 Castlereagh St, Haymarket.
Moo ping (grilled pork skewers) from $2.50 each, som tum, fish cakes and salt-and-pepper squid. Mains are $16–23, which is great value.
Where: 9/37 Ultimo Rd, Haymarket.
Known for its tom yum noodle soup, where you pick your heat level. "Lava" and "Devil" are no joke, so start lower. Open until midnight daily.
Where: Level 1, Prince Centre, 8 Quay St, Haymarket.
Southern Thai specialities. The house kanom jeen (curry over rice noodles) is about $17, and there's a help-yourself condiment station.
Where: 413 Pitt St, Haymarket.
Traditional Thai sweets served from a tuk-tuk out the front. A fun stop for a photo and a sugar hit.
"Thai hot" in Thaitown means proper Thai hot. If you're not sure, ask for mild or "medium, not Thai hot".
A bakery feed is the cheapest proper lunch in Australia. Most bakeries open early and close mid-afternoon, and the best pies sell out by lunchtime, so go before 1pm.
Where: C1.03, 1 Sussex St, Barangaroo. About 10–12 minutes' walk north along Sussex St.
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–4pm, Sat 8am–1pm, Sun 8am–2pm.
Baked fresh in an open kitchen. Pies, a meaty pork and fennel sausage roll, croissants, cruffins and cakes. Grab one and eat it on the harbour at Barangaroo Reserve.
Where: 37–39 Erskine St, near Wynyard. About 8–10 minutes' walk north.
Hours: weekdays from 7am and Saturday mornings. Closed Sunday. Check before you go.
Known for its sausage rolls. The pork and fennel is the pick, and there's a spicy lamb and harissa version too. Also does slices of pizza, sandwiches and old-fashioned cakes.
A fully gluten-free bakery with a CBD shop. The grass-fed beef pie and the gluten-free sausage roll are the ones to get. Handy for anyone in the group who's coeliac.
Where: 53 Riley St, Woolloomooloo. A short walk from Harry's Cafe de Wheels and the Domain, so it fits the Saturday loop.
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–4pm, Sat 8am–4pm. Closed Sunday.
Famous for its panna cotta lamington: chocolate-coated sponge soaked in panna cotta, with berry compote and coconut. Also a lamb, potato and rosemary pie. Seating is limited, so plan on takeaway.
Where: 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills. About 30 minutes' walk, or a short bus or rideshare.
The corner bakery that became a Sydney institution. Get a sausage roll (the lamb, almond and harissa is the famous one), a brisket pie, and a ginger brûlée tart if they have one.
Where: 4.04, 12 Darcy St, Parramatta Square. On the way from the station to the stadium.
Pies (beef and red wine is a favourite), savoury pastries and creative croissants. Weekday hours are 6am–5pm, so check it's open on Sunday before you plan around it.
Where: Bondi Rd, Bondi, on the way down to the beach.
Big, old-school meat pies, plus one of Sydney's best-rated vanilla slices, with fondant icing and chocolate stripes.
Where: Manly. Close to the beach.
A beef pie and a lamb and veal sausage roll made with biodynamic mince. Small batches, so go early because they sell out.
For a classic no-frills pie, finger bun or vanilla slice, the everyday suburban bakeries are often the best value. If you spot a busy one with a queue of tradies at 7am, that's the one to try. Servo and 7-Eleven pies are for emergencies only.
Coming back from Parramatta, Guildford or Randwick, or out after the Paragon viewing party.
Where: 96 Union St, Pyrmont. About 12 minutes' walk across Pyrmont Bridge.
Open around the clock. The bistro does cheap steak and rotating specials, and bar snacks are available all night. Lamb shanks and fish and chips are the standouts.
Supper menu from 9:30pm to 2am every night. Noodles and wok dishes. Details in the Thaitown tab.
Congee, roast meats and noodles, or takeaway back to the suite. Open until 2am on Friday and Saturday. Details in the Chinatown tab.
All three serve until about midnight. Nakano Darling stays open until 2am at weekends.
Where: Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo. A short taxi or rideshare from the hotel.
A pie cart that's been feeding Sydney since 1938. Order the "Tiger", a meat pie with mushy peas, mash and gravy. Open to 2–4am most nights (Sunday to 1am).
Open until midnight, about 6–8 minutes' walk. Grab snacks, a ready meal or breakfast supplies. See Where to Shop → Groceries.
For the Saturday loop between the Captain's Run and the Jersey Presentation, or the Wednesday morning window.
From Mrs Macquarie's Chair, walk around Woolloomooloo Bay (about 15 minutes, all flat) for a pie at Harry's. Then grab a beer at the Old Fitzroy or the wharf pubs, or head back via the Art Gallery.
Where: 19 Kent St, The Rocks (Millers Point).
Sydney's oldest continuously licensed hotel, licensed since 1841, and it brews its own ales on site. Pub meals in the ground-floor bar. This is the pick for a pint with some history.
Hero of Waterloo (81 Lower Fort St), with cellar tours and fireplaces. Fortune of War (137 George St), recently renovated with a new bistro. Australian Heritage Hotel (100 Cumberland St), with 130+ Aussie craft beers and kangaroo pizza. Harts Pub (14 Essex St), with 12 rotating independent taps.
Food stalls on Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm, plus a smaller Friday Foodie Market, 10am–3pm. Street food for about $10–18. You can combine it with souvenir shopping (see Where to Shop → Souvenirs).
The restaurants right along the Circular Quay and Opera House concourse. You're paying for the view. Have a drink at Opera Bar for the photo, then eat in The Rocks.
Women's Australia v Wales at 3:45pm, Lebanon v France at 5:40pm, and Tonga v Samoa at 8:05pm. A late lunch in Parramatta around 2–3pm sets you up nicely. Stadium food is pricey, so eat before you go in.
The riverside stretch of Church St is lined with Lebanese, Turkish, Thai and Italian places. Parramatta Square (Darcy St) has newer casual options like Betty's Burgers and Harvey's Hot Sandwiches.
Where: 1 Eels Pl, Parramatta, the Eels' home club, right next to CommBank Stadium.
The most convenient pre-game feed, and a proper rugby league atmosphere. There are several places to eat under one roof: The Bistro for club-priced meals, K's Noodle Bar for quick Asian, Tingha Palace for Chinese, and Sterlo's Sports Bar for a beer and the footy on the screens. There are special menus on game days.
Bring photo ID: visitors sign in at reception, and your passport or Canadian driver's licence will do. Expect it to be packed before a World Cup doubleheader, so get in early.
Crown Hotel (295 Church St), between the station and the stadium, with big portions and sports screens. Commercial Hotel (2 Hassall St), with a big beer garden and reasonable prices. Albion Hotel (135 George St), a loud sports bar. Club Parramatta (2 Macquarie St), with a terrace over the park, a few minutes from the ground.
A good fit for the free Monday daytime before the 3pm coach to Guildford, but allow plenty of travel time back.
Fishmongers (57–59 Beach Rd) for hand-cut chips and fresh fish. Little-L (Campbell Pde) for chicken burgers and loaded fries at about $15. Shuk by the Beach for falafel and hummus bowls. Finish with a gelato at Messina (Hall St). Eat on the grass above the beach.
The ferry from Circular Quay is the cheapest harbour cruise in Sydney. Manly Fish & Chips (corner of Belgrave St and West Esplanade, by the wharf, 11am–9pm) is a classic. Or walk the Corso to the ocean beach and eat on the sea wall.
Where: 75 The Corso, Manly, at the beach end of the Corso, right across from Manly Beach.
A Manly institution, and the place to finish a beach day with a cold beer and a pub meal. The downstairs bistro does pub classics and seafood, and there's a courtyard beer garden. Upstairs, the Miami Rice rooftop does Asian dishes and cocktails with views over the beach. That's dearer, so stick to the bistro for value.
Hours: opens daily at 7am and closes late. Breakfast is served 7–10am.
📌 Addresses, hours and prices were checked in mid-October 2026. Prices are in AUD and approximate, and late-night hours can change at short notice, so check Google Maps before heading out.
Great coffee shops and cafés, proper old pubs, harbour-view rooftops, local craft beer and live music, all close to the hotel. The best coffee is a few minutes’ walk away around York, Clarence and King Sts, and most of the best drinking is in The Rocks, an easy walk north along Sussex St.
For a classic Sydney pub night, head to The Rocks (about 20 minutes' walk north). It has the oldest pubs, a brewpub, rooftops with harbour views and live music, all within a few streets. For a quick one near the hotel or a late nightcap, cross the bridge to Pyrmont. To watch the footy, try Cheers.
