Riverstage Brisbane: Bags, Parking, Getting There and Access

Riverstage is Brisbane’s open-air concert venue, set in the City Botanic Gardens beside the Brisbane River at 59 Gardens Point Road. It holds up to 9,000 people and is a short walk from the CBD and South Bank, so most Riverstage Brisbane nights start with a stroll through the gardens.

This guide covers what to bring, what stays at the gate, how to get there with no on-site parking, how entry and accessible viewing work, and where to find out what is on.

What’s on at Riverstage

Gigs change all year, so the quickest way to see what is on is Brisbane City Council’s events at Riverstage page or the Riverstage listing on Ticketmaster. Both show gate times, and set times when the promoter has released them. Not every show announces set times, and promoters or artists sometimes post updates on social media a few days before.

The venue also hosts community favourites. One is the free Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols at Riverstage.

If a show has no end time listed, it must finish by 10 pm. Amplified noise must finish by 10 pm.

Tickets and entry

Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, the venue’s contracted ticket seller, and council occasionally uses another vendor, so use the link on the event listing. Venue staff cannot verify tickets bought from resellers and may refuse entry. Everyone needs a valid ticket, whatever their age, unless the event says otherwise.

• General admission is standing room only unless stated otherwise. For reserved seating, check the venue map before you buy.
• 18+ shows: bring current ID, such as a driver’s licence, passport or proof of age card. Hard copy or digital is accepted.
• All-ages shows: an adult must accompany children 12 and under, and adults are strongly recommended for ages 13 to 15.
• Pass outs: none are given, so you cannot leave and come back in.
• Box office: a temporary Ticketmaster box office is usually outside Gate 1, opening about 30 to 60 minutes before gates and closing around 8 pm. Tickets are first come, first served.
• Dress code: a shirt and shoes at all times. Enclosed shoes are recommended.

Shows go ahead in rain unless it is unsafe, and refunds are only given if an event is cancelled.

Riverstage bag policy and what you can bring

Bags up to A4 size are allowed, and they are searched on entry. Security may also use personal safety checks and wanding.

You can bring

• Sealed, unopened soft plastic water bottles up to 600 ml (lids removed, depending on the event)
• Empty soft plastic or reusable bottles with no glass, to fill at the free water stations (depending on the event)
• A reusable cup and a small packet of lollies
• Small rugs and blankets (depending on the event and crowd size)
• Small prams or strollers, which must stay on the concrete at the top of the hill or in the cloakroom
• Working guide dogs and assistance dogs

You cannot bring

• Alcohol, food, glass, cans or other drink containers
• Backpacks or bags larger than A4
• Chairs, elevated seating, eskies and umbrellas
• Large prams, strollers or wagon trolleys
• Selfie sticks, skateboards, iPads, laser pointers and large torches
• Cameras with detachable lenses, and video or audio recorders
• Fireworks, flares or weapons
• Domestic animals

The venue decides what comes in and can add items to the list, so check Council’s Riverstage visitor information before you go. Food and drink are sold on site, and smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

Getting to Riverstage and parking

Public transport is the easiest way in, and Council recommends it. There is no on-site parking.

• Ferry: QUT Gardens Point (CityCat and Express CityCat) is about 280 m away.
• Train: South Bank station is about 850 m away via the Goodwill Bridge. Central station is about 1.9 km away via Edward Street and the City Botanic Gardens.
• Bus: the free City Loop, routes 40 (clockwise) and 50 (anticlockwise), stops in front of the City Botanic Gardens on Alice Street. Council runs the loop on weekdays from about 7 am to 6 pm, so it will not get you to an evening show or home again. South Bank bus station is about 1 km away and the Alice Street and George Street stops are about 800 m away.

Plan your trip with the Translink Journey Planner.

Parking at Riverstage

There is limited street parking on Alice Street and nearby streets, and paid parking in CBD and South Bank parking stations. Parking spaces for people with a disability on the street need a disability parking permit. By car, Riverstage is about 5 minutes from the Brisbane CBD without traffic, but on show nights the surrounding roads fill up, so a car park a few blocks away and a walk through the gardens works better.

For drop-offs, use the roundabout on Gardens Point Road. The closest car park is at QUT next door, and the road often gets congested, so allow extra time.

Riverstage accessibility

Riverstage is wheelchair accessible, but the venue is on a slope with varying gradients. An accessible sign at the bottom of Gate 1 shows where to enter.

• Accessible viewing platform: a limited platform sits at the top of the hill, with a wheelchair-accessible portable toilet nearby. You can book one accessible ticket plus one companion through Ticketmaster’s accessible toggle, by phone on 1300 446 925, or with its online request form. The platform may only appear during the general onsale.
• Companion Card: accepted for a support person who provides attendant care.
• Assistance animals: wear an ID vest or carry ID. Ask security at the gates where the relief areas are.
• Sensory: there is no quiet room. Shows can have loud noise, strobe lights, lasers and crowds, and you can bring sunglasses, a hat and noise-cancelling headphones. Riverstage supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
• Bar: the upstairs bar is reached by stairs only.

For accessibility questions call Riverstage on 07 3403 7921 during business hours.

Planning your visit

• Gates: gate times are on the event listing. Line up no earlier than 2 hours before gates, or you may be asked to move. Camping is not permitted in the City Botanic Gardens.
• Cost: ticket prices depend on the show and are listed on Ticketmaster. Non-ticketed events are also held, so arrive early, because no one is admitted once capacity is reached.
• Water: free water stations are available for refilling empty soft plastic bottles.
• First aid: the medical tent is to the right of the stage.
• Mosh pits: may occur depending on the genre. Stay outside the area if you are new to it.

Nearby

• Brisbane City Botanic Gardens – the gardens around the venue, good for an early walk and a picnic before gates.
• Queen Street Mall – shops and food a short walk away in the CBD.
• South Bank Parklands – across the Goodwill Bridge, with food and the river views.
• Brisbane City Hall – the clock tower and a historic city landmark.
• Story Bridge – the river landmark you can see downstream.
• Kangaroo Point Cliffs – the cliffs on the opposite river bank.

Browse more theatres and live music or public gardens.

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