In 1988, Brisbane hosted the World Expo, which opened up land on the banks of the Brisbane River in the city centre. Once the world had left, it became Southbank Parklands for all to enjoy year-round.
This area, situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, is now the heart of Brisbane’s cultural and recreational life. 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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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; you can check the schedule by visiting 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 Parklands 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 the entire event.
The Wheel of Brisbane offers panoramic views of the city, and the Nepalese Peace Pagoda is the only remaining exhibit on the site, a nod to Expo 88.
There are restaurants with river views, a food court, or you can bring your own picnic and have a BBQ in the spacious green area, perfect 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 Parklands and Brisbane, you can read my blog, 7+ Terrific Brisbane City Markets to Visit.
Queensland Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is at the western edge of Southbank Parklands. Walking tours take place on the second Sunday of each month; more information is 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 please be aware that the steps are steep in some areas. Exhibitions with information boards and rooms were preserved in their original state, 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
To find the current prices for when you visit, click here.
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 will find exhibitions ranging from dinosaurs in the outback to World War I.
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’s on at the time of your visit by visiting their website 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 across two buildings, the Queensland Art Gallery features works from throughout the ages and various cultures. Guided tours are available in both buildings daily, offering 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. 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, or to find out what markets are on when, read 7+ Terrific Brisbane City Markets to Visit. Heading to Redcliffe? Please read my blog on what to see and do, The 31 Best Redcliffe Attractions in Queensland.
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Caution
Queensland is known as the skin cancer capital of the world, so it’s essential to always bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even in winter. Don’t forget to bring water as well.
Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at 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, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
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- Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- 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).
- Power Stations—Bluetti Australia and EcoFlow Australia Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.
- If you’re interested in learning more, try my Travel Links and Resources page.
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