Typical prices in Sydney, in AUD. Sydney is the dearest stop on the tour. A middy (285ml) is roughly two-thirds the price.
| Where you're drinking | On our tour | Schooner (425ml) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footy (leagues) clubs | Parramatta Leagues (Sun 1 Nov), Guildford Leagues (Game 1, Mon 2 Nov) | $7–10 | Club prices and a rugby league crowd |
| RSL clubs | North Bondi RSL, suburban RSLs | $7–10 | Good-value bistro meals too |
| Surf clubs (SLSC) | Beach surf clubs with public bars | $8–11 | You pay a little extra for a beach view |
| Suburban pubs | Newtown, Marrickville, Parramatta | $9–12 | Cheaper the further you get from the harbour |
| CBD & Rocks pubs | Lord Nelson, Glenmore, Fortune of War | $11–14 | Brewpub and craft beers sit at the top of the range |
| Stadium bars | CommBank Stadium (Sun 1 Nov) | $12–15 | Usually cans or plastic cups. Drink before you go in |
| Tourist waterfront & rooftops | Opera Bar, Darling Harbour | $14–18 | You pay for the view. Have one, then move on |
Most cafés open early (6–7am) and close by 2–3pm, so get your coffee in the morning. Order a flat white or a long black. There’s no drip coffee, and the full Coffee Decoder is on the What to Drink tab. Skip the hotel lobby and the chains: the small café around the corner is almost always better. Expect about $5–6.50 for a flat white.
All a few minutes’ walk from the Meriton on Sussex St, heading east towards York, Clarence and King Sts.
Where: York St, CBD.
One of Sydney’s best-known roasters, with rotating single origins and filter coffee. Its Surry Hills café made the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops for 2026.
Where: King St, CBD.
A sleek coffee bar running two La Marzocco machines on the house blend, plus a pour-over bar. Great flat whites and iced lattes to take away.
Where: York St, CBD.
The Melbourne roaster’s Sydney outpost, with a proper brunch menu. A good sit-down breakfast near the hotel.
Where: Clarence St, CBD.
A friendly, relaxed café with consistently strong, smooth coffee. No fuss and quick.
Where: Barangaroo, about 10 minutes’ walk north.
Campos is a Sydney institution for smooth, consistent espresso. Devon serves its own blend in a smart café setting (try the truffle egg sandwich). Both are handy before a walk along the harbour.
Where: Darling Square, about 12 minutes’ walk south, on the way to Chinatown.
A calm, Japanese and Scandinavian-style space pouring bold single origins.
Where: Sydney Place, by World Square, about 15 minutes’ walk.
A tiny spot with a long queue that moves quickly. Highly rated espresso, filter and cold drip.
Where: Strand Arcade, off Pitt St Mall.
The city outpost of an award-winning Marrickville roaster. Have the espresso.
Where: Corner of George and Bond Sts, near Wynyard.
An Italian standing bar serving espresso al banco for $1.50. Drink it at the bar like a local.
Where: The Rocks.
Indonesian-origin beans in a cosy setting. Handy on the way to the Jersey Presentation or a Rocks pub day.
Where: Chippendale, about 25 minutes’ walk or a short ride, near Central.
Ranked 5th in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops for 2026 (and 1st in 2025). Worth the trip for any coffee lover. Pair it with Spice Alley for lunch.
Walking times are approximate, from the Meriton Suites, 234 Sussex St.
Where: 20 Sussex St, at the Barangaroo end. About 5 minutes' walk north.
A traditional pub with weeknight meal deals: $25 steak night on Monday, $22 burgers on Wednesday and a $22 schnitzel on Thursday, all from 5:30pm. Happy hour runs Monday to Friday, 5–7pm, with $8 schooners and house wines.
Where: 96 Union St, Pyrmont, straight across Pyrmont Bridge. About 12 minutes' walk.
A no-frills local that's open 24 hours. Cheap schooners, screens in the public bar and a pub feed at any hour. The default spot for a nightcap after a game or a late night out.
Where: 17 Little Pier St, at the southern end of Darling Harbour. About 18 minutes' walk.
A heritage pumping station converted into a pub, with a big beer list and a beer garden. A good place to meet up on the way to or from Chinatown.
Where: 561 George St, CBD, near Town Hall. About 15 minutes' walk.
Calls itself "Sydney's home of sport": wall-to-wall screens, open almost around the clock, and it will show international rugby league. Not pretty, but it does the job.
Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood has the city’s best collection of old pubs, all within a few cobbled streets. It’s about a 20–25 minute walk north from the hotel, or the train to Circular Quay.
Where: 18 Lower Fort St, Dawes Point (The Rocks), right under the southern end of the Harbour Bridge.
Getting there: About a 25 minute walk north from the hotel along George St. Or take the train to Circular Quay and walk about 10 minutes. For the Jersey Presentation we meet in the lobby at 2:30pm (3–5pm, bring your full kit but don’t wear it).
A heritage-listed pub built in the early 1920s, when this corner of The Rocks was cleared to build the Harbour Bridge. The ground-floor Oval Bar is the classic pub. Upstairs there’s a bar and restaurant, and the rooftop terrace has views straight up at the bridge and across the harbour. After the presentation we do team and individual photos at the bridge, so it’s a good place to stay on for a beer.
Where: Corner of Essex and Gloucester Sts, The Rocks.
A small pub in a building that survived the old demolitions, pouring only Australian-owned craft beer, with share plates.
Where: 89 George St, The Rocks.
Pouring since 1844, with live music every night, tables out on George St and an upstairs cocktail bar. A lively spot to finish a crawl.
The ten pubs in walking order, starting from the Harbour View under the bridge. The whole loop is only about 2km, and you don’t need to do them all.
| # | Pub | Address | Why stop | Full details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harbour View Hotel | 18 Lower Fort St | Under the bridge. Start here after the Jersey Presentation | This tab |
| 2 | Hero of Waterloo | 81 Lower Fort St | Convict-built, haunted, bands at weekends | Live Music |
| 3 | Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel | 19 Kent St | Brews its own ales on site | Craft Beer |
| 4 | The Glenmore | 96 Cumberland St | Rooftop with Opera House views | Rooftops & Waterfront |
| 5 | Australian Heritage Hotel | 100 Cumberland St | 130+ Aussie beers and a rooftop | Craft Beer |
| 6 | Endeavour Tap Rooms | 39–43 Argyle St | Brewery in a heritage building | Craft Beer |
| 7 | Harts Pub | Essex & Gloucester Sts | Aussie-owned craft taps | This tab |
| 8 | Fortune of War | 137 George St | 1828 pub, singalong cover bands | Live Music |
| 9 | The Orient Hotel | 89 George St | Live music every night | This tab |
| 10 | The Mercantile | 25 George St | Irish pub, Monday trad session | Live Music |
📌 Pick three or four, pace yourself with water between rounds, and bring photo ID, as Rocks pubs check it on busy nights.
Women’s Australia v Wales at 3:45pm, Lebanon v France at 5:40pm, and Tonga v Samoa at 8:05pm. Stadium bars are dear (about $12–15), so have a few at the club or the pubs before you go in.
Where: 1 Eels Pl, Parramatta, the Eels’ home club, right next to CommBank Stadium.
A proper rugby league atmosphere and club-priced drinks. Head to Sterlo’s Sports Bar for a beer with the footy on the screens. The Bistro, K’s Noodle Bar and Tingha Palace are under the same roof if you want a feed.
Bring photo ID: visitors sign in at reception, and your passport or Canadian driver’s licence will do. Expect it to be packed before a World Cup triple-header, so get in early.
Where: 295 Church St, between the station and the stadium.
A footy pub with sports screens and big portions. Handy on the walk from the station.
Where: 2 Hassall St, Parramatta.
A big beer garden and reasonable prices. A good place to get the group together before the game.
Where: 2 Macquarie St, Parramatta, a few minutes from the ground.
A club with a terrace overlooking the park, and club-priced drinks. Visitors sign in with ID.
Where: 19 Kent St, Millers Point (top of The Rocks). About 20 minutes' walk.
A sandstone pub from 1841 that brews its own ales on site. Try the Three Sheets pale ale or the Old Admiral. A must for a beer lover, and a good first stop on a Rocks crawl.
Where: 39–43 Argyle St, The Rocks.
A brewery in a restored heritage building with a 600-litre brewhouse on the ground floor, plus smoked meats to share.
Hours: Mon–Thu 12–10pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–midnight, Sun 11:30am–10pm.
Where: 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks.
Pouring since 1914, with over 130 independent Australian beers, plus a rooftop with harbour views. Order a kangaroo or emu pizza for the photo. Harts Pub (14 Essex St, 12 rotating taps) is just around the corner.
Where: 76 Wilford St, Newtown. Train to Newtown, or a 15-minute rideshare.
Sydney's best-known independent brewery and a proper inner-west hangout. Grab a Newtowner pale ale, then walk King St, Sydney's best street for pubs, bars and cheap eats.
Sunset in early November is around 7:20pm. The best rooftops fill up fast on warm evenings, so go early.
Where: Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House. About 30 minutes' walk, or the train to Circular Quay.
