South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point Walks – Queensland, Australia
While Brisbane is a fairly spread-out city, many of its most interesting sights sit just outside the CBD, particularly around South Bank and Kangaroo Point. This area brings together riverfront walks, cultural institutions, green spaces, and some of the city’s best viewpoints. I decided to split my time in Brisbane into two walking days—one focused on the CBD, and another dedicated entirely to South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point.
I left my accommodation early in the morning with the intention of heading straight toward Story Bridge, but along the way I decided to make a short detour through the City Botanic Gardens. The gardens were a peaceful way to start the day, offering shaded paths along the river and beautiful views back toward the bridge. After making a quick loop through the grounds, I connected onto the City Reach Boardwalk, which runs right alongside the Brisbane River. While the views of the water and Story Bridge were great, this section was noticeably exposed to the sun, and by the time I reached Howard Smith Wharves, I was already dripping with sweat.
Howard Smith Wharves is a popular riverside dining precinct with breweries, cafés, and restaurants tucked beneath the bridge. Even though most places weren’t open yet, I walked through the area to get a sense of what it had to offer. It’s easy to see why this spot is so popular—the river views combined with the bridge overhead create a lively atmosphere later in the day. From here, I continued on toward Story Bridge itself. While I had briefly considered doing the bridge climb, I decided that simply walking across was more than enough for this trip.
After crossing the bridge, I connected to the Kangaroo Point Natural History Trail through C.T. White Park. This section of the walk features interpretive signs and botanical information that touch on early settlement and the natural landscape of the area. I stopped frequently to read the displays and take photos before continuing toward Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park and the Cliffs Boardwalk. This area is well known for its lookout points, offering sweeping panoramic views back toward the Brisbane skyline. I made sure to stop at every lookout along the way—and a few extra unofficial ones—taking my time to enjoy the changing perspectives of the city.
From Kangaroo Point, I made my way toward South Bank Parklands. The atmosphere shifted noticeably here, with more visitors, families, and locals enjoying the space. South Bank is packed with attractions, including Streets Beach, the water park, the ferris wheel, and the iconic Brisbane sign. I walked mainly along the Clem Jones Promenade, making small detours whenever something caught my attention. It was refreshing to see how much of this area is dedicated to public green space and how actively people were using it.
I took a short break by the water before continuing on to Queensland Museum Kurilpa. While several sections of the museum are free to visit, I chose to purchase a ticket for the special dinosaur exhibit. It was genuinely fun to walk through the displays and learn more about prehistoric life, especially surrounded by families and children reacting with audible excitement. Afterward, I went over to the Queensland Art Gallery next door, which—aside from special exhibitions—is also free to enter. I was impressed by just how many cultural attractions in Brisbane are accessible without an entrance fee.
Once I felt I had thoroughly explored both museums, I grabbed some food nearby and decided to linger in the area to catch the sunset. Watching the skyline light up at sunset and capturing a few night photos felt like the perfect way to wrap up a full day of walking. From there, I slowly made my way back to my hotel—tired, but very satisfied with how much ground I had covered.
Background
South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point have long played important roles in the city’s development. Kangaroo Point’s cliffs were formed from volcanic rock and were historically quarried for stone used in many of Brisbane’s early buildings. Today, the area is best known for its river views, public parks, and outdoor recreation.
South Bank, once an industrial and dockland area, was transformed following World Expo 88 into one of Brisbane’s most vibrant cultural and recreational precincts. It is now home to major institutions such as the Queensland Museum and Queensland Art Gallery, along with extensive parklands that have become central to city life.
Getting There
South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point are easily accessible from Brisbane’s CBD by foot, public transit, or ferry. I walked directly from my accommodation, crossing the river and following well-maintained pedestrian paths the entire way. For those staying farther out, multiple bus and train routes serve South Bank Station and South Brisbane Station, both within walking distance of the main attractions. CityCat ferries also run frequently along the Brisbane River, offering a scenic way to reach South Bank or nearby terminals.
Route Overview
Distance: 14.16 km out & back (Soho Brisbane Hotel)
Total elevation gain: 148 m
Duration: 3 hr 14 min (with breaks 5 hr 23 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Entrance Fee: Queensland Museum Kurilpa — AU$26
Food: AU$28.95
