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


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 NT$3,675 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$3,675
NT$4,042 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,005 reviews)
"5 star"

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

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 NT$4,167 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
NT$4,167
NT$4,584 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Public transport from the airport pretty well directly to the hotel. Able to walk anywhere from the location"

Reviewed on 2025/7/19

Rydges South Bank
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 NT$3,310 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
NT$3,310
NT$3,641 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (662 reviews)
"loads on offer in Southbank and not from from Southbank or QUT ferry-cat stops"

Reviewed on 2025/7/23

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 NT$6,832 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$6,832
NT$7,515 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great service"

Reviewed on 2025/7/17

Emporium Hotel South Bank
Hotel Diana South Brisbane

Hotel Diana South Brisbane

4 out of 5
46-50 Water Street, South Brisbane, QLD
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! (272 reviews)
"it was very clean and confy parking space was very small"

Reviewed on 2025/7/21

Hotel Diana South Brisbane
Mantra South Bank Brisbane

Mantra South Bank Brisbane

4.5 out of 5
161 Grey Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is NT$4,208 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
NT$4,208
NT$4,629 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,002 reviews)
"A pleasant surprise."

Reviewed on 2025/7/19

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.

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