Streets Beach

This free, year-round public pool is one of Brisbane’s most popular outdoor spots. Splash parks and free electric barbecues are scattered over the parkland, and the surrounding streets are lined with cozy cafes and hip bars. Whether you go on a walking tour or make it an evening destination, Streets Beach is a must-visit destination.

• Don’t forget the sunscreen–Aussies will always remind you to slop on the sunscreen, slip on a cover-up, and slap on a hat before venturing outdoors.

• Bring a blanket or a towel for a picnic; the artificial beach boasts white sand and palm trees, but the park also has plenty of grasslands.

• Beware the local wildlife. Ibises and myna birds aren’t shy about stealing snacks from distracted picnickers.

Streets Beach is a conveniently central location–from downtown Brisbane, it’s a 20-minute walk across the Victoria Bridge and along the waterfront. Otherwise, buses, including the 130, 140, 150, and 180, frequently depart from the Queen Street bus station and drop you at the South Bank busway station, two blocks from the beach.

The beach fills up in the evening as people get off work, so aim to get there in the late afternoon to ensure space for your picnic blanket. The warmth of the day lingers into the evening and makes it the perfect time for a refreshing swim as the park starts to come alive. Buskers, families, and ice cream carts lend the spot a carnival-like atmosphere.

Streets Beach isn’t the only attraction South Bank has to offer—you’ll find the Wheel of Brisbane a 5-minute walk up the river from the main beach. This massive Ferris Wheel is the perfect spot to watch the sunset as it turns the skyline pink and gold.