The Ultimate Guide to Brisbane’s South Bank: Where to Eat, Stay & Play

Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, South Bank is a must-visit destination for couples, families, solo travellers, foodies, and culture seekers. This lively riverside precinct offers a little bit of everything, from world-class dining, arts, cultural venues to green spaces. It’s perfect for a picnic in the park, a dip at Streets Beach, or a stroll along the bougainvillea-covered arbour (so pretty!).

Having lived and housesitted all over Brisbane and now calling the Gold Coast home, I still love coming back to the city, and South Bank is always high on my list. During a recent stay, I re-discovered just how much the riverside precinct has to offer, and there’s always something new to see or do.

From outdoor cinemas and yoga in the park to markets, food festivals and talented street performers, South Bank is alive with energy all year round. Major events like Riverfire, Brisbane Festival, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks light up the calendar, while live shows at QPAC and sunset drinks by the river round out the perfect day. South Bank never disappoints.

Stay

We stayed at Rydges South Bank Brisbane, perfectly located on Grey Street, one of the main streets running through Brisbane’s cultural precinct. It’s just footsteps from the Wheel of Brisbane, QPAC, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and South Bank Parklands. Location-wise, it really doesn’t get much better!

Our River View King Suite on level 10 offered stunning views of the Brisbane River and city skyline, complete with a private balcony, separate lounge, and a handy kitchenette. If you can, request a room on a higher floor to enjoy sweeping river or mountain views. The bathroom was modern and included a bathtub, a nice touch for a relaxing soak on a rainy day.

The hotel has free Wi-Fi, valet parking, a swimming pool, pretty decent gym, and the biggest hotel sauna I’ve seen in a while. The pool area is lovely, with plenty of seating and umbrellas, though there aren’t any traditional sun loungers. The pool itself is on the smaller side but gets good sun until around 2 pm which is perfect for a morning or lunchtime dip. The breakfast buffet had all the essentials to start the day right, and the staff was genuinely lovely throughout our stay.

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Top Things to Do in South Bank

Whether you're up for a relaxing afternoon or a full day of exploring, South Bank offers a little bit of everything: Beach vibes, scenic river walks, and a rich dose of culture.

Here are some of the top things to check out:

☀️ Chill Out at Streets Beach

Streets Beach is Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach, and it’s such a unique spot to cool off right in the heart of Brisbane. With soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and a lagoon-style pool, it feels like a little tropical escape—complete with stunning views of the city skyline. It’s especially popular with families, so expect it to be a bit busier during weekends and school holidays.

🌿 Wander the South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands are a lush, green oasis in the middle of the city, perfect for a relaxing day out. You’ll find expansive lawns ideal for picnics, plenty of shaded spots, and BBQ areas dotted throughout. There are also well-equipped playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained while you unwind.

Plus there are some hidden corners to discover too! Take a peaceful stroll through the Rainforest Walk, a shady path winding through tropical greenery that makes you feel miles away from the city. Just nearby, don’t miss the beautiful Nepalese Peace Pagoda, a handcrafted temple gifted from Nepal. Just really unique!

🌸 Walk Through The Arbour Walkway

You surely won't miss this stunning, kilometre-long pathway winding its way through South Bank as it is instantly recognisable by its striking, sculptural design. Covered in vibrant bougainvillea, it’s not only a beautiful walk but also one of the best Insta-worthy spots in the area, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. While they bloom all year, they are most vibrant during springtime.

📸 The Brisbane Sign

Located near the Cultural Centre and right next to the Wheel of Brisbane, this colourful sign is an iconic photo spot. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the sky lights up and reflects off the skyscrapers of the skyline.

🎡 Ride the Wheel of Brisbane

Hop aboard and soar 60 metres above ground for panoramic views over the Brisbane River and city skyline. The air-conditioned gondolas make it a comfy ride year-round. It’s a great activity (however not cheap for a 10-15 minute spin!) any time of day but especially magical at night when the city lights sparkle below.

🎭 Dive into the Cultural Precinct

Right in South Bank, you’ll find some of Brisbane’s top cultural attractions:

• Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC): Home to musicals, ballet, opera, and more
• Queensland Museum & Sciencentre: Great for families and curious minds
• Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA): World-class art collections and rotating exhibitions
• State Library of Queensland: A beautiful space to relax, read, or explore exhibitions

🌉 Walk the Neville Bonner Bridge to the Queen's Wharf

The Neville Bonner Bridge is South Bank’s newest pedestrian bridge, linking directly to the Queen's Wharf, which is home to The Star Brisbane and a variety of new dining spots, offering an abundance of restaurant and bar options.

