Looking for Things to Do in Brisbane? Visit Southbank!
Take a trip on the Wheel of Brisbane and bask in the spectacular scenery of the city surrounds. Photo Courtesy of Bigstock.
There are several ways to enjoy yourself when visiting Brisbane, but Southbank is one of the main gems that the city has to offer. For anybody passing through Brisbane, whether it's for business, pleasure or transit, Southbank is the one place they must experience and enjoy to really take in what Brisbane has to offer.
Southbank offers it all. Relaxation, views, nightlife, culture and festivities. Simply put, it is the one location in Brisbane that's guaranteed to give you good vibes. And regardless of your age, there will be something for everyone.
Car Rental Buddy has put together a guide of activities that you can enjoy in Southbank and nearby. We've also provided a table of contents so you can jump to the section that you want to see.
Table of contents
- Green Jam
- Sunday sessions on the Green
- Sound Society
- Ahmet's Turkish restaurant
- Mr Paganini
- Southbeach Social
- Champ Kitchen & Bar
- River Quay Fish
- Brendan's Cafe on the Goodwill Bridge
- Southbank Beer Garden
Explore the Collective Markets
Head to the Queensland Art Gallery
Get active along the scenic footpaths
Keep an eye out for free monthly events
Watch a movie at Southbank cinemas
Salsa and then head to Southbank
Map of Southbank
Enjoy the live music on offer
Price - Free or the cost of a drink or meal.
Ideal for dates, kids and family outings.
On certain days throughout the month, you will be able to enjoy free entertainment in and around the parklands. Live music may be in some of the bars such as The Plough Inn or you may find local musicians entertaining visitors along the pathway.
Here are a few ways to enjoy the music on offer at Southbank.
Be captivated by the live music on offer at Southbank. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Green Jam
When - Every Friday from 5:30pm
Enjoy Jazz & Blues or world music performed by the local students from the QPAC. Enjoy the music while enjoying a drink or a meal from a nearby bar. The venue is located at the Grey Street entrance.
Sunday sessions on the Green
When - Sundays from 3pm
Price - Free
It is a licensed Green from 10am til 8pm, which means you are allowed to consume alcohol on the green if you are over 18 years old. It's ideal for relaxing by the riverside and you can enjoy a Sunday afternoon picnic. You'll find groups of friends sitting and eating snacks or playing games with a drink in hand. So join in the fun.
Click here for more event information.
Relax and soak in the atmosphere of The Green, Southbank. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Sound Society
This will be held on the first weekend of each month at Southbank from 2pm until 7pm.
Click here for more information.
Restaurants with live music
Ahmet's Turkish restaurant
Famed for being one of the most authentic Turkish restaurants in Brisbane, you can expect live music and traditional Turkish belly dancing that will allow you to enjoy a traditional Turkish night out.
Mr Paganini
This venue offers live music every Sunday. You can see more information on their website.
Southbeach Social
There's music over the weekend. You can get live acts on Friday evenings from 5pm and Sunday sessions from 11am until 10pm. You can check their Facebook page and their site to see what's on during the week.
Champ Kitchen & Bar
This chilled bar offers live music every Saturday from 2pm. They offer drinks deals as well as they are located next to the theatre. You can see more information on their website.
River Quay Fish
This is located opposite The Green that has live music on Sundays. So if you fancy heading out for a meal, you can enjoy the open space and dine with live music by the river. See their website for more information.
Brendan's Cafe on the Goodwill Bridge
If you fancy easy listening music whilst enjoying coffee, drinks and splendid views, then this is one place that you must visit. See more on their website.
Southbank Beer Garden
You can also opt for the open space in the Southbank Beer Garden. Visit their site to see what's on.
Put on a barbecue
Price - Free
Ideal for parties, catchups, dates and relaxing.
The scent of grilled meat, fresh salad, refreshing drinks and the glow of the Australian sunshine is an instant win for a good time at Southbank. You will be surrounded by other like-minded barbecue grillers cooking up a feast for their friends or family.