Outdoor tables looking straight at the Harbour Bridge. You pay for the view, so have one drink for the photo, then go to The Rocks for the next round.
Where: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks.
A heritage pub with one of Sydney's best-loved rooftops: Opera House and harbour views at pub prices. Busy on weekends.
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West.
A four-level venue on the Quay, with an open-air beer garden on the ground floor looking across to the Opera House.
The bars along Cockle Bay and King Street Wharf, opposite the hotel, are chain venues at tourist prices. The Pumphouse and the Pyrmont pubs are better value and only a few minutes further.
Where: 137 George St, The Rocks.
One of Sydney's oldest pubs (1828), with no pokies and live music across the week, including weekend afternoon cover bands. A great singalong pub.
Where: 81 Lower Fort St, Millers Point.
Convict-built, said to be haunted, and with live music on weekends. Ask about the old smugglers' tunnel in the cellar.
Where: 25 George St, The Rocks, under the Harbour Bridge.
An Irish pub with a traditional music session every Monday from 6pm. That clashes with Game 1 (Mon 2 Nov), but it's a good shout for anyone in Sydney a few days early.
Where: A 15–20 minute rideshare, or the train to Marrickville or Sydenham.
Lazybones Lounge for jazz, soul, funk and blues. Marrickville Bowling Club for bands and a cheap beer on the green. Vic on the Park for footy on the front-bar screens and free sets out the back. This is where Sydney's live music lives now.
📌 Venues, hours and prices checked October 2026 and can change — check the venue's website or Google Maps before heading out. All prices in AUD. Drink sizes and local beers are explained on the What to Drink tab.
For everyday groceries, Woolworths Town Hall is the closest and latest-open option (6–8 min walk, open to midnight). For fresh fruit, veg and a seafood top-up, Paddy's Markets at Haymarket is a similar walk — but it's only open Wednesday to Sunday. The Sydney Fish Market has moved to a brand-new site at Glebe — well worth a trip for a seafood lunch, but it's a light rail ride away, not a walk, so plan it as its own outing rather than a quick stop.
All three sit on or just off George Street, the same direction as Town Hall Station — there's no supermarket right on Darling Harbour/King Street Wharf itself, so this George Street cluster is the closest option from the hotel.
| Store | Address & Walk from Hotel | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Woolworths Town Hall | Cnr Park & George St — the same ~500m, 6–8 min walk as Town Hall Station | Mon–Fri 6am–midnight Sat–Sun 7am–midnight |
| Coles World Square | 644 George St, Lower Ground level (World Square shopping centre) — roughly 700–800m, 8–10 min walk | Open daily, 6am–midnight |
| Coles Local — Sydney CBD (York St) | York Street, between Market & King Streets — roughly 500–600m, 6–7 min walk. A smaller CBD-format store (fresh/grab-and-go focus, narrower range than the two above). | Not confirmed — check Google Maps closer to the date |
📌 As with the transport guide, these are estimated from street addresses — worth confirming exact routes on Google/Apple Maps once we're on the ground.
The old Pyrmont fish market has closed for good — the market relocated to a brand-new, purpose-built site across the water at Blackwattle Bay, Glebe, which officially opened in January 2026. If you're picturing the old wharf-side sheds, this is a different (much larger) building.
Address: 1 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW — on the Blackwattle Bay waterfront.
Hours: Open daily, 7am–10pm (individual seafood retailers, restaurants and the food hall have their own trading hours within that).
Getting there — light rail, no transfer needed: the Paddy's Markets light rail stop near the hotel (Hay Street, L1 Dulwich Hill Line) is on the same line that runs straight past the new market — no need to change trams. Board a Dulwich Hill-bound L1 service and get off at either:
Door-to-door from the hotel is roughly 15–20 minutes: a short walk to the Paddy's Markets stop, a few stops on the tram, then the short walk in.
It's a flat-ish ~2km, 25–30 minute walk from the Town Hall area via Pyrmont Bridge Road if anyone fancies it — but with a couple of us managing dodgy knees, the light rail is the easier call, especially on the way back after a big feed.
It's not just a place to buy fresh seafood to take home — the new market has a proper food hall and sit-down restaurants, so it doubles as a good group lunch destination rather than just a shopping errand. Worth building in a bit of time to wander and eat there rather than a quick in-and-out.
Address: Market City building, corner of Hay & Thomas Streets, Haymarket — right beside Chinatown, at the Hay Street end of Sussex Street.
Distance from hotel: roughly 900m–1km, about a 12–15 minute walk down Sussex/Hay Street — or hop on the L1 light rail one stop to the Paddy's Markets stop, which sits right at the door.
Paddy's Haymarket trades Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–6pm only. It's closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so it won't help with early-arrival grocery needs on Friday 30 Oct unless you time it for the weekend.
What's there: mostly imported clothing, souvenirs and general merchandise, but it also has a smaller dedicated section for fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood — good for a quick, cheap top-up rather than a full weekly shop. Think of it as a fun wander with a fresh-produce bonus, not a substitute for the supermarkets above.
📌 There's a much bigger wholesale fruit, veg and flower market at Sydney Markets in Flemington (near Sydney Olympic Park), but that's a specialty trip well outside our CBD footprint — not really practical for this stay.
NSW liquor licensing means bottle shops close earlier than supermarkets (usually by 10–11pm, some earlier on Sundays), so it's worth grabbing supplies before heading out for the evening rather than counting on picking something up late.
| Store | Address & Walk from Hotel | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| King Cellars (independent) | 9 Erskine St — right by King Street Wharf/Darling Harbour, probably the closest option, ~5 min walk | Not confirmed online — worth a quick check on arrival |
| Red Bottle — Sussex St | 374 Sussex St — same street as the hotel, ~6–7 min walk | Mon–Fri 9am–11:55pm Sat 10am–11:55pm Sun 10am–10:55pm |
| Red Bottle — Town Hall | 580 George St, Lower Ground, Town Hall Station Exit 3 (Pavilion Plaza) — same ~6–8 min walk as Woolworths/Town Hall Station | Mon–Sat 9am–10:55pm Sun 10am–9:55pm |
| BWS — Haymarket | Cnr Quay St & Ultimo Rd (61–79 Quay St) — near Paddy's Markets/UTS, ~12–15 min walk | Mon–Sat 10am–9:55pm Sun 10am–7:55pm |
| The Cellar by Dan Murphy's — Martin Place | 53 Martin Place — other side of the CBD, ~12–15 min walk | Mon–Fri 10am–7pm Sat 11am–7pm Sun 11am–6pm |
The closest Dan Murphy's-branded options are its boutique "The Cellar" concept stores (Martin Place, and another at Barangaroo) — smaller, more premium-focused, and pricier than a typical Dan Murphy's warehouse. If you're after warehouse-style range and pricing, that means a trip further out of the city — not really practical for a quick top-up during our stay.
📌 Easiest default: Red Bottle on Sussex Street is on the same street as the hotel and open latest (just before midnight most nights) — hard to beat for convenience. King Cellars may be even closer given it's right at King Street Wharf, but confirm its hours once we're there.
The Souvenir Guide explains what's worth buying, how to spot real Aboriginal art and opals, and how the GST refund works. Open the Souvenir Guide →
Our recommended places to buy souvenirs in Sydney, with addresses, opening hours and map links. Walking times are from the Meriton Suites, 234 Sussex St.
Address: 9–13 Hay St, Haymarket (next to Chinatown)
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
From the hotel: about 1km, a 12–15 min walk south along Sussex St, or the L1 light rail to the Paddy's Markets stop.
Buy: magnets, tea towels, keyrings, plush koalas, T-shirts and cheap sunnies, at the best prices in the city. You can usually get a bit off if you buy several.
Skip: Aboriginal art, opals and sheepskin boots. Most stalls won't give a tax invoice, so you can't claim TRS on what you buy there.
Where: Stall 460, Paddy's Markets Haymarket. Same hours as the market: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm.
One of the most comprehensive collections of Australian souvenirs you'll find, with more than 3,000 products under one roof. It's a one-stop shop for gifts for family and friends, at affordable prices.
Look for: macadamia nuts, Australian skincare, UGG gifts, Aussie keepsakes and Australia-edition collectibles. The new Hello Kitty Quokka and Wombat have just launched, which makes them a great pick for the kids and grandkids.
Address: Jack Mundey Place, Playfair St & George St, The Rocks (under the Harbour Bridge)
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm. A smaller Friday market runs 10am–3pm.
From the hotel: about a 25 min walk, or the L2/L3 light rail from Town Hall to Circular Quay.
Buy: Australian-made jewellery, homewares, skincare, prints and gourmet food, often from the person who made it. It costs more than Paddy's, but the gifts come with a story.
Address: 55–59 Flood St, Leichhardt (opposite Leichhardt Marketplace)
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
From the hotel: L1 light rail from the Paddy's Markets or Exhibition Centre stop to Marion, then about a 9 min walk. Allow around 40 minutes door to door.
