South Bank Parklands Brisbane
South Bank Parklands is one of the most popular suburbs in Brisbane and you have to see it to understand why. This beautiful swathe of green park is home to cultural attractions, fine eateries, small rainforests, hidden lawns and gorgeous flora. Scattered throughout the area are barbecues and climbing gyms where youngsters swarm like bees to honey. A scenic esplanade offers spectacular views of the city and the whole area is laden with atmosphere and character. Visit South Bank Parklands to experience the best of Brisbane.
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Top South Bank Attractions You Should Visit
To make the most of your time in South Bank Brisbane, check out our list of top South Bank attractions which feature the best that this area has to offer.
Stanley Street Plaza
Stanley Street Plaza is the place to be in South Bank Brisbane especially if you like shopping, eating or just browsing the shops. The renovated section of historic Stanley Street is lined with cafes, shops and restaurants creating a wonderful atmosphere of fun and revelry. Stanley Street Plaza is also popular for the weekend craft and clothing market.
See the South Bank Brisbane Restaurants section below for more details on restaurants in the area.
Streets Beach
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Along with Stanley Street Plaza, Streets Beach is the main stand-out attraction in South Bank Brisbane and should be on your list of attractions to see in South Bank. This is an artificial swimming hole which is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike, especially on hot days. The reason for its popularity is due to its stunning architectural design – the swimming area wraps around trees, bridges and rookeries before opening up to resemble a tropical lagoon. There’s even a man-made sand beach lined with palm trees, with waves and sand, where you can swim, stroll, and cycle the meandering pathways. The beach even has its own lifeguards, despite the lack of rips, undertows and sharks in the water.
Suncorp Piazza
Not to be missed is the Suncorp Piazza which is an outdoor theatre that screens international sporting events regularly and movies during school holidays. The best part is that all events at the piazza are free. Occasionally, the piazza also hosts concerts and performances.
Wheel of Brisbane
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The best way to get a bird’s eye view of Brisbane city is to take a ride in the Wheel of Brisbane. The city’s newest attraction, at South Bank Parklands, lets you see the surrounds from a comfortable air-conditioned bubble. Take a 13-minute ride in an enclosed gondola on this giant observation wheel for a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Brisbane from 60m (197 ft.) up.
South Bank Brisbane Markets
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South Bank Brisbane comes alive on Friday evening and all Saturday and Sunday with the opening of the craft and clothing market stalls in Stanley Street Plaza. This large weekend market is popular with both locals and tourists who come here to buy local handicrafts, souvenirs and mementos.
Goodwill Bridge Brisbane
Goodwill Bridge is a 450-m (1,500-ft) pedestrian and cycle bridge, linking South Bank with the Botanic Gardens in the CBD. If you’re visiting the Botanic Gardens before or after South Bank, walk or cycle along Goodwill Bridge for a panoramic view of the city and its surrounds.
South Bank Brisbane Restaurants
There’s a good chance that as you wander around South Bank’s cultural offerings, you’ll built up an appetite. It’s a good thing that you’re in South Bank because there are some good dining options here to choose from. Below are some of the best restaurants and cafes in the area.
Café San Marco
This dining option in South Bank ticks many boxes. Swimming in a blithe, balmy atmosphere, this waterfront bistro is the perfect spot for a relaxed feed in photogenic surrounds. It’s a great place to bring kids or the entire family as the subdued menu offers a mix of everything from char-grilled steaks and Asian curries to salads and tapas dishes. It’s hard not to keep everyone happy here. Café San Marco is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ahmet’s
If you like Turkish food in particular or a bit of spice, try Ahmet’s in South Bank. This large restaurant makes the best pides in the area; try the Karidesli – Turkish pide stuffed with fresh prawns, rocket, garlic, basil, tomato, chilli and lemon butter glaze. Enjoy some Turkish entertainment while you eat as the seductive belly dancers strut their stuff in front of your tables. Ahmet’s is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Wang Dynasty
Try Wang Dynasty if you feel like some Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese cuisine accompanied with excellent views. Wang Dynasty is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Kapsali
This bustling taverna serves Mediterranean food in an elevated, airy dining space. Located behind Streets Beach, they are open daily for lunch and dinner.
How to get to South Bank Brisbane?
Skirting the western side of the Brisbane River, it’s easy to get here from Brisbane CBD. The Parklands are within easy walking distance of the CBD. You can also get there by CityCat or City Ferry (there are three jetties along the river bank) or by bus or train from the transit centre or Central Station.
South Bank Brisbane Map
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Tell us what you think. Are you thinking of visiting South Bank Brisbane? If you’ve been here before, what activities did you enjoy the most and why?
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