South Bank in Brisbane activities offer one of the most dynamic and multifaceted experiences in all of Australia, weaving together culture, cuisine, nature, and recreation along the scenic banks of the Brisbane River. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a local rediscovering your city, or a family seeking fun and relaxation, South Bank presents a unique blend of offerings that reflect the very soul of Brisbane. As a precinct that welcomes more than 14 million visitors annually, according to Visit Brisbane, its appeal lies in the seamless way it fuses urban vibrancy with lush parklands and cultural sophistication.
Art lovers can immerse themselves in the extraordinary collections of the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), which houses over 20,000 pieces and stands as a cornerstone of Queensland’s cultural landscape. Just steps away lies the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), which hosts more than 1,200 performances annually, drawing 1.5 million patrons across ballet, opera, and theatre. For a taste of Brisbane’s literary pulse, the Brisbane Writers Festival held at South Bank each September attracts over 25,000 attendees and transforms the area into a literary celebration that resonates with readers, thinkers, and creatives alike.
Culinary explorers will find South Bank to be a gourmet paradise. The famed Little Stanley Street strip features more than 30 international eateries, from modern Thai to classic Italian, creating a true global feast. High-end dining at River Quay delivers not only culinary excellence but also panoramic river views that elevate every meal. Events such as Regional Flavours, which draws upwards of 80,000 foodies annually, underscore how South Bank in Brisbane activities feed not only the body but the community spirit.
The natural wonders of South Bank are equally enticing. Streets Beach — the only inner-city man-made beach in Australia — welcomes nearly 800,000 sun-seekers each year and offers a refreshing escape from urban hustle. Extensive cycling and walking paths wind through the South Bank Parklands, while the Arbour Walk, with its bougainvillea-draped steel arches, remains a favourite among photographers and morning joggers alike. Those seeking peace and restoration can wander through the Rainforest Walk, a lush, shaded retreat featuring over 4,000 subtropical plants.
Recreation is at the heart of South Bank, from kayaking along the river with Riverlife to early morning yoga and Tai Chi classes that animate the lawns. The area’s layout and facilities make it an ideal location for wellness-focused visitors; according to Tourism and Events Queensland, interest in outdoor fitness and wellness experiences in South Bank rose by 17% in the past two years alone.
More than just a destination, South Bank is Brisbane’s living room — a place where stories unfold, creativity flourishes, and communities converge. As you explore the chapters of art, food, play, and nature detailed in the following sections, you’ll discover how deeply South Bank in Brisbane activities are woven into the cultural and emotional fabric of the city.
Urban Oasis: Cultural and Artistic Delights at South Bank
The Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
Located at the northern end of South Bank, QAGOMA is a cornerstone of cultural engagement. With over 20,000 works of historical and contemporary art from Australia, Asia, and the Pacific, it receives nearly 1.3 million visitors annually. The two galleries offer rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and interactive workshops, making them central to South Bank in Brisbane activities.
Performing Arts at QPAC
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) presents more than 1,200 performances annually, attracting over 1.5 million patrons. Home to the Queensland Ballet, Opera Queensland, and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, QPAC hosts everything from Shakespeare to Broadway musicals. It’s a must-visit for those looking to engage with South Bank in Brisbane activities centered around performance and stagecraft.
Streets Beach Cinema and Live Events
The outdoor cinema and frequent live music events at Streets Beach offer a more casual cultural experience. With seating for up to 400 people and free weekend screenings, this venue adds to the accessibility of the arts in South Bank. More than 150 live events are hosted annually, ranging from jazz nights to cultural festivals.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Experiences
Cultural tours led by Indigenous guides provide deep insight into Brisbane’s First Nations heritage. According to Tourism and Events Queensland, demand for Indigenous experiences grew by 12% in 2023. South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt often features Aboriginal art displays and performances, integrating tradition into modern public life.
Brisbane Writers Festival and Cultural Celebrations
Held each September, the Brisbane Writers Festival draws over 25,000 attendees. The event transforms South Bank into a literary hub with book signings, author talks, and poetry slams. It exemplifies how South Bank in Brisbane activities fuse art, intellect, and public engagement on a grand scale.
Culinary Adventures: Savoring Brisbane’s Vibrant Flavors
Eat Street and Riverside Markets
Open every Friday to Sunday, Eat Street Northshore welcomes around 15,000 visitors weekly. Though technically just north of South Bank, it influences the weekend food culture significantly. Meanwhile, South Bank’s Riverside Markets host 70+ local vendors every Sunday, spotlighting artisanal bites, global cuisine, and fresh produce—crucial highlights of South Bank in Brisbane activities.
