The Australian National Hotel, a pub and dining venue directly across from The Gabba in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, offers a straightforward option for pre-game drinks and meals. This review combines official venue details from its website and menu PDFs with independent feedback from Tripadvisor and other platforms to give you a clear picture of the food, atmosphere, and practical logistics — including parking and game-day quirks.

Last checked: 2026-05-16

Name: Australian National Hotel · Location: Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland · Type: Local pub with dining · Atmosphere: Warm and welcoming, spacious and not dark

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-05-16.

Sources reviewed: official property website and menu PDFs, Tripadvisor reviews and listing, Australian Good Food Guide profile, Wheree.com menu summary, and Apple Maps.

This article is based on desk research only — no on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification has been performed.

Snapshot: Australian National Hotel

1 Location & Proximity
  • 867 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane — directly opposite The Gabba stadium (Official site)
2 Ratings & Reviews
  • Tripadvisor rating: 3.7 out of 5 from 24 reviews as of August 2024 (Tripadvisor)
3 Parking
4 Cuisine & Diet Options
  • Pub food with dedicated kids and seniors menus; caters to vegan and gluten-free diets (Official dining page)
Key facts about the Australian National Hotel
Attribute Details
Address867 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102
Venue typeLocal pub with dining (Quick Bites / Bar)
Price range (Tripadvisor)$$ – $$$
Tripadvisor rating3.7 / 5 (24 reviews)
Rank in Brisbane Quick Bites#377 of 575
SpecialtyPub classics with seniors and kids menus; weekday specials e.g. Ribs ‘n’ Rumps $32, Surf ‘n’ Turf $30
Dietary optionsVegan, gluten-free (ask staff)
ParkingFree off-street
PaymentVisa, Mastercard, Amex, EFTPOS
Free Wi-FiYes
OperatorALH Group
Opening hours (Tripadvisor listing)Tue–Sat 10:00 AM – 4:00 AM (may vary)

At a Glance: Australian National Hotel Specs

Single-entity specification table
NameAustralian National Hotel
LocationWoolloongabba, Brisbane
TypeLocal pub with dining
AtmosphereWarm and welcoming, spacious and not dark
Distance to The GabbaAcross the street (approx. 2-minute walk)
Live sportsAFL, NRL, Rugby, Boxing, Cricket, NBA, soccer, more; Official Home of UFC
Menu highlightsChicken parmigiana, steaks, burgers; seniors menu and blackboard specials
Dietary flexibilityVegan and gluten-free options by request
ParkingFree off-street
Credit cards acceptedVisa, Mastercard, American Express, EFTPOS
Group bookingsUpstairs area available on event days; can be reserved for supporter groups

Pros and Cons of the Australian National Hotel

Advantages

  • Prime location across from The Gabba – ideal for pre-event meals.
  • Free off-street parking available.
  • Dedicated seniors and kids menus plus vegan/GF options.
  • Live sports on multiple screens including every UFC pay-per-view.
  • Weekday specials offer good value (e.g. Surf ‘n’ Turf $30).
  • Spacious interior with warm atmosphere, per multiple reviews.

Disadvantages

  • Moderate Tripadvisor rating of 3.7/5 based on only 24 reviews.
  • Recurring complaints about bathroom cleanliness and vandalism (management acknowledged).
  • Some recent reviews cite rude staff and poor customer service (August 2024).
  • On major game days, the menu is reduced to a simpler “pub fare” list – less choice.
  • Crowds and noise can be significant during events; some reviewers advise avoiding on game nights.

Best For

  • Sports fans (game-day atmosphere): Directly opposite The Gabba with multiple screens, betting facilities, and an upstairs area for supporter groups. The hotel markets itself as the Official Home of UFC in Woolloongabba.
  • Local drinkers seeking a spacious pub: Described as warm and welcoming, not dark, with free off-street parking and late opening hours (Tripadvisor lists 10 AM – 4 AM Tue–Sat).
  • Diners looking for modern Australian cuisine: The bistro serves pub classics such as steaks, fish and chips, chicken parmigiana, and weekday specials. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Location and Getting There

The Australian National Hotel sits at 867 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba — directly across from the main entrance to The Gabba stadium. A 2017 Tripadvisor review described it as about a two-minute walk to the ground (Tripadvisor review). Free off-street parking is available for patrons, a valuable perk on event days when street parking in Woolloongabba is scarce. The venue is also served by bus routes on Stanley Street and the Woolloongabba busway station is a short walk away.

Australian National Hotel Menu

The official dining page describes the bistro as serving classic pub meals — steaks, fish and chips, and vegetarian options — alongside separate kids and seniors menus and blackboard specials. A PDF main menu dated November 2021 confirms a Seniors Menu available for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a 10% surcharge on public holidays (2021 menu PDF). A more recent ALH-hosted menu from 2025 lists recurring weekday deals including “Ribs ‘n’ Rumps” for $32 and “Surf ‘n’ Turf” for $30 (ALH menu PDF). Third-party site Wheree.com highlights chicken parmigiana as a must-try dish (Wheree menu). The hotel says it caters to vegan and gluten-free diets — guests are encouraged to ask staff about specific needs.