Buy: original works and gifts. It's the longest-running Aboriginal-owned gallery in NSW, and the money goes straight to the artists.
Where: Art Gallery Rd, The Domain.
A strong range of First Nations prints, books and licensed-design gifts. Entry to the gallery and shop is free.
Where: 1 William St, opposite Hyde Park. About 20 min walk, or the train to Museum station.
Aboriginal-designed gifts and books, plus good natural-history gifts for the kids.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, Circular Quay. Easy to combine with The Rocks Markets.
Contemporary Australian and First Nations design, prints and jewellery.
Where: 2 Murray St, Darling Harbour. About 10 min walk across Pyrmont Bridge.
Australian-made gifts, books and some licensed Indigenous designs.
Where: La Perouse and The Rocks.
Buy directly from Aboriginal artists and makers, with the profits going back to their communities. The 2026 dates aren't out yet — we'll post an update if one falls while we're in Sydney.
📌 Museum and gallery hours vary by day, so check the website before you go.
Address: Level 3, 295–301 Pitt St, near Town Hall
From the hotel: about a 10 min walk.
Why here: a workshop and showroom where you can compare solid, doublet and triplet opals side by side and ask plenty of questions.
Tip: get the opal type and where it was mined written on the invoice. Spending $300 or more? Ask for a tax invoice so you can claim TRS.
Where: 345 George St. About 10 min walk.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 9am–6pm, Thu 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–6pm.
Boots are properly fitted in store, and a single pair usually clears the $300 TRS threshold.
Where: Ground floor, The Strand Arcade, 412–414 George St. About 8 min walk.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 9am–5pm, Thu 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–4pm.
The Strand is a beautiful Victorian arcade full of Australian designers, worth a look in its own right.
Where: 455 George St. About 5 min walk.
Worth seeing for the building alone. Upmarket shops, with some Australian gifts and jewellery.
NRL jerseys, Kangaroos and State of Origin gear, often discounted once the season is over. Official RLWC merchandise is also sold at the stadiums on game days.
The cheapest places for Tim Tams, Vegemite, Papaw ointment and wine.
The closest supermarkets and bottle shops, with walking times from the hotel, are in the Groceries and Bottle Shops tabs above. Remember the Canadian limit of 1.5L of wine (two bottles).
For Papaw ointment, Sukin, Bondi Sands and sunscreen, far cheaper than airport stores.
Each adult can bring 2.25L of alcohol into Australia duty-free. There's a shop in the Sydney Airport arrivals hall, before baggage claim.
Souvenir shops here charge the city's highest prices for the same imported stock Paddy's sells, and carry most of the fake "Aboriginal" goods.
Convenient to the hotel, but the prices are for tourists. Be especially wary of "opal" and "Aboriginal art" shops here.
They run on commission, and you're a captive audience.
Often twice the supermarket price, so do your Tim Tam shopping in the city.
📌 Addresses and opening hours were checked in late September 2026. Please check the shop's website before you go. Questions? Ask in the tour WhatsApp group.
Walking times are from the Meriton Suites, 234 Sussex St.
Address: 77 King St, Sydney (between George & Pitt Sts)
From the hotel: about 500m, a 7 min walk.
Stock: rugby league boots from Nike, adidas, PUMA and ASICS, plus NRL club jerseys, training gear, mouthguards and footballs.
Tip: join rebel Active (free) at the counter or online for member prices. Free 1-hour Click & Collect means you can order online and pick up here.
Address: 179 Kingsgrove Rd, Kingsgrove
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri 9:30am–6pm, Thu 9:30am–7:30pm, Sat 8:30am–4:30pm, Sun 10am–4pm.
Getting there: T8 train from Town Hall or Central to Kingsgrove station, about 30 minutes. Staying on the train through the airport stations is fine; the airport access fee only applies if you get on or off there.
Why go: a Sydney institution for footy and cricket gear, with a large range of league and union boots and staff who know how to fit them.
Address: 481 Pacific Hwy, Artarmon, near Artarmon station.
Getting there: T1 North Shore line from Town Hall, about 15–20 minutes.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri 10am–6pm, Thu 10am–7:30pm, Sat 9am–4:30pm, Sun 10am–4pm.
Carries rugby boots, protective gear and clothing. Call ahead on (02) 9420 2842 if you're after a specific boot.
Address: Level 1, Broadway Shopping Centre, 1 Bay St, Glebe.
Getting there: about 25 min walk, or a short bus ride up George St.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri 10am–7pm, Thu 10am–9pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm.
Handy if King St doesn't have your size.
Address: Level 1, Royal Randwick Shopping Centre, 73 Belmore Rd, Randwick. It's a short walk from Royal Randwick Racecourse.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri 9am–5:30pm, Thu 9am–7pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm.
Official NRL supporter gear for all 16 clubs plus State of Origin, in sizes from babies to adults. Most items are $14–$32, and jerseys top out around $55. It's the best value for gifts for the kids and grandkids.
Official World Cup merchandise stands are expected at the stadiums on game days, including CommBank Stadium and Suncorp Stadium.
Go early: popular sizes of the big nations' jerseys sell out fast on match days.
Sizing: Australian stores often show UK sizes. A UK size is usually about one size smaller than the Canadian/US number, so a US 10 is roughly a UK 9. Check the label and try them on.
Studs: firm-ground (FG) moulded boots suit most Australian grounds in November, which are usually firm and dry. Screw-in studs are for soft, wet ground.
Bring your footy socks when you try boots on, and allow a session or two to wear them in before a game.
Order before we leave or once we're in Australia. Prices are in AUD.
Every NRL club, plus a RLWC 2026 range for the Kangaroos, Jillaroos and the other nations: jerseys, training tees and supporter wear.
Delivery: free standard shipping in Australia over $175. Express takes 1–3 days if ordered before 12pm AEST, Mon–Fri.
The official World Cup shop, with merchandise for all 14 nations. Replica jerseys are about $99–$170, and training tees $60–$85.
Delivery: delivers within Australia, so order it to the hotel.
The widest range of boots and NRL gear, with the same prices online as in store.
Delivery: free delivery over $150, or free 1-hour Click & Collect at rebel Sydney City (77 King St).
A strong range of league and union boots, with good fitting advice over the phone on 1300 552 999.
Delivery: free shipping on metro orders over $100.
An official licensed merchandise retailer based in Canberra, with a large RLWC 2026 range. Jerseys are about $69–$99, and training wear $45–$130.
Delivery: free standard shipping in Australia over $150.
Official licensed NRL and international rugby league merchandise, based in Bankstown.
Delivery: free shipping in Australia over $75. Free Click & Collect from their Bankstown shop.
An official NRL retailer covering every club, State of Origin, the Kangaroos, Tonga, Samoa, PNG and the All Stars, plus retro and personalised gear.
Delivery: standard $13, express $16.50, free over $200. Australian orders usually arrive in 2–5 working days.
In Brisbane: they also have a store at Suncorp Stadium (Caxton St, between Gates C & D), which is handy on World Cup Final day.
Cheaper official NRL supporter gear for every club and State of Origin: jerseys, tees, shorts, hoodies and pyjamas, from babies to adults. Most items are $14–$32.
Delivery: free 2-hour Click & Collect from stores, or delivery Australia-wide.
Easiest option: order from rebel and choose free Click & Collect at rebel Sydney City (77 King St). There's no risk of a parcel going astray.
Address it as: Your full name (as on the booking) · Guest, arriving 30 Oct · Meriton Suites Sussex Street · 234 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000. Use your mobile number for delivery updates.
Paying: Canadian Visa and Mastercard work on these sites. A Wise card avoids the foreign transaction fee.
We checked for promo codes in late September 2026.
We couldn't find any promo codes published by these retailers themselves. The coupon websites list plenty of codes, but most are unverified or expired, and they rarely work on new-season jerseys. By all means try one at checkout, but don't count on it. These are the savings you can rely on:
Up to 30% off selected 2026 products, plus selected jerseys at $129. No code needed. The end date isn't published, so don't leave it too late.
Free membership gives you member prices on selected brands, and rebel has been running up to 40% off selected footwear. Sign up before you shop.
Australia's big online sale runs the week we arrive. Watch for sports retailers taking part, and order for Click & Collect or hotel delivery.
Another round of online deals while we're on the Gold Coast.
Spend $300 or more with one retailer (a pair of boots and a jersey can get you there) and ask for a tax invoice. You can claim about 9% back at Brisbane airport. See the Souvenir Guide for how it works.
📌 Store details, delivery terms and sales were checked in late September 2026. Please check the retailer's website before you go or order. Questions? Ask in the tour WhatsApp group.
455 George St · about a 5 min walk from the hotel
The QVB is Sydney's most beautiful shopping centre and worth a visit even if you don't buy a thing. Designed by George McRae and opened in 1898 as a city marketplace, this Romanesque Revival building fills an entire city block along George St, about 190m long, under a central dome 60m high.
It came close to demolition in the 1950s and 60s, before an $86 million restoration brought it back to life. It reopened in 1986 as an upmarket shopping centre across five levels, with Australian and international brands, jewellers, galleries and cafés.
Don't miss:
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 9am–6pm, Thu 9am–9pm, Sun 11am–5pm. Levels 1–2 open from 10am Mon–Sat.
Tip: the lower level connects underground to Town Hall station, which is handy on a hot or wet day. The QVB also runs history tours; check the website for times.
Between Market St & King St · about an 8–10 min walk from the hotel
Pitt Street Mall is a traffic-free 200m stretch of Pitt St between Market St and King St, and it's the busiest shopping strip in the country. It has the highest retail rents in Australia and has ranked among the most expensive shopping streets in the world. Five shopping centres and arcades open onto it, with more than 400 specialty stores between them, plus the big department stores.
What's on the mall:
Westfield Sydney hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 9:30am–7pm, Thu 9:30am–9pm, Sun 10am–7pm. Individual stores may vary.
Tip: Thursday is late-night shopping across the city, with most stores open until 9pm. Spending $300 or more in one store? Ask for a tax invoice for the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Hotel → along Market St to George St → the QVB (enter at the Market St end) → north along George St to The Strand Arcade → through the arcade onto Pitt Street Mall → Westfield Sydney → back to the hotel down Market St. It's flat all the way, and you can rest at the cafés in the QVB and the Strand.
Where: 19 Roseby St, Drummoyne, on the harbour about 6km west of the city.
Getting there: about 15–20 minutes by rideshare, or a bus along Victoria Rd.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri 10am–5:30pm, Thu 10am–7:30pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm.
Over 120 outlet stores, including Nike, adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Oroton, Peter Alexander and R.M. Williams. There are waterfront cafés for lunch.
Where: 3–5 Underwood Rd, Homebush, near Sydney Olympic Park.
Getting there: about 25–30 minutes by rideshare. Check the Transport NSW trip planner for train and bus options.
Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sun 10am–6pm, Thu 10am–8pm.
Sydney's big factory outlet centre, with discounted fashion, sportswear, shoes and homewares.
Where: 395 Oxford St, Paddington, in the Uniting Church grounds.
Hours: every Saturday, 10am–4pm.
Getting there: a bus along Oxford St from the city, about 15–20 minutes.
Local designers, fashion, art, jewellery, soaps and candles, with the Oxford St boutiques and Paddington's terrace-house streets alongside.
Where: 644 George St. About a 10 min walk from the hotel.
A practical centre with Coles, Priceline Pharmacy, JB Hi-Fi and plenty of casual Asian eateries. Good for everyday items rather than a day out.
📌 Hours were checked in late September 2026, and individual stores may vary. Markets and souvenir shops are covered in the Souvenirs tab, and boots and jerseys in Sports Stores. Questions? Ask in the tour WhatsApp group.
Between Captain's Run, the Jersey Presentation, the RLWC doubleheader, Game 1 out at Guildford and Race Day at Randwick, Sydney is a busy six days — but there's still good sightseeing time to be had, especially for partners who aren't tied to team commitments every day. Here's a guide to what's worth seeing, broken down by how much time you've actually got free.
Monday Nov 2 is the best full day for sightseeing (free until the 3pm coach call). Sunday Nov 1 gives a solid half-day before heading to Parramatta. Tuesday Nov 3 and Wednesday Nov 4 are short, hotel-adjacent windows only — don't plan anything needing a ferry or train on those two.
If you only have time for a few, these are the ones.
| # | Pick | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manly & the Manly Ferry | Sun Nov 1 or Mon Nov 2. Early ferry from Circular Quay, 2–3 hours at the beach and the Corso, back by early afternoon. The Manly Ferry (specifically the public F1 route between Circular Quay and Manly Wharf) is widely considered one of the most iconic and scenic boat rides in the world. It offers front-row, panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Kirribilli House, Bradleys Head and the open waters of the harbour heads (North Head and South Head), with a view across to the historic Hornby Lighthouse. Standard public ferries take about 30 to 35 minutes. The ferry arrives at Manly Wharf, which opens right onto The Corso pedestrian mall and through to Manly Beach. Connecting the harbourside wharf to the famous ocean beach, The Corso is a pedestrian mall dotted with surf shops, boutiques and classic pubs. One of the classics, The Steyne, sits at the beach end of The Corso, right across from the sand — a great place to grab lunch and a beer. Or grab some fish and chips and eat them at the picnic tables along the tree-lined beachfront promenade. Alongside the beach there are more surf shops and an enticing range of bars, cafés and restaurants — and it was on Manly Beach that the first world surfing contest was held, in 1964. |
| 2 | Circular Quay & The Rocks | Fits any window, including the short Tue Nov 3 and Wed Nov 4 mornings. Perfect for Fri Oct 30 arrival evening, with the Paragon Hotel party on the Quay. |
| 3 | The BridgeMuseum | Sun Nov 1 or Mon Nov 2 (opens 9am, so it doesn't fit Tue or Wed). 45 minutes to 1.5 hours; combine it with a walk across the Bridge. See Harbour Bridge: Your Options below. |
| 4 | Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk | Sun Nov 1 or Mon Nov 2. The walk is 3–4 hours, so start early and skip lingering at the beaches to stay on schedule. 🗿 Bonus this year: the world’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, is taking over the Bondi to Tamarama stretch of the walk until Monday 2 November — so it’s on for both of our Bondi days. Expect bigger crowds than usual on the clifftop path, which is another reason to start early. |
| 5 | Sydney Fish Market | Sun Nov 1 or Mon Nov 2. Now at a new site in Glebe, a light rail ride from the hotel, so treat it as its own outing with a seafood lunch. |
| 6 | Royal Botanic Gardens / St Mary's Cathedral / Mrs Macquarie's Chair | Sat Oct 31, after Captain's Run (ends 12 noon) and before the 3pm Jersey Presentation Dinner. The loop carries on into the Opera House and Circular Quay. After the Jersey Presentation, yet another opportunity to wander The Rocks and see the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Circular Quay lit up at night, or take a ferry and head to Darling Harbour and Chinatown. |
| Day | Usable Window | What's Around It |
|---|---|---|
| Fri Oct 30 | Afternoon and evening, once settled in | Arrival day — jet lag is likely, so keep it light. Some are heading to Wollongong to watch England v PNG live; an optional game-viewing party is on at the Paragon Hotel, Circular Quay for everyone else (see below). |
| Sat Oct 31 | Partners free during Captain's Run (10am–12 noon); everyone free from 12 noon until the 3pm dinner (allow a buffer to get there), and again from ~6pm | Captain's Run 10am–12 noon (at The Domain Sporting Fields, right next to the Botanic Gardens), Jersey Presentation & Dinner at 3pm. See #6 in Paul's Top Six above for ideas either side of the dinner. |
| Sun Nov 1 | ~7am–1:30pm (~6.5 hrs) | Everyone needs to be at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta by evening for the Lebanon v France / Tonga v Samoa doubleheader. |
| Mon Nov 2 | ~7am–2pm (~7 hrs) — best window | Coach departs 3pm for Guildford Leagues Club, Game 1 kickoff 6pm. |
| Tue Nov 3 | ~7am–10am (~2.5 hrs) | 10:30am meeting, then a full day at Royal Randwick for The Big Dance. |
| Wed Nov 4 | ~7am–9:30am (~2.5 hrs) | Most flights to the Gold Coast depart after 12 noon, but checkout, luggage and the airport transfer for the group eat into the late morning. |
Some of the squad are heading to Wollongong to watch England v PNG live. For everyone else, an optional game-viewing party has been set up at the Paragon Hotel at Circular Quay — a good excuse to stretch the legs after the flight, right down on the harbour with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and the Sydney Opera House all within a few minutes' walk.
If you're up for it, jump on a ferry from Circular Quay and watch it from the water — the harbour at golden hour, with the Bridge and Opera House lit up behind you, is about as good a welcome to Sydney as it gets.
Getting there from the hotel:
It's a long way from Canada, and Captain's Run is first thing Saturday. Staying for a beer and the game, a wander around the Quay and an early night is a perfectly good arrival day. And remember to tap on and off if you jump on a ferry or light rail — see Getting Around.
Best fit for Tue Nov 3 and Wed Nov 4 — no ferry or train needed.
Comfortable fit for Sun Nov 1 or Mon Nov 2, with room to spare. Also good for Sat Oct 31 — partners during Captain's Run (10am–12 noon), and everyone from 12 noon until the 3pm dinner — given Captain's Run is right next to the Botanic Gardens.
