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.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links, I receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me maintain this site. Thank you.
If you plan on travelling around Australia, the best way to get around is by car. You get to see more, and you will find hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
Need A Car?
If you want to book a car, you can use one of these rental websites: EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars or Expedia.
Need Accommodation?
Try using these accommodation websites: Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day of exploring.
Subscribe to my blog and stay up-to-date as I share more information about my travel experiences.
All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.
Would you like to contact me for more information about this blog or another? You can leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
Contents
Southbank Parklands
It’s hard to believe now, but Southbank Parklands used to be run-down and not a pretty sight. That all changed when Brisbane hosted Expo 88, and after that success, the Parklands were born.
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre dominates the Melbourne Street entrance. Here, international musicals, 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 Bougainvillaea walkways providing 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, 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. A fighter Jet lighting up the sky with its afterburner is also included.
It’s very popular, so arrive early to secure a great spot to view it all.
The Wheel of Brisbane offers views of the city, and the Nepalese Peace Pagoda is the only exhibit remaining on the site, a nod to Expo 88.
There are restaurants with river views, and a food court, or you can bring your picnic and have a BBQ with a lot of green space for families to enjoy.
Collective Markets
The Collective Markets are held every weekend from Friday night to Sunday evening. You can browse or buy from many stalls that cater to all budgets. Jewellery, clothing, food, accessories, and more are available here.
It’s right in the heart of the Parklands, and 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
For more information on Markets in Southbank and Brisbane, you can read my blog, 7+ Terrific Brisbane City Markets to Visit.
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is at the western edge of Southbank. Walking tours take place on the second Sunday of each month, with more information available on their website.
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 and rooms were preserved as they were when the facility was decommissioned.
In the exhibition rooms, you can see more about sailing life since the white settlement. Stories of women on the water, including pirates, heroines, and Captains, are inspiring, as are all the other stories of exploration.
The Maritime Museum is for those who love Naval history, ships, and exploration. It’s an excellent 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
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 choice for families and those seeking to learn more about Queensland.
Inside the Museum, you have exhibitions ranging from dinosaurs in the outback to World War One.
Children can learn through interactive displays and computer screens that provide information on the subject.
The World War One exhibition on the ground floor offers a glimpse into the lives of Queenslanders, from those who went to war and those who stayed home, and their experiences, as told 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 throughout the ages and from other cultures. Guided tours operate in both buildings daily, giving new insights into the works of art.
The Gallery of Modern Art showcases installations by 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
- 01:00 pm–05:00 pm
- Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
QAG & GOMA Cafe Hours
- 7 Days
- 10:00 am–04:00 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 eastern 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 Southbank Station or South Brisbane. If you are coming by bus, you can get off in the city centre or outside the entrance. If you come 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, a family or a local.
If you want to read more about Brisbane and what to see and do, read my blog, 19 of the Best Brisbane Attractions.
Have You Found This Blog Helpful? Then Why Not Buy Me a Coffee?
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. 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 offers 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 bus travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage 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 offers house sittings worldwide.
- 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, the world’s first eSIM store, which 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.
Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!
