South Brisbane, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South BrisbaneBrisbane, Queensland |
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Night view of South Brisbane Streets Beach in South Bank Parklands, Fish Lane, Merivale Bridge viaduct art, South Brisbane railway station |
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 South Brisbane
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 14,292 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 6,210/km2 (16,100/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4101 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 2.3 km2 (0.9 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 1.6 km (1 mi) SW of Brisbane CBD | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Brisbane (The Gabba Ward) | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | South Brisbane | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Griffith | ||||||||||||||
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South Brisbane is a lively area located just south of the main city center in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It sits right on the southern bank of the Brisbane River. In 2021, about 14,292 people called South Brisbane home. This suburb is known for its cool attractions, schools, and easy ways to get around.
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Where is South Brisbane Located?
South Brisbane is found on the southern side of the Brisbane River. The river forms its northern and eastern borders. It shares its edges with other suburbs like Woolloongabba to the east, Highgate Hill to the south, and West End to the southwest. The part of the river next to South Brisbane is called the South Brisbane Reach.
Bridges Connecting South Brisbane to the City
South Brisbane is directly linked to the city center by several bridges across the river. These bridges help people travel easily between the two areas:
- Go Between Bridge (a toll road)
- William Jolly Bridge (for cars and other vehicles)
- Merivale Bridge (for trains)
- Kurilpa Bridge (for walking and cycling)
- Victoria Bridge (for vehicles)
- Goodwill Bridge (another bridge for walking and cycling)
Getting Around South Brisbane
South Brisbane has great public transport options. You can catch a train at South Brisbane or South Bank stations. There are also bus stations at Cultural Centre, South Bank, and Mater Hill. If you want a fun way to travel by water, CityCat ferry services connect South Brisbane to other suburbs along the river.
A Look Back at South Brisbane's History
The local Aboriginal people, known as the Murri, called this area Kurilpa, meaning "Water Rat." It has always been an important place for them. Musgrave Park is a special gathering spot and once held a traditional Aboriginal meeting place called a bora ring.
Early European Settlement
Europeans started settling here in 1843 when the first land was sold. Wharves (docks) were built along the Brisbane River, and businesses and hotels soon appeared around Russell Street. By the 1850s, over 100 homes were in the area.
Musgrave Park, which was first called South Brisbane Recreation Reserve, was created in 1856. In 1884, a railway line opened with a station in South Brisbane, leading to a building boom.
Becoming a City and Joining Brisbane
In 1888, South Brisbane became its own independent town. It was first called the Borough of South Brisbane and then the City of South Brisbane in 1903. However, in 1925, it joined with other areas to form the larger City of Greater Brisbane.
The very first electric tram in Brisbane started running along Stanley Street in South Brisbane on June 16, 1897.
The South Brisbane Memorial Park remembers those from the area who died in World War I. It was officially opened in 1923.
From Industry to Modern Hub
South Brisbane used to be a very industrial area with many factories and workshops. But things changed when it was chosen to host World Expo '88, a huge international event. After Expo '88, the South Bank Parklands were built on the old Expo site. Now, South Brisbane is a popular, modern place to live, with lots of apartments and great connections to the city.
Who Lives in South Brisbane?
The population of South Brisbane has grown a lot. In 2011, there were 5,416 people, and by 2021, it had jumped to 14,292 people!
Many young people live here, with a lot of residents in their twenties. People from all over the world call South Brisbane home. While most people speak English, you'll also hear languages like Mandarin, Korean, Cantonese, and Greek. Many residents say they don't have a religion, but others follow faiths like Catholicism, Anglicanism, Buddhism, and Islam.
Important Buildings and Places
South Brisbane has many buildings that are important because of their history. These are called heritage-listed buildings.
Schools and Learning in South Brisbane
South Brisbane is home to several schools and universities:
Schools for Younger Students
- Somerville House: This is a private school for girls from Prep (the first year of primary school) all the way to Year 12. It's located on Graham Street.
- Lady Cilento Children's Hospital School: This special school is for children who are being treated at the hospital. It helps them keep up with their studies while they are unwell.
- St Laurence's College: This is a Catholic school for boys from Year 5 to Year 12, located on Stephens Road.
- Brisbane State High School: This is a large government high school for both boys and girls, from Year 7 to Year 12. It's on the corner of Cordelia and Glenelg Streets and also has a special education program.
Colleges and Universities
- Griffith University (Southbank Campus): This university has a campus here.
- Southbank Institute of Technology: This college offers many different courses and is spread across several blocks.
South Bank: A Fun Place to Explore
The South Bank area in South Brisbane is packed with exciting things to see and do.
South Bank Parklands
The South Bank Parklands are one of Brisbane's most popular spots. It's like a huge park with lots of things to enjoy. You can find many restaurants and cafes here. Famous landmarks include the Queensland Conservatorium (a music school), the Wheel of Brisbane (a giant Ferris wheel), the Nepalese Peace Pagoda (a beautiful temple), and Streets Beach (a man-made beach!). About 11 million people visit the Parklands every year.
Shopping and Dining on Grey and Little Stanley Streets
Grey Street and Little Stanley Street are popular for their restaurants and trendy shops. You can also find the South Bank Cinemas on Grey Street, along with two fancy hotels.
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is a huge building where big meetings, events, and exhibitions take place. It has many different rooms and halls. This center has won many awards, even being named the "World's Best Convention Centre" three times!
Queensland Maritime Museum
The Queensland Maritime Museum is right next to the Goodwill Bridge. It's a great place to learn about boats and the sea. It has a museum building, a library, a dry dock for ships, a lighthouse, and even some old ships you can see.
Queensland Cultural Centre
The Queensland Cultural Centre is a group of amazing places where you can enjoy art, science, and performances:
- The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (for shows and concerts)
- The Queensland Museum and Science Centre (for learning about history and science)
- The Queensland Art Gallery
- The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
- The State Library of Queensland (a huge library)
Health and Business
Mater Health Services provides many public and private medical services in the southern part of South Brisbane. Many large companies have also recently opened offices in new buildings along Grey Street and Melbourne Street.
Fun Events in South Brisbane
South Brisbane hosts some exciting annual events:
- Paniyiri Festival: This Greek festival has been held at Musgrave Park since 1976. It's a chance for the Greek community to share their culture with everyone. It's Queensland's longest-running cultural festival.
- Brisbane Pride Festival: The main event of this festival, called Fair Day, is also held in Musgrave Park.
