South Bank Travel Guide

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


Top hotels in South Bank

Rydges South Bank
Rydges South Bank
4.5 out of 5
9 Glenelg Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is ₹9,933 per night from 24 Dec to 25 Dec
₹9,933
₹10,926 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"10/10 recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2024

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 ₹8,600 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
₹8,600
₹9,460 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (539 reviews)
Great stay
"Great location. Good hotel. Close to shops, restaurants and public transport. Recommend."

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank
Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
4.5 out of 5
38 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is ₹9,469 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
₹9,469
₹10,416 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Tacky tv content in foyer
"Was not happy with foyer tv content, it was not family friendly.. half naked women on poles.."

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2024

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
4.5 out of 5
161 Grey Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is ₹9,513 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
₹9,513
₹9,513 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The staff were super lovely and helpful"

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2024

Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Emporium Hotel South Bank
5 out of 5
267 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is ₹17,827 per night from 26 Dec to 27 Dec
₹17,827
₹19,610 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Dec - 27 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Beautiful place to stay for a special event. The rooms were very special and so close to everything. Loved the little things like the videos surround inside the lifts and the chocolates on the pillow. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Would highly recommend this place."

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2024

Emporium Hotel South Bank
Arena Apartments by CLLIX
Arena Apartments by CLLIX
4 out of 5
9 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹13,001 per night from 30 Dec to 31 Dec
₹13,001
₹14,301 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Dec - 31 Dec
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions XXXX Brewery and Queensland Performing ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,703 reviews)
"Good facility and location A lot of shops and restaurants nearby Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 3 Dec 2024

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.

Other neighbourhoods around South Bank

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

South Brisbane

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 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 The Catchment Brewing Co..

West End
Default Image

Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(124 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 Brisbane Customs House and Eagle Street Pier.

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
Milton featuring 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