South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands
4.5
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
South Bank Parklands is Brisbane's premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, its 17 hectares of lush parklands, world-class eateries, stunning river views and hundreds of delightful events all year round make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
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2,939 within 5 kms
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469 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- ItchyFeetCamarillo, California11,581 contributionsNice walking areaWe walked to the area from the W Hotel and wandered through the area, the beach, rain forest, rode the wheel and saw the Brisbane sign. There are bats in the trees by the sign so be careful. My wife got bat pooped on while walking under the trees. We walked around the area both in the daytime and at night.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
- Aussie_2012Melbourne, Australia962 contributionsStunning foreshore area in the heart of BrisbaneStunning foreshore area in the heart of Brisbane. This area is over 30 years old but it is truly a beautiful place filled with so many places to visit from vegetarian gardens, a beach and pools, bars and cafes, stunning gardens, markets, cultural and exhibition centres and walkways. Takes about 20 minutes to walk the length but you'll be stopping so frequently so you could easily spend hours here. It's clean, peaceful and amazing to visit right in the heart of the city.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten November 26, 2023
- AllanJGJWellington, New Zealand4,210 contributionsCentral are to stay in BrisbaneThe whole of the South Bank is interesting, not just the Parklands and the cultural precinct. If you're in high-rise accommodation as were there's great views across the river to the CBD. Also some interesting buildings and good cafes around Fish Lane. And of course the area is very central; easy to get to Paddington and the West End as well as downtown.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 10, 2023
- Spotty ManJimboomba, Australia195 contributionsA wonderful place for everyone in the centre of BrisbaneI have been spending time at Southbank for more years than I care to recall and love the place. It has been a thing for me to drop off my wife at an event somewhere in the City and then go for a wander through Southbank (almost always with our dogs) for many, many years. I love the relaxed nature of the place and feel that it mirrors the lifestyle in Qld quite well. Chilled, unpretentious and suitable for whatever folks want to do whether it be riding a bike, reading a book, jogging, playing with kids, strolling, having a swim or a BBQ. Did I mention that puppies on leads are welcome ? Plenty of food outlets, transport options and hidden delights like the sensory garden and the little boardwalks..... Not to mention the easy access across and along both sides of the river for many kms. A wonderful way to spend as little or as long as you like.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten April 21, 2024
- geelongexpatMelbourne, Australia1,250 contributionsNice placeNice place to spend an Arvo. Lots of interesting things to see like the Nepalese pagoda. There was free live music playing on a Sunday Arvo and lots of restaurant options nearbyVisited June 2024Travelled soloWritten June 24, 2024
- GregTrav28Orlando, Florida685 contributionsVery nice walk, very busy playgroundOn a warm day I'm sure the pool and lagoon are both tons of fun and slammed with people. It was a cooler day in winter so too cold for water and the playground is alright. Still nice views of the water and worth checking out. Plenty of food options nearbyVisited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 22, 2024
- Ian LKent, United Kingdom50 contributionsA snapshot of vibrant cityWell laid out and completely accessible. Beach was inviting, rainforest walk and Nepalese peace pagoda worth a visit. Couple this with a river cruise, Brisbane Wheel, great views across the river, theatre, cinema or eating out you have a complete snapshot of Brisbane.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten August 14, 2024
- Simon H8 contributionsBest part of BrisbaneI used to live in Brisbane for two years when this part of town on the south bank of the Brisbane river was nothing more than a small paddling pool that no-one much used. Now it's a bustling place with a couple of large swimming areas complete with lifeguards and sand. There' s a huge Ferris Wheel, a cultural centre, a Japanese pagoda, a rain-forest walk-through and, presumably in honour of the 2024 Paris Olympics, a miniature Eiffel Tower. A great place to amble through with lots of photo ops.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten August 26, 2024
- Morney TSydney, Australia6 contributionsWorth a visit dor family day outGreat place to relax with family with great facilities. Very good restaurants and swimming facilities. Spend a couple of days in the sun along the south bank and with easy ferry access.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten September 1, 2024
- C MAuckland Central, New Zealand844 contributionsMy favourite part of BrisbaneFor me this is the best part of Brisbane. It has everything you need: galleries and museum, great views across the river, plenty of eateries, a great walk and running path all along the water and plenty of bridges that make it an easy walk back to the CBD. It has a nice and relaxed feel and it definitely a popular area at all times of day and for people of all ages. Definitely check it out.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,653 reviews
Excellent
8,221
Very good
3,078
Average
287
Poor
37
Terrible
30
Dean
Brisbane, Australia14 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Bad- ffs people put your phones away while swimming all you stuck ups taking photos while in the water.We don’t want our kids in the back ground of your photos.
