A Socceroo World Cup guide to Brazil
When you combine the FIFA World Cup with a soccer mad nation known for its love of a party the sum total is one month of travel nirvana. This particular festival of the boot runs from June 12 to July 13 and over this frenetic period 64 games will be played in 12 host cities across Brazil.
Never mind the fact that Australia have as much chance of winning a game as a blizzard enveloping the Sahara, our country’s mere presence is cause for celebration. And while we’ve been relegated to some of the remoter parts of Brazil, this only serves to make for a more exotic travel experience.
Here’s a snapshot of the cities where Australia will do round ball battle and what they’ve got on offer.
Host city: Cuiaba
Australia’s opponent: Chile
Australia’s chances: A draw would be a dream result
What’s on offer: Perhaps denoting Australia’s minnow status, the Socceroos’ first game will take place in remote Cuiaba. Located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, this city, the smallest of Brazil's 12 hosts, is located in the geographic heart of South America.
Outside of the soccer, the mini metropolis of just half a million people is a real melting pot culturally, with strong Portuguese, indigenous South American and African influences all combining.
The key sites to take in are actually all located a stone’s throw from one another. Start at the Basilica do Senhor Bom Jesus de Cuiaba, a splendid modern cathedral, where you can offer a prayer for the Socceroos while admiring the interior.
Essentially next-door is the Palacio de Instrucao, where you’ll find the city’s history and naturalist museums. A little culture between hangovers and soccer games never hurts.
In terms of cuisine, there’s a heap to choose from. French, Italian, Portuguese and even Swiss restaurants represent Europe nicely, while Peixaria Popular does local food with aplomb; river caught fish being the specialty.
Given its location in Brazil's heart, visitors to Cuiaba should also take the opportunity to get out of town and into the country's famed Pantanal – the rugged, tropical wetland for which the state of Mato Grosso do Sul is renowned.
One last thing. It gets pretty warm here – think 30 degrees plus in June – so pack appropriately.
Where to watch: For a few drinks and a lively atmosphere, head to Praca Popular (translating somewhat prosaically as Popular Square). Here you’ll find a broad selection of small bars, cheap restaurants and, one expects, a large gathering of soccer-crazed fans.
Host city: Porto Alegre
Australia’s opponent: The Netherlands
Australia’s chances: A three-goal loss is the best we can hope for
What’s on offer: Porto Alegre, home to around 1.5 million people, is the capital of the southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The city is located at the junction of five rivers on the massive inland Lagoa dos Patos, one of South America’s biggest lagoons.
It’s known as a financial centre within Brazil, but that sells short its cultural offerings, which are substantial. If you are feeling in an avant garde mood, check out the Fundacao Ibere Camargo, the city’s pre-eminent contemporary art museum.
There’s also the MARGS, better known as the Museu de Art do Rio Grande do Sul, which has both permanent and travelling exhibitions.
The city is also the nexus of Brazil’s gaucho, or cowboy culture, and has thrived over the centuries on the trade of produce. Even today the export of fruits, rice and leather drives the city’s economy, so a trip to the Central Market is a must.
As it's gaucho territory beef is in abundance and consequently churrasco restaurants are found all over the city. They range from cheap and cheerful to upmarket, with Na Brasa and Churrascaria Galpao Crioulo being at the top end, but also regarded as among the best in Brazil by avid carnivores.
Where to watch: The city is known for its nightlife and for visitors it's a choice in two. Firstly there’s the Cidade Baixa, or old quarter, which has a succession of pubs, bars and clubs of varying degrees of affluence. Here you’ll find any number of venues to watch the action and party the night away.
Moinhos de Vento is the city’s more upmarket district, so expect bars and clubs to be fancier and prices to be steeper. But no matter where you go, you can be sure there will be venues showing all the action.
Host city: Curitiba
Australia’s opponent: Spain
Australia’s chances: None whatsoever
What’s on offer: Given Australia’s final group game (final game, let’s face it) is against the 2010 FIFA World Cup champions Spain, the spectacle itself is likely to be a serious let down. But that’s ok, because Curitiba, capital of the southern state of Parana, has plenty to offer visitors.
If the city had an official colour, it would be green. Parks are a defining feature of Curitiba, with more than 30 throughout the city. Its European heritage is another defining factor.
There's a cross section of cultural identities here, with Portuguese and Spanish migrants arriving in the 17th and 18th century, followed by large numbers of Germans, Italians and Ukrainians in the 19th century. The early 20th century saw Japanese migrants arriving in large numbers.
Consequently visitors can visit Japan Square, the Italian Wood, the German Wood and the Portuguese Wood, where all four nationalities celebrate their heritage. For architecture fans, check out the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, dedicated to Brazil’s best known practitioner and the man who designed many of Brasilia’s civic spaces.
A great way to experience the Atlantic highland forest around the city is a day trip to Morretes on the Serra Verde Express, undoubtedly one of South America’s finest rail journeys. Astounding rainforest views for the majority of the trip are a passenger's reward.
Back in town for a quick but filling bite, the Montesquieu Bar makes colossal sandwiches that will set you back only a few Australian dollars. The cheese mountain is just one, giving you an idea of the proportions. There’s a swag of steakhouses, cheap Italian and more upmarket Japanese restaurants about too.