Four ways to get the Bridge experience, from free to a proper splurge. All prices are AUD per adult.
| Option | Cost | Time & Effort |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walk across the Bridge | Free | 15–30 minutes each way on a flat footpath. Stairs or a lift to get on. |
| 🏛️ BridgeMuseum (South-East Pylon) | $39.95 online, $49.95 walk-up. Concession (students and seniors) $35.95 online. | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, self-guided. Around 200 steps to the lookout*. |
| 🌆 BridgeMuseum SkyHouse After Hours | From $79.95 online (children pay the same) | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, self-guided. Fridays and Saturdays only, entry at 5:35pm. Twilight and night views from the SkyHouse lookout, one complimentary drink and three canapés, plus end-of-day access to the whole museum. 200+ steps. |
| 🔧 BridgeClimb UnderBridge Walk | From $248 | 2 hours (about 1 hour on the Bridge). 398 steps, mostly flat. Guided walk beneath the arches, up close to the steelwork. Does not reach the summit. |
| 🧗 BridgeClimb Summit | From $375 day, $415 twilight, $325 night | 3 hours in total (2 on the Bridge). 1,332 steps. The Summit Insider variant is 2.5 hours and 1,002 steps. |
For most people, walk across the Bridge and add the BridgeMuseum — about 2 to 3 hours and roughly $40 for a great view and the history. Keep the UnderBridge Walk and Summit Climb for anyone wanting the full experience. On Tue Nov 3 and Wed Nov 4, the free walk is the only option that fits (the BridgeMuseum doesn't open until 9am).
If stairs are a concern, the order from easiest to hardest is the free walk (use the lift), the BridgeMuseum, the UnderBridge Walk, then the Summit Climb.
No day in Sydney is genuinely open-ended — even Mon Nov 2, the best window, still has a 3pm cutoff. These only work if started by 7–7:30am and kept tightly timed; they don't fit Tue Nov 3 or Wed Nov 4 at all.
📌 Times and windows are based on the current schedule and worth a final check closer to the date, especially the Nov 2 coach departure and Nov 4 flight times once everyone's confirmed. Prices were checked in October 2026 and can change; confirm on the official booking pages before you go.
* The BridgeMuseum website mentions “more than 200 steps” for the SkyHouse After Hours session; the step count for the Day Session isn't stated on the site.
We'll be using public transport most days in Sydney — hotel to sightseeing, and the big one: getting out to CommBank Stadium in Parramatta for the RLWC doubleheader on Sunday, November 1. Here's how to pay, what it costs, and the best way to get around while we're at the Meriton Suites on Sussex Street (Fri 30 Oct – Wed 4 Nov). For our two big team outings, we're not using public transport at all: a 41-seat executive coach from Sydney Coaches will take us from the hotel to our games in Guildford on Monday 2 November and to The Big Dance at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Tuesday 3 November, and bring us back afterwards. Details are at the bottom of this page.
Tap on with a contactless bank card or phone wallet (Apple Pay / Google Pay) instead of buying a physical Opal card. Same fares, same daily/weekly caps, zero setup or admin — since everyone's paying individually, there's nothing to buy, load or reconcile as a group — and no stranded balance when we fly out to the Gold Coast on Nov 4. A Wise Card is a great fit for this — it holds AUD directly and avoids the FX markup a standard Canadian card would apply.
These caps apply automatically across train, metro, bus, light rail and ferry — the system just stops charging once you hit them.
| Cap | Amount (Adult) |
|---|---|
| Daily — Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | $19.30 |
| Daily — Fri, Sat, Sun, Public Holiday | $9.65 ("TGIF" cheap rate — Friday is grouped with the weekend) |
| Weekly (Mon–Sun) | $50.00 |
| Off-peak discount | ~30% off train fares before 6am, 10am–3pm & after 7pm weekdays, and all weekend/public holidays |
| Transfer discount | $2 off for 2+ transfers within 60 minutes |
✈️ Heads up on the Airport Link fee: if anyone takes the train through Sydney Airport's Domestic or International stations, a separate station access fee (~$18.61) is added on top of the normal fare — and importantly, this fee is not included in the daily or weekly cap. It's an extra cost even on a day you've already capped out.
Fares in Sydney are distance-based, so the system needs to see two taps to work out what you actually owe: tap your card/phone on the reader when you get on, and tap again when you get off — on trains, metro, light rail and ferries, and on buses (buses need both taps too, don't assume otherwise).
If you tap on but forget to tap off, the system has no way of knowing where you got off — so instead of charging you for the short trip you actually took, it charges a default/maximum fare, calculated as if you'd travelled to the furthest possible point on that service. In practice that can mean paying up to roughly $8.80–$11 for a short ferry hop that should have cost you $2–3, or a similarly inflated fare on a train or bus — instead of a normal quick CBD trip, you're paying close to (or more than) the whole day's cap.
A few habits that will save you money on this tour:
Tapping doesn't charge you on the spot. Your first tap triggers a small verification check (not a real charge), then every tap-on/tap-off that day gets logged against your card number, exactly like a physical Opal card. Transport NSW's system tallies your trips as you go and stops adding to the bill once you hit the daily or weekly cap — then bills your card one combined amount per travel day, not a separate charge per tap. That's why your statement shows one line per day, not one per trip.
Our 6 days in Sydney span two Opal weeks (the cap resets each Monday):
Per person, for the whole Sydney leg: ~$78.95 AUD — and that's only if you max out the cap every single day. Arrival and departure days will likely be lighter, so your real spend should land under that. A sensible amount to have set aside on your card for Sydney transport alone: $60–80 AUD.
Pros: zero setup, tap on from the moment you land, identical fares and caps to Opal, no stranded balance, charged as one combined daily transaction (not per tap — good for minimising FX exposure). Since everyone's paying individually anyway, this is the least hassle option — nothing to buy or top up before you can start using it.
Cons: you need a working contactless card/device and must tap on and off with the same card the whole trip (mixing cards mid-journey can trigger a higher default fare); a standard Canadian card may carry a foreign transaction fee unless it's a Wise Card or similar.
Pros: free to obtain (only pay for travel loaded on), widely available (7-Eleven, newsagents, station machines, Service NSW), no bank details exposed at the reader, good backup for anyone whose card won't tap reliably.
Cons: it's on you individually to find a retailer and load it — more upfront hassle than just tapping a card you already own; minimum top-ups apply in places ($35 minimum at Sydney Airport station machines); max balance $250/card; unused balance generally can't be refunded to an overseas account — registered cards only refund to an Australian bank account, and there's no cash refund at a machine. Since we leave for the Gold Coast (different network) after just 6 days, any leftover balance on your card is effectively stranded — so if you go this route, try to load only what you'll actually use.
Meriton Suites Sussex Street sits between Market Street and Druitt Street, directly opposite Darling Harbour/Cockle Bay, about four blocks west of George Street/QVB.
| Mode | Closest Stop / Station & Distance |
|---|---|
| 🚆 Train | Town Hall Station (George St & Park St entrances, Druitt St bus concourse) — roughly 500m, a 6–8 minute walk east via Market or Druitt Street. Serves T1, T2, T3, T4, T8, T9 and intercity lines — basically anywhere we need to go. |
| 🚊 Light Rail | Town Hall stop on George Street (L2/L3, same walk as the train station) for Circular Quay/CBD; Paddy's Markets stop on Hay Street (L1) is the closer option if we're at the Hay St end of Sussex St, for Darling Harbour/Chinatown/Central. |
| ⛴️ Ferry | King Street Wharf (Darling Harbour) — right across the road, roughly a 5-minute walk; good for short Darling Harbour/Pyrmont hops. For the Parramatta River (F3) service, Barangaroo wharf (~1.8km, ~20-minute walk) or Circular Quay (~20-minute walk) are the departure points. |
| 🚇 Metro | Barangaroo or Martin Place Sydney Metro stations are the nearest, but both are ~1.5–2km away — Town Hall heavy rail is the far more convenient option from this hotel. |
| 🚌 Bus | Numerous CBD routes run along George, Kent, York, Elizabeth and Castlereagh Streets — alight at the Market St, Druitt St or Bathurst St stops, all a short walk from the hotel. |
📌 These distances are estimated from the hotel's address and the CBD street grid — worth confirming exact walking routes on Google/Apple Maps once we're on the ground, especially with luggage or as a larger group.
Three options for this one — pick based on how much of a hurry you're in:
Nov 1 is actually a triple-header at CommBank Stadium — Jillaroos v Wales (3:45pm), Lebanon v France (5:40pm), then Tonga v Samoa (8:05pm), gates open 3pm. Our doubleheader means a long afternoon into night, finishing roughly 9:45–10pm.
Getting there — ferry (Circular Quay or Barangaroo → Parramatta): the F3 Parramatta River ferry runs from both wharves, taking roughly 50–70 minutes to Parramatta wharf — a genuinely scenic run past the Harbour Bridge, Cockatoo Island and Sydney Olympic Park. From Parramatta wharf it's about a 10–15 minute walk to the stadium, or one stop on the L4 light rail to Prince Alfred Square.
