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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

Art of the Score: The Music of Joe Hisaishi

Experience Joe Hisaishi’s iconic Studio Ghibli music live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Brisbane.

Oct 2-3

Radiohead for Solo Piano: Live AV Set

Australian pianist Josh Cohen returns to QPAC with his acclaimed reimagining of Radiohead's iconic songs

Oct 3

MS Moonlight Walk

Brisbane’s annual lantern-lit moonlight walk to fight MS

Oct 10

Brisbane Celtic Festival

Brisbane Celtic Festival is a lively celebration of Celtic culture,

Oct 11

Cinematic: The Wonder of Animation

Experience the most beloved animated movie soundtracks

Oct 23-24

Horror Movie Campout

Horror Movie Campout is a full-on immersive overnight horror camping experience

Oct 24-25

Ladies standing in an art studio looking at art

Sandgate Art Society Creative Trail

Discover this northside art trail over two art-filled weekends

Oct 24-25, 30 & Oct 31 - Nov 1

WSW MEGA MANIA

Brisbane is in for a serious dose of international wrestling action

Oct 30

The Big Bounce

The world's biggest inflatable fun park has landed on the Gold Coast

7-8 Nov

Anastasia The Musical

The hit Broadway musical ANASTASIA arrives in Brisbane this September, bringing romance and adventure to QPAC

Anastasia The Musical

MUST DO

The Book of Mormon

Brisbane, the Mormons are back! The Tony®, Olivier® and Grammy® Award-winning The Book of Mormon is now playing at QPAC

The Book of Mormon

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Sep 25-27

School holiday fun, The Book of Mormon, a massive Jim Henson exhibition, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Anastasia The Musical, a lantern-lit trail kicks off and Brisbane Festival continues

This Weekend Sep 25-27

COMING UP

What's On in October In & Around Brisbane

From beloved musicals, unique exhibitions and live shows to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events, cinema programs and culinary experiences, the top things to do in and around Brisbane in October

What's on in October

EAT & DRINK

Sea High Tea

Landing at The Westin Brisbane's signature restaurant Batica Dining Sea High Tea trades the usual finger sandwiches for Australia's finest ocean produce

Sea High Tea

HOT TICKET

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Jane Austen gets a hilarious musical makeover in this Olivier Award-winning comedy coming to Brisbane

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

MUST VISIT

Brisbane Festival 2026 at Brisbane Quarter

Brisbane Quarter is blooming this September, with a striking new installation, limited-edition dining experiences and plenty of pink-inspired treats in celebration of Brisbane Festival 2026

Brisbane Festival 2026 at Brisbane Quarter

THE GUIDE

September School Holiday Guide

Spring into the September school holidays with these fantastic activities, shows and events in and around Brisbane

September School Holidays 2026

MUSIC

Art of the Score: The Music of Joe Hisaishi

Experience Joe Hisaishi’s iconic Studio Ghibli music live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Brisbane

Art of the Score: The Music of Joe Hisaishi

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 brand-new Nutcracker is coming to Brisbane

WIN a transformative escape to Eden Retreat valued at $8,000!

Enter here

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

Enter here