The Ultimate Guide to End-of-Season Footy Trips: Destinations, Accommodation, Activities & Top Tips

An end-of-season footy trip is the perfect way for your sports team to celebrate the highs, the lows and all the unforgettable moments of the season that’s been. Whether you're a casual bunch of local legends or a high-performing club, planning a team trip that caters to everyone is essential for a great time, and being well organised ensures that all team members can relax, bond and enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.

This guide will help you navigate when and where to go, what activities to consider, accommodation options and more.

When and Where to Go

It goes without saying that the best time for an end-of-season footy trip is just after the season wraps up. This is when everyone’s most eager to celebrate and unwind no matter the outcome – it’s the start of the off-season break, it’s away from the busy Christmas period and the team is still well acquainted from the year that’s been. 

Planning early is crucial to securing the best deals on flights, accommodation and team trip activities, so don’t leave it to the back end of the season. You won’t know in advance whether your final game will be at the end of the home-and-away season or after finals, which means you may need to hedge your bets and book in advance on the assumption you’ll make the grand final.

This means your end-of-season trip will most likely occur between August and November, depending on your league and location. Start planning as early as you can to give yourself more choice, more flexibility and a better chance of keeping costs down. The destination you choose should cater to your team's interests, whether that be beachside relaxation, thrilling adventure or vibrant nightlife. Here are some of the best destinations to consider for an unforgettable footy trip.

Top Destinations for Footy Trips

Melbourne – The Sports Capital

Melbourne is the go-to destination for sports team trips. Home to the iconic MCG, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Park and a host of other sporting landmarks, the city is perfect for footy fanatics. With world-class stadiums, a vibrant nightlife and an unbeatable food scene, your team trip will never be short on activities. Enjoy an AFL match (if your own season wraps up early enough), explore the laneway bars, visit the Yarra Valley for a wine tour or take a road trip down the coast. Melbourne’s extensive tram network makes it easy to get around, and given the city is known for its cultural diversity, you’ll find incredible food from all over the world.

Sydney – Harbour City Fun 

From iconic landmarks like the Opera House to bustling pubs and beachside adventures, Sydney offers a mix of culture, sunshine and natural beauty. Start the day with a scenic ferry ride across the harbour, then explore Bondi Beach, Manly or take a coastal walk with incredible views. At night, Sydney’s lively bar scene offers everything from rooftop cocktail lounges to underground whisky bars. Don’t forget to check out Darling Harbour’s many entertainment options, including casinos, live music venues and waterfront dining.

Airlie Beach – Tropical Paradise

Located near the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach offers stunning beaches, reef tours and a surprisingly active nightlife, making it perfect for a relaxed yet lively getaway. Spend your days lounging by the famous lagoon, embark on a sailing trip to Whitehaven Beach or grab your snorkel and explore the Great Barrier Reef. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with pubs, live music and friendly backpacker bars; for a more exclusive experience, book a private catamaran cruise with your team.

Cairns – Adventure Awaits 

If your team loves outdoor thrills, Cairns delivers. From the Great Barrier Reef to rainforest adventures, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Take a day trip to Fitzroy Island, go white-water rafting in the Tully River, or experience the Daintree Rainforest on a guided tour. The Esplanade Lagoon is a great place to cool off before heading out to one of the city’s many bars and nightclubs. Cairns is also known for its adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving, bungee jumping and jet skiing – perfect for teams that want to keep the energy high.

Brisbane – Laid-Back City Escape

Brisbane blends a vibrant city vibe with a relaxed pace, featuring great nightlife, river cruises and top-tier restaurants. Take a scenic river cruise, visit the South Bank precinct, or enjoy a day trip to Moreton Island for sandboarding and dolphin encounters. The Fortitude Valley district is a nightlife hotspot, offering everything from trendy rooftop bars to lively pubs. Sports fans can also catch a game at The Gabba or Suncorp Stadium depending on the timing of the trip.

Gold Coast – Beachside Party Hub 

With its legendary surf beaches, bustling nightlife and theme parks, the Gold Coast is always a hit for team trips. Surfers Paradise is a must-visit for its beachfront clubs and bars, while those looking for adventure can hit up theme parks like Movie World and Dreamworld. For a unique experience, take a jet boat ride, visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or explore the stunning hinterland.

