In 1988, Brisbane held the World Expo, opening up land on the banks of the Brisbane River in the city centre. Once the world had left, it became Parklands for all to enjoy year-round.
This area on the banks of the Brisbane River is now the heartland of Brisbane culture and relaxation. With a beach, markets, museums and parklands to relax on, Southbank Parklands has become a favourite destination for visitors to the city and locals for over 30 years.
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If you are travelling around Australia, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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Contents
Southbank Parklands
It’s hard to believe now, but Southbank Parklands used to be run-down and not a pretty sight, but that all changed when Brisbane was the host of Expo 88, and after that success, the Parklands were born.
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre dominates the Melbourne Street entrance. It is here that international musicals and local ballets and theatre are performed. If you’re in the city for a few days, you might want to catch a show, and you can see what’s on their website here.
In Summer, it’s the only place to cool off in the city with Streets Beach, which is patrolled, and Bougainvillea walkways giving you shade as you walk through the Parklands.
This is even a nice place to be after the sun sets.
If you’re after fireworks displays then The parklands are the place to be on New Year’s Eve and the Riverfire in September, which closes the Brisbane City Festival.
Riverfire has fireworks from Southbank, to the City Skyscrapers, to the Story Bridge, and all along the Brisbane River for everyone to enjoy. There is also a Fighter Jet lighting up the sky with its afterburner.
It’s very popular, so be sure to get there early for a great spot to view it all.
The Wheel of Brisbane will give you views of the city, and the Nepalese Peace Pagoda is a nod to Expo 88, being the only exhibit remaining on the site.
There are restaurants with river views, and a food court, or you can bring your own picnic and have a BBQ with a lot of green space for families to enjoy.
Collective Markets
The Collective Markets are held every weekend, Friday night to Sunday evening. You can browse or buy from many stalls that cater for all budgets. Jewellery, clothing, food, accessories and more can be found here.
It’s right in the heart of the Parklands, you can enjoy the Pubs and restaurants while shopping.
Hours
- Friday
- 05:00 pm–09:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am-09:00 pm
- Sunday
- 09:00 am-04:00 pm
Maritime Museum
At the western edge of Southbank is the Maritime Museum. Walking tours occur on a Sunday in the middle of each month, and more information can be found on their website here.
Once inside, you can explore the grounds first, where the HMAS Diamantina is kept in a dry dock.
You are free to explore this warship but be aware that the steps are steep in parts. Exhibitions with information boards, as well as rooms, were kept as they were when it was decommissioned.
In the exhibition rooms, you have more to see about sailing life since the white settlement. Stories of women on the water, including pirates, heroines and Captains, are inspiring as well as all the other stories of exploration.
The Maritime Museum is for those who love Naval history, ships, and exploration. It’s a great place for families.
Hours
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
- Entry doors open at 10:00 am and close at 3:15 pm
- The museum closes at 4:15 pm
Saturday & Sunday
- Entry doors open at 10:00 am and close at 3:15 pm
- The museum closes at 4:15 pm
- Closed 24-26 December, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day.
Prices
- Adult $18.00
- Child (under 15) $8.00
- Concession (with valid card) $15.00
- Family ((2 adults and up to 3 children under 15) $42.00-$50.00
Cultural Precinct
The Cultural Precinct covers the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the State Library, the Queensland Art Gallery and the Queensland Museum.
Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum is an excellent place for families and those wanting to learn more about Queensland.
Inside the Museum, you have exhibitions ranging from dinosaurs in the outback to World War One.
Kids can learn through interactive displays as well as computer displays with information on the subject.
The World War One exhibition on the ground floor gives you a glimpse of the people of Queensland, from those who went to war and those who stayed home and their experiences through interactive boards and memorabilia.
Although the Museum is free to wander through, there are also paid exhibitions. You can find all the information on what is on at the time of your visit by visiting their site here.
Hours
- 7 Days
- 09:30 am–05:00 pm
- Anzac Day
- 01:30 pm–05:00 pm
- Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art
Housed over two buildings, the Queensland Art Gallery has works from not only throughout the ages but also from other cultures. Guided tours operate in both buildings every day, giving new insights into the works of art.
In the Gallery of Modern Art, installations showcase Australian artists over two levels. I’m not into Modern Art, but it was interesting to walk through and once again, it’s free. You can check out what’s on in these Galleries here.
Art Gallery and GOMA Hours
- 7 Days
- 10:00 am–05:00 pm
- Anzac Day
- 01:30 pm–05:00 pm
- Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
QAG Cafe Hours
- 7 Days
- 10:00 am–04:45 pm
GOMA Bistro Hours
- Weekdays from 10:00 am
- Weekends from 09:00 am
- Lunch 11:00 AM–03:00 pm
- Brunch on weekends 09:00 am-10:45 am
- Closed Good Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day
GOMA Restaurant Hours
- Thursday-Sunday Lunch
- 12:00 PM–03:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday Dinner
- 05:30 PM-Late
- Closed Monday-Wednesday, Easter weekend, Christmas and Boxing Day
Getting to Southbank Parklands
There are three bridges you can cross to bring you here. The Kurilpa Bridge, which takes you to the western end of the Cultural Precinct, the Goodwill Bridge, which takes you from the City Botanic Gardens to the western side of Southbank Parklands, and Victoria Bridge, which takes you from the City Centre to Southbank and/or the Cultural Precinct.
If you are arriving by train, you can get off at either Southbank station or South Brisbane, or by bus, you can get off in the city centre or if coming from the southern side of the River, there are many stops around the Parklands. Visit Translink to find your route.
Conclusion
Southbank is your one-stop place for all-around entertainment. No matter what time of year you are here there is always something for you to do whether you’re a solo traveller, family or local.
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Caution
Queensland is the skin cancer capital of the world, so always bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even in winter, and don’t forget your water.
Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
Travel Resources
- Flights & Accommodation – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
- Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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