So many people doing this pissed me off
Good- Great water temperature in a great spot
So many people doing this pissed me off
Good- Great water temperature in a great spot
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonique Life
Australia1,604 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Southbank has amazing restaurants with such a chilled out vibe with an awesome ferris wheel also ( fee is involved!)
There is also a lovely swimming area. This is hands down the best free public lagoon we have found so far on our travels.
It has several pools with a variety of functions/ages. There are shallow pools for the kids and a deep beach section with real sand giving it a beach feel in the middle of the city.
“Jonique Life”
Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
There is also a lovely swimming area. This is hands down the best free public lagoon we have found so far on our travels.
It has several pools with a variety of functions/ages. There are shallow pools for the kids and a deep beach section with real sand giving it a beach feel in the middle of the city.
“Jonique Life”
Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Written April 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona S
Canberra, Australia75 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Great place to pick up some handicrafts, art and clothing at the markets - Friday to Sunday. Multiple bars, restaurants and cafes. The parklands are lovely to walk around, perfect place to bring a picnic and watch the life of the river. Check out the kitchen garden to the east and the Tibetan temple to the western side. One of the best things is the man made beach and free form pools - there is also a water park for littlies. There are toilets, showers and lockers available. The large Ferris wheel is to the west. Also walking distance to the art galleries and museums. Just be warned that parking is expensive but if you park in the Arts Precinct to the western side it is cheaper at $17 per day. Better yet catch the train, citycat, free city hopper or an Uber
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saronic
Zurich, Switzerland28,960 contributions
Nov 2019
Crossing over the pedestrian Kurilpa Bridge to the South Bank I walked past several cultural institutions to the Parklands area, always with great views over the river to the CBD with its skyscrapers. En route I saw the Ferris Wheel, the Nepalese Peace Pagoda with its intricate woodcarvings and the Streets Beach with swimming pools and sandy beaches.
It was a beautiful sunny day and a lot of people seemed to have a great time, also at the many restaurants, bars and cafés. I don't remember having seen a similiar set up, especially with the beaches, anywhere so close to a city center. For nature lovers there is a small rainforest left and I saw quite a few - for an European - interesting birds. Back to the northside I went over the also pedestrian Goodwill Bridge.
It was a beautiful sunny day and a lot of people seemed to have a great time, also at the many restaurants, bars and cafés. I don't remember having seen a similiar set up, especially with the beaches, anywhere so close to a city center. For nature lovers there is a small rainforest left and I saw quite a few - for an European - interesting birds. Back to the northside I went over the also pedestrian Goodwill Bridge.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan N
6 contributions
Jan 2020
Swimming lagoons are supervised by trained lifeguards even at night, I was surprised to see. With eateries for all budgets, walking trails along the river, transport on cute little ferries, dramatic cityscape views,exciting climbing activities, market stalls, lovely vegetation and even an authentic exotic wooden temple leftover from the old Expo. South Bank has it all.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
margaret f
Coolangatta, Australia11 contributions
Jul 2019
I had great day strolling around Southbank before and after a show at the Lyric Theatre. Caught the City Hopper from Eagle St Pier to Southbank and wondered through the market and a festival that was on at the time. The Bouganvilea was in flower that covers the arched walkway and it was so beautiful. the gardens were so lush and green at the time and it was a lovely sunny day. lots of families were about enjoying the bike ways and picnic areas and festival. After our musical at the Lyric Theatre we walked back to the Emporium Hotel overlooking Southbank and the River and had a cocktail the rooftop bar and took in the beautiful city and river lights
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke Hauritz
Brisbane, Australia232 contributions
Jan 2020
One of my favourite places in Brisbane is South Bank, Grey St & Little Stanley St will definitely be a great day out for you and your family.
Huge pool that attracts hundreds or people during the holidays and so many places to eat whether it's a restaurant, confectionery, ice cream and drinking.
There is an outstanding lolly shop for the whole family with lots of American stuff in that you probably haven't seen before, they come up with some crazy stuff.
Also a NZ Natural ice cream and sorbet place near a Subway.
Bavarian Brauhaus if you want some pub grub and beers.
A couple of my favourite restaurant there include Yellowfin Seafood and grill, Ahmet's & Harajuku Gyoza.
Huge pool that attracts hundreds or people during the holidays and so many places to eat whether it's a restaurant, confectionery, ice cream and drinking.
