A basketball weekend away

With an extra packed NBL season delivering world-class basketball almost every day, this summer is giving you another 165 reasons to take that weekend getaway. From HoopsFest in Perth to the Ignite Cup in Adelaide, the historic combination of NBL and WNBL schedules opens a realm of weekender possibilities - whether you’re hitting the road with friends or packing the family with up-and-coming fans in the back seat. Here’s our ‘coast to court’ guide for a weekend getaway that combines must-do activities with some of the league’s biggest moments. 

A gem of the NSW South Coast, Wollongong is an events hotspot known for its lively sports calendar. Join the buzz in September when the high-energy Illawarra Hawks, reigning NBL champions, play in front of home fans as they face the Tasmania Jackjumpers for NBL26 Round 2. Stakes will be high as the Hawks get ready to claim their second NBL title after their triumph over Melbourne United in the decisive fifth game of the series. 

While you’re there

• Relax on the golden sands of North Wollongong Beach or Wollongong City Beach and some surfing tricks with Pines Surfing Academy
• Thrillseekers young and old(er) will love flying above the treetops on Australia’s highest zipline at Illawarra Fly and the treetop walkway over rainforest. 

Where to stay 

Enjoy plenty of things to do in Wollongong right on your doorstep when you stay at one of the many Wollongong accommodation options. 

A cultural hub packed with surprises, Adelaide is the place to be for a weekend of NBL in October. Secure your seat for Round 4, when the new Ignite Cup kicks off in Adelaide. Adding an extra 20 games to NBL26, on 11 October this headlining event on the NBL calendar will see the Sydney Kings head to Adelaide for the first time in Round 4 for a matchup against the Adelaide 36ers in what promises to be some top-tier action. 

While you’re there

• Embark on the Adelaide Oval roof climb - a family-friendly experience that takes in the view high above the pitch - and hear stories of Adelaide’s history. 
• The Adelaide Zoo is one of Adelaide’s most iconic attractions - meet Australia’s only pair of Giant Pandas, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu.

Where to stay

From things to do in Adelaide with kids to bars and restaurants, you’ll find yourself perfectly situated with these accommodation in Adelaide options.

Situated in a region rich in natural and cultural history, Brisbane is the place for the NBL’s annual celebration of Indigenous culture. For NBL26 the Brisbane Bullets will participate by wearing specially designed Indigenous Round jerseys designed by First Nations artists as they face South East Melbourne Melbourne Phoenix in a Saturday night clash at the BEC, with cultural performances to mark the moment. 

While you’re there

• Families will love the Brisbane Planetarium - an interactive science and natural history hub and one of the best. 
• South Bank’s Streets Beach offers fun for all ages and is home to a man-made lagoon right in the heart of the city - the perfect place for a dip.

Where to stay

You’ll find plenty of great Brisbane accommodation options with attractions and things to do in Brisbane with kids within easy reach. 

Only a short trip across the blue from Australia’s east coast, the stunning city of Auckland is where basketball meets pop culture. This themed showdown will bring some extra fun to the on-court action for families, fans and travellers looking for some sporting spectacle as the New Zealand Breakers take on Tasmania in the themed ‘Space Jam’ round at Spark Arena. 

While you’re there

• Visit the Auckland Museum for insights into Māori culture and New Zealand history.
• Take a ferry to Waiheke Island to enjoy vineyards, beaches, and stunning coastal walks.

Where to stay

Enjoy natural wonders and things to do in Auckland when you stay at Quality Hotel Lincoln Green, Auckland accommodation that is home to the Good Home Gastro Pub.

The holiday hoops continue in Melbourne in December, when Melbourne United clash with the Sydney Kings at the John Cain Arena, home of Melbourne United and the city's top venue for basketball. This NBL fixture promises a packed out crowd with fans coming out to cheer their home team on, in a season that will also see Melbourne United go up against the Illawarra Hawks in Round 13 at the John Cain Arena on December 18.

While you’re there

• Take a tour of the historic Old Melbourne Gaol - a fascinating glimpse behind the sandstone walls of this 1842 landmark saw many famous inmates including Ned Kelly.
• Visit the famous Luna Park, the iconic ‘smiling’ amusement park with a thrilling carnival atmosphere and historic rollercoaster

Where to stay

From things to do in Melbourne with kids to nightlife for the grown ups, you’ll find yourself catered for with these accommodation in Melbourne options.

Keen for something different this Christmas? Turn the routine into an experience to remember. In what’s set to become a new holiday tradition, Christmas day sees the Sydney Kings host the Illawarra Hawks in the annual Christmas Day Showdown at Qudos Bank Arena. Join the festive atmosphere at the fourth consecutive Kings Christmas event - part of a double-header that also sees Tasmania go against New Zealand.

While you’re there

• Take a ferry ride from Circular Quay and enjoy some stunning harbour views with unforgettable wildlife encounters at the iconic Taronga Zoo 
• Roll out the towel for some world-famous golden sands and iconic waves. Bondi Beach offers the perfect blend of sun, surf and Aussie culture 

Where to stay

Enjoy plenty of things to do in Sydney with kids to harbour cruises by staying at one of these Sydney accommodation options.

Welcome to Australasia’s biggest basketball, culture and lifestyle festival. Held over four days of the January school holiday period, Hoopfest brings clubs, communities, fans and events together in Perth’s RAC Arena, where it will host nine NBL games, including a full round of WNBL action, as well as the open-age HoopsFest Cup tournament (with prize money) and Sneakerland - all topped off with a summer jam of music and entertainment. 

While you’re there

• Take the kids ‘quokka spotting’ on a day trip to nearby Rottnest Island, located just 19 kms off the coast of Perth. 
• Make your way to the Armadale Reptile & Wildlife Centre, in the scenic hills of Perth. Home to a diverse range of native reptiles and other Australian wildlife

Where to stay

Find fun things to do in Perth right on your doorstep when you stay at one of the many Perth accommodation options. 

New Year’s Eve will hit the ground running as Cairns Taipans take on South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Cairns Convention Centre. With a healthy dose of tropical ambience, this highly anticipated New Year’s Eve clash promises to set the stage for a night to remember as the Taipans look to face down the Phoenix after an earlier season loss. 

While you’re there

• Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving adventures.
• Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for breathtaking views over the Daintree Rainforest.

Where to stay

Explore the many things to do in Cairns when you stay at one of these Cairns accommodation options.