Stunning Views, BrisbaNe's Best Food and Cultural Cool:
Things to do at South Bank
River Quay, South Bank
Scenic views, an abundance of eateries, iconic landmarks and tranquil spaces – South Bank is just jam-packed with things to do, no matter the weather or your preferences.
Whether you’re looking to fill an entire weekend or just a couple of hours, Brisbane’s favourite precinct has got you covered.
- Pack a scrumptious picnic spread and your favourite sundowner to while away the afternoon at one of South Bank Parklands’ licensed greenspaces. For like-you-planned-it ambience, time your South Bank adventure to coincide with the live tunes at Sunday Social on the Green at River Quay.
- Climb aboard a CityCat, KittyCat or Brisbane’s free CityHopper for a picturesque, inner-city river ride with views you won’t find anywhere else.
- Visit a micro-brewery – The Charming Squire brews their own beer on site; enjoyed best when paired with a bite from their delicious pub-inspired menu.
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane
- Pop down to QAGOMA, Brisbane’s very own world-class art gallery, to be captivated by their range of exhibitions by local and international artists that change throughout the year.
- Grab a coffee and meander the famous Arbour, adorned with bright pink and purple bougainvillea flowers.
- Treat yourself to a sugar high at one of South Bank’s dessert cafes or ice creameries such as Max Brenner, San Churro, Ben & Jerry’s, Gelare, Cold Rock or New Zealand Natural. Gelato Messina is also worth walking to if you want to venture down Melbourne Street and out of the main precinct.
- Stop by the Queensland Maritime Museum to see the heritage-listed South Brisbane Dry Dock, the WW2 frigate HMAS Diamantina and more.
Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands
- Soak up some sun or make a splash at South Bank Parklands’ free swimming facilities, like the ever-popular and iconic beach in the city, Streets Beach. If your little swimmers like shallows to wade and play in, head to Aquativity, South Bank’s interactive waterplay park for kids.
- Round up your friends and throw a few shrimps on the barbie at one of the precinct’s free barbecues, where city views are just standard fare.
- Head the Queensland Museum and learn about all things science, animals, history and culture. Or get lost in a book at Queensland’s State Library, where books meet historic records and rare literary collections telling the story of this great state.
- Treat yourself to an Asian feast of bao buns, dumplings, curries and more at Viet de Lites, Ma Pa Me or Harajuku Gyoza.
Nepalese Pagoda, South Bank Parklands
- Snap a selfie with South Bank’s iconic landmarks – the Brisbane Sign and the Nepalese Pagoda.
- Go full green-thumb at South Bank Parklands’ Epicurious Garden, featuring fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs. Collect free samples from the harvest cart, which operates from 7am–11am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, subject to availability. Or one of the friendly volunteers can share the secrets of how they keep this garden growing!
- Get cultured at one of QPAC’s year-round calendar of events, including musicals, theatre, ballet performances and much more.
Brooklyn Depot, South Bank
- Go burger crazy! South Bank has a host of restaurants championing this worshipped culinary offering, including Brooklyn Depot, Bourbon Street and Fritzenberger. Of course you can’t go past a classic pub burger at the historic Ship Inn and Plough Inn.
- Stop by South Bank Cineplex and enjoy the latest movies in air-conditioned comfort. Still not swayed? We guarantee you won’t find cheaper tickets in Brisbane!
OTTO Ristorante, River Quay, South Bank
- Feeling fancy? South Bank offers a number of high-end eateries that won’t break the bank, including Tai Tai and GOMA Restaurant as well as River Quay’s fine-dining faves.
Poppies, South Bank
- Whether it's date night, girls’ night or after work drinks, you can find a tasty tipple at one of South Banks buzzing bars, including Poppies, Sangria Bar, Barbossa Bar & Bottle Shop, French Martini and The Margarita Bar. For jaw-to-the-floor Brisbane City views, head to The Emporium’s Terrace Bar to sip with a side of scenery.
Jem at Flowstate, South Bank Parklands
- Take five in Jem, an art installation created by Australian design studio ENESS. Jem is also interactive and responds to people as they move around the steel structure via sound and light, making it a much-loved spot for little ones to play hide-and-seek!