There is an outstanding lolly shop for the whole family with lots of American stuff in that you probably haven't seen before, they come up with some crazy stuff.
Also a NZ Natural ice cream and sorbet place near a Subway.
Bavarian Brauhaus if you want some pub grub and beers.
A couple of my favourite restaurant there include Yellowfin Seafood and grill, Ahmet's & Harajuku Gyoza.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad Sawyers
3 contributions
Jan 2021
I had a lovely day in Brisbane made so by the South Bank Parklands. Breakfast, followed by a swim in the lagoon, an afternoon stroll under the arch trellis, followed by an ice-cream and relaxation under a big shady tree in the park. This area has it all.
I was so impressed as I don't really like cities and find them a bit too busy and overwhelming. Not the case with South Bank Parklands. It is a calm, relaxing, inviting space that breathes life into and revitalises the city of Brisbane. I can't wait to visit again one day.
I was so impressed as I don't really like cities and find them a bit too busy and overwhelming. Not the case with South Bank Parklands. It is a calm, relaxing, inviting space that breathes life into and revitalises the city of Brisbane. I can't wait to visit again one day.
Written March 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
STEPHEN N
Brisbane, Australia23,157 contributions
Jul 2020
During our 2 wk holiday in Brisbane from Cairns we spend a considerable amount of time exploring South Bank Area, some new construction work going on & unfortunately the Brisbane Channel 7 Wheel wasn't operating. Many Cafe's Restaurants open for all tastes & budget. Overall a beautiful area to explore for all ages.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol R
Brisbane, Australia50 contributions
Jan 2020
Each time I stroll through Southbank, I seem to discover something new. The man-made beach is always popular, and it's setting is just lovely and there are life guards. There are casual eating areas abound, as well as dine in restaurants, whatever your choice happens to be. With plenty of beautiful grassed areas, you can sit and watch the comings and goings while having a picnic lunch, and watch the boat traffic on the lovely Brisbane River.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I'm curious... are cats allowed at the parkland playgrounds? (And on the Equipment)
Considering they are leashed, kept away from fountains & showers as well as picked up after?
Written May 4, 2023
Sorry do not know, did not see any cats on or off leash while there.
Written May 4, 2023
How far is airport from this area ? Can you take a morning flight from here ?
Written December 9, 2019
Yes aprox 30 mins depending on time of day. Using both tunnels costing $10 reduces travel time to here from airport and then back. Then allow the time to walk around too
Written December 10, 2019
Is Streets Beach well lit at night for an evening swim?
Written April 16, 2018
Hi, there are lights and security, but as in all city parks over the world, one must take care in darkness (especialy in parks).
Written April 16, 2018
Is Streets Beach well lit at night for an evening swim?
Written April 16, 2018
Hi Courtney. The main beach area is lit enough that you can see around when you are in the water.
Written April 16, 2018
If you eat at a resturant is it free parking?
Written January 16, 2018
No parking is not free.
Written January 17, 2018
Can you erect sun shelters at the parklands beach?
Written January 5, 2018
The official answer is "No" for the sand and possibly the whole parkland. You could be fined and/or asked to leave, though I can't see how they could stop you coming back to another area. If you Google images of the beach and the parkland as a whole, you will not see any temporary shelters or umbrellas. There are some areas of sand under trees and lots of sunny and shaded areas on the grass close by.
Written January 5, 2018
Hi, are there lockers near the man made beach and swimming pools? I only ask as I’ll be travelling alone when I visit.
Written September 29, 2017
Hi! This is what I read about our Southbank:
Locker Hire
Lockers are available for temporary hire in Stanley Street Plaza, near Streets Beach. Hire fees are $4 for three hours and $8 for six hours. Please note that these lockers are for short term use only. Overnight storage is not permitted.
Hope this will help.
Written October 2, 2017
How accessible is the parklands (for a wheelchair)?
Written May 17, 2017
Very accessible, Ramps down to the market area and pool, and lifts up from the car park and up the the second story pubs and restaurants. The rest is all gently sloping paths. But it does get crowded
Written May 21, 2017
Do you have gluten free lunch options?
Written November 3, 2015
There are many different eateries at Southbank. I recall see dairy and gluten free optiond. I notice this because I need it too!
Written November 4, 2015
I need accommodation close to The Plough Inn. My husband uses a "Walker" due to limited agility. Any suggestions for somewhere close?
Written July 4, 2015
Rydges would be ideal. Get a room overlooking the river & the Southbank parklands. Enjoy your stay!!
Written July 6, 2015
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