South Bank Parklands, Brisbane (must see)

South Bank Parklands is one of Brisbane’s most popular riverside destinations, located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, directly opposite the city centre. The parklands occupy the former site of Expo 88, the World Exposition held in Brisbane in 1988. After the exhibition closed, the area was redeveloped into a large public park that opened in 1992.

Today the parklands combine landscaped gardens, rainforest areas, grassy lawns, and riverside promenades within a lively waterfront setting. Visitors can stroll along walking paths shaded by tropical plants while enjoying views of the river and Brisbane’s skyline. The park frequently hosts festivals and community events, many of which take place in the South Bank Piazza amphitheatre, which is also used throughout the year to screen major sporting events and news on large outdoor screens.

One of the parklands’ most distinctive attractions is Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon surrounded by sandy shores and subtropical vegetation. The beach uses chlorinated freshwater and sand sourced from Moreton Bay. Lifeguards patrol the lagoon, making it a safe and popular swimming area for families.

Another notable feature is the Nepalese Peace Pagoda, built in traditional Nepalese architectural style under the supervision of craftsmen from Nepal. The structure incorporates indigenous Nepalese timber and authentic decorative artwork.

The surrounding streets—especially Little Stanley Street and Grey Street—offer a wide variety of cafés, bars, and restaurants serving both local specialties and international cuisine. Combined with nearby cultural institutions such as the Queensland Cultural Centre and attractions like the Wheel of Brisbane, South Bank Parklands remains one of the city’s most lively and enjoyable public spaces.