7 places to watch the British & Irish Lions Tour in Sydney

Our selection of the best places to watch the Lions Tour in Sydney will mean you don’t miss a moment of the action.

After 12 long years, the British & Irish Lions Tour returns to Australian soil, and Sydney’s pubs are pulling out all the stops. From the first game, which took place in Ireland on June 28, until August 2, there will be nine matches, including three fierce Test matches against the Wallabies. Whether you’re a die-hard Lions fan, cheering on the Wallabies, or just in it for the pints and atmosphere, here are the best pubs and venues in Sydney to catch every game live and loud.

1. Allianz Stadium

On Saturday, July 5, the NSW Waratahs will face off against the Lions right here in Sydney. The Allianz Stadium is one of Australia’s best sporting venues and is home turf for the Waratahs. Western Force took a beating in Perth in the first series game Down Under, with the Lions winning 54–7, and the Queensland Reds faced the same fate on Wednesday, July 2, too. Whether you’re a Sydneysider supporting the Waratahs, or one of thousands of British and Irish descending on the stadium to cheer the Lions, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.

When: Saturday, July 5: Members gates open 5pm, public gates open 6:15pm and kick-off is at 7:45pm.
Where: Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
How to get there: Take the light rail to Moore Park on the L2 and/or L3 Randwick Line to arrive within a short walking distance of the stadium. From Central Railway Station, light rail services leave via Chalmers Street and bring you to the Moore Park stop on Anzac Parade. Travel on all modes of public transport is included in your ticket to the game, simply show your ticket to transport staff when boarding services.
Tickets: A few tickets are still available – you’ll just have to pay out $399 for each one. They are Platinum tickets for the Rugby Terrace, which include all night access to premium bars and food outlets, seating on halfway line and a branded scarf.

allianzstadium.com.au

2. The Lionpack (Woolpack)

Redfern favourite, The Woolpack Hotel, is undergoing a full-blown transformation to become The Lionpack Hotel – the unofficial HQ for British & Irish Lions fans. Rebranding for the duration of the tour, this old-school neighbourhood pub will be pouring out Guinness specials and plenty of Magners. A limited-edition Irish-Chinese menu will be available too, with the Lionpack Spice Bag and hot chip butties providing fuel for fans.

Where: 229 Chalmers St, Redfern NSW 2016

Find out more at woolpack.com.au

3. Coogee Bay Hotel

Of course, the CBH is on this list. Boasting the biggest outdoor screens in the Eastern Suburbs, Coogee Bay Hotel will show Lions Tour games in the garden and their sports bar. Warning: you’ll be in ‘County Coogee’ and therefore will be surrounded by a strong Irish audience.

Where: 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034.

Find out more at coogeebayhotel.com.au

4. BrewDog South Eveleigh

Matched will be shown live across multiple big screens at BrewDog. They’re running halftime raffles, serving the $129 Game Day Deal (two burgers + a beer tower), and even giving fans 10% off when they wear their team’s kit. Bonus: BrewDog is just a short stroll away from Redfern Station, where you can jump on a train directly to Allianz and Accor stadiums, making it the ideal pre- and post-game spot.

There will be an official viewing party on July 26, where you could even win tickets to the August 2 Test.

Where: Bay 1, Locomotive Workshops South, Eveleigh NSW 2015.

Find out more at brewdogsoutheveleigh.com.au

5. Bungalow 8

Catch every thrilling moment of the British & Irish Lions Tour live on the big screen at Bungalow 8, Sydney’s ultimate harbourside spot for footy, food and frothies. With waterfront views, a buzzing atmosphere and the $89 Game Time Combo (that’s four icy-cold Coors and a stacked shared snack platter), there’s no better place to post up with your crew and soak in the action.

Where: 3 Lime Street, NSW 2000

Find the full schedule at bungalow8sydney.com.au

6. Woollahra Hotel

The iconic Woollahra Hotel is turning up the volume for the Lions Tour, streaming every match live in true footy-loving fashion. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs, it’s the perfect place to cheer on your team with a pint of Guinness in hand — and there’s even more reason to return, thanks to their exclusive Guinness loyalty card: buy seven, get your eighth free! The food menu combines pub classics with Asian delicacies, including chicken satay skewers and dumplings, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just along for the atmosphere, this is where you’ll want to be for every big moment.

Where: 116 Queen St, Woollahra NSW 2025.

Find out more at woollahrahotel.com.au.

7. Taphouse

Taphouse in Darlinghurst is screening every game of the Tour on screen from June 21 through to the grand finale on August 2, so you won’t miss a single tackle, try or triumph. Just a stone’s throw from Allianz Stadium, it’s the ideal pit stop before or after the epic NSW Waratahs clash on July 5. Grab a pint, rally your mates and keep an eye out — game-day specials are dropping soon!

Where: 122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Find out more about those game-day specials at taphousesydney.com.au