When we moved here almost three years ago and started figuring out the best things to do with kids in Brisbane, South Bank is where we found our footing. It is where I met the other mums who became my closest friends. The ones I now text every Friday asking if everyone’s still on for the parklands. Our kids grew up together on that grass. They are proper besties now, the kind who run straight for each other the moment we arrive, no hellos needed.
So when people ask us for the best things to do with kids in Brisbane, South Bank is always where we start. Not because it is the most exciting precinct in the city, but because we know it properly, every corner of the parklands, where the good coffees are, where to spread the picnic blanket, every café that actually doesn’t sigh when a toddler arrives, and which emergency button corner to steer well clear of after one too many awkward chats with security.
We know South Bank the way only locals with a 4-year-old can, slowly, deliberately, and with a packed bag permanently slung over one shoulder. The Key to South Bank is awarded to the local guide with the most creative itinerary for the precinct, and that local knowledge is exactly what earned us the win. Visit South Bank announced us as the winners on their Instagram.
IN THIS GUIDE
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@VISITSOUTHBANK · INSTAGRAM
We won the Key to South Bank 🏅
See the official winner announcement from Visit South Bank
It’s prompted us to write the guide we’ve always wanted to exist: an honest, practical, kid-tested breakdown of the best South Bank Brisbane free activities, and why this one stretch of river belongs at the top of every family’s Brisbane itinerary.
Brisbane with kids
South Bank
Free activities
Toddler activities Brisbane
Brisbane 2032
THE STARTING POINT
Why South Bank Is the Best Starting Point for Brisbane With Kids
South Bank Parklands sits directly across the Brisbane River from the CBD. For families with young children, it is the best-value piece of public space in Australia. Almost everything here is free. Everything is pram-accessible. And unlike most “family-friendly” precincts, it was genuinely designed with children in mind, not as an afterthought.
If you’re looking for toddler activities in Brisbane that don’t cost a fortune and don’t require military-level logistics, this is your starting point.
Before we get into the detail, we’ve put our own slow day itinerary for South Bank up on the Visit South Bank website. You can find our full toddler day guide here, which maps out a complete morning-to-afternoon route from the Cultural Forecourt to the Clem Jones Promenade.
THE ROUTE WE ACTUALLY WALK
Our Slow Day Itinerary: South Bank From 9am to 3pm
This is the exact sequence from Jomana’s guide on Visit South Bank — eight stops, one slow morning and afternoon, zero rushing.
THE ULTIMATE SLOW DAY OUT: SOUTH BANK FOR TODDLERS
9:00am
Cultural Forecourt
FREE
Hop off the bus for 50c. Walk the forecourt to see the Brisbane Sign and Eye, open air, flat ground, easy orientation for a toddler who needs to stretch.
9:30am
Wheel of Brisbane
A gentle rotation over the river, quiet, air-conditioned and toddler-approved. The height doesn’t frighten young kids the way bigger rides do. Opens at 10am. If you arrive early, let the kids run on the nearby lawn or grab a coffee at the café first. Children 3 and under ride free (collect a free ticket at the box office). Kids 4 to 11 need a child ticket. Book online ahead of time for the best rate.
10:30am
Riverside Playground
FREE
Stroll through The Arbour, the famous pink bougainvillea walkway, to one of the best playgrounds for all ages in Brisbane.
11:00am
Riverside Terrace
Grab fresh juice and sandwiches for an easy, stress-free picnic by the water. No rush, no formal service, no pressure to keep small people sitting still.
11:30am
Aquativity
FREE
Spread a blanket while toddlers splash in the safe, shallow creek. No rips, no depth concerns, just happy kids and parents who can actually sit down.
12:30am
Epicurious Garden
FREE
A sensory treat. Smell fresh herbs, spot water hens in the greenery. Most visitors walk straight past it, but it is worth the detour.
1:30am
Picnic Island Green
FREE
A quiet, shady haven perfect for a nap, a final play, or spotting tiny fish in the water.
