Brisbane’s South Bank is a wonderful place for families to visit at any time of year. Whether it be for a swim in Summer, a stroll through the markets in Winter or a bite to eat in Spring, there is a firm focus on family-friendly fun, with a range of fun activities on offer.
Quite often it is more convenient and often more cost effective to travel to South Bank using your own vehicle. There is also the added benefit of being able to store excess items in your car, and of course, the kids can sleep comfortably in the backseat on the way home from a big day out at South Bank.
To make planning your adventure easier, we have gathered all the parking and transport information for the South Bank area into one spot. Many parking options around South Bank Brisbane are secure and undercover, but there is also the option of street parking.
Parking Options Near South Bank
SW1 Car Park
Located just a short walk from the heart of South Bank, SW1 Car Park, part of the Secure Parking Group, is one of the cheaper parking options in South Bank. It is also open 24 hours.
To get the best discounts, head to the Secure Parking website and book online before parking. There are many parking options, for both weekdays and weekends, depending on when you are planning to visit South Bank and for how long you.
HOT TIP – Check out RACQ’s member discounts for great rates on Secure Parking in Brisbane. From $8.50 for evening or weekend parking. Grab your code from RACQ’s website and book online.
COST – Weekends $15 Maximum, if booked online
LOCATION – 32 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane (Enter via Cordelia or Merivale Streets into Grenier or George Croft Lanes
Queensland’s Cultural Precinct
The Cultural Precinct in South Bank sits in a prime location and is home to many of Brisbane’s treasures, including Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, QPAC, State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Art Gallery.
There are three car parks available to visitors and guests. The car parks are undercover and provide more than 1,000 spaces, including 28 People with disability bays. Payment is required, via credit card only, on entry. All car parks are open until midnight, unless stated otherwise.
Car Park 1 (P1) – Perfect if you’re seeing a show at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
Car Park 2 (P2) – Best for checking out the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum and Sciencentre
Car Park 3 (P3) – Park here for workshops at the State Library or exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
COST – Flat rate of $17 per entry, per day.
LOCATION – All car parks accessible via Stanley Place, South Brisbane
The Parklands Car Park (South Bank Corporation)
Parking at this carpark, in the heart of South Bank, gives you easy access to the many restaurants lining Little Stanley Street. In addition, it is only a short walk to the parklands and swimming area in South Bank. There are approximately 800 underground spaces, including eight disabled bays, with stair and lift accessibility from both the north and south entrances.
HOT TIP – Check the South Bank Corporation website for regular promotions, including early bird, dining and monthly parking specials.
COST – Weekends $36 maximum
LOCATION – The Parklands car park entry is from Little Stanley Street, either from Glenelg or Tribune Streets
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre offers more than 1,500 undercover parking spaces for visitors and the general public. The car park is open 24 hours a day and has
direct lift access to the Centre’s convention and exhibition facilities.
COST – Maximum daily rate $35
LOCATION – Access to car parks via Merivale and Grey Streets
Cineplex South Bank
Cineplex offers its patrons free parking for four hours when you come to see the latest blockbuster. The car park is conveniently located below the cinema, but don’t forget to validate your ticket at the box office to receive this deal.
HOT TIP – The car park fills up fast, with only 80 carparks available. If you miss out, Cineplex also has a special deal for parking at SW1 so just check their website for details.
COST – Free for four hours (conditions apply)
LOCATION – Corner of Ernest and Grey Street, South Brisbane
Street Parking
Street parking is occasionally available in the South Bank area. Whilst it is not usually the favoured option, due to the cost, distance, difficulty locating a space and the fact it is out in the elements, there are times when it can be beneficial. Generally, if you are only in the area for a short time, know where you are going and are happy to drive around for a bit, street parking can be utilised. To make paying for parking easier, download the CelloPark Australia app. Rates start from $1-$2 per hour, and vary according to the zone you are parking in and for how long. Be sure to check parking conditions carefully to avoid a parking ticket or excessive fees.
Public Transport to South Bank
Bus
Travelling by bus has never been quicker, with busways and dedicated bus lanes set up all over the city. To visit South Bank catch a bus that stops at the Cultural Centre Busway Station, which will have you arriving smack bang in the middle of the Cultural Precinct. From here it is an easy walk to South Bank attractions.
Train
Sometimes it’s the journey not just the destination, that is part of the adventure and fun. If you want to avoid traffic and parking, then catch a train from your local train station, exiting at either the South Bank Station or South Brisbane Station.
Ferry
There’s no doubt we have the best weather in Brisbane. And what better way to enjoy it than taking a boat ride on the Brisbane River. Parents and children will love seeing the city from a different perspective. Look for South Bank Stop 1 & 2 when using the CityCat and South Bank Stop 3 for the CityHopper. NB. The CityHopper is free, stopping at various stops along the Brisbane River.
For further information of Public Transport options around Brisbane head to www.translink.com.au
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