Just when you thought your Aussie adventure couldnāt get any better, you could go and throw in a State of Origin Game to score an even more epic trip.
If youāre exploring the coast on a Sydney to Brisbane tour, discovering the ancient Daintree rainforest or travelling from Perth to Broome through stunning outbackĀ landscapes, why not turn your Aussie adventureĀ up a notch by experiencing a State of Origin game. Thereās no feeling like sitting among thousands of rugby fans (better still if youāre cheering for your home team!), feeling the electrifying energy in the stadium, and celebrating (or commiserating)Ā afterwards in the pub with a cold beer and some tasty pub grub. This yearās State of Origin games will be in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, which are all fantastic destinations to start or begin anĀ Intrepid tour.Ā Ā
What is the State of Origin?Ā
Rugby is an intense sport at the best of times. AddĀ the fact that the players are representing the state where they were bornĀ to the mix, and you have a rugby game fuelled by passion and gusto that is so palpable, you can feel it buzzing in the air.Ā Ā
State of Origin is an annual best-of-three rugby league series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons. It has a long and intricate history dating back toĀ 1980, and the first proper series was played in 1982. The rugby players in the State of Origin normally play for a wide range of teams across Australia, but every year they head home to play for their home team against their rivals. The legacy ā and rivalry ā of this much-anticipated Australian rugby league continues to be stronger than ever.Ā Ā Ā
When and where is the State of Origin 2022?Ā
There are three State of Origin Games. This year, the games are takingĀ place in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.
Game 1Ā Ā | 8 June 2022 | Stadium Australia, SydneyĀ |
Game 2 | 26 June 2022Ā Ā | Optus Stadium, PerthĀ |
Game 3 | 13 July 2022 | Suncorp Stadium, BrisbaneĀ Ā |
Highlights of State of OriginĀ Ā

Choose your team
Weāre pretty sure almost every Aussie, whether you follow rugby or not, feels obliged to pick a side for the State of Origin league. You kind of have to! If youāre from New South Wales or Queensland, we neednāt ask who youāll be supporting. But if youāre from one of the other states or territories, you'll need to pick a team.Ā So, who will you be cheering for: New South Wales Blues or Queenslandās Maroons?

Discover Sydney
Whether you want to explore Sydneyās quirky suburbs or use the city as your base to go hiking in the Blue Mountains,Ā Sydney doesnāt disappoint. Walk along the bustling Circular Quay and have a drink with the Opera House as your backdrop, climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to catch an epic view over theĀ city or take the ferry over to Manly for some sun, sea and laid-back beach vibes.

Explore Perth
Perth isnāt just one of Australiaās most up and coming cities,Ā itās also the gateway to some of the countryās most stunning coastline andĀ wine regions. Spend the day lounging on the beautiful Scarborough Beach, wander through Freemantle's lively markets, take a drive down to Margaret River and sip your way through wine country, or jump on a ferry to Rottnest to explore the untouched beachscapes and maybe see a quokka or two.Ā

Post-match celebrations
Attending a game is only half the fun. Post-match is when the fun reallyĀ begins. Join your new match pals in the pub to celebrate your teamās victory (or drown your sorrows!). Either way, thereās a different kind of atmosphere in the pub after a State of Origin match. Plus, all that cheering and chanting is bound to work up a thirst, so no better excuse to drink a few cold ones and tuck into some comforting Aussie pub food.
State of Origin FAQs
Trips on or before 31 December 2022
If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.Ā
Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommendĀ that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy
The NSW Blues won the State of Origin in 2021, beating Queenslandās Maroons in two out of three games. They scored a huge victory in Game 1 with 50-6 and 26-0 in Game 2, and while Game 3 was a close call at 18-20,Ā they had a solid win over the Maroons overall.Ā Ā
Queensland has won the most State of Origin series to date, winning 22 out of the 39 full series played. New South Wales comes in second, winning 15 series. The other two series were drawn.Ā
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The whole series is played between two teams: New South Wales and QueenslandĀ Ā
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Queensland claimed the longest winning streak, winning nine consecutive years from 2003 to 2013Ā
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Queensland won the very first State of Origin game in 1980Ā
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Mal Meninga was the longest-serving coach leading the Queensland Maroons for over a decadeĀ
Intrepid is committed to making travel widelyĀ accessible, regardless of ability or disability. Thatās why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Weāre always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
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