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Southbank Parklands

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Simone Heyer-Irwin
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
4
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Editor Pick

South Bank Parklands

  • May 28, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by stomps from Houston, Texas
South Bank Parklands

When we first arrived in Brisbane in the middle of February, we were shocked by the temperature. Houston, where I have lived my whole life, has hotter summers than Brisbane, but the kicker was the fact that our apartment did not have air-conditioning. We spent many a night sleepless in our stuffy rooms before we got used to it. Therefore, during the day, we were constantly in search of ways to cool off, and one of the best places we found was the South Bank Parklands.

The Parklands were built on the site of Expo ’88, and have been open to the public for around 14 years. They are located, not surprisingly, on the south bank of Brisbane on the north end of the South Brisbane suburb. They are just across the river from the CBD and the North Quay and QUT Ferry stops. Getting there is simple—one can either ride the ferry, catch a bus that goes through the Cultural Centre bus station, or walk across the Captain Cook bridge from the CBD.

South Bank offers a plethora of ways to fill your afternoon. You can walk along the river, or underneath the walkway, slightly inland, that is draped with bougainvilleas. On one visit to the Parklands, we saw an interesting art exhibit along this walkway that consisted of some rather amusing signs, including “Danger: Carnivorous Bougainvillea” and “Water is wet.” You never know what you’ll find here.

The Parklands also offer plenty of both takeaways and restaurants. I recommend either Boost Juice or the shop a couple doors down that sells chicken and chips. On the road going through the Parklands, a market sets up on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, where you can find all sorts of nifty little trinkets.

From the end of the summer until late April, South Bank sets up its own free cinema in a field on the banks of a river. I really recommend catching a movie here—while they are not new, most of the movies are quality ones and very enjoyable to watch with your friends outdoors. Each week features a different actor—a few of the ones we saw were Colin Firth (Girl with a Pearl Earring) and Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman). There are yogurts served during the intermission, but I recommend bringing dinner and warm clothes/a sleeping bag.

Our favorite part of South Bank was the Streets Beach. This was how we cooled ourselves down on those hot afternoons—either by reading a good book on the banks or bathing in the chlorinated pool itself. This beach, patrolled by the surf life savers, is boasted to be the only one in the centre of an Australian city, and it has the pros of a) having a great view of Brisbane, b) not having big waves or rip tides and c) no salt in the water. Just make sure, before you go here, you don’t mind the sound of lots of little children splashing and screaming!

From journal Brisbane: Things to Do in my Second Home

South Bank Parklands

  • December 20, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by brisbane_artist from Brisbane, Australia
South Bank Parklands

South Bank is a man-made beach overlooking the Brisbane River. Public transport makes this park totally accessible. Guests can come by train, bus, or ferry. There is also plentiful parking that you will receive a refund for upon a show of official receipt from the Parkland.

There is a wealth of entertainment available. There is an IMAX picture theatre, QPAC Cultural Centre, The Museum, and the Queensland Art Gallery. They are all within walking distance of each other.
Barbecues abound, and this means that family days are affordable. A swimming beach as well as other rock pools provide pleasant and safe fun times. The beach is manned by life guards, and there is a first aid station. Multicultural gourmet venues bring the venue to life at night, and there are ample lunchtime eateries and shopping spaces. This is a place well worth going.

From journal South Bank Parklands in Brisbane

Editor Pick

Southbank Parklands

  • September 29, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by tiffany_82 from Brisbane, Australia
Southbank parklands are part of the cultural precinct of Brisbane. Here there is something for everyone.

Southbank is 17 ha. of parklands located on the edge of the Brisbane River and overlooks to the CBD. It was once the site of Expo '88. There's a long promenade that extends past the parklands where there are often buskers and families enjoying a weekend stroll.

The Piazza is the entertainment center with different activities scheduled throughout the year (i.e. ice skating, music concerts, writers festivals). From the Piazza is the main dinner area with a vast range of fast food options to eat by the creek, or you can go down to the vast lawns.

Further on, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday's you'll find the Southbank Markets but there's also a variety of other shops open during the week. Breaka beach is a man made beach that's right on the river. On most weekends, there are lifeguards on duty. In summer it's packed with swimmers and sun bakers.

The parklands have a variety of playgrounds for kids to play on. Often in summer at night there are free new release movies screening ranging from comedy, drama, actions, and kids.

The parklands also play host to a variety of festivals throughout the year, in particular RiverFestival. At the far end of the parklands is the Queensland Performing Arts Center, Convention Center, Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, Maritime Museum, and State Library. Also located on the grounds are the Griffith University College of Art and Conservatorium of Music. At either end of the parklands there are pedestrian bridges leading back over to the centre of town. There is also various forms of public transportation, including City Kat ferries, buses, and trains.

From journal A weekend in Brisbane

Editor Pick

Southbank Parklands

Southbank has been built on the World Expo 88 site. It is just a short Rivercat ride from the City, or a 1-2km stroll from Queen Street Mall. There are countless restaurants and cafes, bars and pubs, small private areas to sit and reflect and large grassy areas for picnics. There are facilities for the good old Aussie BBQ and 'Kodak Beach' - a large 'beachy' pool, complete with sand, beach for sunbaking, icecream vendors and lifeguards. Southbank hosts the River Festival in October everyyear and is a stones throw from the Muesum, Art Gallery, IMAX theatre and Lyric Theatre (for the latest musicals and operas). Saturday and Sunday sees the weekly markets,full of interesting but expenisve wares. A great day out.

From journal Bouncy, Beguiling, Balmy Brisbane

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