South Bank Parklands

Ever since our arrival in Brisbane, locals have recommended a visit to "South Bank" - so it piqued our interests. Located on the southern side of the Brisbane River (thus its name), this area was the original meeting place for the Turrbal and Yuggera aboriginal peoples. By the 1850's, it had become THE focal business center of the early European settlers. However, the devastating flood of 1893 forced businesses to relocate further north, to what is now the Central Business District (CBD). As a result, the South Bank area began to deteriorate into derelict boarding houses and vaudeville theaters.. Public sentiment to rejuvenate the area began to rise in the 1970's, culminating in South Bank playing host to World Expo 88. Today, it is a wonderful conglomeration of attractions which include Street beaches, a riverwalk promenade, rainforest trail, the Wheel of Brisbane, and much more. An estimated eleven million visitors come here each year ( eleven million and two this year). What a great place! We came to South Bank at least three times during our stay in Brisbane. There is that much to see!

View of South Bank and the Wheel of Brisbane from Victoria Bridge.

Streets Beach (named after its sponsor, Streets Ice Cream) is a man-made beach recreation spot, covering approximately 6000 square feet. The 12,000 cubic feet of sand that surrounds the award winning pool complex, comes from the Rous channel in Morton Bay...

...and includes a playground for the kids.

One of the most beautiful parts of South Bank (we think) is the 2/3 mile long Arbour - comprised of 443 curling steel columns covered by Bourganvilleas.

Along the river promenade is the rainforest trail that takes you through lush greenery.

In the center of South Bank is the Epicurious Garden of herbs and spice plants.

This Nepalese Peace Pagoda is the only remaining International exhibit from World Expo 88 and one of only three such pagodas outside of Nepal (the others being in Munich and Osaka).