South Bank Brisbane: Downtown City Playground
Built on the area once used for the World Expo ’88 this area south of the river is full of great things to see and do, however they can be missed if you don’t know they're there or are distracted by the beautiful beach. There's an Information Centre in the Stanley Street Plaza and lots of helpful maps located around the area to help you make the most of your time in the park. A day or two in South Bank can also be a cheap, fun, active way to spend your time in the city. As with most things in and around the Central Business District (CBD), the Parklands are easiest to get to by public transport. There are terminals for the CityCat and City Ferry, as well as the large Cultural Centre and bus terminals. South Bank and South Brisbane train stations are also within easy walking distance. If you're already in the CBD then a short walk across the Goodwill or Victoria Bridges will take you into the parklands. There are also three underground parking lots which are available at different prices.
The highlight of the Parklands for most of the 9 million yearly visitors is Streets Beach, which tries to replicate a coastal beach without the giant waves or dangerous animals. On any sunny day the beach and lagoon will be packed with people. There are lifeguards on duty throughout most of the day so swimming in the lagoon (not the river) is perfectly safe. Completed in 1992, the sand on the lagoon is brought in from nearby Moreton Bay and both the beach and lagoon are cleaned and renewed frequently. Extensions to the lagoon were finished in 2008 so there is now a ramp into the lagoon and more space to sit around it. The area around the lagoon has native plants, rockeries, and walkways for strolling and admiring.
One of the newest tourist attractions in the park is the Wheel of Brisbane. The 60 metre Ferris Wheel give spectacular views over the CBD and South Bank areas as well as out to the suburbs on clear days. It was built in August 2008 and was intended to remain for 2 years until moving on to its next location. It's still there today. The 15 minute ride costs $15 for an adult with child and family prices available.
The South Bank Arbour is a great way to check out the area and the people in it. This bougainvillea covered walk goes throughout the entire South Bank area and goes past all the major attractions and eateries. The bougainvillea climbs around artful support beams and is constantly flowering in a delightful purple colour.
One of the main attractions left over from the World Expo of 1988 is the Nepalese Peace Pagoda. One of only three Nepalese Peace Pagodas outside of Nepal it required over 80 tonnes of Nepalese timber and over 150 Nepalese families to build the components which were then shipped to Australia. Each of the three levels contains a different space. There is a meditation level, a tea house, and now, a display of pictures and artifacts from the Expo. Originally, the plan had been to remove the pagoda once the Expo was finished however, the people of Brisbane loved the pavilion so much they petitioned to keep it in the city.
With all those visitors, there has to be somewhere to eat and the area has a host of cafes and restaurants to suit every taste and occasion. Our recommended spots can be found here and we encourage you to try them all and make your own list.
Note for early 2011: South Bank's beach is closed at present because of the flooding in late 2010. However, the art gallery, museum and QPAC have all re-opened. Return to Brisbane Attractions from SB Park
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