Where to watch: For soccer, a few drinks and a lively World Cup atmosphere, Fohla Seca bar (named for a hero of Brazil’s 1958 World Cup winning side) is the perfect trifecta. With a beverage in hand among the throngs of people, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better venue in all of Brazil.
Latest News
P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu
P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]
Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan
Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]
Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role
Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]
Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]
Government urges Aussies to ‘reconsider’ plans to visit Noumea as New Caledonia death toll hits five
The government has updated its advice for Aussies who may be considering New Caledonia during this time.
Situation ‘dire’ for Air Vanuatu as rival carriers look to swoop on flailing airline
Like a bird with no wings, Air Vanuatu is grounded as its only Boeing 737 heads to Melbourne after being repossessed.
Vivid Sydney will light up the Harbour City’s food scene
Local and international culinary stars will descend on Sydney for Vivid Food. Post-event hangovers a given...
Experience Co appoints Matthew Vince as the new interim head of marketing
We are still trying to confirm whether it is Matthew himself in the lead image, will report back.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Palm – Luxury for the whole family
Of course ever parent knows the real luxury experiences come when you find a way to leave the kids somewhere.
Bridgerton is back! Live the REAL Colin & Penelope experience
The real Penelope experience would be falling in love with someone who doesn't love you back but that's hard to market.
Sailing the Sun: Six nights aboard Princess’ first Sphere Class ship
Cruising has always been extravagant and the Sun is no different, apart from riff raff like us being let on board.
Australian tourists are big spenders globally on experiences and nightlife, Mastercard report finds
Aussies do their bit for the global economy by propping up bars across the world. It's a proud day for us all.
Sydney confirms position as Australia’s No. 1 business events host
Surprise surprise... Sydney Harbour and the Opera House come up trumps. Can you tell we live here?
Luke Mangan launches Bistrot Bisou, in Hotel Indigo, his first Melbourne restaurant in over a decade
The news means we're due a trip to Melbourne, but we'll wait for winter to past first!
Surf magazine Tracks hunt for grommets to launch Airb’n’b-style platform for surfers
Three young surfers on an all expenses paid surf trip on the Aussie coast.... What could go wrong?
Luxury cruise ship Paspaley Pearl by Ponant has appointed a new team of industry experts
Paspaley Pearl by Ponant will offer a gem of a cruise, as the new team shows by their pearly whites.
Memphis Tourism brings blues to Sydney as it adds Jack Daniels to sponsor roster
Memphis Tourism would win the award for coolest sponsor if there was one. But there isn't.
Jetstar and Qantas perception ratings soar following Bonza’s implosion
Forget what your mum told you, you can make yourself look better by making others look bad.
Train over Plane – Journey Beyond releases The Overland’s 2025 season
Clickety-clack, more than a century on track. Unlike the Overland, our poetry is not in demand.
AmaWaterways launches Australian operations at Sydney office with panoramic Harbour views
You should click on this article for the content but it's also okay if you just want to see someone cut a ribbon.
Travel insurance expert’s top 3 tips for Aussies stranded in New Caledonia amid riots
Despite appearances, being stranded in a luxury resort isn't all milk and honey.
Perfect Somewheres: Hotels.com celebrates best-in-class venues for guest experiences
Surprisingly, no hotels with bed bugs were represented in the top 1% of top hotels.
Airports boss says $1.7 billion Budget innovation fund will “kickstart” domestic manufacture of sustainable aviation fuel
Time to start saving up your waste - Australia is about to become a hub of biofuel innovation!
Apparent launches ‘All heart, no hassle’ campaign for Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller
Despite appearances, even the most severe-looking businessperson wants heart in their travel.
Indaba 2024: Losing out on memory, South Africa Tourism hands its fate to children
South Africa Tourism's chief marketing officer reminds us all we were once joyful children and not grumpy adults.
ACA & CLIA join forces ahead of Australian Tourism Exchange
Watch your back Kyle and Jackie 'O' - a new power couple is in town.
South Africa eyes affordable tourism to grow market
In an unlikely move, South African Tourism is actually encouraging young people to travel MORE.
ATIA applauds government’s fast-track passport announcement
Excellent news if you've ever experienced the sheer horror of realising you don't have a functioning passport.
DayAway names Aussie partners for luxury community based membership
Tired of dining with the riff raff? Get yourself a DayAway membership and slip into a life of luxury.
Silversea expands Nova Class with Silver Ray
Be prepared - this article has more silver than your local jewellers!
Tourism Tasmania CEO says a trip to Tassie could cure your Aurora Australis FOMO
With images like these - you're bound to regret being asleep during Australia's version of the northern lights.
Flight searches to Ho Chi Minh City skyrocket by 246% as city strengthens ties to Oz
We aren't endorsing ditching your work to look at flights to Ho Chi Minh but we're also not not endorsing it.
On Location: Rejoice! It’s Your Daily Wrap Of Africa’s Travel Indaba
Spare a moment to think about the cleaner who had to pick up all the confetti after this one kicked off.
Lack of budget spend will hit international visitor recovery, says Australian Tourism Industry Council
We've done the monotonous trawl through budget reports so you don't have to. You can thank us later!
On Location: Expedia CEO assures AI will not replace human roles, announces AI text assistant
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless its announced at a big conference, then it'll probably be reported.
VietJet walks away from Bonza investment, administrators look to maximise chance of survival
VietJet's making big plays in Australia but is drawing the line at buying a defunct airline.