Timing for our group: the F3 takes about 85 minutes from Circular Quay, so a 4pm ferry would be too late for the 5:40pm kickoff. Our plan is the 1:07pm from Circular Quay, the iconic start, past the Opera House and under the Bridge (Barangaroo at 1:18pm is the back-up), with lunch in Parramatta. Low tide that afternoon means a short bus from Rydalmere for the last leg. The full plan is on the Tonga v Samoa RLWC Game Day tab.
Getting back — train, not ferry: CommBank Stadium's own transport guidance flags that after events, F3 ferry services may reach capacity and can be disrupted by low tide (sometimes replaced by buses) — not ideal for a tired group of 32 after a 10pm finish. Parramatta Station (T1 Western Line) is about a 15-minute walk from the stadium and runs direct to Town Hall — frequent, high-capacity, built for exactly this kind of event crowd. Save the ferry for the scenic daytime leg there; take the train back.
Your match ticket covers all public transport on the day: the ferry, the train back, light rail and buses, until 4am the next morning. Just show it to the staff when you board. If you'd rather use Opal or contactless, Sunday's daily cap is only $9.65 per person.
📌 Worth a final check closer to the date: Transport NSW usually publishes an event-specific travel advisory (exact last-service times, any bus replacements) once the RLWC schedule firms up.
No public transport needed for these two: we travel to and from both events together on a private coach from the hotel.
Pick-up and drop-off: the Meriton Suites, 234 Sussex St, for both events. There are 41 seats for our 32, so there's room to spread out.
Seatbelts: wearing a seatbelt on the coach is the law in NSW, so buckle up.
Venue: McCredie Park, home of the Guildford Owls, 25–55 Tamplin Rd, Guildford, about 27km west of the city. Guildford Leagues Club is right next to the ground.
Games:
Presentation & dinner: 8:30pm at Guildford Leagues Club, next to the ground.
Coach times: departure and return times are in the TripIt app. Allow 45–60 minutes for the trip, as we'll be heading west in weekday afternoon traffic.
Return: coach back to the hotel after the presentation and dinner.
Players: kit bags go in the luggage compartment. Bring boots, mouthguard, strapping and a water bottle, and have your playing kit sorted before we board.
Partners: the Leagues Club next door has bars and dining, so it's a comfortable night for supporters too.
Venue: Royal Randwick, Alison Rd, Randwick, about 7km from the hotel. It's the only live racing in Sydney on Melbourne Cup Day. This is a team event, and the cost is covered by the tour fund.
Raceday times: public gates open 10:30am, the first race is at 11:45am and the last race at 6:05pm. Furnace and the Fundamentals play the Theatre of the Horse after the last race, and entry is free for all racegoers.
Coach times: departure and return times are in the TripIt app. Allow 20–30 minutes on race-day traffic.
Coach drop-off & pick-up: coaches drop off at the Ascot St entrance, and pick-up is only from Alison Rd, after 3pm.
Dress code: this year's theme is "The Sydney Edit": modern tailoring and bold colour. There's no jacket or tie requirement in General Admission. In the Members Reserve, ties are compulsory, and jackets are optional during daylight saving, which will be in effect.
Don't bring: food, alcohol, glassware or open drinks. They won't be allowed through the gates.
📌 Coach departure and return times for both events are in the TripIt app. Please be in the Meriton lobby 10 minutes before departure.
📍 234 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Everyone in the touring party is landing at T1 International, so there's no terminal-matching to worry about when arranging transport. Costs below are in AUD, per person unless noted, current as of September 2026.
~9 km from the airport · 15–45 min journey time depending on option · $60–80 AUD typical cost range
From Town Hall Station, take the Town Hall House / Druitt Street exit — it puts you on the western side of the station complex, the most direct route to Sussex Street. From there it's about a 3–4 minute walk to Meriton Suites Sussex Street.
Cost: ~$21.60–23 · Time: 15–18 min
Cost: ~$6–8 · Time: 35–45 min
Cost: $60 standard / $80 maxi · Time: 20–35 min
Most of the touring party lands right in Sydney's weekday morning rush (7–9am), which overlaps with the airport's own 6–8am flight-arrival demand spike — a double peak. Expect fares toward the higher end even without a genuine "surge" multiplier, and a real chance of one given the driver-supply squeeze at that hour.
Base: $45–65 · Heavy surge: $90–150+ · Time: 25–40 min
With everyone landing on different flights in smaller groups, splitting a taxi or rideshare between whoever's on the same flight (or landing close together) is very doable — plan transport mode per arriving group rather than trying to coordinate one transfer for everyone. A group of 3–4 sharing a standard taxi or rideshare, or 5–6 sharing a maxi-taxi, usually works out cheaper per head than everyone buying a train ticket, and drops the group straight at the door with the kit bags. Solo or paired arrivals with light bags are the exception where the train's fixed price and no-traffic reliability make sense on their own. Worth sharing flight arrival times in the group chat so people naturally know who else is landing around the same time to split a ride with.
| Option | Cost (AUD, per person) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus + Train (budget) | $6–8 | 35–45 min | Lightest luggage, most patience |
| Airport Link Train | $21.60–23 | 16–20 min | Solo travel, no gear, fixed price |
| Rideshare (base, peak hours) | $45–65 | 25–40 min | Pairs/small groups, door to door |
| Rideshare (heavy surge) | $90–150+ | 25–40 min | Check live quote before booking |
| Taxi (fixed fare, rank/hail) | $60 standard / $80 maxi (total, split by group) | 20–35 min | Groups of 3–6 with kit bags |
Fares sourced from Transport for NSW, the Point to Point Transport Commissioner's fixed-fare taxi trial (effective Nov 2025 – 2 May 2027), current rideshare pricing guides, and general Sydney surge-pricing patterns rather than a live quote for this exact date — verify train/rideshare fares against transportnsw.info and check a live app estimate closer to travel.
✈️ Wednesday 4 November · flights to Coolangatta (OOL), Gold Coast
Unlike arrival day, your terminal depends on your airline — we fly to the Gold Coast on a mix of Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, all from the Domestic terminals, not T1 International. Costs below are in AUD, per person unless noted, current as of September 2026.
~10–14 km to the Domestic terminals · 15–45 min journey time depending on option · $11–23 AUD typical cost per person
Your terminal depends on your airline. T2 and T3 are next door to each other (~5 min walk apart), with the Domestic Airport train station in between.
Always confirm your terminal on your boarding pass or airline app on the day.
If you're taking the train, it's about a 3–4 minute walk from the hotel to the Town Hall House / Druitt Street entrance of Town Hall Station — the reverse of the arrival-day route. Druitt Street is uphill, so allow a little longer with a full suitcase.
Cost: ~$21.60–23 · Time: 20–25 min incl. the walk
Cost: ~$6–8 · Time: 35–45 min
Cost: ~$40–55 standard / ~$60–80 maxi (total) · Time: 25–45 min
Good news compared with arrival day — a late-morning or early-afternoon run to the airport on a Wednesday misses both the morning rush and the airport's early arrival spike, so heavy surge pricing is much less likely.
UberX: $40–55 · XL: $60–85 · Time: 25–45 min
Same approach as arrival day — plan transport per travel group rather than trying to coordinate one transfer for everyone. A group of 3–4 sharing a standard taxi or rideshare, or 5–6 sharing a maxi-taxi or UberXL, works out cheaper per head than everyone buying a train ticket, and drops the group at the right terminal with the kit bags. Solo or paired travellers with light bags are the exception where the train's no-traffic reliability makes sense on its own. Check the Flight Summaries tab for your group, and sort out who's sharing a ride in the group chat the day before.
| Option | Cost (AUD, per person) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus (budget) | $6–8 | 35–45 min | Lightest luggage, most patience |
| Airport Link Train | $21.60–23 | 20–25 min | Solo travel, light bags, no traffic risk |
| Rideshare (UberX / XL) | $40–55 / $60–85 (total, split by group) | 25–45 min | Pairs/small groups, door to door |
| Taxi (metered) | $40–55 standard / $60–80 maxi (total, split by group) | 25–45 min | Groups of 3–6 with kit bags |
Fares sourced from Transport for NSW taxi fares, the Opal airport station access fee, the Point to Point Transport Commissioner's fixed-fare taxi trial (airport → CBD only) and Uber's CBD → SYD route estimates, rather than a live quote for this exact date — verify train fares against transportnsw.info and check a live app estimate closer to travel.
Tue Nov 10 · optional day trip by tram & train | Sun Nov 15 · RLWC 2026 Finals at Suncorp Stadium
Quick reference details for Brisbane will be added here.
The big one. A day trip by coach from the Artique for the Women’s and Men’s World Cup Finals, with statues, photos and Caxton St beforehand. Everything for the day is on this page.
