Magicfest Brisbane 2019

Heading to Brisbane for the Q4 Australian MagicFest? I was pretty pumped to see my hometown Brisbane listed as a host for one of the Australian MagicFest’s in 2019, and I wanted to share some of the great things this city has to offer to those who are making the trip.

Hey I’m Douges (who you may also know as DougesOnTwitch or founder of the GreenSunsZenith) and I am here to make sure you have a great time in Brisbane.

MagicFest Details:

Dates: Friday 6th December – Sunday 9th December 2019

Main Event Format: Standard

Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Southbank

Official Hashtag: #MTGBRISBANE

Unofficial Event App: https://mfbne.com/

Event Schedule: MagicFest Brisbane

Australian Facebook Group: Australian MagicFests

The venue is not only a great host for the event but also a prime position in the heart of Brisbane. It’s walkable distance from the intercity and is surrounded by an array of cafes and bars for all times of day & night. Of course Uber is an option to get to the venue but for those of you looking to get an Airbnb with mates I can assure you walking is always an option and a great way to start the day before sitting down for a long day of magic.

Brisbane’s magic scene is active, especially when it comes to Modern, Legacy and Highlander. You can find a nice range of tournaments across the 3 days for draft, commander and standard but the focus of this article is going to be on the three “Eternal formats” named above. Once boasting the biggest eternal scene in the southern hemisphere, I can assure you the Legacy side events all weekend are going to be jam-packed with competitive players.

What do I take to a MagicFest?

This is a list of the items I usually pack if I’m going to be at the event all day. This might seem pretty straight forward but after seeing more than 2 friends get to a GP and proceed to find no deckbox in their bag, it’s worth going over this.

Waterbottle

Snacks (preferably healthy – shout out to nuts getting me through long tournaments)

Deckbox with 75

Dice & tokens if needed (don’t be the player asking for paper to resemble your tokens)

Lifepad and Pen

Playmat

Decklist – If you need a decklist, make sure you write it out the night before and double check it. Don’t be like me and get a GAME LOSS on a Round 1 BYE at a GP / MF main event (story for another time).

Folder of trades

Portable Battery charger

Cash – just incase there’s something I need and card isn’t an option

Keys. Wallet. Phone. The old 3 tap test on the way out of the house

Some players do use their between round times to play their console or read a book but I’ve always been one to catch up with the other players you don’t see at every event. It’s sometimes more about the gathering than the magic.

To make sure your items are safe throughout the day, put your bag between your legs when playing at a table. Even better if you have the ability to secure your bag so no unwanted hands can find their way in without you knowing.

Legacy

With 3 regular events each day (1 double up & 2 regular side events), Legacy players who are attending MF Brisbane for the sole purpose of grinding will not be disappointed. On top of that, players on Friday will have the chance to take down the first GP Legacy Championship! This event (as per below) will start at 1:00pm and be 5 rounds with a cut to top 8.

NOTE: I’d like to push those players interested in this main Legacy event to pre-register, as CFB Events may be open to increasing the rounds from 5 if enough players show pre-event interest.

Thursday night:

Legacy State Championships: Good Games Brisbane: 7:00pm

Note: This is a team event organised in advance by a member of your state. This tournament was born last year where a committee proposed the idea of a Legacy State Championships once a year to run alongside a Magicfest. Victoria are the current title holders with Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Canberra also involved. We’d love to see supporters there if you’re up the Thursday night and then carry on to Creole Soul Kitchen after for a few beers and food.

This event will have video coverage that will later be posted with commentary via CBRMTG’s Youtube channel.

Magic Fest Legacy Events:

Friday Legacy Events:

10:30am – Double Up Legacy $60

1:00pm – Legacy Championships (Top 8 event) $60

2:30pm – Legacy $30

6:00pm – Legacy $30

Saturday Legacy Events:

11:00am – Legacy $30

2:30pm – Double Up Legacy $60

6:30pm – Legacy $30

Sunday Legacy Events:

10:00am – Double Up Legacy $60

1:30pm – Legacy $30

5:00pm – Legacy $30

Modern

Modern as a format is very open right now, refreshed after the banning of Faithless Looting and Hoggak and the unbanning of Stoneforge Mystic. Just like Legacy (and most MF Schedules) Modern also has the full 9 events with 3 each day to make sure grinders can finish one event and pop into another.

