South Bank Parklands, Brisbane: What to See and Do

(South Bank Parklands)

Located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, the South Bank Parklands are connected to the city by the Victoria Bridge at the north end, and by Goodwill Bridge to the Gardens Point. It was officially opened to the public in 1992, and features a blend of grassy areas, water, rainforest, riverfront promenade, the Streets Beach, shops, fountains and restaurants. Being the most significant cultural precinct in the town, large scale events and festivals are hosted at this venue. Make sure to choose our Brisbane bus hire for a convenient commute to the Parklands.

History Of The South Bank Parklands

In the yesteryears, South Bank was initially a meeting spot for traditional landowners, the Yuggera and the Turbal people, and during the mid 19th century it became a hub of European settlement. The 1893 floods forced the CBD to attain higher ground on the river’s northern side, leaving the South Bank barren. The 1970s saw revival of the parkland along the river bank, and in 1988, a successful World Expo 88 was held at this spot. Since then, major redevelopments have been carried out to improve accessibility to the region with ease.

Streets Beach

(Streets Beach at South Bank Parklands, Brisbane)

One of the striking attractions of the South Bank Parklands is the man-made Streets Beach, which covers an area of 2000 square meters of concrete, with 4000 cubic meters of sand surrounding it. This particular sand is supplied from the Rous Channel in Moreton Bay. In order to keep the beach in pristine condition, additional 70 tonnes of sand is dumped every year. Lagoon area occupies half of the region that was once the Brisbane River.

Construction of this beach began in 1991, and was completed by June 1992. The design concept was given by Desmond Brookes International and was crafted by Fletcher Jennings Construction. The chlorinated freshwater of the lagoon is re-circulated at 125 litres per second for every 6 hours. Water for the beach is propelled though huge sand filters, followed by chemical treatments prior to being pushed back into the pools. Adjoining pools are cleaned by the self-propelled sifting machines and dredge pump. With natural sand, rocky creeks, exotic plantings, subtropical flora and palm tree, you cannot ask more from a man-made beach.

Other Key Attractions

Home to many of the restaurants and cafes, as well as landmarks such as The Wheel of Brisbane, Queensland Conservatorium and the Nepal Peace Pagoda, the recreational, educational and cultural precinct of South Bank Parklands has got a lot to offer.

The Arbour

(South Bank Grand Arbour, South Bank Parklands, Brisbane)

A beautiful walkway stretching over a kilometre, the Arbour consists of 443 twisting, galvanised steel posts clad with colorful magenta bougainvillea flowers. It has won numerous awards for its structural design. A ribbon of yellow steel also runs along to provide shade to visitors.

The Liana Lounge

(Liana Lounge Southbank Parklands South Brisbane)

This stylish piece of furniture is inspired by the native liana vines of Australia, which are found in rainforest walks in South Bank and across Queensland. It is sustainably crafted from recycled plastic and precast concrete.

Nepalese Pagoda

(Rear view of Nepal Peace Pagoda, Brisbane)

Known to be one of the most treasured attractions in South Bank, the Nepalese Pagoda was originally introduced as the contribution of the Kingdom of Nepal to World Expo 88. Located in the center of the Parklands, the three-story Pagoda features 80 tonnes of handcrafted Nepalese timber. It’s one of only three pagodas in the world located outside of Nepal.

Rain Bank

An award-winning urban stormwater harvesting and reuse center that provides a sustainable water supply to South Bank by collecting and treating water from the catchment area. The bank has the capacity to harvest up to 77 million mega litres of water every year, equivalent to 30 massive Olympic swimming pools. You can watch the recycling center in action from the viewing deck.

River City Cruises

(Brisbane River City Cruises)

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of South Bank is with a leisure cruise along the Brisbane River. This family-owned venture has been running for over a decade and offers daily guided tours at affordable prices.

Restaurants And Cafes

South Bank is home to a variety of bistros and cafes, including Wang Dynasty, The Plough Inn, and Mado. The South Bank Surf Club is a must-visit for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious seafood. Adjacent to it is the Live Fire Steak Bar, a function space with modern decor and an al fresco restaurant.

The Wheel of Brisbane

(The Wheel of Brisbane)

For a different viewpoint of the South Bank Parklands, board the Wheel of Brisbane. It offers an astonishing 360-degree expansive view of the precinct from a comfortable, climate-controlled gondola. Tickets can be purchased on the spot at the visitor’s center.

CityHopper

(CityHopper Ferry in Brisbane)

The free CityHopper ferry service is perfect for exploring South Bank. The ferry runs from 6 a.m. until midnight and stops at various locations along the Brisbane River, including Sydney Street, Eagle Street Pier, and the Maritime Museum. You can hop on and off as many times as you like.

Conclusion

South Bank Parklands in Brisbane is a perfect blend of culture, recreation, and natural beauty, offering a wide array of attractions from Streets Beach to the Wheel of Brisbane. For the most convenient commute to this iconic destination, ensure a stress-free trip for your group by hiring a bus. It’s a must-visit for a memorable experience.