South Bank is well-known as the place to go for special occasions. It's where Brisbane comes together to celebrate. But with its large open areas, huge swimming lagoon and river front pathways, South Bank has become an area that everybody can use to keep healthy. Make it your regular place to get some exercise, stay fit and spend some time on yourself.
Whether you want a casual exercise class, an excuse to dance, recreation at your own pace or organised sport, there are plenty of options for you at South Bank. And the views of the Brisbane River and city skyline are better than anything you’ll see in a sweaty old gym.
Take a look at what’s on offer at South Bank:
Jogging and walking
Do the simplest form of exercise, using your own two feet. Take an early-morning power walk, push a pram along the boardwalk, de-stress with a relaxing stroll after a long day.
Walking the dog
South Bank is now a dog friendly place. You are now allowed to share the many walkways and grassy areas with your four-legged best friend. Take them for a brisk walk, lie in the sun and make some doggy memories. Your pooch has to be on a leash and well-behaved plus there are certain areas they aren't allowed. Read the rules for dogs at South Bank.
Solo walks
If you’re not interested in walking as part of a group, there are a number of walking paths at South Bank including the award winning arbour and the promenade along the riverside which connects up with the Goodwill Bridge, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs walkways, Victoria Bridge and West End. Just put on some comfy shoes and get walkin’.
Fun runs
Jogging more your speed? Check for fun runs and other fitness events happening at South Bank.
Emma from Morningside says: "My favourite way to stay in shape is running and riding along the river from West End into South Bank. You get to enjoy the river in a quiet area, and have a great run/ride."
Recreation and health
Stay active and be healthy without even realising it because you’re having too much fun. South Bank is the perfect place to get a little R'n'R - rest on the lush lawns or find recreation throughout the precinct.
Kickboxing
Great for fitness and self-defense, kick-boxing classes are held on weekdays, all year long at South Bank.
Latin dancing
Latin on Little Stanley - Friday Nights from 7pm to 10:30pm. This free event is on every week. A DJ plays great latin music. Anyone and everyone can dance on the footpath or just soak up the atmosphere. Get your dancing shoes on!
Swimming at Streets Beach
Streets Beach is patrolled seven days a week by experienced, professional lifeguards. Children can paddle in the shallow waters while stronger swimmers can do ‘laps’ or create their own aqua aerobics routines. There are good change room and shower facilities too.
David from Deebing Heights says: "Love nothing more than going to South Bank and walking around the fantastic grounds and then going for a dip in the beach to cool off, you don't even think you're exercising as you are having fun!"
Rollerblade along promenade
The bike path along the Brisbane River is perfect for rollerblading. Particularly popular on Saturday mornings, groups of rollerbladers can be found mid-morning in and around South Bank and the cafes along Little Stanley Street.
Leigh from Mt Gravatt East says: "On a sunny day there is nothing better than rollerblading along the Brisbane River from the Regatta to Dockside via South Bank, the Goodwill Bridge and Kangaroo Point to watching the rock climbers venture up the cliffs."
Cycling
The promenade along the river at South Bank provides cyclists with sweeping views of the CBD across the spectacular Brisbane River and is a great place for families to cycle together. South Bank’s cafes are a popular early morning meeting point for local cyclists.
South Bank bunch ride
The South Bank bunch ride (a.k.a. Star Café ride) is one of Brisbane’s most popular bunch rides for serious cyclists. Upwards of 120 people meet on Little Stanley Street every Saturday just prior to 6.00am before heading off to tackle 70 plus kilometres. Usually split into two bunches, a faster bunch that averages 34+ km/h and a slower group that averages 30 km/h. There are three different routes alternating weekly: Cleveland Point, return via Manly, Wynnum; Airport and Nudgee Beach return; and Redcliffe return. The bunch then returns to the cafes along Little Stanley Street to enjoy strong coffee and a big breakfast.
South Bank Nepalese Pagoda ride
Departing from the Nepalese Pagoda, South Bank, each Saturday at 6.00am (6.30am in winter) this ride is a good option for people wanting to get fitter while riding. Popular with people on mountain and hybrid bikes, this 35-40 kilometre ride follows the River Ride route before returning to South Bank for coffee.
Great Brisbane bike ride
Join in Brisbane's big bike ride with 3000 others, riding either 10, 30 or 50k loops around the Brisbane River via Chelmer and back to South Bank. This recreational ride is designed for anybody who has a bike and it's a great way to see Brissy by bike. Entry forms available at bike shops, from www.bq.org.au or phone Bicycle Qld 07 3844 1144.
Helen from Greenslopes says: "As a family we ride into South Bank on the bike tracks and enjoy a dip at the beach."
Craig from Hawthorne says: "It's great to catch the City Ferry across to Teneriffe and then cycle along the Bike track to South Bank or beyond then either back again or hop on the CityCat for the return journey if I'm pooped.”
Getting to South Bank
How do I get there?
South Bank is well serviced by bus, ferry and train connections. Check out our Transport section for comprehensive information on public transport options or call TransLink on 131 230. Alternatively, why not catch a taxi.
If you’re travelling by car, use "our maps" for venue location and to help you find the quickest route.
Where do I park?
The closest car park is the South Bank Parklands Underground Carpark (entry via Little Stanley Street), and when you spend $30 or more at any participating South Bank restaurants and retailers your parking is free.
Further information
Contact the South Bank Visitor Information Centre on (07) 3867 2051 or visit www.visitsouthbank.com.au.
What's your favourite get fit/have fun activity at South Bank? Add your comments below.
