Intrepid's Ultimate Guide to State of Origin 2022

Just when you thought your Aussie adventure couldn’t get any better, you could go and throw in a State of Origin Game to score an even more epic trip.

If you’re exploring the coast on a Sydney to Brisbane tour, discovering the ancient Daintree rainforest or travelling from Perth to Broome through stunning outback landscapes, why not turn your Aussie adventure up a notch by experiencing a State of Origin game. There’s no feeling like sitting among thousands of rugby fans (better still if you’re cheering for your home team!), feeling the electrifying energy in the stadium, and celebrating (or commiserating) afterwards in the pub with a cold beer and some tasty pub grub. This year’s State of Origin games will be in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, which are all fantastic destinations to start or begin an Intrepid tour.

What is the State of Origin?

Rugby is an intense sport at the best of times. Add the fact that the players are representing the state where they were born 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.

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 to 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 – and rivalry – of this much-anticipated Australian rugby league continues to be stronger than ever.

When and where is the State of Origin 2022?

There are three State of Origin Games. This year, the games are taking place in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.

Game 1	8 June 2022	Stadium Australia, Sydney
Game 2	26 June 2022	Optus Stadium, Perth
Game 3	13 July 2022	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Highlights of State of Origin

Choose your team

We’re 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 you’re from New South Wales or Queensland, we needn’t ask who you’ll be supporting. But if you’re from one of the other states or territories, you'll need to pick a team. So, who will you be cheering for: New South Wales Blues or Queensland’s Maroons?

Discover Sydney

Whether you want to explore Sydney’s quirky suburbs or use the city as your base to go hiking in the Blue Mountains, Sydney doesn’t 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 the city or take the ferry over to Manly for some sun, sea and laid-back beach vibes.

A cityscape of Perth in Western Australia

Explore Perth

Perth isn’t just one of Australia’s most up and coming cities, it’s also the gateway to some of the country’s most stunning coastline and 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.

A group of friends enjoying a drink in the pub

Post-match celebrations

Attending a game is only half the fun. Post-match is when the fun really begins. Join your new match pals in the pub to celebrate your team’s victory (or drown your sorrows!). Either way, there’s 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

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip in Australia?

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.

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 recommend 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

Who won State of Origin 2021?

The NSW Blues won the State of Origin in 2021, beating Queensland’s 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, they had a solid win over the Maroons overall.

Who has won the most State of Origin competitions?

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.

State of Origin facts & statistics

The whole series is played between two teams: New South Wales and Queensland

Queensland claimed the longest winning streak, winning nine consecutive years from 2003 to 2013
Queensland won the very first State of Origin game in 1980
Mal Meninga was the longest-serving coach leading the Queensland Maroons for over a decade

Are Intrepid’s tours accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s 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. We’re 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.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid