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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

Winter Igloo & Fire Pit Experience

Warm up this winter at Lina Rooftop in a private igloo

Until Aug 2

Moreton Kids Festival

The much-loved Moreton Kids Festival returns - and this year it's FREE to attend!

Jun 14

RACQ MotorFest 2026

RACQ's MotorFest is the ultimate car lover's day out

Jun 14

West End Solstice Market

Get ready for a fiery, festive celebration with bonfires, beats & street eats

Jun 19

Crowd of people at Brisbane Sake Festival

Australian Sake Festival

The Australian Sake Festival is heading to Brisbane for the first time in 2025

Jun 19-21

Hamlet

Love turns deadly and power corrupts all in Queensland Ballet’s Hamlet

Jun 19 - Jul 18

Festival of Showjumping

Brisbane will welcome the nation's best equestrian talent at Festival of Showjumping 2026

Jun 19-28

Westin Wellness Weekend

Brisbane’s most sought-after wellness event, Westin Wellness Weekend returns

June 20-21

Ubuntu Social

Ubuntu Social is a free, all-ages celebration of world music, art, and community

Jun 21

RACQ Motorfest

The ultimate car lover's day out returns to the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds with a spectacular auto exhibition

RACQ Motorfest

MUST DO

Exploring Brisbane with Brisbane Metro

Try out these Must-Do itineraries packed with some of Brisbane’s best experiences, activities, dining and more - all conveniently connected by the Brisbane Metro

Exploring Brisbane with Brisbane Metro

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do June 5-7

From Dine BNE City and LEAF 2026 to a razor-sharp Macbeth adaptation, a moody new Paddington restaurant and two hot Fortitude Valley bars

This Weekend June 5-7

MUST VISIT

Best Boutique Cinemas in Brisbane

Swap the standard movie night for a memorable one at one of Brisbane’s best boutique cinemas

Best Boutique Cinemas in Brisbane

NEXT MONTH

What's on in July in & around Brisbane

From Video Games concert, Night Feast by the river and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra to art tours of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Jetty2Jetty and Bonfire Night, the best things to do in and around Brisbane in July:

What's On in Brisbane in July

FAMILY FUN

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

Queensland Ballet is set to enchant young audiences with Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, a brand-new whimsical production

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

FREE

LEAF 2026

Be inspired to live more sustainably at Logan City Council’s Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF)

LEAF 2026

MUST DO FAMILY HOLIDAY

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Make the most of the cooler months with their Winter Magic offer. Stay 4 nights and only pay for 3 on stays until 25 June 2026!

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

A vibrant celebration of Baroque Italy at QPAC

WIN a Tangalooma Whale Watching Cruise with Wild Dolphin Feeding for 2 Adults and 2 Kids, valued at $876!

Enter here

WIN the Ultimate Rock’n’Roll Weekend Getaway for Two at GreazeFest – Valued at over $1000!

Enter here