A go-to guide to South Bank, Brisbane

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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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)

the building exterior of QAGOMA, Brisbane
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

People walking past Streets Beach in South Bank Brisbane
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

a little girl getting her hands on an interactive exhibit at SparkLab
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.

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The Wheel of Brisbane

a top view of the Wheel of Brisbane with tall buildings in the background
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 Nepalese Pagoda at Southbank Parklands, Brisbane
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

an Italian pasta dish at Bar Rosa, Brisbane
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

the building exterior of 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.

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Soleil Pool Bar

red-striped umbrellas at the 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

View from the Emporium hotel pool in Brisbane
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

the River View King Suite at 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.
Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
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    From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

    Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

    Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

    1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

    Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

    End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

    2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood. Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

    Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

    3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach: aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

    Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro. Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

    4. D’Aguilar National Park

    D’Aguilar National Park
    Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.

    D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

    Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

    5. Arcade Wine Bar

    arcade wine bar moreton bay
    Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

    Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar, one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

    Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

    Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

    6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

    Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail. Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

    Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

    7. Farm Visits

    Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

    At White Ridge Farm, find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

    8. Miss Sprinkles

    Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay
    Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

    An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

    The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine.  Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

    To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.