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Visit South Bank Brisbane
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items South Bank is a vibrant cultural and recreational precinct adjacent the Brisbane River in central Brisbane. Paul still remembers the 1988 World Expo hosted on the site prior to transforming into the bustling cultural heart and social gathering place ... This is one of the places we always bring visitors as there is so much to offer for multiple days.
The large public parkland integrates urban sophistication with natural beauty to offer a haven amidst the bustle of central Brisbane. Families, couples, and solo travelers, and also office workers and locals, find endless entertainment and peace here...
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The large public parkland integrates urban sophistication with natural beauty to offer a haven amidst the bustle of central Brisbane. Families, couples, and solo travelers, and also office workers and locals, find endless entertainment and peace here...
This page contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, including Amazon links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Sections
5
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Where to Stay
Transportation
Australia Packing List
Things to Do
There are so many attractions within South Bank, including the parklands, the cultural center of museums, galleries and performing arts, and more that you can easily spend more than a day here. It is easy to spend several hours on the Streets Beach -...
My favourites are Streets Beach and the northern end with the cultural center.
The large public parkland integrates urban sophistication with nature. You can find endless entertainment and peace here. We love South Bank and is an easy place to spend the day.
Visit South Bank
The Queensland Museum explores natural history and cultural heritage. The science centre called ‘SparkLab’ is in the museum building and it’s easy to hit both on the same day. The museum is free entry but tickets must be purchased for SparkLab.
Queensland Museum Kurilpa
The Gallery of Modern Art features contemporary art with rotating exhibitions often with international artworks. It has free admission and interactive installations engage visitors of all ages.
Gallery of Modern Art
A must photo op is the the iconic BRISBANE sign. Located near QPAC. It is fun to get a photo day and night!
A selfie with the Brisbane sign
This 60 meter ferris wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and suburbs. Think the “London Eye” but for Brisbane as air-conditioned gondolas provide comfort and safety.
The Wheel of Brisbane
It is soooo peaceful walking the path under these arches through the parklands. I love the color of the flowers and some sections feel like I’m walking through a tunnel of flowers and vines.
South Bank Arbour
Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach attracts families year-round. Lifeguards patrol the beach during operating hours. The beach provides tropical paradise feelings without leaving the city.
Streets Beach
You can’t avoid seeing the Navy frigate dry docked at the southern end of South Bank. There are several vessels visible from the pedestrian Goodwill Bridge as the Queensland Maritime Museum showcases the state’s naval heritage. Maritime history comes...
Queensland Maritime Museum
The convention center hosts many different events including concerts, conferences, charity events, graduations, and more. It is very close to South Bank and public transport. Check out the Events page for upcoming events.
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Queensland Performing Arts Centre is Brisbane’s leading host of everything from ballet to contemporary music.
This venue typically hosts the traveling theatre productions on their Australian tour. Check out Friday evenings for local live acts on the green with casual ‘backyard’ fare and drinks
This venue typically hosts the traveling theatre productions on their Australian tour. Check out Friday evenings for local live acts on the green with casual ‘backyard’ fare and drinks
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
The Brisbane Festival transforms South Bank each September with a variety of performances, exhibits, and temporary performance venues. This is one of Paul’s favourite events in Brisbane with eclectic performances and music. The “Riverfire” fireworks ...
Brisbane Festival
This is one of Paul's favourite events to stock up on second hand books and support a wonderful charity.
100s of tables with used books from $2. Bring your own reusable bags or handcarts. Free entry twice a year.
100s of tables with used books from $2. Bring your own reusable bags or handcarts. Free entry twice a year.
Lifeline Bookfest
Paul loves to stop here on Friday nights for free events and entertainment. There is often a ‘backyard BBQ’ of simple fare for sale to enjoy on deck chairs.
We met each other here for our first date!
We met each other here for our first date!
Free Events at QPAC's Green Space
Where to Eat
There are so many delicious and diverse eateries in South Bank. There's quick service counter food, sit down restaurants, and even pop-up ‘backyard BBQ’ at QPAC and food stalls at River Quay green. We always find something new when visiting. My favou...
Enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar with expansive views of Brisbane
Cocktails at the Terrace Rooftop Bar at Emporium Hotel, South Bank
This place is always busy with a line often out the door. Once they opened it was one of our favorites to check out the latest flavors every time we went into South Bank. They have daily rotating menu as they make gelato and sorbet on-site with many unique combinations. Try a gelato making course and sample...
Gelato Messina South Brisbane
I love the mussels at the Plough Inn. Live music adds entertainment to evening dining experiences. This is one of the places I took my American friends when they came to Brisbane!
The Plough Inn
The yiros from The Yiros Shop are some of the best I've ever tasted, and so fresh. Paul loves this place and I personally like how you can get your fries on your Yiros or Gyros as we write in America.
The Yiros Shop
Tasty chips at Grill'd with your burger. So many different flavours beyond the regular cheeseburger. Try the lamb burger
Grill'd Burgers at South Bank
OTTO Ristorante has delicious Italian in an enviable location near the Goodwill Bridge. It has open seating with views across the river.
OTTO Ristorante
Charming Squire Brewhouse combines craft beer with hearty pub fare. The venue features outdoor seating perfect for group gatherings.
The Charming Squire
Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant offers generous portions of Mediterranean favorites. The mezze platters provide excellent value for sharing as you sit astride carpets and cushions.
Paul loves this Turkish food and seating on cushions and rugs is a novel change. He has taken me to ALL Turkish in Brisbane.
Paul loves this Turkish food and seating on cushions and rugs is a novel change. He has taken me to ALL Turkish in Brisbane.
Ahmet's Turkish Restaurant
Hands-down one of Paul's favourite places to eat. They'll sometimes have an unadvertised special selection of tapas from a set menu with wine which is a great way to experience the diverse selection of the broad menu. I frequently perch myself on the...
Olé Restaurant in South Bank
Where to Stay
There are several hotels to stay in, particularly with the close proximity to the Convention Centre. There are also local residences to stay for short term rentals and they often have more charm as South Bank is one of the older working-class suburbs...
Emporium Hotel South Bank (5-star) combines luxury with artistic flair. Rooftop bar offers stunning city panoramas. The hotel’s central location makes everything easily accessible.
Emporium Hotel in South Bank
Novotel Brisbane South Bank (4.5-star) caters to business and leisure travelers. Family rooms accommodate larger groups comfortably. The hotel pool provides relaxation after busy sightseeing days.
Novotel Brisbane South Bank
Rydges South Bank (4-star) offers excellent value near cultural attractions. Recently renovated rooms feature modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. The hotel restaurant serves quality Australian cuisine.
Rydges South Bank Brisbane
Find a local room or place to stay and experience some of the charm of South Bank's residences.
vrbo in South Bank
Transportation
South Bank is a hub of public transportation and it's easy to transit to other attractions in the area. It's an easy walk across several bridges into Brisbane (Central Business District) CBD, some of which are limited to pedestrians & cyclists so it's a pleasant 10 minute walk.
Car parking is available though it's expensive and limited in underground parking, and even more limited on-street parking.
Bus station for cultural center of museum, QPAC, GOMA and the nearby South Brisbane train station.
Public Transport for QPAC, Museum, GOMA | Cultural Centre Station
Undercover car parking is available at QPAC and nearby South Bank, but we suggest public transport.
QPAC Parking
If you are coming in by plane, you don't even have to rent a car and deal with a rental car or parking. Just take the train from the airport to South Bank, I have done this and its very simple!
Brisbane Airport (BNE) to South Bank (Station)
Australia Packing List
Be prepared for your visit with these packing items from a local. Brisbane gets lots of sunshine and afternoon rain in the summer.
Check out our list that is specific to packing for Australia!
What to Pack for Your Trip to Australia, by a local
Listen to a mix of classic and edgy Australian music as your discover the land down under
Australia Mix Spotify Music Playlist