Times from Suncorp Stadium’s event page. Queensland has no daylight saving, so this is one hour behind Sydney. Worth a quick check closer to the day.
| Time | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9:45am | Meet in the Artique lobby | 18 Enderley Ave, Surfers Paradise. Be there 10 minutes early |
| 10:00am | Coach leaves for Brisbane | Murrays 48-seat coach, about 75–90 minutes |
| ~11:15–11:30am | Coach drops us at Ann Street Stop 12, City Hall | Ann St, beside King George Square in the CBD |
| Late morning | Walk to Suncorp for the statues and team photos | About 1.5km, 20 minutes. See the route below |
| Midday–2pm | Caxton St | Caxton Street Brewing, The Lord Alfred, the Caxton Hotel |
| 2:15pm | Gates open | Gates D and E on the Northern Plaza are closest to Caxton St |
| 3:10pm | 🏆 Women’s World Cup Final | Kick-off |
| 6:35pm | 🏆 Men’s World Cup Final | Kick-off. Full time is likely around 8:30–8:45pm |
| ~8:30–9:00pm | Full time and trophy presentation | Stay and enjoy it. There’s no rush |
| ~9:30pm | Walk back together to the coach | About 20–25 minutes: Caxton St → Petrie Tce → Roma St → Ann St |
| 10:00pm | Coach leaves for the Artique | From Ann Street Stop 12, City Hall, where we were dropped off |
| ~11:30pm | Back at the Artique | Most of us fly out the next day, so pack before you leave in the morning |
The Men’s Final kicks off at 6:35pm and should finish around 8:30–8:45pm. The coach leaves at 10:00pm, so there’s plenty of time to watch the trophy presentation, let the crowd clear and stroll back together to Ann Street Stop 12 at City Hall. Aim to be at the stop by 9:45pm. Any changes will go out on WhatsApp.
Where: Pick-up at the Artique Resort, 18 Enderley Ave, Surfers Paradise.
Meet in the lobby at 9:45am for a 10:00am departure. It’s about 75–90 minutes up the M1, and the coach drops us at Ann Street Stop 12 at City Hall, on Ann St beside King George Square.
Pick-up is from the same spot, Ann Street Stop 12 at City Hall, at 10:00pm. It’s a 20–25 minute walk back from the stadium (Caxton St → Petrie Tce → Roma St → Ann St), so there’s time for the presentation before we head off. Be at the stop by 9:45pm, and check WhatsApp and TripIt on the day for any changes. We’re back at the Artique at about 11:30pm.
Miss it and you’re on your own. The train from Roma Street to the Gold Coast (Helensvale, then the G:link) is the fallback, and your Final ticket gives free public transport until 4 hours after the game.
Reclining seats, air-con, USB chargers and an onboard toilet. Seatbelts are the law in Queensland, so buckle up. Pack your bags before you leave in the morning, as most of us fly out on Monday.
Skip: the CBD pubs between City Hall and Roma St. Everything worth doing is at the Caxton St end. (Sixteen Antlers, the rooftop on King George Square, is a nice view but it’s a cocktail bar, not a footy pub.)
All four seats are together in Section 525, Row 40.
The 500s are Suncorp’s middle tier, which runs around the northern, eastern and southern sides (there’s no middle tier on the western grandstand). It’s widely rated the best-value view in the stadium: high enough to read the play, close enough to feel the noise, and almost entirely under the roof. Section 525 looks to be on the eastern side, the Level 5 concourse, but check your ticket for the exact entry gate.
More ticket details to come.
Suncorp Stadium sits on the site of the old Lang Park, the spiritual home of Queensland rugby league and of State of Origin since the first game in 1980. Locals still call it Lang Park, or “the Cauldron” for the noise on Origin nights.
A rectangular stadium rebuilt in 2003, with fans right on top of the action. Home of the Brisbane Broncos, the Dolphins, the Queensland Reds and the Maroons. There are 34 bars and 25 food outlets.
Bronze statues of Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Darren Lockyer, Mal Meninga and Allan Langer at the Caxton St end. John Eales (rugby union) is at the Southern Plaza.
📌 Kick-off and gate times are from Suncorp Stadium’s event page (October 2026).
A free day on the itinerary and an easy, cheap run up to Brisbane by tram and train from the Artique. How to get there, and the best of what to see, do and drink once you arrive.
Allow about 2 hours door to door, including the change at Helensvale. Queensland public transport fares are a flat 50c, subsidised by the Queensland Government.
From the Artique it’s about a five-minute walk to Northcliffe G:link tram station.
Take the G:link tram north to Helensvale station, the end of the line. About 40 minutes.
Walk through the interchange to the Gold Coast Line train to Brisbane. About 70 minutes. Get off at South Brisbane, Roma Street or Central (or others), depending on what you want to do.
Use a contactless credit or debit card, or your phone. Tap on and off on the tram, the train, and the CityCat in Brisbane. The whole trip costs 50c.
Use the same card or phone all day, and don’t forget to tap off.
South Brisbane for South Bank, the museums, GOMA and river cruises.
Roma Street for Roma Street Parkland.
Central for Queen Street Mall and City Hall.
| Service | How often (weekdays) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| G:link tram | Every 8 minutes, 7am–7pm Every 15 minutes outside those hours | Every 30 minutes from midnight to 5am |
| Gold Coast Line train | Every 30 minutes | First train to Brisbane 4:20am. Last train back to the Gold Coast 11pm |
Don’t cut it fine on the way home. Allow the full 2 hours back to the Artique and aim for a train well before the last one. Check times on the MyTransLink app or translink.com.au on the day.
The river ties the city together. Much of the best of Brisbane is on or beside it.
Sightseeing cruises from the Cultural Centre pontoon at South Bank, with views of the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Cruises are generally about 1½ hours, with longer options available.
The easy way to get between spots on the river. The CityCat ferries are part of Brisbane’s public transport, so tap on and off with the same card and it’s the same 50c fare. A cheap river cruise in its own right.
A revitalised riverfront precinct beneath the Kangaroo Point cliffs and directly under the Story Bridge. Ideal for craft beer, riverside dining and watching the sunset over the water. Linked to the city by paved riverside walking paths.
Brisbane’s iconic heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge, spanning the river between Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point. Guided adventure climbs give 360° views of the river and city, and it’s lit up at night. Climbs from about A$150.
A scenic walking and cycling path out over the water between New Farm and the CBD. Flat and easy going.
Guided paddles often run in the morning and evening, a different way to see the city and the cliffs.
Get off at South Brisbane station. Most of this is free and within a few minutes’ walk.
Brisbane’s signature cultural and recreational precinct along the southern bank of the river. Home to Streets Beach, an inner-city man-made lagoon beach, the bougainvillea-covered Arbour, and the Epicurious Garden. Right next to the Cultural Centre, so easy to combine with the museums.
Particularly good for dinosaurs, Australian wildlife and natural history. General admission is free, open 9:30am–5pm.
One of Australia’s premier contemporary art galleries, in the South Bank Cultural Precinct. Big collections of Australian, Asian and Pacific modern art, regular interactive installations, and it’s air-conditioned. Free general entry.
Maritime artefacts at the southern end of South Bank. The headline exhibit is HMAS Diamantina, a WWII River-class frigate, and you can also see Jessica Watson’s Ella’s Pink Lady.
Crafts, fashion and local makers. A good place for souvenirs.
Central station puts you a short walk from all of these.
The pedestrian heart of the CBD, with more than 500 shops, heritage arcades and outdoor dining. A good stop for lunch, coffee or shopping. The Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre is in the mall.
Heritage architecture and free clock-tower tours. The Museum of Brisbane is inside, open 10am–5pm. It’s right beside King George Square, where the coach drops us on Final day.
A scenic park right in the middle of the city with colourful subtropical gardens and the Celebration Lawn. Handy if you arrive at Roma Street station.
Boutique shops, cafés and nightlife if you want a livelier vibe. Fortitude Valley has its own station on the train line.
Brewery stops for the thirsty.
An entertaining and educational tour telling the colourful XXXX story, at the brewery in Milton. Allow about 90 minutes. The XXXX Alehouse is on site.
Brewery tour and brewpub in Teneriffe, an easy stop if you’re heading up the river towards New Farm.
Recommended to us for its location, views and beer, at Howard Smith Wharves under the Story Bridge. Fair warning: the food is described as average pub and restaurant fare.
Worth the extra travel if you’ve got the time.
Panoramic views across the Brisbane skyline out to Moreton Bay, with a summit observation deck, café and bushland walking trails. About 15 minutes by car or bus from the city centre.
The world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, on the river west of the city. Over 100 koalas plus free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies and native birds. Get there by local public transport or a scenic river cruise from South Bank.
Beaches, wildlife and coastal walks across Moreton Bay. It needs more time than the rest, as the ferry leaves from Cleveland on the bayside, but it’s doable if you start early.
Warm and increasingly humid – highs of 26–28°C, lows around 17–19°C. This is the start of Brisbane's storm season: expect roughly 11 rain days with the chance of a sharp late-afternoon/evening thunderstorm, particularly as the month wears on.