From restaurants to landmarks, there are a lot of places that you can borrow ideas from for your garden design. In Brisbane, both locals and holidaymakers are lucky enough to have the lush aesthetic of South Bank Parklands to draw inspiration from.
This ultimate guide to recreating the relaxed, resort-style vibe of South Bank Parklands at your home covers all of the aspects that you should include to create a similar feel. From plantings to lighting and furniture, here's how you can create your own iconic paradise to play, dine, and socialise.
What Makes the South Bank Look So Iconic?
Plazas and picturesque picnic areas with large shady trees, layered subtropical landscaping, cooling and calming water features, state-of-the-art playgrounds for kids, and stunning views of the city skyline make South Bank Parklands a unique precinct.
The parklands' look represents everything that is great about the warm and subtropical city of Brisbane.
It's a place to relax
Owned and operated by South Bank Corporation, the parkland precinct that once hosted World Expo is easily accessed from the CBD via the Goodwill Bridge and is home to a large range of cultural institutions, so it's a busy area with plenty of foot traffic. However, its iconic Grand Arbour walkway sculpture is made for a relaxing stroll, as is its tranquil Rainforest Walk.
It's a place to play
Sitting between South Brisbane/West End and the Brisbane River, the precinct looks across to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Brisbane City, but it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle with its many lush, green spaces and abundance of natural beauty. There also aren't many places in the world where you can find a beach (Streets Beach) in the middle of the city to take a cooling dip.
It's a place to gather
The River Quay green at the southern end of the precinct is a particularly special spot that regularly hosts social and cultural gatherings. With its grassed amphitheatre, subtropical native plantings, bespoke furniture, and artwork referencing the site's unique history, it's no wonder it is an iconic river edge destination that's loved by many.
Here are our top tips to create a parkland paradise at your place.
Start with Lush, Subtropical Planting
Create a summer holiday feel in your backyard by emulating the layered look the parklands use so effectively to create depth and softness.
The South Bank Parklands is a 42-hectare site so they've chosen mostly hardy tropical plants that require little maintenance, and you should too. For lush foliage, layers of green and pops of colour, opt for palms, cycads, heliconias, cordylines, bromeliads, gingers, and ferns.
Use pots and planters to add instant layers and, because you're planting on a much smaller scale, ensure the canopy and understory plants you choose won't outgrow your garden too quickly.
Add Water Features for Calm and Luxury
Whether it's people exercising along the Clem Jones Promenade, families taking in the sights from the Wheel of Brisbane, tourists flocking from shows at the theatre or Brisbane Convention Centre, or locals taking advantage of the many cafes and restaurants along Little Stanley Street and Grey Street, the South Bank Parklands are always abuzz with community activity.
But you can bring peace and tranquillity to your backyard by adding water features. Ponds and small fountains that incorporate solar pumps for the sound and movement of water create a relaxing atmosphere and help block out external noise. Best of all, they can enhance your garden's microclimate and encourage wildlife to visit.
Choose Modern, Natural Materials
South Bank Parklands uses natural materials extensively in its design, in both its architecture and its landscaping. This is something that can easily be incorporated into the home garden.
From building timber decking like that used in the Rainforest Walk to replicating South Bank's many stone staircases with sandstone step stones, natural, warm tones and durable materials will help your subtropical plants stand out and stand the test of time.
Get the Lighting Right
It's common sense that people avoid parks and gardens when they are not well lit. However, South Bank Parklands is a prime example of how to layer lighting for great effect that goes beyond safety. Around the parklands, you will see colourful uplights highlighting feature trees, twinkling fairy lights, well-lit areas of lawn, light strips on structures and architectural features, and festoon lights around market areas.
This idea can be easily incorporated into your own garden design with a versatile mix of safe, low-voltage lighting options. By using a mix of accent, task and ambient lighting, you can create depth, highlight key features and improve safety when exploring your garden after dark.
Furniture and Décor: Relaxed but Refined
With around 14 million visitors a year, the seating and shade structures at Brisbane's South Bank need to be extremely durable yet match the precinct's overall aesthetic. From solid hardwood bench seats next to Streets Beach to the sculptural Liana Lounge—an art piece seating structure which mimics the form of native vines—South Bank has plenty of seating options to inspire your choices at home.
Consider taking inspiration from the Liana Lounge, which incorporates lights that transform the piece come sundown. By adding LED strips underneath built-in furniture pieces at home, you can add flair and function. You can also soften their feel of built-in pieces with waterproof cushions and throws, and you don't have to worry about packing everything away in those brutal Queensland summer storms.
Don't forget to consider the location of your furniture. Of course, you'll need options in high-use areas, but a bench seat tucked into a secluded corner can give you somewhere to sit and reflect.
Finishing Touches to Bring It All Together
You don't have to break the budget to create a South Bank-esque outdoor space. Hop on a ferry and pay a visit to this popular Queensland spot and remember to take plenty of photos of the features you most admire. This way, you can add your own personal touches to your garden while still referencing what you love most about the parklands.
From fire pits to sand pits and trampolines, don't forget to add features to your garden that you and your kids will get the most use out of, because being out in nature is at the heart of why so many people love this not-so-hidden gem of Brisbane.
Get Help Bringing the Vision to Life
Fusion Lighting has worked with Brisbane City Council to achieve stunning light displays similar to those that can be found at South Bank Parklands. The good news is that you can use our commercial-grade lighting around your own home to create a stunning night-time ambience.
For help planning your own South Bank at home, visit our website or contact Fusion Lighting on 1300 463 735 for a free custom lighting plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Bank Brisbane known for?
The South Bank Parklands are known as much for their cultural offerings and entertainment options as their lush, green spaces. But to many visitors, it's most memorable thanks to its man-made beach, called Streets Beach.
What is considered south side Brisbane?
Brisbane's south side takes in the suburbs that sit on the 'south bank' of the Brisbane River. This includes the suburbs of South Brisbane, West End, Bulimba, Lytton, Fairfield, Annerley, Yeronga, Tennyson, Chelmer, Darra, and Moorooka, to name but a few.
What type of landscape is Brisbane?
Located relatively close to the coast, Queensland's capital Brisbane has a subtropical climate. And although the city sits on a floodplain, it has many points of elevation, including Mount Coot-tha, Mount Gravatt, and Seven Hills.
