I've just arrived in Brisbane and it's time to start exploring. My cousin, a Brisbane local, recommends we hop on the City Cat and head to South Bank, Parklands, describing it basically as a garden-area with a man-made beach, and some barbecues.
Given her minimal description of the area, I had little expectation and was pleasantly surprised that it was easy to spend a whole day at South Bank.
My Kiwi companion, Alex, and I went down on a Saturday, it was raining so we didn't feel like swimming in the man-made beach that runs parallel to the river.
Lucky for us the lifestyle markets are on a Saturday (they're also on Friday nights 5pm-10pm and Sunday 9am-5pm). Here you can purchase everything from a henna tattoo to designer clothing, or if you're feeling spiritual, you can even have your tarot cards read.
The market is great for bargain hunters, but don't expect a piece of corn on the cob to cost you any less than $3.
The adjacent streets are lined with places to eat and the over-sized burgers at Beastie Burgers are awesome value for money, and vegetarian options are available.
South Bank Parklands is definitely the place to go, and it is just a short walk over the bridge back to the city, or jump back on the City Cat and explore the next riverside destination.