The barbecues are free to use. You only need to turn up with your cooking ingredients and utensils, wait until a barbecue is free and then start grilling away. It's an inexpensive option, but it makes for a great day out.
Relax at Streets Beach
Price - Free
Ideal for children, dates and relaxation
River views, Queensland sunshine, blue water and families and friends having fun. Whether you choose to go during the sunshine or by twilight, there's alot of fun to be had.
It's the ideal spot to relax and indulge in the captivating atmosphere where the beach meets the city. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Explore the Collective Markets
Price - Free
The stalls are a sight to behold and you can experience them every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See the crafts and food on offer and enjoy the bustling market atmosphere. Click here to learn more.
There's something for everyone at the Collective Markets, Southbank. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Take the kids to the parks
Price - Free
Ideal for kids
Southbank offers several parks that will keep the kids entertained and running around for hours.
Explore history at the museum
Price - Free (except for exhibitions)
If you have an interest in history, then you need to head to the museum which is located in Southbank. Admission is free. See more information on their website.
Head to the Queensland Art Gallery
Price - Free (except for exhibitions)
Ready to open your mind? Head to the art gallery to see some epic art. See more on their website.
Explore and experience something new with a visit to the Queensland Art Gallery. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Read at the State Library
If you fancy relaxing in an air conditioned setting and having a good read, then head down to the state library and get your fix of fiction or non-fiction literature.
Looking to delve into the world of written words? Queensland State Library is a top choice. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Get active along the scenic footpaths
If you can get access to the bicycles on hire or if you fancy a run, then head down to the footpaths along the river and enjoy the sights that Brisbane has to offer whilst doing a bit of fitness.
Walk, run, or ride - Southbank's pathways offer the perfect spot to get out and about. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Do a free river cruise
Price - Free
Ideal for families, dates and tourism.
You can catch the CityCat from the Southbank terminal and do a river cruise along the Brisbane River. Head to the city or past the Story Bridge and see the sights that Brisbane has to offer.
Use this link to check the timetable.
They say being out on the water is a whole different world. Experience escaping the hustle and bustle of busy life with a relaxing Brisbane River cruise. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Keep an eye out for free monthly events
There's always different events being hosted at Southbank. So if you are visiting, check this link to see what else is on.
Watch a movie at Southbank cinemas
Price - $6.50-11
Ideal for dates, kids and family outings.
The ticket prices are amongst the cheapest on offer in Brisbane. If you go on a Tuesday night, you can watch a movie for as little as $6.50. However it is common to get tickets for $8.50-11 throughout the week at different times of the day. So if there's a movie that you are thinking to watch, Southbank cinemas may be the ideal place to go to. It's great for a date night or even having a family night out.
Click here to see what's on offer and to check the latest prices.
Take time out from the world and be captivated by one of the many movie offerings available at the Southbank Cinemas. Image credit: Shuttershock.
Salsa and then head to Southbank
Price - Free
Ideal for friends and dates
There are free Salsa Classes just on the opposite side of the river every Friday evening. You can kick off the night there for free and then see where the night takes you. It is a short stroll over the bridge from Southbank. See their Facebook page for more info.
How can you get to Southbank?
Fortunately, Brisbane has a few transport options from Brisbane's CBD.
Train
You can catch the train from Central Station to South Brisbane or Southbank Station. You can walk across the road after exiting the station and you will arrive at Southbank.
Bus
There are several bus options available from the Brisbane CBD. You can use this website to find where the bus stops and their operating times.
Walk
It's approximately a 10-20 minute walk to Southbank from Brisbane. You can walk over the Goodwill Bridge or the Sir William Jolly Bridge.
You can use Translink to help plan your journey.
Taxi or Uber
If you are staying close to the city, then it will be fairly inexpensive to catch a ride to Southbank. But if you are staying a bit further out (more than a 15 minute ride into the city), it may be more cost effective for you to use or hire a vehicle. You can use Car Rental Buddy to compare Brisbane car hire.
