Attraction
Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
Queensland's state art museum, split between two free riverside buildings at South Bank, with Australian, Indigenous and Asia Pacific art and a cinema.
South Bank Parklands
A 17.5-hectare riverside park on the former Expo 88 site, with the free lifeguard-patrolled Streets Beach lagoon, a bougainvillea arbour and river views.
At a glance
- Type
- Riverside park and public lagoon
- Area
- South Bank, Brisbane, Australia
- Opening
- Open daily · 05:00–23:59
- Official site
- visitsouthbank.com.au
Good to know
- Free entry
- Lifeguard-patrolled lagoon
- Free barbecues
- Playgrounds
- Accessible toilets
- Beach wheelchairs
Why we recommend it
South Bank Parklands occupies the riverside land where Brisbane hosted World Expo 88. After the exposition the state government considered commercial development, but public pressure led to the site becoming a park, which opened on 20 June 1992. It now covers about 17.5 hectares along the southern bank of the Brisbane River, facing the city centre.
The best-known feature is Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon fringed with sand where you can swim for free in the middle of the city. Lifeguards patrol the swimming areas during opening hours, and pool and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed free for up to two hours with photo ID and a refundable deposit. Walking south, the Grand Arbour runs for about a kilometre beneath 443 steel columns covered in bougainvillea. Nearby are the Wheel of Brisbane, a 60-metre observation wheel added in 2008, and the Nepalese Peace Pagoda, which was moved here from the Expo site.
The precinct is open daily from 5am to midnight and entry is free. Swimming area hours change with the seasons, so it is worth calling the visitor centre on the morning of your visit. Free electric barbecues are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Picnic Island Green, the Riverside Green Pavilion and near the Riverside Playground, which makes the park a good choice for a low-cost family afternoon. Alcohol may be consumed only in certain licensed areas between 10am and 8pm, and with substantial food.
The parklands suit almost everyone: families come for the lagoon and playgrounds, couples for evening walks along the river, and runners and cyclists for the shared paths that link to Kangaroo Point and the city. Dogs are welcome on a lead but are not allowed in or around the pools.
South Brisbane and South Bank railway stations, the Cultural Centre and South Bank busway stations and several CityCat terminals are all within walking distance. From the city, cross Victoria Bridge or the Goodwill Bridge on foot. The underground South Bank car park on Little Stanley Street has more than 800 spaces. The cultural institutions of QAGOMA, the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre are at the northern end of the park.
South Bank Parklands FAQs
Is South Bank Parklands free?
Yes. Entry to the parklands and to Streets Beach is free.
What are the opening hours?
The precinct is open daily from 5am to midnight. Streets Beach and the other swimming areas have seasonal hours, so call the visitor centre on (07) 3867 2111.
Is Streets Beach patrolled?
Yes. Qualified lifeguards patrol all swimming areas during operating hours.
Are there barbecues?
Yes. Free electric barbecues are available at Picnic Island Green, Riverside Green Pavilion and near Riverside Playground, first come, first served.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on a lead, but not in the pools, on the beach or in the areas next to them, except assistance dogs.
Can you drink alcohol at South Bank?
Only in the licensed areas of River Quay, Picnic Island Green and Riverside Green between 10am and 8pm, with substantial food.
Is South Bank accessible?
Accessible toilets are at several points, and pool and beach wheelchairs are free to borrow for up to two hours with ID and a deposit.
Where can I park?
The South Bank car park on Little Stanley Street, entered from Tribune Street or Glenelg Street, has more than 800 spaces.