South Bank

Brisbane

South Bank featuring a sunset, a bridge and a high rise building
South Bank which includes night scenes, modern architecture and a temple or place of worship
South Bank which includes street scenes, a city and flowers
South Bank which includes night scenes
South Bank which includes 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 artefacts.

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

Things to do


Top hotels in 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 P7,154 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,154
P7,869 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! (1,001 reviews)
"5 star"

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

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 P7,948 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,948
P8,743 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Great centrally located hotel, walking distance to Southbank attractions"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Rydges 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! (279 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"Good little studio apartment with kitchen basics. The windows could be more sound proof though as there is a bit of noise from the hospital (sirens, helicopters)."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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
The price is P6,777 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P6,777
P7,455 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (665 reviews)
"Was happy with the service"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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 P13,300 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P13,300
P14,629 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! (1,002 reviews)
Very comfortable luxurious hotel
"It is a very comfortable hotel. The staff are so friendly especially Chloe on reception and Gareth Food and Beverage Manager. We had a super relaxing 3 days after sailing for 7 months"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,446 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,446
P8,191 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice place good location for Qpac, only issue is parking, 350 meters away is no idea"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

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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