Our Favourite Pokémon Go City Hotspots in Australia

You’ve found yourself on this page so admit it, you play Pokémon Go. It’s OK, we do too – and we’ve found some of the best urban spots in Australia that are as good in real life as they are in the game. Grab a drink, have a bite to eat, and take in some fantastic views while you hit up PokéStops and catch ’em all. And, yes, we’ve seen Pikachu...

Sydney

After being overrun by Pokémon trainers, Sydney's former number one Pokémon Go hotspot, Rhodes, has been shut down due to the sheer volume of visitors. Here are some other spots around the city that double-up as cool spots to hang out in addition to playing the game...

Circular Quay/Opera Bar

See Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House? Check. Catch Pikachu? Check. Circular Quay – Opera Bar in particular – is rumoured to be a hotspot for finding that illusive and adorable little yellow creature. Have a drink, take in the views, catch some Pokémon and even train and battle at the Opera House Gym.

Our Favourite Pokemon Go City Hotspots in Australia

Bondi Surf Club and Pavilion

Not far from the PokéStops at Bondi Surf Club and Pavilion is Porch and Parlour, possibly one of Sydney’s best brunch destinations and a fabulous spot to sit in the evening with a glass of wine and some share plates. Being near the ocean means you are more likely to find water-type Pokémon.

SEE ALSO: Discover Bondi Like a Local

Grounds of Alexandria

This complex, home to a great cafe, roaster and market is also a Gym and there are many PokéStops dotted around the surrounding streets. Pokémon often spotted in the area include Bellsprout, Doduo and Pinsir.

Sydney Fish Market, Pyrmont

Go for the catch of the day or opt for the beloved dim sum at Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant, located upstairs inside the market. Then go crazy hunting down the many Pokémon spotted around Pyrmont. In addition to the many water-types in the area, closer to Star Casino there have been sightings of harder-to-find Pokémon such as Aerodactyl, Kabuto, Omanyte, Chansey and Golem.

Melbourne

State Library of Victoria

The lawn is a popular spot to sit in the sun and eat a packed lunch. It’s also one of the hottest places to catch Pokémon as the PokéStops here are pretty much constantly covered in Lures. Some of the cooler sightings here include Porygon, Jiggly Puff and Tangela.

Flagstaff Gardens

There have been sightings of what is currently considered to be the most powerful Pokémon in the game, Dragonite, here. You’re right across from the Queen Victoria Market so you can pick up a fantastic picnic spread before heading into the park.

South Bank and Crown Casino

Enjoy the evening torch show outside Crown Casino as you keep an eye out for the fiery horse Pokémon, Ponyta. Have a drink at Ponyfish Island, the bar floating in the middle of the river under the pedestrian bridge, while you try to spot water-types like Seel and Slowbro.

Adelaide

Adelaide Oval

The Oval recently hosted a special event with Pokémon cocktails and treats served in the Oval Café and free lures set-up around the venue all day. Even without such ceremony, the Pokéstops and Gym on Telstra Plaza and sightings of Raichu (the evolved form of Pikachu, a very rare find) near the North Gate make this a firm favourite for Adelaide Pokémon Goers.

Rundle Mall

Adelaide’s hottest major shopping district is also home to a bazillion different Pokémon, including Flareon, Jolteon, Eevee and the rare and powerful Dragonite. Oh, and Pikachu. Here are some of our favourite shops to check out while you are there.

Semaphore

This laid-back, beachside suburb is a popular place for families to go for a cafe brunch and then spend a day by the water. Pikachu has been spotted at the Corner of Esplanade and Semaphore Road and there have also been Dragonite sightings.

Brisbane

South Bank

Stroll in the lovely gardens, have a smoothie or bowl packed with fresh fruit at one of our favourite healthy haunts, Kiss the Berry, and keep an eye out for Charmader and Wartortle.

CBD Laneways

Brisbane’s CBD is giving Melbourne a run for it’s money in the hip laneway hangouts stakes – Burnett, Albert, Bakery and Spencer Lanes are just some of the places where you’ll find great coffee, eats and shops. The whole area is Pokémon-central, with Stops and Gyms everywhere and sightings of many different Pokémon including Beedrill, Nidoking, Vulpix and Growlithe.

Perth

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

This gorgeous and already busy park, with beautiful views over the Perth CBD, is now overrun with Pokémon Go players. In addition to the many Stops and Gyms there are many, many Pokémon to catch here, including the less-common Hitmonlee.

Northbridge

This very trendy suburb just north of the Perth CBD is one of the best spots for food and nightlife in the city. Along William Street you can shop at Safari’s Record Shack for your classic vinyl fix, have a modern yet super low-key Italian meal at Francoforte Spaghetti Bar and end the evening with some whiskey and country music at Alabama Song. While you’re here you might just find Koffing.

Fremantle

There’s a lot to love about Freo, one of Perth’s favourite seaside suburbs. Sample some of Australia’s best pancakes at Bib & Tucker above the Fremantle Surf & Lifesaving Club or chow down on the Bacon Double Cheeseburger at Short Order Burger Company on James Street (which our experts have named one of Australia’s best burgers) while you keep an eye out for Charmander.

Hobart

Salamanca

Come for the Pokémon, stay for one our favourite restaurants, Smolt. Growlithe, Zapdos and Squirtle have all been spotted in the area and Smolt is pure deliciousness at all times of the day, with perfect coffees, pizzas and wine.

West Hobart

We absolutely love a good breakfast at Pigeon Hole on Goulburn Street in West Hobart. We also love finding the likes of Butterfree, Nidoran, Electabuzz, Gloom, Lapras and Bulbasaur here. It’s a pretty busy Pokémon area.

Canberra

Questacon and Lake Burley Griffin

Tons of cool Pokémon have been spotted hanging around Canberra’s favourite science museum, including Bulbasaur, Venusaur, Squirtle and Vulpix. The museum sits on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, which in general has a lot of Pokémon activity and you’ll naturally find more water types around here.

Darwin

CBD

Most of the good Pokémon action in Darwin is in the City Centre. Slowpoke has been spotted on Mitchell Street, Pikachu has been seen on the Esplanade, and there have been rare sightings of Charmander all around the area. If you need a break, the best place to escape the heat is at Parliament House on Mitchell Street – here you’ll find a café, free wifi and beautiful harbour views. If you’re really hungry, dig into a sensational steak at Char on the Esplanade.