South Bank

Brisbane
Southbank Parklands which includes a temple or place of worship, modern architecture and night scenes
This iconic public waterfront parkland is a lush haven in the city, with tropical pools, restaurants, cafés, a Ferris wheel, markets and free BBQs with playgrounds.

Enjoy the Queensland sunshine in a lush, inner-city setting. Have a BBQ, go for a swim, discover the local flora and fauna and shop for souvenirs. Visit one of the restaurants to enjoy alfresco dining with river views.  

South Bank was developed for the World Expo in 1988 and has been maintained as free parklands for everyone to enjoy. Set aside a day to explore the riverfront venue, which is just a mile wide (1.6 kilometers) wide but packed with entertainment.

Start at the Maritime Museum at the foot of the Goodwill Bridge. Its historic dry dock harbors a significant World War II naval frigate. Across the road, the former sailor’s drinking den The Ship Inn from 1864 is now a classy pub. 

The Arbor, South Bank’s iconic bougainvillea arch, guides you through the parklands. You’ll pass a creek and playground and can take a little detour to some chic riverfront restaurants.

In the heart of the parklands are the tropical outdoor pools of Streets Beach. Cool off in the water or rest under a palm tree while the kids explore the water-play park. Rent a locker for your bags outside the free showers and change rooms. 

Visit a typical Australian pub to try the local fare, enjoy a BBQ picnic on the lawn or have lunch on a terrace. The kiosks, cafés and restaurants sell everything from sandwiches to eclectic European cuisine.

Visit the tourist office on Stanley Street Plaza to find out what is on. Browse the weekend market, with locals selling crafts and clothing, or be entertained by street artists. Join free sports events or visit a festival in or near the public stadium. 

Board the huge Ferris wheel see Brisbane from above. At its base, almost hidden in the rainforest, is a beautiful Nepalese Pagoda. From here, continue west to visit some of Queensland’s major museums and theaters.

It is best to reach South Bank by public transport, including ferries. South Bank Station is on the east end and the Cultural Centre bus station is on the west end. There is parking available on site however it is reasonably expensive. 


Popular places to visit

Things to do


South Bank Hotel Deals

Rydges South Bank
Rydges South Bank
4.5 out of 5
9 Glenelg Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $185 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $185
CA $204 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Staff really friendly, good dining facilities on site. TV didn't work."

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Rydges South Bank
Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank
Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank
4.5 out of 5
218 Vulture Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $156 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $156
CA $171 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (415 reviews)
"The location was fantastic for easy access to Southbank parklands and the room was really clean and comfortable, however, with such close proximity to the hospital it was very noisy."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank
Mantra South Bank
Mantra South Bank
4.5 out of 5
161 Grey Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $167 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $167
CA $184 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very happy with most aspects, was disappointed that there was only one hard chair, a 2 seater couch would have been good"

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Mantra South Bank
Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
4.5 out of 5
38 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $186 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $186
CA $204 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (980 reviews)
"Thank you for a great stay. Great room, comfy bed and so quiet."

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
Arena Apartments by CLLIX
Arena Apartments by CLLIX
4 out of 5
9 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $272 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $272
CA $299 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,615 reviews)
"Nearby construction and earth works starts at 7.00am. The location is excellent and very close to West Village and multiple restaurants."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Arena Apartments by CLLIX
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Emporium Hotel South Bank
5 out of 5
267 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $306 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $306
CA $336 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (979 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Great place for holiday or business, in the centre of the southbank alot of resturants around , close to the city"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Emporium Hotel South Bank
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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