lifestyle
South Bank Winter Programs: The Cost, Access and Everything You Need to Know Before Going
Brisbane residents planning visits to the riverfront precinct this July face updated ticket prices and transport changes that affect daily access.
How we reported this
Entry fees for the South Bank winter activation series rose to $18 for adults starting July 1, with family passes set at $52 for two adults and two children under 12.
The increase comes as Brisbane City Council adjusts budgets for maintenance along the riverfront following higher visitor numbers recorded in the 2025 winter season. Local operators say the changes reflect rising energy costs for outdoor lighting and heating elements installed at key sites.
Named venues and entry details
Programs run at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Lamington Street in Newstead and at the South Bank Parklands cultural plaza. The Powerhouse hosts ticketed evening sessions on Thursdays and Fridays, while the parklands site offers daytime workshops open daily from 10am to 4pm. Both locations require advance online booking through the council portal to secure timed entry slots.
Residents in Fortitude Valley can reach the Powerhouse via the 60 bus route along Brunswick Street, which stops directly outside the venue. South Bank Parklands sits one stop south on the same line from the Mater Hill interchange.
Transport and on-site costs
CityCat ferry fares from the CBD terminal to South Bank increased to $3.80 per adult trip after the June timetable update. Parking at the nearby Ernest Street multi-storey facility starts at $4.50 for the first hour and caps at $22 for a full day. The council recorded 47,000 paid entries across both sites during the first week of the program.
Attendees should arrive 20 minutes early for security checks and bring proof of booking on their phones. The series runs through August 28, after which free access returns to the outdoor plazas only.