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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

Exterior of 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

Better Off Red

Better Off Red blends bold flavours, fine wine and unforgettable entertainment

Aug 16

Three Food Memories – Live

Brisbane audiences are invited to experience the connection between memory and food

Aug 16

The Gospel According to Paul

The critically-acclaimed one-hander play returns to QPAC's Playhouse

Aug 18-23

There’s nothing like a Dame

Experience an unforgettable evening of soaring vocals and timeless classics

Aug 20-22

The Music And Life of Barbra Streisand

Celebrate the timeless music of Barbra Streisand in a dazzling new concert event starring Melinda Schneider.

Aug 21

Science Night - Amphibians with Dr Ian Brennan

Combine Friday night drinks with a fascinating journey into the world of frogs

Aug 21

ARCO - Bohemian Dreams Tour

Experience the magic of timeless classical masterpieces with ARCO

Aug 21

Brisbane Ukrainian Festival 2026

Ukrainian Festival Brisbane is back with Ukrainian food, music, and community spirit in August.

Aug 22

BBX2026 LEGO® Fan Expo

BBX2026 brings Brisbane's biggest LEGO® fan event back this August

Aug 22 - 23

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CONCERT EVENT

Experience the wit, elegance and enduring brilliance of Gilbert & Sullivan as Prospero Arts presents Gilbert & Sullivan: A Soirée of Song & Satire at QPAC

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CONCERT EVENT

MUST DO

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns this spring with stunning blooms, delicious food and endless family fun

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Aug 7-9

The Ekka returns, an Australia-first 3D dining experience arrives, La Boite premieres an out-of-this-world comedy and Ashton's Great Australian Circus rolls into town

This Weekend Aug 7-9

Brisbane Festival - Festival Village South Bank

COMING UP

What's on in September in & near Brisbane

From Brisbane Festival taking over the city to the magical Jim Henson blockbuster at QAGOMA and Laidley Spring Festival, the best things to do in and around Brisbane in September:

What's on in September 2026

HOT TICKET

Ashton's Great Australian Circus

Brisbane's #1 circus experience is rolling into Browns Plains bringing 10 days of jaw-dropping entertainment to Waller Park

Ashton's Great Australian Circus

MUST DO FAMILY HOLIDAY

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Create magical family memories on the Gold Coast with a stay packed full of adventure, including daily breakfast, six fun-filled kids' activities and easy access to the region's biggest theme parks!

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

Experience the wit, elegance and enduring brilliance of Gilbert & Sullivan

WIN one of 5 family passes to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' FEASTival

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WIN a 2-Night Stay over New Year's at BIG4 Gold Coast valued at $1300

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