South Bank arbour submitted by Michael Marston.
If you only have a couple of hours to see and do something in Brisbane, then it’s always a safe bet that South Bank will keep you happy and entertained. Situated beside the Brisbane River on the site of Expo 88, South Bank is the playground and meeting spot for everyone in Brisbane, where we gather for big events, fireworks, cultural shows and fun in all seasons. It’s a must-see spot for all visitors and the place that residents return to again and again.
With only a couple of hours to spend, here are the highlights of South Bank:
Swim
All year round you can swim at Streets Beach with a city skyline view and kids can frolic in the water playground. Ice creams, lifesavers and sand are also part of South Bank’s beach scene.
Shop
Go shopping - there are markets on Friday night and all weekend. The South Bank markets are the perfect place to browse or buy a local souvenir or gift. Or walk along the shopping strip of Little Stanley Street for a boutique shopping experience.
Eat and drink
South Bank has dozens of restaurants with many cuisines to choose from. Some within South Bank have wonderful views over the river and city, others (like the pubs at the Plough Inn and Ship Inn) are in historic buildings that hint at the industrial past of the area. Read about the South Bank dining precinct.
Be entertained
See a show or movie. South Bank has a great value big screen cinema and there’s always a live performance of music, dance or theatre playing at QPAC.
Stroll to Brisbane’s Cultural Centre from South Bank - there’s always an exhibition or other event to see at the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum or the State Library.
Be active
Get active - hire rollerblades or bikes and move yourself along the riverfront paths for fun and exercise. Or simply walk the pathways that wind through the area, taking in the sights and sounds. Every Friday night feel the rhythm of latin dancing on the streets of South Bank.
Getting to South Bank is very easy and sometimes part of the fun. Hop off and on the CityCats which cruise along the river and stop at South Bank. You can walk across the Victoria Bridge from the Queen Street Mall or the Goodwill Bridge from the Botanic Gardens. Catch a train to South Bank or South Brisbane stations. There are dozens of buses that go to the South Bank or Cultural Centre busway too.
Webcam
Check the weather before your visit with our live webcam at South Bank.
For more information visit the South Bank website.
