1 October 2024

Canberra's best spots to watch the NRL grand final action this Sunday

| Morgan Kenyon
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nrl grand final poster 2024

Wondering where to go for your NRL grand final fix this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Image: NRL.

After 27 rounds and more than 200 games, the NRL season will be decided this Sunday.

If you haven’t snared a ticket to Accor Stadium to watch the Storm and the Panthers, and the Sharks and the Roosters in the NRLW, don’t worry – you don’t have to be at the game to have a great game-day experience.

We’ve compiled a list of the best places in Canberra to make grand final day one you’ll never forget.

food

Tuck into a delicious feed and watch the game unfold at Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison. Photo: Juliana Reischak.

Canberra Southern Cross Club

With multiple locations across Canberra – including Woden, Tuggeranong and Jamison – the Canberra Southern Cross Club is sure to have a venue near you.

Whether you enjoy good old burgers and beers, or are looking for something extra special, there’s a dish to suit every palate. The club also has a fantastic kids’ menu, making it perfect for the whole family.

Book a table online at Canberra Southern Cross Club to secure the best spot to watch the game.

The Dock interior.

The Dock oozes good vibes as one of Canberra’s favourite watering holes to enjoy sports of all kinds. Photo: The Dock.

The Dock

If you want to go somewhere to watch the footy and enjoy nice views with good value food and drinks, look no further than The Dock at Kingston Foreshore.

Discover why it’s been voted Canberra’s best sports bar again and again.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a lakeside view, and food and drinks galore, you can’t look past The Dock. Space is bound to be limited, so make sure you book a table to avoid missing out.

food from Bluey's cafe at Dickson tradies

What’s a good game without good food? The Tradies in Dickson has footy fans covered. Photo: The Tradies Dickson.

The Tradies

The Tradies at Dickson has been around for half a century – when it comes to grand final celebrations, this club knows what it’s doing.

Enjoy mouth-watering feasts and treats at Essence Restaurant or Bluey’s Cafe before kicking back to relax in The Lounge to watch this year’s grand final matches unfold.

Ring 6162 5656 to book your Sunday spot, or walk on in and get the celebrations started.

man pouring drinks

Adrian Moran (co-owner) at The Durham Castle Arms Inn is more than ready for this weekend. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

The Durham

Step into a little slice of British-style paradise to watch the game this weekend at The Durham Castle Arms in Kingston’s Green Square.

With a range of unique creations on tap, The Durham is the perfect place to enjoy all the grand final action while experiencing the tantalising flavours of Ale Mary Brewing Co.

Walk-ins welcome, or give the team a buzz on 6295 1769.

Food in baskets and bowls on a table

Jump over to the city’s iconic Melbourne Building to explore everything Bleachers has to offer. Photo: Bleachers Sports Bar.

Bleachers

As one of Canberra’s premier sports venues to watch anything and everything, Bleachers was always going to make this list.

There’s a monster 177-inch screen to watch the game on, as well as a great selection of wings and snacks on offer to fuel your festivities.

Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’re after a special spot, book it online at Bleachers Sports Bar.

two bartenders mixing drinks

Known as ‘The People’s Pub’, Assembly is always thrumming with energy. Photo: Assembly.

Assembly

In Braddon this Sunday, bring your nearest and dearest to watch the NRL grand final inside or outside. Big screens and a chilled-out beer garden await, fostering the perfect atmosphere to cheer on your team.

The kitchen will be open throughout the evening to serve your favourite foods, and all the bars at Assembly will be open to pour your go-to drink.

Bookings aren’t required, but get in quick before all the good spots to watch the big game are gone!

above-bar sports TV at the ruc

Home to Turner Bowls Club, the RUC combines relaxed indoor and outdoor spaces with great food, well-priced drinks and plenty of screens to view your favourite sports. Photo: The RUC.

The RUC

It’s not all about rugby union at the RUC – especially on league’s biggest day.

The RUC is minutes away from the CBD, offers several screens to watch the game on, and has pool tables, lawn bowls and a great selection of food and drink to keep you entertained long after the match is over.

Book via The RUC to secure a great viewing spot.

gungahlin lakes bistro

Gungahlin Lakes’ bistro alone can seat up to 300 people at once. What better place to dig into a meal before or after the game? Photo: Gungahlin Lakes Club.

Gungahlin Lakes

Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club has proudly brought all the live and loud NRL action to their screens this season. With happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm and a mega screen to watch the game unfold, grand final weekend will be no different as the Gungahlin team celebrates the biggest match of the year right alongside you.

Walk-ins welcome, or ring ahead on 6242 6283.

Have we missed any of your favourite Canberra sports venues? Let us know in the comments.

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