3:00pm
Clem Jones Promenade
FREE
A flat, pram-friendly riverside stroll with Brisbane’s skyline ahead of you. Head to the ferry stop, and you’re done.
Full timed guide by Jomana on Visit South Bank → visitsouthbank.com.au
This is how slow travel works with a toddler, not rushing between fifteen things, but doing eight things properly at the pace of a small child who wants to look at every pigeon.
Murray & Jomana, Really Traveling
Streets Beach at South Bank, Brisbane’s only free inner-city beach lagoon. Shallow, patrolled, and built for small children to splash safely.
THE HEADLINE ACT
Streets Beach: Brisbane's Free Inner-City Beach
Streets Beach is an enclosed lagoon, lifeguard-patrolled, sand-edged, and entirely free to use. No rips, no jellyfish, no undertow. Just shallow water, happy kids, and parents who can relax without hovering.
For families looking for things to do with kids in Brisbane on a budget, Streets Beach solves a genuine problem: how do you give a toddler a real beach experience without a 90-minute drive and the anxiety of surf conditions? You walk from South Bank train station in eight minutes.
WHAT WE'VE LEARNED FROM DOZENS OF VISITS
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Arrive before 10am on weekends to get a shaded spot near the water’s edge
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The shallow northern entry point is easier for wobbly walkers than the main pool
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Changerooms, shower rooms, toilets, and a kiosk are all within the precinct
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School holiday weekdays are much calmer than weekend mornings
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The beach is patrolled by lifeguards throughout opening hours
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Pools and amenities are regularly maintained to a high standard
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Check the Visit South Bank website before you go for any pool closure updates
FREE & HANDS-ON
The Queensland Museum: Built for Under-5s
Right on the edge of South Bank sits one of the best free things to do with kids in Brisbane that visitors often rush past. The Queensland Museum has dedicated programming and exhibits designed specifically for young children, and entry is free.
The dinosaur hall alone justifies the visit. But what consistently surprises us is how well the under-5 exhibits are designed, interactive, physical, low-fuss. Our daughter can spend hours here without a meltdown, which is about as strong an endorsement as we give anything.
‘Sparklab’ itself is built for ages 6 to 13, but keep an eye out for their Sensory Friendly Sessions, designed for children with sensory sensitivities or other access needs, with reduced sound and lower visitor numbers. These sessions are open to all ages, and tickets for a 3 to 4 year old are just $5. Bookings open through the museum’s website.
PRACTICAL NOTES
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Opens 9:30am. Arriving at opening gets you the exhibits to yourselves
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Completely pram-accessible, lifts on every floor
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Café Muse has indoor and outdoor seating, good for breakfast or lunch, with the Dinosaur Garden nearby for kids to run off energy.
✓
Combine with GOMA next door for a full cultural precinct half-day
The Queensland Museum- free, hands-on, and great for under-5s
BETTER WITH KIDS THAN YOU THINK
GOMA and the Queensland Art Gallery
GOMA sits directly next to the Queensland Museum. Its Children’s Art Centre runs hands-on activities that work brilliantly from about age two upward — and this is where most travel guides get it wrong by listing GOMA as an adult attraction only.
The connected Queensland Art Gallery has large open spaces and interactive elements that young children navigate well. The two buildings connect via a walkway over the river. It’s the kind of loop that fills a slow morning beautifully — museum to gallery to river and back again.
Left: The water fountain at the Queensland Art Gallery. Right: The Children’s Art Centre at GOMA — free, interactive and genuinely great for under-5s.
RAINY DAY BACK UP
The Corner at State Library, the Hidden Gem In Between
Tucked between the Queensland Museum and GOMA, most visitors walk straight past the State Library without realising what’s inside. The Corner is a free, drop-in play space built for kids aged 0 to 8, with giant soft building blocks, reading nooks, a dedicated art studio for painting, and a garden courtyard. Open daily from 9:30am to 4pm, no bookings needed. You’ll find it just past reception as you walk in, easy to spot and impossible to miss with kids in tow.
