South Bank

Brisbane
Southbank Parklands
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 $214 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $214
CA $236 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Perfectly convenient location close to everything. Very nice setting, well presented and well priced. ."

Reviewed on Nov. 10, 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 $164 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $164
CA $180 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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! (521 reviews)
"Great location in south bank, helpful friendly staff. Would have preferred a full bar/ restaurant rather than cafe with fairy limited breakfast choices."

Reviewed on Nov. 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 $197 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $197
CA $217 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Nov. 4, 2024

Mantra South Bank
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 Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $272
CA $299 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions XXXX Brewery and Suncorp Stadium ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,671 reviews)
"Spacious rooms clean and washer and dryer"

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 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 $313 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $313
CA $344 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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 bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"The rooms are beautiful"

Reviewed on Nov. 4, 2024

Emporium Hotel 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 $185 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $185
CA $204 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice and clean"

Reviewed on Nov. 9, 2024

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
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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