South Bank

Brisbane

Southbank Parklands
Southbank Parklands which includes a temple or place of worship, modern architecture and night scenes
Southbank Parklands which includes street scenes, flowers and a city
Southbank Parklands showing night scenes
Southbank Parklands showing a bridge, modern architecture and a city
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 $204 per night from Apr. 20 to Apr. 21
CA $204
CA $225 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
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)
"Perfect location for our short stay--one of the required pick-ups for the Australian Zoo! good staff"

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2025

Rydges 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 $171 per night from Apr. 20 to Apr. 21
CA $171
CA $188 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice rooms - room service breakfast was not great - arrived late and not hot. Nice location and convenient to Convention Centre and Southbank."

Reviewed on Mar. 31, 2025

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
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 $154 per night from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7
CA $154
CA $169 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (612 reviews)
"Pillows too hard Otherwise it was great. We have stayed there 4 times and will return. Easy walk to southbank eateries and we are in our 70s loved it 😀"

Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Emporium Hotel South Bank
5 out of 5
267 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $326 per night from Apr. 4 to Apr. 5
CA $326
CA $358 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
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! (1,001 reviews)
"What an outstanding hotel! Extremely cordial staff. Beautiful room. Great bathroom! Very clean hotel and excellent location. 10 out of 10."

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

Emporium Hotel South Bank
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
4.5 out of 5
161 Grey Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $187 per night from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7
CA $187
CA $206 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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)
"Staff were extremely friendly and efficient. Room was quiet and well keep clean and tidy. Close to restaurants and walking distance to everything for our conference time in Brisbane"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2025

Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Arena Apartments by CLLIX
Arena Apartments by CLLIX
4 out of 5
9 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $252 per night from Apr. 9 to Apr. 10
CA $252
CA $278 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 9 - Apr 10
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! (1,754 reviews)
"Always clean and has everything we need with variety of food options around"

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

Arena Apartments by CLLIX
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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Southbank Parklands which includes flowers, a city and a river or creek

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