48 hours at South Bank

South Bank is home to Brisbane’s premiere cultural precinct; 17 hectares of riverfront parkland and more than 100 eateries to explore – here’s your guide to seeing the highlights in 48 hours.

Friday night

6pm – Check in and check out
Step into the foyers of either of South Bank’s 4.5 star hotels, Mantra or Rydges, and begin your getaway with sweeping views of the CBD skyline and riverbanks.

7pm - Embrace the South Bank vibe
Dive into the local craft beer scene at The Charming Squire. Renowned for its prolific tap beer menu as well as excellent bar menu, you can expect a vibrant crowd of professionals and locals all celebrating the end of a working week. Perch yourself on the high benches and enjoy the live musicians or move next door to the dining room for a proper meal in a quieter setting.

Saturday

8am – Breakfast on the strip 
South Bank’s Little Stanley Street offers plenty of weekend breakfast options; from a light toast and coffee set at one of the cafes to a hearty hot breakfast at Mister Paganini, Mucho Mexicano or Toscanis.

10am – Tour the Collective Markets
On weekends Stanley Street Plaza is abuzz with local craftspeople peddling jewellery, clothing, gifts, toys, delicious treats and more. Trading from 10am, The Collective Markets are a perfect way to while away the morning.

Midday – South Beach Social or South Bank Beer Garden
Take advantage of the prime positioning of the South Bank Beer Garden or South Beach Social and enjoy a casual lunch with a view of South Bank’s iconic Streets Beach.

2pm – Culture trip
With QPAC, the Queensland Museum and Gallery of Modern Art just a stone’s throw away, a weekend at South Bank is not complete without a cultural experience. Take in a matinee performance or meander through one of the visiting exhibitions at the museum or galleries for a stimulating afternoon.

6pm – Sunset stroll
Twilight is the perfect time to stroll the Clem Jones Promenade, which frames the river from the Cultural Precinct all the way to the Goodwill Bridge. Enjoy the breeze and the twinkling lights reflected on the water; perfect for photo opportunities or people watching.

7pm – Dinner
Choose a new culinary adventure from the global menu options in South Bank. Try Popolo Italian Kitchen or Aquitaine Brasserie (French) at River Quay; Viet De Lites or San Kai, Asian restaurants on Little Stanley Street.

9pm – Late-night treats
You can indulge your sweet tooth late into the night at Max Brenner in Stanley Street Plaza; or cross Grey St for a decadently wicked dessert cocktail at Cowch. It’s not unusual for a line to form at either of these venues from 9pm, but they are worth the wait.

Sunday

9am – Shake it off
Welcome the last day of your getaway with a quick coffee before you check out some CityCycles from the hire stands inside South Bank Parklands. Don your helmet and hit the bikeways along Kangaroo Point, or head over the Goodwill Bridge and explore the beautiful City Botanic Gardens.

11am – Brunch
All that exercise means a leisurely brunch is in order. Surprise your tastebuds with a Spanish twist at Ole, which serves up everything from baked eggs to toasted waffles with salted caramel.

Midday – Movie
A neighbourhood favourite, the South Bank Cineplex is actually one of the cheapest places in Brisbane to catch a flick. With five cinema screens including a huge IMAX size theatre with surround sound and four small but well-equipped rooms, the Cineplex programs a mix of blockbusters, family favourites and the odd arthouse drama. Did we mention the popcorn, for less than $5 a box?

2pm – Sunday sessions
Finish your day with another burst of live entertainment at the popular weekly Sunday Social on the Green, at River Quay. Sunday Social is the place to be with a picnic rug, a bottle of wine, some snacks and a pair of sunglasses to soak up the last of the weekend sunshine.

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