SITE PARTNER:

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

Wild Abandon

Three couples, one anonymous hotel room

Nov 11 - 21

Taste Of Love Festival

Taste Of Love Festival Returns to Gympie this November!

NOV 12-16

Twilight Jazz by the River

Twilight Jazz by the River returns to Queensland Maritime Museum

Nov 13

Tom Cashman

Tom Cashman is back in Brisbane with a new hour of stand-up that promises to creep ever so close to proficiency.

Nov 14

Sherlock Holmes – The Mystery of the Valkyrie

The world's most famous detective is returning to QPAC

14-29 Nov

Oddities and Curiosities Expo

A wonderfully weird weekend of curiosities and creepy collectibles

Nov 14-15

Christmas on Cribb

Milton Markets are hosting a mega Xmas twilight market

Nov 21

Kings of Country Rock

Kings of Country Rock is a stage spectacular that captures the sound and spirit of America’s country-rock legends.

Nov 26

Don Juan & Manfred

Join the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for their epic 2026 Season Finale, Don Juan & Manfred.

Nov 27-28

In Residence: A Decade of Creative Practice

Museum of Brisbane is celebrating ten years of its groundbreaking Artist in Residence program with a stunning new exhibition and creative workshop series

In Residence: A Decade of Creative Practice

MUST DO

Don Juan & Manfred

Join the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for their epic 2026 Season Finale at the Concert Hall QPAC, Don Juan & Manfred

Don Juan & Manfred

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Nov 6-8

Supanova Comic Con makes its return, a huge art showcase lands in Ipswich, the iconic West End Show Sale is back, a landmark exhibition takes over Museum of Brisbane and two new Haigh’s Chocolates stores open in Brisbane

This Weekend Oct 31-Nov 1

COMING UP

What's On in December In & Around Brisbane

From concerts, world class ballet, stunning art exhibitions, Christmas in the city and festive dining - here's what's on in December around Brisbane

What's On in December in Brisbane

HOT TICKET

Into The Woods

Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel heading into the woods! Stephen Sondheim’s much-loved Into the Woods is coming to Brisbane this November!

Into The Woods

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