Families have differing needs when they are travelling in new areas. Adults have different interests to children and it can be difficult to find activities that keep everyone happy at once. If you’re looking for somewhere in Brisbane where the whole family can enjoy the day out together then Southbank, on the banks of the Brisbane River, could be just the place you need!
Southbank was built on the huge site where the 1988 World Expo was held. It was developed into an entertainment centre and has experienced many facelifts over the years. The most recent renovations occurred after the Brisbane floods in 2011.
So why is Southbank such a great day out? There are two reasons; location and the number of activities all in one place.
Southbank is located on the banks of the Brisbane River and is the site for the yearly Riverfire celebrations each September as well as a fireworks extravaganza on New Year’s Eve. (Inside Tip: Arrive absolutely early if you plan to attend either of these events!)
Close by are the Gallery of Modern Art, the Science Museum and The Queensland Museum. The Lyric Theatre and the Brisbane Convention Centre are just a short walk away as well as one of the cheapest cinemas in Brisbane which is situated in Gray Street.
The water play areas at Southbank are second to none. A beach has been installed here, complete with sand and lifeguards. There are multiple water play areas; Aquativity will keep your kids amused for hours on a hot summer’s day.
Grab lunch at a café or restaurant, pick up an ice-cream or visit the lolly shop for a sweet treat. Bring a bike or a scooter and enjoy a ride along the riverbank. Throw a frisbee in the park or climb all over the play equipment at Riverside Green.
A ride on the Wheel of Brisbane is a fun experience too!
There are licensed premises on site if the adults feel like a drink and the relatively new arrival of to-die-for chocolate restaurants! There are so many activities here that you can come back time and time again and never get bored. Add to all of that the seasonal activities that are planned at Southbank and you’ll need to visit over and over.
If you’d like to stay in Brisbane and experience Southbank for an extended period, this won’t be too hard as there are several hotels just over the river in the Brisbane area. The walk across the bridge to the activities at Southbank is just a short stroll and you’ll be enjoying a cool swim and an ice-cream before you know it. Buses make the short trip if you’re too lazy to walk over!
Plan to spend at least a few hours at Southbank when you visit Brisbane. On a hot day it’s a fabulous place to give the kids a safe swim, have a cool drink and a bite to eat without having to venture too far.
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