Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry is back! Get ready for the 2024 Ampol State of Origin Series kicking off on Wednesday, June 5 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
The Maroons are riding a wave of back-to-back series wins, however the Blues enter 2024 with a new coach – Michael Maguire – and scores to settle.
SOG returns to Melbourne for the first time since 2018, with the iconic MCG playing host to a game two blockbuster; the series will then conclude at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the ultimate decider.
Grab your mates, don your jersey and head to one of these five venues to get your Origin on this Wednesday:
Watch the Game on the Big Screen
Take a trip back in time to find a classic old pub with great country food at the Bull & Barley Inn on Eton Street in Cambooya. Nestled in a quaint country town, enjoy good old-fashioned hospitality at this watering hole which has been restored to its former grandeur including comfortable accommodation.
Watch game one live on the Bulls big screen as you enjoy a cold pint and graze on plates like salt and pepper squid with lemon pepper and aioli; before tackling larger plates like a Bull & Barley chicken schnitzel, topped with prawns, scallops, avocado and creamy seafood sauce.
Origin Game 1 and Parma Night
For gastro pub fare bringing the best of traditional British classics to Belgrave, local foodies head to Micawber Tavern on Monbulk Road. Recently renovated and nestled within the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, this is not your average country pub; think a beer garden surrounded by ferns with a creek running through it, a log fire indoors for chilly months and live sport on TV in the bar.
Not only can you watch the game, Wednesday is Parma Night at the Micawber – join friends to kick a goal with one of the parma specials plus a pot of beer for just $30; or scrum it up with a char-grilled Scotch fillet steak, peppercorn sauce, crispy potatoes and a side salad.
Classic Watering Hole with Open Fire
The Railway Hotel on Ferrars Street in South Melbourne has been serving locals and visitors quality food, beer and wine since 1856. This classic watering hole has the largest beer garden in the area where you can chill out and listen to live music, while indoors has plenty of original charm, paying homage to the timeless essence of iconic Aussie pubs that have left an indelible imprint on the city.
Cosy up by the open fire to cheer on your team this Wednesday and take advantage of Steak Night to order a Porterhouse served with chips, salad and your choice of sauce; or chow down house specials such as char-grilled, slow-cooked brisket with Chicago-style BBQ sauce, hand-cut chips and slaw.
The Birmy Has Origin Covered
Standing at the meeting point of Fitzroy and Collingwood since 1853, the Birmingham Hotel on Smith Street delivers no-nonsense, just good, drinks and even better service. Whether it’s just a catch-up with mates, a cheap meal, functions, a game of footy or the biggest pay-per-view event of the year, ‘The Birmy’ as it is fondly known has got it covered.
With 16 beer taps, a carefully selected wine list and cheeky cocktails to go with award-winning pub food, settle in on Wednesday with an ice-cold ale and either a parma or steak special; or go for a Nepalese-style chicken curry with saffron rice and a papadum.
Hump Day Wednesday Drink Specials
Offering a modern British pub with all-day dining, local and international beers and live sport, Adelaide locals and visitors flock to The Elephant on Cinema Place in the heart of the CBD. With multiple spaces, this is the place to celebrate life’s milestones with family, or simply hang out and watch Origin with mates before heading to the dining room to refuel and recharge on pub classics.
Hump Day Wednesdays mean drink specials in time for the Blues-Maroons slug fest from 4 pm-6 pm as you gear up for the action while devouring a steak sandwich with bacon, egg, onion, cheese, lettuce, English mustard mayo and chips.
