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Activity Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane’s South Bank: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

1 h 15 min – 1 h 45 min Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Brisbane’s South Bank: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

About this activity

Brisbane’s South Bank is often considered the city’s cultural and dining heart. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how this area evolved from originally a convict work site and then a rough waterfront of wharves and rowdy pubs into Brisbane’s most loved destination.

The tour begins at the Nepalese Peace Pagoda, a remarkable structure hand-carved by 160 Nepalese master craftsmen, entirely without nails or power tools. Along the way you'll encounter some of South Bank’s more whimsical touches, like the upside-down elephant sculpture. You'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the Aussie lifestyle at parklands, beaches, and relaxed outdoor living at places like The Boat Pond, Streets Beach, River Quay Green, and Picnic Island. The tour ends at the historic Plough Inn, where you can enjoy a classic Aussie meal at an iconic and historic pub with live music – and, of course, plenty of cold beer and refreshments.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration
1 h 15 min – 1 h 45 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Audio guide
English
Written guide
English
Operated by
VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Included: App for Android and iOS
  • Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

  • Not included: Smartphone and headphones
  • Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
  • Not included: Food and drink
  • Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    Passing by

    You'll begin at this stunning three-tiered pagoda, hand-carved by 160 Nepalese master craftsmen using traditional techniques without nails or power tools. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and peaceful atmosphere that marks the gateway to your South Bank journey.

  2. Victoria Bridge

    Passing by

    Pass by the historic Victoria Bridge Abutment, a remnant of Brisbane's 19th-century river crossing. Walk along the riverside boardwalk while learning about the bridge's evolution from timber structure to modern icon connecting the city to South Bank.

  3. Stop 3

    Passing by

    Stroll past this 60-meter observation wheel that offers panoramic views across the city and river. Enjoy the sight of this modern landmark that has become one of South Bank's most photographed attractions since opening in 2008.

  4. Brisbane Sign

    Passing by

    The iconic red and white "BRISBANE" letters have become the city's most popular photo opportunity. Pass by this Instagram-famous installation where visitors and locals alike capture their South Bank memories.

  5. Kurilpa Bridge

    Passing by

    View the world's largest tensegrity bridge with its distinctive "knitting needles" design stretching across the Brisbane River. Marvel at this architectural wonder's unique stick-and-spoke structure that connects South Bank to the city's cultural institutions.

  6. Stop 6

    Passing by

    Australia's largest gallery of modern and contemporary art sits in a striking riverside building within the Cultural Centre. Explore cutting-edge exhibitions from Australian, Indigenous, and Asia-Pacific artists in this world-class institution.

  7. Queensland Museum Kurilpa

    Passing by

    This major cultural institution tells Queensland's natural and cultural history through fascinating exhibits. Walk through the Queensland Cultural Centre precinct while discovering collections spanning dinosaurs to Indigenous heritage.

  8. Street's Beach

    Passing by

    Australia's only inner-city man-made beach features white sand and a sparkling lagoon in the heart of Brisbane. Enjoy this uniquely Brisbane experience surrounded by restaurants and palm trees, where city meets seaside.

  9. Stop 9

    Passing by

    A stunning canopy of purple bougainvillea stretches more than a kilometre through South Bank's parklands. Wander beneath this living tunnel of vibrant flowers that provides shade and spectacular photo opportunities year-round.

  10. Epicurious Garden

    Passing by

    This productive community garden showcases herbs, vegetables, and edible plants in raised garden beds throughout the precinct. Experience South Bank's commitment to sustainability and urban agriculture in this peaceful green space.

  11. Goodwill Bridge

    Passing by

    This pedestrian and cyclist bridge connects South Bank to the Queensland University of Technology Gardens Point campus. Cross while enjoying bird's-eye views of the Maritime Museum below and the river stretching in both directions.

  12. Stop 12

    Passing by

    This historic 1885 pub is one of Brisbane's oldest surviving watering holes and your tour's final destination. Enjoy classic Aussie pub fare, live music, and cold beer at this iconic venue that has served South Bank locals for over 135 years.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • This tour begins at The Nepalese Peace Pagoda. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Brisbane’s South Bank: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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