South Bank Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
South Bank showing a temple or place of worship, modern architecture and night scenes
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

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$168 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$168
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (393 reviews)
"Staff amasing"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank
Rydges South Bank
Rydges South Bank
4.5 out of 5
9 Glenelg Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is AU$220 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$220
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Close to qpac so easy walk to first show at 5pm and then time for quick freshen up before heading to second show at 8pm. Room was fine and breakfast was ok. Checkout was quick as concierge took care of it for me as it would have taken a while to get to reception as a lot of people were leaving at ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Rydges South Bank
Mantra South Bank
Mantra South Bank
4.5 out of 5
161 Grey Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$179 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$179
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy breakfast, 24-hour room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The room itself smelt like it was damp - I suspect the carpets (which were of nice quality) had been wet from the shower/bathroom - the bed was not a double but two singles pushed together and were not even in height - additionally I thought one of the single beds was broken - there was a lot of ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 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 AU$314 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$314
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,599 reviews)
Great location
"I always stay here, great location for so many restaurants"

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2024

Arena Apartments by CLLIX
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$195 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$195
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (956 reviews)
"Great location for going to a show, staff friendly & was comfortable room for a few nights away"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Emporium Hotel South Bank
5 out of 5
267 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is AU$369 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$369
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (966 reviews)
"Great facilities, easily accessible for restaurants and activities"

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 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.

Other neighbourhoods around South Bank

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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 Museum and Sciencentre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Brisbane
Woolloongabba featuring a city and skyline

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
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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 Roma Street Parkland and Brisbane Customs House.

Brisbane Central Business District
Kangaroo Point showing a bay or harbour, night scenes 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 Kangaroo Point Cliffs or Holman Street Ferry Terminal might round out your trip.

Kangaroo Point
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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


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