What to Do in South Bank: Culture, Nature, Food, and Riverfront Life

South Bank is where Brisbane slows down, opens up, and invites you to experience the city at its most relaxed, vibrant, and human.

Set along the Brisbane River, South Bank is one of Australia’s most loved lifestyle precincts. It brings together subtropical parklands, world-class arts, standout dining, and waterfront views in a way that feels effortless and walkable. For visitors, it offers a rare mix of energy and ease, where iconic attractions sit comfortably alongside moments of calm.

Begin at South Bank Parklands

At the heart of the precinct is South Bank Parklands, a 17-hectare riverside sanctuary woven with walking paths, shaded lawns, and lush gardens. With more than 14 million visitors each year, it is one of the most visited destinations in Queensland.

Early mornings bring joggers and quiet river views. By midday, the parklands become a place to picnic, read, or simply pause between experiences. Everything here is designed to be unhurried, reflecting Brisbane’s outdoor-first way of life, where the river is something to enjoy, not rush past.

Swim at Streets Beach, Brisbane’s inner-city escape

One of South Bank’s most iconic experiences is Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach. Framed by palms and skyline views, it offers year-round, lifeguard-patrolled swimming just steps from cafés and walking paths.

Tourism and Events Queensland describes Streets Beach as “a unique urban swimming experience that reflects Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle.” For families, it is an easy, free highlight. For couples and solo travellers, it is a reminder that in Brisbane, even the city centre makes room for sand, water, and time outdoors.

Immerse yourself in arts and culture

South Bank is Brisbane’s cultural heart. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) presents theatre, ballet, opera, comedy, and live music across multiple venues, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors each year. An evening at QPAC feels special without being formal, making it easy to include culture in your stay.

Next door, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) offers a rotating program of international exhibitions alongside Australian and Asia-Pacific works. The galleries invite both quiet contemplation and shared discovery, appealing to seasoned art lovers and curious first-timers alike.

Together, these institutions make South Bank a place where culture is part of the everyday, not something set apart.

Follow the river, on foot or by ferry

The Brisbane River shapes the rhythm of South Bank. Walking or cycling along the river promenade reveals sweeping views back to the CBD, particularly beautiful in the soft light of late afternoon.

For a different perspective, CityCat ferries glide past the parklands, offering a relaxed way to see the city from the water while connecting South Bank to neighbouring precincts. The journey itself becomes part of the experience.

Eat and drink at your own pace

Dining is woven seamlessly into South Bank life. Little Stanley Street and nearby Fish Lane offer everything from casual cafés to destination restaurants, ideal for pre-theatre dinners, long lunches, or unplanned evenings that stretch into night.

The variety reflects Brisbane’s multicultural food scene and its preference for relaxed, social dining over formality.

Discover what’s on while you’re here

Markets, festivals, outdoor cinema, and live performances regularly animate South Bank’s public spaces. These events add an element of surprise, ensuring no two visits feel the same and encouraging guests to wander and explore.

South Bank rewards visitors who slow down, explore on foot, and let the river set the pace. Staying nearby makes it easy to experience more of Brisbane with less effort, allowing each day to unfold naturally, one walk, swim, or sunset at a time.