Perth – Sun, Sand and Surf 

Perth’s beautiful coastline, local breweries and relaxed atmosphere make it a fantastic spot for winding down after a big season. Take a ferry to Rottnest Island and snap a selfie with a quokka, explore Kings Park or head to Fremantle for historic pubs and craft breweries. Scarborough Beach and Cottesloe Beach are the perfect spots to relax during the day before heading out for a night on the town.

Bali – International Party Escape 

For teams looking to take it up a notch, Bali offers affordable luxury, beach clubs and world-class nightlife. Enjoy a private villa stay, explore the island’s temples and waterfalls, or relax at beachside bars in Seminyak and Canggu. Ubud offers cultural experiences like rice terrace walks and traditional Balinese performances, while Kuta is known for its buzzing party scene.

Queenstown – Adventure and Scenery

For those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation, Queenstown delivers with stunning landscapes, skiing, bungee jumping and a great bar scene. Take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, go white-water rafting, or hit the slopes in winter. At night, explore the vibrant nightlife which includes famous spots like The World Bar and Winnies.

Regional Getaways – Hidden Gems

Destinations like Byron Bay, Margaret River and the Barossa Valley offer a more relaxed, scenic option while still delivering excellent food, drink and activities. These locations are ideal for teams who want to unwind while still enjoying excellent hospitality, and they may be a cheaper option depending on your transport and accommodation needs.

Top Activities for a Footy Trip

Here are some great team activity ideas for your end-of-season trip:

• Boat Cruises – Private charters or party boats with music and drinks make for a great time on the water.

• Private Bar Bookings – Secure a venue for your team’s celebrations with VIP service.

• Paintball – A competitive and fun way to bond with teammates.

• Golf – Whether it’s a full course, mini-golf, a driving range or a simulator, golf is a team favourite.

• Bar Crawl – A bar crawl never goes astray. For a twist, make it a sports bar crawl and catch live games over a few drinks.

• Poker Nights – A classic, low-key way to bring the team together.

• Go-Karting – Fast, fun and perfect for friendly competition.

• Brewery Tours – Discover the best local brews with a guided tour.

• Pub Crawls – Explore the best bars and clubs in town with the whole crew.
  
  

Accommodation Options

Finding the right accommodation is crucial to a successful footy trip. Depending on your numbers, style and budget, here are some great options:

• Backpackers & Hostels – Ideal for teams looking for a social and budget-friendly option.

• Self-Contained Apartments – Great for those wanting a mix of privacy and communal space.

• Hotels – A more comfortable and hassle-free option, perfect for teams who want to relax and unwind.
  
  

Extra Tips for Organising a Successful Trip

• Start Planning Early – The best destinations and accommodations fill up fast, so book well in advance. Start thinking about it in the previous off-season, so you can start comparing options and making suggestions early in the season.

• Set a Budget – Agree on a budget that works for everyone to avoid financial strain. This may involve offering a few options of varying cost that members can vote on.

• Use Group Payments – Avoid the hassle of collecting money with our easy group payment system.

• Assign Roles – Have different team members handle different aspects of planning.

• Balance Activities – Mix action-packed adventures with relaxation to keep each day fresh and cater to different personalities.

• Have a Backup Plan – Always prepare for unexpected weather or last-minute changes.
  
  

Why Book with Us?

We specialise in taking the stress out of planning so you can focus on celebrating. Here are just some of the reasons sports teams love booking their end-of-season trips through us:

• Group Payments – We make it easy to collect funds from the team with our secure group payment system.

• Transfers and Flights – From flights to local transfers, we ensure seamless transport arrangements for your team.

• Customised Trip Planning – Every team is different, so we offer tailored trips with personalised recommendations to suit your club’s preferences.
  
  

Start Planning Your Next Footy Trip Today

Ready to plan the ultimate end-of-season footy trip? Let us take care of everything, from the activities to the accommodation, so your team can enjoy a hassle-free celebration. Get in touch with us today to start your sports team’s unforgettable journey.