South Bank rewards a plan built around energy rather than a checklist: outdoor play first, then something indoors, then a slower finish by the river. This guide follows that shape and draws on Visit Brisbane (Brisbane City Council), South Bank Corporation and museum pages. It leaves water play to our dedicated guide and does not quote prices or opening hours, which change.
Start outdoors: playground, picnic and lawns
Visit Brisbane describes the Riverside Green Playground as including a life-sized hamster wheel, climbing nets and huge slides. The playground sits in a large green shady space with surrounding barbecues and restaurants. South Bank Corporation places the Riverside Cafe & Bar near the playground. South Bank’s own things-to-do page lists barbecue areas as free to use, at 9 November 2026, per South Bank Corporation.
Not every stop needs equipment. Jem at Flowstate is a sculpture that interacts with you as you move around and touch it, and Visit Brisbane describes it as a good spot for games such as hide and seek.
Nature in the middle of the city
The Rainforest Walk is described by Visit Brisbane as a calm pathway winding through dense greenery and palms. In the same area, Rainforest Green is a grassy lawn behind South Bank Piazza that is surrounded by subtropical plants and trees. South Bank Corporation describes the walk along the boardwalk as free.
Two nearby stops add some learning. The Epicurious Garden is South Bank’s edible garden, where families can learn where food comes from and work with volunteers to harvest produce to take home. Rain Bank captures, stores and treats stormwater to source 85% of the Parkland’s water needs.
For swimming, South Bank offers three man-made locations: Aquativity, the Boat Pool and Streets Beach. The detail is covered in our water play guide, so this plan treats them as an optional extra.
Indoors: museums, galleries and a library
For wet-weather or hot-afternoon breaks, the cultural precinct is the natural fallback. Queensland Museum‘s permanent Sparklab is an interactive STEM space described as suited to children aged six to twelve. It has three zones, including experiments with physics and engineering and exploring light, sound and motion. For children under six, QAGOMA has a Children’s Art Centre with exhibitions and activities specifically curated for them. South Bank Corporation adds that QAGOMA has dedicated exhibitions for kids.
The State Library of Queensland offers kids programs and workshops for young people and families. Boat-minded children may prefer the Maritime Museum, found below the Goodwill Bridge, where historic vessels date from World War Two onwards. The museum’s own page features the World War II warship HMAS Diamantina and the historic pearling lugger Penguin.
A slower finish on the water
The Wheel of Brisbane is 60 metres high, and the ride lasts 12 minutes with audio commentary in an air-conditioned gondola. To see the same landmarks from river level, the cross-river CityCat departs from the Maritime Museum to QUT Gardens Point, while the all-stops CityCat can be boarded at South Bank ferry terminal.
Getting there and where to start
South Bank’s site says South Bank Station gives the closest access to the Parklands, Little Stanley precinct, the Goodwill Bridge and Queensland Maritime Museum. South Brisbane Station gives the closest access to the Cultural Centre, including the art gallery, Queensland Museum and QPAC. The busway works the same way, with Cultural Centre Station closest to those same cultural venues. CityCats stop at the South Bank River Terminal on the Clem Jones Promenade and operate every day.
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If you drive, the South Bank car park is on Little Stanley St, entered via Tribune or Glenelg streets, at 9 November 2026, per South Bank Corporation. The car park has a height restriction of 2.1 metres.
Frequently asked questions
What is there for young children at South Bank?
Visit Brisbane highlights the Riverside Green Playground and, for under-sixes, the Children’s Art Centre at QAGOMA.
Which South Bank attraction suits children aged six to twelve?
Queensland Museum’s Sparklab is described as suited to children aged six to twelve.
Which station is closest to the museum and gallery?
South Brisbane Station gives the closest access to the Cultural Centre, including Queensland Museum and QAGOMA.
Are the barbecues at South Bank free?
At 9 November 2026, South Bank’s things-to-do page lists BBQ areas as free to use.
