Glass ceiling-smashing creativity and all-day play make South Bank an absolute Brisbane must-visit.

You’ve seen the man-made beach and you know a few of the restaurants, but have you ever deep-dived South Bank? Brisbane’s cultural heart is home to a handful of the country’s leading artistic institutions, markets brimming with local produce and artisanal delights and a colossal array of waterfront indulgence. Here, we break down the highlights for you to start ticking off.

Top reasons to visit South Bank

It’s not just a scenic spot to stroll. South Bank, located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, is home to an overwhelming mix of galleries, museums, eateries and family-friendly attractions.

Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

Step into Queensland’s renowned contemporary art gallery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Located 150 metres away from one another, the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is a two-pronged package of considered food for thought.

At the furthest end is GOMA, home to contemporary art. No matter what exhibition is showing, it’s guaranteed to be a melting pot of intoxicating creativity.

Stroll down the path, past the bus interchange, to QAG for similarly captivating curations. When you’re not buried in its exhibitions, you’ll be soothed by the building’s central ‘watermall’ (you need to see it to appreciate its beauty) and sculpture courtyard.

Streets Beach

Cool off at the man-made Streets Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The inner city’s genius answer to relentlessly hot Brisbane temperatures? Throwing a sandy beach and multiple swimming spots right in the action. Streets Beach is a man-made saviour, cooling locals and visitors through its lagoon-style beaches, flowing creeks and shaded chill zones in the middle of South Bank. Plus, it’s fit for families as a professional lifeguard patrols the area every day of the week.

Queensland Museum Kurilpa

Kids can enjoy all things science, technology and space at SparkLab. (Image: Markus Ravik)

Offering free entry and highly engaging exhibitions, Queensland Museum Kurilpa is a South Bank institution that pays tribute to the state’s historical roots.

From prehistoric predators at the kid magnet Dinosaurs Unearthed to SparkLab, an interactive mecca of science, space and technology, there’s always something to excite and delight.

The Collective Markets

If you’re a sucker for a souvenir, you’re in luck. Stretching right along South Bank’s Little Stanley Street from Friday to Sunday, The Collective Markets collates artisanal treasures, fresh local produce, hard-to-find homewares and more. One of the best Brisbane markets to explore, it’s also dotted with live music and entertainment, creating even more of a buzz throughout the district.

The Wheel of Brisbane

The stunning Wheel of Brisbane rises 60 metres off the ground.

Brisbane’s very own London Eye is The Wheel of Brisbane, a Ferris wheel that soars 60 metres above ground level. Providing a 360-degree view of the entire city, each air-conditioned (thank goodness) gondola seats up to eight people and operates every day of the week. Food and drink packages are also available to pre-purchase to make a real occasion of the experience.

Nepalese Pagoda

The three-level Nepalese Pagoda was erected for World Expo ’88. (Image: Scottshotz via Getty Images)

Offering quiet serenity amid the chaos, the Nepalese Pagoda can be found within South Bank’s parklands, between Clem Jones Promenade and Rainforest Walk.

The beautiful three-level structure was built using more than 80 tonnes of Nepalese timber, hand-carved with extreme intricacy. You can step inside the bottom level to see every inch of its grandness up close.

South Bank restaurant and bars

From delicious seasonal produce and international fare to utterly electric bars, the wining and dining scene at South Bank is flat-out fabulous.

Baba Ganouj

Send your tastebuds soaring at Baba Ganouj, an energetic South Bank restaurant at the southern end that champions the flavours of Lebanon. Traditional dining, including all your favourite dippable starters, falafel and shawarma plates, is nailed with contemporary flair and warm, welcoming service.

Bar Rosa

Savour authentic Italian pasta at Bar Rosa.

Soak up the high life at Bar Rosa, a lovely spot for vino o’clock and a bite to eat. Inspired by flavour-rich Italian cuisine, the South Bank wine bar is located at the start of Fish Lane, an entertainment precinct within an entertainment precinct.

Slick black timbers, soft lighting, epic handmade pasta and top-notch international drops make it a winner from every angle.

Terrace Rooftop Bar at Emporium Hotel South Bank

A stay at the Emporium Hotel South Bank will let you luxuriate in its superb amenities.

The wonderfully positioned Terrace Rooftop Bar has been attracting a stylish crowd of after-work revellers and weekend partygoers for years, as its views across the river and Brisbane CBD are exceptional.

You can visit for breakfast and lunch, and even stay at the hotel beneath (more on that later), but sunset and after-dark drop-ins offer the ultimate good times as the city twinkles elegantly below.

Soleil Pool Bar

Embrace poolside glamour.

Keen to let your hair down? Head to Soleil Pool Bar, located on the podium level of Rydges South Bank, for poolside glamour.

Fruity cocktails, private booths, an impressive grazing menu and that all-too-inviting pool provide all the ingredients for a great time.

South Bank accommodation

There’s too much to experience in one day at South Bank, so do the smart thing and rest your head at one of the precinct’s luxurious overnight stays.

Emporium Hotel South Bank

In addition to a range of onsite bars and restaurants, there is also the incredible rooftop pool.

The most luxe option is Emporium Hotel South Bank, an award-winning, five-star stay. Situated on Grey Street right near the South Bank train station, it’s got all the amenities your adventure could need while placing you at the foot of everything worth exploring.

Multiple bars and dining experiences, a rooftop pool, gym, sauna and steam room are all onsite, and if you’re staying in one of the premier suites, they can even arrange for a chauffeured Maserati to zip you around the city.

Rydges South Bank Brisbane

Spend the night admiring the city skyline at Rydges South Bank Brisbane.

A consistently comfortable choice, Rydges South Bank Brisbane offers a prime location on Glenelg Street, basically bang in the centre of South Bank, a range of rooms and suites including family-friendly choices, private balconies, easy access to Soleil Pool Bar, a gym, a sauna and solid dining options.

Mantra South Bank Brisbane

Located on Grey Street, just a few steps away from Ridges, Mantra South Bank Brisbane is another plush accommodation option. Choose from a range of self-contained stays and break up your South Bank wandering in favour of the hotel’s 20-metre lap pool. There’s also a spa, multiple dining options and undercover parking to take advantage of.

Unlock more of Brisbane’s best experiences before you visit with our travel guide.