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Best Things to do in South Bank

Updated: Aug 06, 2025

Whether you’ve been in Brisbane for a decade or a day, chances are you've visited South Bank Parklands at least once. Brisbane’s iconic riverside parkland is famous for its restaurants and bars, but there’s so much more to discover:

The Collective Markets

For something different, hit up the Collective Markets for a spot of late-night shopping. The markets take over Stanley Street Plaza on Friday and Saturday nights with an eclectic mix of fashion, photography and gifts

Streets Beach

The perfect antidote to the corporate bustle of the CBD across the river, Streets Beach has something of the surreal about it

Sunday Social On The Green

People lying on grass by the Brisbane River at the Sunday Sessions on the Green

There are few ways to better farewell the weekend than at the fab free Sunday Social on the Green at the top end of South Bank.

Riverside Green Playground

Riverside Green, South Bank's most popular playground, is a magnet for kids, with river and city views

Take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, day or night, for spectacular city views. There’s even the option to book a VIP gondola (complete with bubbles) for your next romantic date night

QPAC

Enjoy a relaxed evening at QPAC. Make the most of your night with dinner and a drink at nearby South Brisbane or West End restaurants before settling in for your choice from their eclectic and inspiring program of acoustic sets, smash-hit stage spectaculars, and orchestral collaborations.

GOMA

GOMA has quickly established itself as the proverbial jewel in Brisbane’s visual arts crown

Queensland Art Gallery

The Qld Art Gallery has moved five times and amassed a collection of more than 14,000 Australian and International artworks

State Library Of Queensland

State Library of Qld building in Sth Brisbane

This landmark building on the riverfront between the art galleries is home to the main archival collections of Queensland’s history

Discover the best free things to do in South Bank

A guide to the best things to do in South Brisbane

Image Credits:

Wheel of Brisbane - courtesy Wheel of Brisbane website

QPAC - courtesy Eat South Bank

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Camerata: Celestial Baroque Concert Hall, QPAC

Camerata: Celestial Choral Baroque

Camerata unites with one of Australia’s newest Brisbane-based choirs

Nov 20

The Enchanted Garden

Brisbane’s Enchanted Garden is back at Roma Street Parkland this Christmas

Nov 21 - Dec 20

JAWS In Concert

Celebrating 50 years since the film’s original release, JAWS returns to the big screen

Nov 22

Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose

Powerful stories of community, culture and Country come alive

From Nov 22

Christmas on Cribb

Milton Markets are hosting a mega Xmas twilight market

Nov 22

Maybe It's Only Us

When everything falls apart, what holds us together?

Nov 27 - Dec 7

A Night at the Museum

A Night at the Museum is a fantastic evening of discovery and fun for all ages

Nov 28

QAGOMA Christmas Design Market

The QAGOMA Store’s beloved Christmas Design Market is back and bigger than ever this year

Nov 29-30

Twilight Santa Train

All aboard the Twilight Christmas Train, with heritage carriages

Nov 29

Ten Best Restaurants with a View

From sparkling riverfront rooftops to breezy mountain lookouts, Brisbane is home to a host of stunning dining spots where the food is as impressive as the view. Here's 10 of the best

10 Best Restaurants with a View

MUST DO

Christmas Day Dining

Looking for somewhere special to dine on Christmas Day? The Star Brisbane is putting on a festive celebration like no other, with a fantastic selection of Christmas lunch and dinner options to suit everyone

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COMING UP

What's On in December In & Around Brisbane

From festive concerts, classic ballet, Xmas comedy, stunning art exhibition & Christmas dining to a Tony-award winning musical, what's on in December in and around Brisbane:

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MUST DO ROAD TRIP

Lockyer Valley - Farm Fresh Fun

The Lockyer Valley's rolling hills, local markets and paddock to plate country cafes, make for a scenic, leisurely drive, less than two hours from Brisbane

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MUST DO HOLIDAY DEAL

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Stay 2+ nights in BIG4's motel rooms and enjoy $10 dining dollars per guest, per day in their café – breakfast, brunch, sunset drink, you choose!

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

Best Bars in Brisbane

Queensland Ballet's favourite festive tradition returns

Win a $3,200 Luxury Off-Grid Escape at The Firebreak!

Enter here