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 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 kilometres) 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 theatres.

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

Things to do


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 Rp2.287.872 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
Rp2.287.872
Rp2.516.659 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Perfect location for our short stay--one of the required pick-ups for the Australian Zoo! good staff"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 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 Rp2.094.015 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
Rp2.094.015
Rp2.303.417 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Food excellent. Very clean. Good service."

Reviewed on 1 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 Rp1.719.104 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
Rp1.719.104
Rp1.891.014 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 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 Rp3.739.966 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
Rp3.739.966
Rp4.113.963 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 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! (1,001 reviews)
"5 stars"

Reviewed on 3 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 Rp2.093.997 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
Rp2.093.997
Rp2.303.417 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 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! (1,000 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
Arena Apartments by CLLIX
Arena Apartments by CLLIX
4 out of 5
9 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane, QLD
The price is Rp2.825.549 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
Rp2.825.549
Rp3.108.104 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions XXXX Brewery and Suncorp Stadium ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,755 reviews)
"Always clean and has everything we need with variety of food options around"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2025

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 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 Brisbane Brewing Co. or West End Ferry Terminal.

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 ANZAC Square War Memorial 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