It’s also our actual go-to on a rainy day. Reading, painting, and proper imaginative play, indoors, free, and just steps from the museum and gallery either side of it.
The Corner has since moved next to the reception area inside the library, but keeps the same colourful, hands-on spirit. Left: the original entrance. Right: making postcards at the art studio.
THE PART MOST VISITORS SKIP
The Parklands Walk: A Free Full Day
Beyond the headline attractions, South Bank Parklands reward families who simply walk. The path running the full length of the parklands is flat, shaded by large figs, and completely pram-friendly. Multiple playgrounds sit along the route, plus the Epicurious Garden and several quiet lawn areas ideal for a blanket-and-lunch stop.
For families visiting Brisbane on a tight budget, the full parklands walk plus a picnic is an entire day with no entry fee, no booking, and no stress beyond packing a bag. The Arbour, the bougainvillea-covered walkway, is one of the most photographed spots in Brisbane and beautiful even on a phone camera.
Left: Bougainvillea in full bloom near the Arbour. Right: The boardwalk through the Arbour leading to Picnic Island Green.
WHERE TO EAT
Where to Eat at South Bank With Kids
South Bank has a fantastic range of dining options for families. The Stanley Street Plaza strip is our go-to, with most venues offering outdoor seating, which is exactly what you need with kids who like to be near the grass. Little Stanley Street nearby is worth exploring too, with a great mix of cuisines at slightly more relaxed prices.
For a free and easy option, the picnic lawns between the parklands and the river are large, flat and perfectly positioned by the water. The weekend Collective Markets are worth timing a visit around for fresh food stalls and a relaxed family atmosphere. This is how we often do it, and it is one of our favourite ways to experience South Bank as a family.
We will also be exploring the full dining scene across the precinct throughout the year and sharing our experiences on our socials. Follow along at @really_traveling_family on Instagram for updates as we work through the best family-friendly spots South Bank has to offer.
For the full directory of restaurants, cafes, and bars across the precinct, the Visit South Bank eat and drink guide has the most complete resource available.
Our go-to lunch spot: Picnic Island Green under the big tree and food from the Collective Markets.
WHERE TO STAY
Family-Friendly Hotels Near South Bank Brisbane
When families search for accommodation near South Bank Brisbane, the question is almost always the same: which hotel puts us closest to the parklands, has a pool the kids can actually use, and doesn’t involve loading a pram into a car every morning? The answer is staying on South Bank itself. These three hotels sit inside or directly beside the precinct. Streets Beach, the Queensland Museum, the playgrounds, and the riverside walks are all on foot, which matters whether you’re travelling with a toddler in a pram or a kid old enough to run ahead of you. No transfers, no logistics. You simply step outside.
As part of winning the Key to South Bank, we’ve been gifted a stay at each of these three hotels across the coming year. We haven’t checked in yet, so think of this as our pre-stay shortlist, what made each one stand out before we’d even unpacked a bag. Once we’ve actually stayed, we’ll update this section (and our TripAdvisor reviews) with what it was really like travelling with our own kid in tow.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
🏆 NO.1 HOTEL IN AUSTRALIA — TRIPADVISOR 2026
A boutique five-star hotel on Grey Street, directly in the heart of the precinct. Steps from Streets Beach, the parklands, and the cultural institutions. Just named the number one hotel in Australia and the South Pacific in the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, placing it in the top 1% of hotels worldwide.
Good for families: The rooftop infinity pool on level 21 should be a hit with kids after a day at the parklands, toddlers included if there’s a shallow end. Being steps from Streets Beach means nap time shouldn’t mean a long walk home. Concierge service should take some of the usual logistics pressure off travelling with little ones.
Rydges South Bank Brisbane
KID-FRIENDLY HOTEL
One of the most consistently recommended kid-friendly hotels in South Bank, Rydges sits inside the precinct with direct access to QPAC, GOMA, and the Queensland Museum. River views from upper floors and rooms spacious enough for travel cots and the usual pile of toddler and kid gear.
