There's Something for Everyone at South Bank | Budget Car Rental

South Bank isn’t just a stop on your Brisbane itinerary — it’s a destination in its own right. With its mix of culture, parklands, food, and inner-city beach vibes, South Bank Brisbane has something for everyone, whether you're travelling with mates, your partner, the kids, or flying solo.

Only minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, it’s easy to reach by foot, ferry, or car. And if you’re planning to explore beyond the riverside, booking a car hire in Brisbane is your best bet to make the most of your trip.
 

Why South Bank Should Be on Your List

South Bank is one of those rare places where you can stroll through a rainforest, relax on a beach, hit up world-class museums, and grab dinner by the river — all in a single afternoon. It’s laid-back, scenic, and packed with activities year-round.

From free attractions to cultural must-dos and family-friendly fun, here’s our ultimate guide to what to do in South Bank Brisbane.
 

Budget Car Hire Brisbane 

If you're flying into Brisbane, picking up a car at Brisbane Airport is your easiest option. Prefer to collect your car closer to the city? Budget has convenient car hire locations all around Brisbane including Ipswich, Rocklea, and Logan. Wherever you’re starting from, Budget makes it easy to hit the road and head straight for the good stuff.

Chat with your rental agent when you pick up your vehicle — they can help with local driving tips, maps, and suggestions for your Brisbane itinerary. Get a quote today to see great rates on car rental in Queensland.

 

Things to do in the South Bank

There is no shortage of things to do in South Bank. In fact, there is something for everyone and it is centrally located, easy to get to from anywhere in Brisbane. There is a mix of sights and sounds to take in including restaurants and cafes, enclosed beaches for swimming, the Arbour, the Courier Mail Piazza which is an open-air amphitheatre.
 

Streets Beach

You don’t need to drive for hours to get beach vibes. Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach, is right in the heart of the action. With white sand, palm trees, and a crystal-clear lagoon, it’s the perfect place to cool off or soak up some sun. Families love it here, and it’s safe for little ones to splash around. And the best part? It’s completely free.

After a dip, stretch out on the grassy banks, grab an ice cream, and watch the world go by. You’ll feel miles away from the hustle without ever leaving the city.
 

Nepal Peace Pagoda

The Nepal Pavilion was first constructed for the 1988 Expo. It was salvaged and moved to the Parklands in 1992. It is the only surviving international exhibit from the expo and is only one of three Nepal Peace Pagodas outside of Nepal.
 

South Bank Grand Arbour

The Grand Arbour is made of curling steel columns that are covered in beautiful bougainvilleas woven with blooms of vibrant pink flowers. It is a great spot for a stroll after a bite at one of the nearby cafes. Be sure to bring your camera for some great photos.


Picnic Island

Picnic Island is one of the many free spots you can go to in the South Bank. There is a playground for children and BBQ facilities. It is a man-made tropical island built at the east end of the South Bank. Kids of all ages will especially enjoy the giant fig playground.


Queensland Museum

The Queensland Museum is located in  South Bank and part of what makes up the rich cultural attraction to this area. The museum was founded in 1862 and features many of Queensland’s historical collections. One of the most popular exhibits is the dinosaur zones both inside and outside of the museum. You can learn about Queensland history dating back to the indigenous people and islander arts and crafts as well as colonial history too.
 

Gallery of Modern Art

Gallery of Modern Art, also known as GOMA, is the largest gallery of modern and contemporary art in all of Australia. You can see works from Nolan, Drysdale, and Vida Lahey. Entrance to the museum is free and you can even enjoy free gallery i-tours. The Gallery of Modern Art is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre. It includes the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Queensland Museum and Science Centre, the Queensland Art Gallery, and the State Library of Queensland.


Theatre & Live Music

South Bank is a cultural playground with no shortage of live performances. From musicals to opera, jazz to contemporary drama — there’s something playing every week. Here are some of the venues to check out:

  • Queensland Theatre Company
  • Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
  • Opera Queensland
  • Jazz Café
  • Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University)
  • Brisbane Festival (seasonal)


Plan Your Trip with Budget Car Hire Brisbane

With so much to see and do in and around South Bank, having a car makes it even easier to explore further — from Kangaroo Point Cliffs to Mount Coot-tha, or even a scenic day trip to the Sunshine Coast.

Book a car today and enjoy the flexibility of your own itinerary, hassle-free.