South Bank Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Bank
South Bank showing a temple or place of worship, modern architecture and night scenes
South Bank featuring a city, street scenes and flowers
South Bank showing night scenes
South Bank showing a bridge, a city and modern architecture

This popular waterfront playground is a perfect place to shake off the city heat and enjoy some typical Australian hospitality.

South Bank was created for the 1988 World Expo and when the fair left town the venue remained as a free facility for the people of Brisbane to enjoy. The waterfront park is packed with a variety of attractions, making it a magnet for locals and visitors alike. Spend a day chilling out Australian-style and get a flavour of the indigenous way of life.

Make your way through the vibrant bougainvillea blossoms of the Grand Arbour to enter the parklands and head straight for a refreshing dip in the tropical waters of Streets Beach. Adults will enjoy watching the kids having fun in the waterpark while they relax in the shade of a palm tree. There are lockers for rent to stash your stuff in while you swim.

When it’s time to eat you’ll be spoilt for choice. The riverfront is lined with stylish restaurants where you can sample a cornucopia of world cuisines at your leisure, or grab a quick sandwich from one of the park’s kiosks. Do it yourself with a picnic spread, or opt for a liquid lunch in a typical Australian pub – try The Ship Inn, an old sailors’ haunt dating from 1864, for authentic atmosphere. While you’re there, pop into the Maritime Museum opposite to see a World War II naval frigate and other historic artifacts.

There’s always something going on at South Bank, ranging from sporting events, music festivals in the public stadium, or free entertainment from talented street artists. At weekends the park fills up with market stalls where you can browse to your heart’s content and maybe pick up a bargain from the huge variety of local crafts, clothing, jewellery and accessories.

One of the best ways to see Brisbane is from the top of the giant Ferris wheel, and no visit to South Bank is complete without taking a ride in one of its gondolas. At the foot of the wheel is a miniature rain forest enclosing the Nepal Peace Pagoda, one of only three outside Nepal, which features a beautiful tea house on the second level.

Reaching South Bank is easy by ferry or bus on-site parking is available but can be expensive.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best South Bank Hotel Deals

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel

4.5 out of 5
38 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is AU$209 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$209
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great place to stay , short walk to Southbank and convention centre."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
Rydges South Bank

Rydges South Bank

4.5 out of 5
9 Glenelg Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is AU$232 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$232
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Went to South Bank for Dinner following our Event at the Convention Centre. A short walk from our Hotel Accommodation. Definitely stay there Again."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Rydges South Bank
Hotel Diana South Brisbane

Hotel Diana South Brisbane

4 out of 5
46-50 Water Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is AU$198 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
AU$198
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (279 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"Good little studio apartment with kitchen basics. The windows could be more sound proof though as there is a bit of noise from the hospital (sirens, helicopters)."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Hotel Diana South Brisbane
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 AU$198 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$198
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (665 reviews)
"Was happy with the service"

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 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 AU$409 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$409
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel is very nice all the services are very good except the room cleaning, the cleaner DID NOT clean the bathroom: bath tub, shower room , bathroom sink, toilet, even the trash drop on the floor they didn’t even pick it up, they came folding the bed, takeout the trash, that’s about all, the ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 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 AU$218 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$218
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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)
"Nice place good location for Qpac, only issue is parking, 350 meters away is no idea"

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Mantra South Bank Brisbane
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.

Other neighbourhoods around South Bank

South Bank which includes a river or creek, flowers and a city

South Brisbane

4/5(1 area review)

South Brisbane is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, fascinating museums and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Queensland Performing Arts Centre or Queensland Conservatorium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Brisbane
Woolloongabba featuring skyline and a city

Woolloongabba

Woolloongabba is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to The Gabba and Buranda Village while you're in town.

Woolloongabba
West End

West End

You'll enjoy the bars and parks in West End. You might want to make time for a stop at Brisbane Brewing Co. or West End Ferry Terminal.

West End
Default Image

Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(5,095 area reviews)

Are you interested in beautiful gardens, stunning river views and popular shops? A visit to Brisbane Central Business District might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Anzac Square and Brisbane Customs House.

Brisbane Central Business District
Kangaroo Point which includes night scenes, a bay or harbour and a city

Kangaroo Point

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Kangaroo Point. A stop by Holman Street Ferry Terminal or Dockside Ferry Terminal might round out your trip.

Kangaroo Point
Milton showing signage and a city

Milton

Unique features of Milton include the river views and restaurants. Make a stop by XXXX Brewery or Suncorp Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Milton


South Bank Travel Guide

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