South Bank

Brisbane

Southbank Parklands
Southbank Parklands which includes modern architecture, night scenes and a temple or place of worship
Southbank Parklands featuring street scenes, a city and flowers
Southbank Parklands which includes night scenes
Southbank Parklands featuring 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$138 nightly
The price is $152 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$152 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,004 reviews)
"Good food and nice walk closeby"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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
$122 nightly
The price is $134 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$134 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"You can see the dust floating when the aircon is on"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
Emporium Hotel South Bank

Emporium Hotel South Bank

5 out of 5
267 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD
$227 nightly
The price is $250 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$250 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Hotel is next to SouthBank railway station, however, you cannot hear any noise. The bed was extremely comfortable. Roof top bar is very popular especially at night."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Emporium Hotel South Bank
Hotel Diana South Brisbane

Hotel Diana South Brisbane

4 out of 5
46-50 Water Street, South Brisbane, QLD
$108 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$119 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total includes taxes and 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! (290 reviews)
"Clean & tidy, comfortable. Emergency vehicle noices could be heard regularly due to the close proximity to hospitals."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$110 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$121 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (672 reviews)
"The staff were amazing and the restaurant downstairs was a great convenience"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank
Arena Apartments by CLLIX

Arena Apartments by CLLIX

4 out of 5
9 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane, QLD
$157 nightly
The price is $173 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$173 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,786 reviews)
"Great customer service and its beautiful apartment."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 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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South Bank

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