Little Stanley Street Dining Strip
This strip offers more than 30 restaurants, with cuisines from Italian to Malaysian. According to Brisbane Economic Development Agency, the hospitality sector in South Bank contributes over $450 million annually. Notable venues like Zeus Street Greek and Brooklyn Depot serve thousands of diners each week.
River Quay and Fine Dining
River Quay provides stunning views of the Brisbane River paired with premium dining. With five award-winning establishments including Otto Ristorante and The Jetty, this area is known for its upscale ambience. In 2022, Otto alone reported serving 3,000 meals weekly, making fine dining a key part of South Bank in Brisbane activities.
Craft Breweries and Rooftop Bars
The craft beer scene is thriving, with venues like Tippler’s Tap and The Charming Squire drawing in beer lovers. Craft beer consumption in Queensland has grown by 9.3% year-on-year since 2021, reflecting this rising trend. Many bars also offer panoramic rooftop views, combining social vibrancy with scenic appeal.
Foodie Festivals and Seasonal Tastings
South Bank plays host to multiple food festivals, including Regional Flavours, which attracts over 80,000 attendees each year. The event includes chef demos, wine tastings, and children’s culinary workshops, embedding itself firmly within South Bank in Brisbane activities that bring food to life.
Riverside Escapades: Fun, Fitness, and Family Activities
Streets Beach and Aquatic Playground
Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach, Streets Beach attracts over 800,000 visitors annually. With white sand, lifeguards, and lagoon-style pools, it’s a family favourite. These facilities are central to South Bank in Brisbane activities, blending recreation and urban design seamlessly.
Cycling and Scooter Trails
More than 20 kilometers of dedicated paths run along the riverfront. According to Brisbane City Council, over 10,000 cyclists use South Bank trails weekly. Lime and Beam scooters are also available for rent, enabling convenient and eco-friendly exploration.
River Cruises and Kayaking Adventures
South Bank’s terminals serve CityCat ferries and private river cruises, offering transport and leisure in one. Kayak tours operated by Riverlife host over 5,000 participants annually and are growing in popularity, particularly among young adults and tourists seeking adventurous South Bank in Brisbane activities.
Playgrounds and Parklands
The Riverside Green Playground, reimagined in 2021, features state-of-the-art climbing frames and interactive water features. More than 200,000 children engage with the park each year. The broader South Bank Parklands span 17 hectares, offering barbecues, picnic areas, and fitness zones.
Fitness Events and Outdoor Classes
Free yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes occur weekly, sponsored by the Brisbane City Council. In 2023, over 30,000 people participated in these health events. Morning Tai Chi by the river is especially popular among seniors and wellness-focused tourists, enhancing the health-forward nature of South Bank in Brisbane activities.
Green Retreats: Relaxation and Natural Beauty in the Heart of the City
Rainforest Walk and Exotic Gardens
The Rainforest Walk, a unique jungle path in an urban setting, features over 4,000 subtropical plants. It’s shaded, tranquil, and part of a larger network of themed gardens attracting more than 500,000 nature enthusiasts annually. It plays a serene role in South Bank in Brisbane activities.
Arbour Walk and Bougainvillea Vines
Stretching over one kilometer, the Arbour is adorned with 406 steel pergolas wrapped in vibrant bougainvillea. It’s one of the most photographed sites in Brisbane and is used daily by joggers, wedding photographers, and morning strollers. It’s an iconic element of the landscape and a vital part of South Bank in Brisbane activities.
Picnic Spots and Hammock Spaces
South Bank’s picnic lawns accommodate thousands of locals and tourists, especially during weekends. River Quay Green and Picnic Island are particularly popular. Brisbane’s 2022 tourism report noted that 68% of international visitors prefer parks and green spaces as resting zones.
Epicurious Garden and Edible Tours
The Epicurious Garden, maintained by volunteers, offers free herbs and seasonal tastings. Visitors can join guided horticultural tours weekly, with over 7,000 people attending annually. It combines sustainability with leisure and has become a standout among South Bank in Brisbane activities that encourage mindful living.
Wellness Zones and Meditation Corners
Dedicated quiet zones are scattered throughout South Bank, including shaded areas with benches and water features designed for meditation and mental wellness. According to the Queensland Health Department, visits to wellness-focused public spaces in Brisbane rose by 17% from 2021 to 2023. These spaces offer a calm counterbalance to the more energetic facets of South Bank in Brisbane activities.