Friday Modern Events

11:30am – Modern Double Up $60

3:00pm – Modern $30

6:30pm – Modern $30

Saturday Modern Events

11:30am – Modern $30

3:00pm – Modern Double Up $60

7:00pm – Modern $30

Sunday Modern Events

11:00am – Modern Double Up $60

2:30pm – Modern $30

6:00pm – Modern $30

7pt Highlander

Australian 7pt Highlander has also been a recent hit with a main event taking place on the Friday of MagicFests however you can see this time it’s been added as the main side event on Sunday! A huge thank you to those who made your voice heard and let CFB Events know that we (the community) wanted a Highlander event like usual.

If you want to talk shop leading up to MF Brisbane, check out the Highlander Facebook group. You can also find the points list and decklists through Auseternal.

NOTE: I’d like to push those players interested to pre-register, as CFB Events may be open to increasing the rounds from 5 if enough players show pre-event interest.

Is there a large Highlander community in Brisbane? I was told the community was mainly Sydney based and that Legacy had a much stronger following in Brisbane. — Mashi Scanlan (@ThaGuyOnTheLeft) September 24, 2019

The people have spoken! We’ve added a 7 Point Highlander Championship on Sunday at #MTGBrisbane. I’m coming out to the event, so I better see you all there!!! — Mashi Scanlan (@ThaGuyOnTheLeft) September 26, 2019

Constructed Fanatic Package ($150) – Is it worth it for a side event grinder?

This package includes the following items:

2 Double Up Event Vouchers ($120 value)

3 Regular Event Vouchers ($90 value)

Exclusive 2019 MagicFest Fanatic Lightning Bolt Playmat

Exclusive 2019 MagicFest Foil Lightning Bolt Promo

Deck Box

Set of 5 2019 MagicFest Foil Basic Land Promos

The short answer is, kind of. With the implementation of the Legacy and Highlander main events (not covered by this package) you’re going to need to be a busy bee to get your event value worth.

If you’re going to be playing in all events listed (2 double ups and 3 regular events) it comes to a saving of $60 (If you preregister the package) or only a $20 saving if you sign-up onsite. You also get the merchandise which most likely some of can be sold to vendors at a discounted price.

If you’re a Legacy or Highlander player it might be tight, but if you’re in another format like Modern I would be picking the package up.

Food, Cafes & Bars

Day-to-Day Food & Snacks

If you’re wanting to stock up on some fruit, water or other snacks before each day starts there is an IGA within walking distance from the venue.

Nearby Cafes & Bars

Luckily for you, the Southbank and West-End area has a huge amount of choice when it comes to not only cafes, bars and restaurants but also nightlife.

Fish Lane – A laneway of bars and restaurants 7-10 minutes walk from the venue (you can see it as Fish Ln in the map above). Home to Wandering Cooks & Saccharomyces Beer Cafe, this trending area of Southbank is a great spot to finish a day of grinding.

Ahmets – Quality Turkish food.

Taro’s Ramen – If you enjoy Ramen you need to try Taro’s Ramen.

The whole of Boundary Street, West End – You’re going to find something for everyone in your group

Archive Bar – If you enjoy craft beer or a quality atmosphere then the 10 minute walk to Archive is a no brainer (pool tables too)

The Gunshop Cafe is a great place for breakfast if you’re staying in the area, otherwise I am sure you won’t be far from another breakfast choice in the CBD area.

Cobbler Bar – For the whisky lovers. Not cheap but hey, why not be indulgent.

Pancake Manor (24 hours) – Look it just wouldn’t be right to not list the manor. WHO DOESN’T LIKE 24 HOUR PANCAKES?!

Shout out to Creole Soul Kitchen, a huge must visit as a very well established eatery within the Brisbane Magic community and 2 minutes walk from Good Games Brisbane. Some of the best food I’ve eaten and owned by really great folks.

In all honestly you can just walk around Southbank and West-End and be sure to find a place for breakfast, lunch or dinner with ease.

Giving back to the community. A free event!

MTGMate is also hosting a free, casual event for players on the Saturday night at the Pig & Whistle around the corner from the venue. I’ll be there enjoying some drinks and would really enjoying meeting you, the readers of CBRMTG!

Local Game Stores (CBD)

Good Games Brisbane

Vault Games (licensed)

Dark Magician Games (easy walk from the venue)

Shout out to MTGMate who is a local online store and will have a booth at the main event. Fun fact you can get 5% off your singles (which are shipped daily) using the code Douges at checkout 😉 . Can’t find an item in stock? Use their new restock notifications feature to get emailed once a card is back in stock.