Good for families: Children under 12 stay and eat breakfast free when using existing bedding and dining with a paying adult, and there’s apparently a tray of treats waiting on arrival, a nice touch whether you’ve got a toddler or a school-aged kid. The GOMA Children’s Art Centre and Queensland Museum are a flat, short walk from the front door, which should matter more than people expect with a stroller in tow.
Novotel Brisbane South Bank
BEST VALUE FAMILY HOTEL
Consistently rated among the best value family hotels near South Bank Parklands, Novotel offers a 20-metre heated outdoor pool, spacious family rooms, and an 8-minute walk to the parklands. A reliable four-star choice for families who want comfort that doesn’t stretch the budget, whether you’re still navigating toddler nap schedules or have a kid who’s outgrown them.
Good for families: Children under 16 get a free buffet breakfast when dining with a paying adult, every child receives a welcome gift on arrival, and you can book a second room for the kids at 50% off, handy if you’re travelling with another family or just need the extra sleep space. The parklands are an 8-minute walk away, an easy distance for a toddler in a pram or a kid on their own two feet.
In the meantime, you can read our existing hotel and experience reviews on our Really Traveling TripAdvisor profile.
GETTING HERE
Planning the Logistics: Getting to South Bank With Kids
By train
South Bank station is an 8-minute walk from Streets Beach. Lifts available. Fully pram-accessible. 50 cents per journey. Just tap and go.
⛴️ By ferry
City Cat stops at South Bank Parklands regularly throughout the day. The ferry ride itself is a highlight for young children. 50 cents per journey. Just tap and go.
🚌 By bus
Most buses stop at Cultural Centre Bus Station. It is a beautiful walk through the precinct to the parklands. 50 cents per journey. Just tap and go.
🚗 Parking
Paid parking beneath the parklands. Fills quickly on weekends. Public transport is easier with a pram. Book at the South Bank parking page.
South Bank is fully accessible for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility aids throughout the entire precinct. All pathways are flat and paved. Museum buildings have lifts on every floor. Streets Beach has accessible entry points. Companion card accepted at paid attractions.
For a full map of the precinct including all venues, facilities, and entry points, use the South Bank interactive map on the Visit South Bank website. It covers every attraction, dining venue, playground, and amenity across the parklands.
For journey planning, timetables and real-time updates, visit the TransLink website.
If you’re travelling from interstate and sorting flights, our family flight hacks guide covers how to find the cheapest seats for three or more people. And if you’re coming from overseas, our family travel insurance guide covers what Australian families actually need, including what most policies miss.
The image shows the KittyCat ferry on the Brisbane River. Just 50 cents per journey and one of the best parts of the day for young kids.
ABOUT THE AWARD
What the Key to South Bank Actually Means
The Key to South Bank recognises local guides with genuine, lived knowledge of the precinct. It recognises people who know the place the way we do, through dozens of visits at different times, in different seasons, with a small child who has different needs every time.
Murray and Jomana, Key to South Bank winners 2026. Photo: Really Traveling
We’re Murray and Jomana, Brisbane locals and slow travel advocates behind Really Traveling. We write specifically for families with young children because that’s who we are, and because the travel content we needed when we started didn’t exist. Every article on this site is based on a trip we’ve actually taken, a place we’ve actually visited, and an experience we’ve actually had.
As part of the award we have been gifted over $14,000 worth of South Bank experiences across the full year, including dining, museum passes, shows at QPAC and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, hotel stays, parking, coffee, an ice cream pass for a year, sip and paint sessions, an art gallery pass, a cinema pass, and so much more. Every single experience gets shared with our community, so families everywhere can know exactly what to expect before they visit. This is slow travel done properly, and South Bank is where it all starts.
The Key to South Bank isn't just a personal milestone. It's confirmation that Brisbane with kids, done slowly, done honestly, done at the pace of a 4-year-old, is one of the finest family travel experiences available anywhere.
LOOKING AHEAD
Brisbane in 2032: Why We're Building This Guide Now
The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming to Brisbane. When they arrive, millions of families from around the world will be researching exactly what this guide covers, honest, practical, toddler-tested advice about things to do with kids in Brisbane.