Tip: Check the blackboard specials when you arrive; they often feature seasonal or cheaper options not listed on the standard menu. On major Gabba event days, the kitchen switches to a reduced “pub fare” menu to handle large crowds, so you may have fewer choices.

Australian National Hotel Reviews

As of August 2024, the Australian National Hotel holds a 3.7 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor based on 24 reviews (Tripadvisor NZ). That places it at #377 of 575 Quick Bites in Brisbane — a mid-to-lower tier. The review sample is small, so patterns should be interpreted with caution.

“Great pub right near the Gabba … the food was good value, especially the surf & turf specials.”

— Tripadvisor UK review (2017)

Positive reviews from 2016–2017 praise the food and value, with mentions of macadamia-encrusted snapper and an excellent beef pie. One reviewer noted the staff accommodated dietary restrictions by preparing a steak without seasoning and a salad without dressing. However, several recent reviews paint a different picture. A May 2019 review described the men’s bathrooms as having broken, graffitied doors and toilet seats, a complaint the management acknowledged, stating they need to “fight harder” on vandalism. A TripAdvisor review from August 2024 reports being asked to leave without explanation and describes rude staff and poor issue resolution.

Warning: The management has publicly admitted to ongoing bathroom maintenance problems. If hygiene is a priority, consider visiting on a quieter afternoon rather than a busy game night when facilities are under more strain.

“Had a horrible experience. Staff were rude and we were asked to leave for no clear reason. Management was unhelpful.”

— Tripadvisor NZ review (August 2024)

Management responses on Tripadvisor indicate that on busy event days the hotel opens its upstairs area and sometimes books it for supporter groups, which can affect overall space and crowd comfort. One response noted that the main bar remains open to the general public but the upstairs may be reserved.

The pattern: The Australian National Hotel is a mixed bag — good value pub food and a prime location for game-goers, but with periodic reports of cleanliness issues and inconsistent service. Smaller crowds may yield a better experience.

Australian National Hotel Woolloongabba: The Local Context

The suburb of Woolloongabba, about 2 km south-east of Brisbane’s CBD, is best known for The Gabba cricket ground and a growing dining and bar scene. The Australian National Hotel has been a fixture on Stanley Street for decades, positioning itself as “the heart of the community” according to its Tripadvisor description. Its official site notes it is directly opposite the Gabba, making it a natural meeting point before cricket matches, AFL games, and other events. The hotel’s spacious interior — described as “warm and welcoming, spacious and not dark” by Wheree.com — sets it apart from some darker, more cramped pubs.

The Australian National Hotel markets itself as the Official Home of UFC in Woolloongabba, broadcasting every pay-per-view event, and shows AFL, NRL, rugby, boxing, cricket, NBA, soccer and more on multiple televisions. The free off-street parking is particularly valuable: street parking near the Gabba is scarce on event days, and paid lots nearby fill quickly.

Australian National Hotel Photos

Photos of the Australian National Hotel are available on Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Apple Maps. They show a relatively plain but tidy exterior with signage at 867 Stanley Street, and an interior that is brighter and more open than many traditional pubs — with multiple seating areas, a dedicated dining section, and televisions placed around the bar. The photos confirm the venue is not a dark or cramped pub; natural light comes through large windows on the street-facing side.

What to watch: Some older images show worn furniture and carpets, but recent updates (as reflected in the 2025 ALH menu PDF branding) suggest the operator has invested in refreshment. The bathrooms do not appear in any publicly available photos.

Our Recommendation

The Australian National Hotel is a practical choice if you are heading to an event at The Gabba and want a straightforward pub meal with free parking. The value-oriented weekday specials ($30–$32) and the availability of seniors, kids, vegan and gluten-free options make it suitable for a wide range of groups.

Our pick for:

  • First-time visitors: Go on a quiet weekday for the best experience — check the blackboard specials and ask about the seniors menu if applicable.
  • Game-day attendees: Arrive early to secure free off-street parking and expect a reduced menu; upstairs space may be reserved for supporter groups.
  • Local food explorers: The chicken parmigiana gets consistent mentions, and the weekday deals are good value. But don’t expect a gourmet dining experience — it’s classic pub fare.

Related reading: Jindalee Hotel Brisbane: Menus, Reviews, Photos & More · Prince Alfred Hotel Port Melbourne – Historic Bay Street Pub

Additional sources

timeout.com, aussienash.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tripadvisor rating of Australian National Hotel?

As of August 2024, it is rated 3.7 out of 5 based on 24 reviews.

How many reviews does it have?

There are 24 reviews on Tripadvisor (as of August 2024).

What is the atmosphere like?

Described as warm and welcoming, spacious and not dark, with multiple TVs showing sports and a lively but not rowdy ambience on non-event days.

Where is it located?

At 867 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, directly opposite The Gabba stadium.

What type of cuisine is offered?

Classic pub meals such as steaks, fish and chips, chicken parmigiana, and vegetarian options, plus dedicated kids and seniors menus. Blackboard specials and weekday deals are available.

Is parking available?

Yes, free off-street parking is available for patrons.

The bottom line: Yes, free off-street parking is available for patrons.