8 Things To Do In (and around) Brisbane During The MagicFest Weekend

Whether you’re visiting Queensland’s capital for the first time or you’re a local looking for ways to kill time with your Magic mates between events, this list has plenty of fun and unexpected ways to make the most of your time in the sunshine state.

1. Play Old-School Arcade Games at Netherworld



Ah, Netherworld – where arcade, pinball machines, console, and board games come together with delicious eats and tasty local beers on tap.

This drinking hole with a twist is the go-to for gamer lovers from all over Brisbane. Located in the infamous Valley, Netherworld is a top spot to test your skills on retro Pac-Man or relive your childhood on Nintendo 64.

The tasty menu caters for carnivores and vegans alike. Enjoy!

2. Throw Axes at Lumber Punks

Did you mana flood? Did your opponents just have it – axe-throwing is the latest way to test your precision and skill in front of a target.

Lumber Punks is relatively new to the scene in Brissy, offering a unique way to challenge your mates and let off some steam. All you have to do is hurl a small hatchet and a larger tomahawk, and you get different points for hitting different targets.

3. Try Some Putt Putt and Pints at Holey Moley Golf Club

And while we’re on the topic of friendly competition, why not grab a ball and a beer at Holey Moley Golf Club and really let the good times swing?

This novelty mini-golf-meets-bar venue is a sweet way to spend an arvo or evening, whether you’re in a group of 2 or 20. You can do 9 holes or 18 depending on how much time you have.

If you’ve drawn the nuts all day don’t bother heading home to rest for day 2 – come sink some drinks and your luck into tiny holes to make your mates even more envious.

4. Experience Free-Range VR Gaming at Zero Latency

Zero Latency takes virtual reality to the next level, so if you’re into your VR games, make this a must-do on your Brissy list.

This epic-scale, multiplayer virtual reality wonderland offers a handful of game options, from zombie apocalypses to space wars. Grab your crew and get inside the game like never before!

Visit the Zero Latency website here.

5. Hike Mt Coot-Tha (or Just Enjoy the City Views)

If you’re looking for that perfect Brisbane city snap, you can’t beat the sweeping panoramic views from Mt Coot-tha.

If you really want to make sure you’re in the right mindset for the GP, start the day off with some exercise. With heaps of trails for hiking and mountain biking along with picnic and barbecue facilities, a visit to Mt Coot-Tha is a highlight for anyone into the outdoors. Or you could skip the exercise and just crack a sneaky cold one and cheers over the city from the lookout – I won’t judge.

6. See the Stars at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Conveniently located on the grounds of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens next door to Mt Coot-Tha, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium features a 12.5m Cosmic Skydome that provides awesome observations of space.

The gallery also has extensive space exploration and astronomy displays like the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing with a replica of Neil Armstrong’s space suit.

7. Visit a Local Craft Brewery

From the quintessentially Queensland XXXX brewery to the trendy up-and-comers like Green Beacon and Newstead Brewery, there’s no denying Brisbane loves its local beers.

If you’re a fan of the amber stuff, check out one of Brisbane’s local breweries for a taste of the local drops.

8. Check out the Talent at GOMA

If you’re looking to get your culture fix during your trip, Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art offers a unique experience. Here you can check out works from local and international artists and take a wander around the latest featured exhibition.

GOMA is located in South Bank, home to the South Bank Parklands, the man-made Streets Beach, a huge Cineplex cinema, and streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Honourable Mention: Take a Day Trip

Brisbane is in prime position to explore some of Australia’s best beaches and natural beauty. If you scrubbed out of the tournament early and don’t feel up for Magic the following day, these are some of the best day-trip destinations near Brissy:

– Gold Coast: 1hr

– Sunshine Coast: 1.5hrs

– Mount Tamborine: 1hr 10mins

– Springbrook National Park: 1.5hrs

– Glasshouse Mountains: 1hr 15mins

– Byron Bay: 2hrs

Last note:

If you see me at any point over the long weekend don’t hesitate saying hey and asking any questions you have about Brisbane. It’s going to be a bloody good weekend however you spend your time in Brisbane during the Grand Prix/MagicFest, I hope you enjoy it!

Play smart, play fair, play well.

Douges.