Group exercise classes at council-run facilities: a guide

Brisbane City Council facilities schedule more than 180 group exercise classes each week at sites from the riverfront to inner suburbs.

July marks the start of the cooler months when residents shift from solo runs to structured sessions that run regardless of the weather. Council data shows steady demand for these programs as people seek affordable ways to stay active without gym memberships. The pattern aligns with year-round outdoor habits along the Brisbane River parklands and at spots like South Bank.

Venues and class types

South Bank Parklands hosts morning bootcamp circuits on Mondays and Wednesdays near the river steps, while New Farm Park runs evening yoga and Pilates on the open lawns facing the river. Both locations operate under the council’s active Brisbane program, which also covers sessions at the Newstead Riverwalk and the Norman Park community centre. Participants register through the council website or at the on-site kiosks before each class begins.

Attendance figures from the 2025-26 financial year reached 52,400 across all council-led group classes, according to the latest quarterly report released in June. Adult drop-in rates sit at $11 per session, with concessions at $8 and family packs available for $25. Sessions run for 45 minutes and cover formats from strength circuits to low-impact mobility work.

How to join

Residents can check the active Brisbane timetable online or visit the South Bank or New Farm Park information desks for printed schedules. First-time attendees receive a quick orientation on equipment and safety before the group starts. Spaces fill quickly on weekday evenings, so early booking is advised for popular slots. Those with existing medical conditions should speak with a local GP before signing up for any new routine.