5 Venues to Watch State of Origin Game 2

State of Origin returns to Melbourne for the first time since 2018, with the iconic MCG playing host to a game two blockbuster on Wednesday, June 26.

With Queensland totally dominating game one running out 38-10 winner and Hamiso (the Hammer) Tabuai-Fidow bagging a hat-trick, can the Blues bounce back to set the scene for the ultimate game three decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. 

Grab your mates, don your jersey and head to one of these five venues to get your Origin on this Wednesday:

Located on vibrant Palmer Street adjacent to Ross Creek with stunning water views, find a relaxed getaway for the whole family at Bayview Bar & Bistro in South Townsville. Escape Queensland heat in the undercover alfresco area and sip a tropical cocktail with friends, or head indoors where a mosaic-tiled bar promises icy drinks, polished wood floors and a full glass frontage bring the outside in.

 

There’s no place better to watch State of Origin game two as you down any ice-cold beer and devour spicy pork belly bites and crispy noodles to start, then chow down on pork ribs with slaw, onion rings and chips; or wrap your hands around a rib-eye steak sandwich as you watch all the footy action.

Arana Hills foodies follow tantalising aromas along Dawson Parade to find The Wood Fired Oven and appease ravenous hunger pangs. This restaurant, food truck and catering business boasts warm and welcoming surrounds of wood panelling, vibrant red and orange walls and a live screen to watch all the sports action as you peruse an extensive menu of wood-fired pizza, along with strombolis, calzones, smoked delicacies and desserts.

 

Nothing goes better with State of Origin than a slice of Nonna Pina supreme pizza topped with ham, pepperoni, black olives, capsicum, mushrooms, pineapple and mozzarella on a tomato base; or Hawaiian barbeque chicken with bacon, Spanish onion, mozzarella on a BBQ sauce base.

When passing through the Southern Cross and Goldfields region, the Club Hotel on Antares Street is a must-stop destination. This family-friendly hotel welcomes travellers, day-trippers, locals and visitors from all over the world whether for a delicious meal, thirst-quenching drink from the artisanal brewery or staying over at one of 15 newly renovated hotel rooms.

 

Get ready for all the footy action with a starter of salt and pepper squid, before tackling mains such as Scotch fillet with mushroom sauce, chips and salad; perhaps a slice of BBQ chicken pizza hits the mark, with mushrooms, caramelised onion and mozzarella cheese on a BBQ sauce base, washed down with a pint of Goldfields Stage Coach Session Ale.

Country goodness, one plate at a time, is what you’ll find at Woomargama Hotel on Woomargama Way in Holbrook. Located just off the Hume Highway in Southern NSW, this classic watering hole is rich in history and the perfect place to stop when travelling through the region to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest and refuel at the dining room from a rustic menu celebrating local, farm-fresh ingredients.

 

For a taste of rural charm that connects you with the heart of the countryside opt for starters such as pork belly bao buns with pickled onion, carrot, cucumber, lettuce and chipotle aioli as you watch kick-off, before wrapping your hands around a steak sandwich with fried egg, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and crunchy chips.

Find a decidedly modern take on food and drinks while maintaining old-school charm at Collingwood watering hole The Fox Hotel on Wellington Street. This cunningly versatile pub turned modern eatery projects a relaxed, welcoming vibe with rustic charm from recycled timber and well-worn brick, while a rooftop deck beckons on balmy days for chilling out with a bite and brew.

 

Get ready for Origin two with a starter from a menu of pub classics with a twist such as beer-battered fish tacos with lemon myrtle, aioli, jalapeño and lettuce; cross the try line with mains like beef and Guinness stew, mash and greens, or pork belly, crackling, cheese Kransky, roast potatoes, coleslaw, corn, broccolini, apple and plum relish and red wine jus.