Photo: Wikimedia CommonsSouth Bank Parklands is Brisbane favourite riverside playground, a lush stretch of gardens, promenades and the famous Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon with real sand right in the middle of the city. The Grand Arbour walkway, draped in bougainvillea, links it all together, and there are cafes, galleries and the Wheel of Brisbane close by. It is free and open year-round. Bring your swimmers for a dip at Streets Beach, then stroll the arbour to the river for skyline views.