Experience South Bank just like the locals! As the jewel of Brisbane City, South Bank is the perfect destination for families, couples, or for a lone wander. Packed full with beautiful sights and fun experiences, there’s something for everyone to discover. Experience nature, art, culture, and adventure as you enjoy the heart of the city.
Let’s look at some of the unmissable South Bank destinations that locals and visitors love to visit.
Streets Beach
Where else can you swim at a beautiful white sand beach, surrounded by the soaring buildings and river setting? Streets Beach is a worthwhile destination all on its own. It’s completely free and open to the public, so you can just wander past and decide on a dip. Choose between the sandy shores or pool-style areas that let you cool off after a big day in the city. Kids love the children’s area with fountains to play in, tipping buckets full of water, and a shallower pool. They can also play on the river stones complete with flowing river that will spark their imagination. Queensland summers are quite warm enough to allow for a night-time swim, with the twinkling city as the perfect backdrop.
Take a Hike
South Bank stretches out along the river, and the whole length has been designed to allow you to walk, run, or cycle in style. Follow the paths and boardwalks, taking in the cultural precinct, the parks and nature areas, Streets Beach, the striking architectural bridges, and of course the iconic river winding through the city. The foot bridges form crossing points at many stages along your South Bank walk. Check out the Goodwill Bridge that stretches from the Maritime Museum across to Gardens Point. You can walk from the South Bank Cultural Precinct across the Victoria Bridge to find yourself at the Treasury Casino and the start of the City centre. Or walk the Kurilpa Bridge from behind GOMA to the City – it has a spectacular architecture and breathtaking lookout points to view Brisbane.
South Bank Parklands
It’s a little slice of paradise and it’s right in the heart of Brisbane. The South Bank Parklands are a regular destination for locals, and each time you visit there’s another treasure to uncover. Wander the enticing pathways with soaring trees above and trickling streams below. Discover a sunlit grassy space enclosed by bushland, perfect for rest and relaxation. The kids will love the nature-based playground, the edible delights grown in the Epicurious community garden, and the whole family can enjoy the events held at the Courier Mail Piazza and scattered throughout the Parklands. Relax at a premium riverfront picnic spot, enjoy live music right by the water on the licensed lawn of The River Quay Green, or see the city at new heights from the Wheel of Brisbane. It’s enough just to stroll along the Promenade, and absolutely perfect by day or by night.
Cultural Precinct
The breathtaking Cultural Precinct is home to some of the jewels of Brisbane City. Make your way to the Queensland Museum, and then find amazing art at the Queensland Art Gallery. But that’s not the only place to get inspired – take a short stroll past the State Library of Queensland (and be sure to pop inside!) and you’ll see the QAGOMA, full of modern art and exceptional exhibitions. Right across the road from the museum is the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, hosting acclaimed local and international performing artists in an ever-changing line up of incredible acts.
Grab a Bite
Feeling hungry? You’ll be spoiled for choice as you experience South Bank. Whether you feel like grabbing some high quality takeaway from somewhere like Burger Urge, Zeus, and Guzman y Gomez, or are in the mood for a classier dine-in affair, you’ll find it in South Bank. Local favourites include Ahmets for some authentic Turkish, or The Charming Squire for craft beer and great food. Visit Cowch for sinfully sweet cocktails and desserts, and El Camino Cantina for delicious Mexican and great drinks. Head to the South Bank Beer Garden for a low-key experience, and wind up at Max Brenner’s for a sweet treat once you’re done. There are food choices from around the world and some fantastic Aussie classics – the hardest part is choosing just one!
Business at South Bank
South Bank is always bustling with business opportunities. You’ll find many hotels offer perfectly equipped conference rooms that host companies from around the world. Check out the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for their line up of trade shows, conventions, and varying exhibitions for people from every walk of life. South Bank is the perfect mix of business and pleasure, and the rest of the city is just a short walk away or connected by extensive public transport options. It’s easy to get where you need to go, and the surrounding city is a beautiful place to travel through.
Stay and Enjoy
When it’s time to rest, choose one of South Bank’s leading hotels. Locals adore them for a city getaway, and travellers come back time and again for the fantastic location and incredible service. Visit the Mantra, a South Bank establishment with an onsite restaurant and bar that locals love. Enjoy the lap pool with unrivalled views and the convenience of the Convention and Exhibition Centre just across the road. Emporium is a brand new hotel that deserves every one of its five stars, offering luxury, dining, views, and an infinity pool. Rydges is another fantastic option. Located close to the South Bank Cultural Precinct and with everything only a short stroll away, it’s the perfect option for business or leisure. Riverside is the longest standing hotel in South Bank, dedicated to offering great service, reasonable rates, and an unbeatable location.
Travelling Around South Bank
Travel with Airtrain from the Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City within only 20 minutes, stopping at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations where you can change trains or head directly to your destination.
All South Bank locations are easily accessible from the train station – and South Bank has two to choose from! South Bank station puts you in the heart of South Bank, just a block from the Parklands. To get a bit closer to the other end, choose South Brisbane Station – that will have you exiting right between the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Brisbane is a beautiful city for walking, and many fantastic destinations are within an easy stroll along attractive walkways. To get to your destination faster or to see more of the sights, Brisbane is connected by an extensive bus network and the river is crisscrossed by the CityCat ferries.
All Brisbane public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Short term visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. For longer stays, travel like the locals with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination. It’s easy to get where you need to go on public transport – just use the Translink Journey Planner to find out how.
Experience South Bank
It’s the ultimate destination, and everything is here. Whether you’re travelling for business or for pleasure, for adventures or for leisure, you’ll find it at South Bank. It doesn’t matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover. Easily in reach of Brisbane City and surrounds, it’s the perfect location to spend your time. If you’re heading to South Bank, choose the best way to get there on time and in comfort. Start your journey well – travel with Airtrain.
