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 ₹10,986 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
₹10,986
₹12,085 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Beautiful huge modern room, very clean and tidy. Helpful staff, great location"

Reviewed on 18 Apr 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
The price is ₹10,361 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
₹10,361
₹11,397 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Friendly staff, clean and well presented room. Easy walk to Southbank, will be staying again."

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2025

Novotel Brisbane South Bank Hotel
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 ₹8,825 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
₹8,825
₹9,707 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (612 reviews)
"Pillows too hard Otherwise it was great. We have stayed there 4 times and will return. Easy walk to southbank eateries and we are in our 70s loved it 😀"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

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 ₹20,277 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
₹20,277
₹22,304 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Understanding that we were an elderly couple. We were surprised by the modern aspect of the hotel. But we loved it. Great staff. Great food. We were there for a special celebration. Our family appreciated the care of us by the staff. The valet staff were great when we encountered heavyy rain. We ..."

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2025

Emporium Hotel South Bank
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
4.5 out of 5
161 Grey Street, South Bank, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is ₹10,361 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
₹10,361
₹11,397 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Staff were extremely friendly and efficient. Room was quiet and well keep clean and tidy. Close to restaurants and walking distance to everything for our conference time in Brisbane"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2025

Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Atlas Apartments by CLLIX
Atlas Apartments by CLLIX
4 out of 5
39 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is ₹16,305 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
₹16,305
₹16,305 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (655 reviews)
"Spacious property, easy walk to the convention centre where I wanted to be, plenty of restaurants around."

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025

Atlas 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 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 West End Ferry Terminal or Brisbane 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 Waterfront Brisbane.

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 Holman Street Ferry Terminal or Dockside 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