We’re building that resource now, ahead of the competition, with the local knowledge that only comes from living here. Browse our full destinations guide or see our 10-day Tasmania itinerary, the same slow approach applied to a different destination.
2032
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
South Bank Brisbane With Kids: Your Questions Answered
Is South Bank Brisbane free for families?
Almost entirely, yes. Streets Beach, the Queensland Museum, GOMA general admission, the parklands, playgrounds, Epicurious Garden, and the riverside walks are all free. The Wheel of Brisbane has a ticket price. Some Children’s Art Centre sessions at GOMA may have a small charge, check their website before visiting.
Is South Bank Brisbane wheelchair and pram accessible?
Yes. South Bank is fully accessible for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility aids throughout the entire precinct. All pathways are flat and paved with no steps between attractions. Museum buildings have lifts on every floor. Streets Beach has accessible entry points at multiple locations. The Companion Card is accepted at paid attractions including the Wheel of Brisbane.
When is the best time to visit South Bank with a toddler?
Weekday mornings in school term time are quietest. On weekends, aim to arrive before 9:30am. School holiday periods are busy but manageable if you go early and have a flexible attitude to nap timing.
How do I get to South Bank with a pram on public transport?
South Bank train station is an 8-minute walk from Streets Beach and fully pram-accessible, with a 50 cent fare per journey. The City Cat ferry also stops at South Bank Parklands for the same 50 cents, highly recommended as an experience in itself for young children.
Is there a planned toddler itinerary for South Bank?
Yes, Jomana from Really Traveling has published The Ultimate Slow Day Out: South Bank for Toddlers on the Visit South Bank website. It’s a timed, step-by-step guide from 9am to 3pm covering eight stops across the precinct.
What else can we do near South Bank?
The South Bank Cultural Precinct connects easily to South Brisbane and West End by foot. QPAC runs family programming year-round. The City Cat ferry opens up New Farm, Teneriffe, and the CBD in both directions, each stop is worth exploring with children.
What are the best family hotels near South Bank Brisbane?
The three best family hotels near South Bank Brisbane are Emporium Hotel South Bank, Rydges South Bank Brisbane, and Novotel Brisbane South Bank. All three sit inside or directly beside the precinct, putting Streets Beach, the Queensland Museum, GOMA, and the parklands on foot from your room. Emporium was named the number one hotel in Australia and the South Pacific in the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.
Is there a map of South Bank Brisbane I can use to plan my visit?
Yes. Visit South Bank has a free interactive map covering every attraction, dining venue, playground, and facility across the precinct. It is the most complete planning resource available and works on mobile.
Where should families eat at South Bank Brisbane?
Stanley Street Plaza is the main dining strip, with most venues offering outdoor seating directly beside the parklands. Little Stanley Street nearby has a wider mix of cuisines at more relaxed prices. For a free option, the picnic lawns between the parklands and the river are large, flat, and perfectly positioned by the water. The Collective Markets run Friday 5pm to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 9pm, and Sunday 9am to 4pm, worth timing a visit around for fresh food stalls and a relaxed family atmosphere.
VISITSOUTHBANK · LOCAL GUIDE
The Ultimate Slow Day Out: South Bank for Toddlers
Jomana's official timed itinerary - 9am to 3pm, 8 stops, full pram route
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More From Really Traveling
M&J
Murray & Jomana
Brisbane-based parents behind Really Traveling. They travel with their 4-year-old and publish honest, first-hand destination guides for families with young children across Australia and beyond. Currently building the most comprehensive family travel guide to Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Brisbane with kids
South Bank
Free activities
Toddler activities Brisbane
Brisbane 2032
Brisbane attractions for families
Jomana is the heart behind Really Traveling — the one making sure every itinerary actually works when you’ve got a tired toddler and a delayed flight. She’s the family’s chief researcher, packing list perfectionist, and the reason our trips run smoother than they have any right to. If the advice on this site is practical and honest, that’s Jomana’s doing.