Be sure to visit the free Sky Deck on Level 23, offering stunning views, including a thrilling glass-bottom section. With three different venues for food and drinks, it’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the views over Brisbane. You’ll find yourself wondering where this hidden gem has been all along. Coming up here for the first time, I truly felt like I had arrived in a world-class city!

🛍️ Shop at The Collective Markets

Held every weekend along Little Stanley Street, from Friday to Sunday. It’s the perfect place to browse unique handmade crafts, local fashion, art, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. You can find all the details here.

The Collective Markets offer a great alternative to the busy Queen Street Mall (which is also just a short walk across Victoria Bridge) and it’s an excellent way to support small businesses and local artisans.

⛴️ Hop on a Ferry

I always chuckle when I see blogs recommending the CityCat, but honestly, it’s a great way to get around Brisbane. If you’re looking to travel from South Bank to Eagle Street Pier or Holman Street underneath the Story Bridge, it’s much faster than other public transport options.

And right now all public transport fares (trains, buses, ferries, trams) in South East Queensland are reduced to 50 cents, so definitely a relaxing and budget-friendly way to explore more of Brisbane, all while enjoying some beautiful river views.

Where to Eat & Drink in South Bank

From fine dining experiences to laid-back bites and rooftop cocktails with a view, South Bank’s food and drink scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you're celebrating something special or just grabbing a casual lunch, there’s something here for every taste and vibe.

Fine Dining

• Bacchus: We dined at Bacchus on their 6-course tasting menu with wine pairing, and it was a real treat! Highlights were the Kingfish, Black Angus eye fillet, and the standout for me – tagliolini with tuna ceviche. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, and the sommelier did a fantastic job explaining the wine pairings. A must for a special night out!
• Otto Ristorante: Another great spot right by the river. Serves modern Italian with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Perfect for a romantic dinner or long lunch.

Rooftops

• Soleil Pool Bar: Located at Rydges South Bank, this is actually the hotel’s pool area—but it transforms into a vibrant cocktail bar that’s open to the public a few days a week. Think chilled poolside vibes, creative drinks, and DJs on the weekends. The bar is open Wednesday & Thursday from 1–5pm (ideal for after-work drinks), and Friday & Saturday from midday–late. The pool is otherwise exclusive to hotel guests.
• Lina Rooftop: A stylish rooftop that's open every day of the week with a European vibe, great cocktails, and a sweeping view of the Brisbane city skyline.

Casual Eats

A couple of casual eateries in South Bank that I like are:

• Zeus Street Greek: Flavour-packed pitas and fresh Greek eats.
• Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers: Comfort food heaven if you love gnocchi as much as I do!
• Nodo South Bank: Littel cafe underneath the Wheel of Brisbane, famous for their gluten-free doughnuts and a nice place for brunch (if you can find a spot!).
• The Ship Inn: Classic pub meals with a nice outdoor terrace.
• The Plough Inn: Another local favourite, this beer garden in the heart of South Bank offers a casual menu with steak and ribs and beers on tap.

Bars

• Southbeach: Now has a new menu! A fun, beachy bar with colourful cocktails overlooking Streets Beach (try and grab a spot upstairs).
• Popolo: Ideal for sunset spritzes or wine with a view.

Final Words

Whether you're visiting Brisbane for the first time or rediscovering it like I recently did, South Bank truly delivers. From relaxing by Australia’s only inner-city beach to exploring world-class cultural attractions, enjoying river views from rooftop bars, and catching a show at QPAC, this riverside hub is always buzzing with energy, events, and good food!

Being based on the Gold Coast, I still love making the trip up to soak in all that South Bank has to offer. It’s walkable, well-connected (yes, there's a direct train from South Brisbane to the Gold Coast which takes just over 1 hour), and constantly evolving with new experiences. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids, you’ll find plenty to fill your itinerary, plus great places to stay, like Rydges South Bank, right in the heart of it all.

Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Rydges South Bank, who kindly hosted our stay. As always, all opinions, recommendations, and experiences are entirely my own.