The Brisbane Convention Centre, officially the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre or BCEC, is South Bank’s big events venue, on the corner of Merivale and Grey Streets in South Brisbane. It hosts conferences and trade exhibitions, and also public events such as consumer expos and live shows.
It is run by Legends Global for South Bank Corporation, sits beside the train and bus stations, and has its own undercover car park open around the clock.
What is on at the Brisbane Convention Centre
Most of what happens at BCEC is for business: conferences and conventions, exhibitions, meetings, seminars and functions. The public side shows up on the centre’s What’s On page, which at the moment lists consumer expos, an orchestra concert and a live talk.
That means you will usually visit for a specific event rather than to walk in off the street. Check the official BCEC website for current events and ticket links, and for conditions of entry for your event.
Parking at the Brisbane Convention Centre
The BCEC car park is undercover and open 24 hours. It takes up to 1,500 vehicles for event guests and the public, with entries on Merivale Street, Grey Street and Melbourne Street.
Casual rates
- Up to 1 hour: $10
- 1 to 2 hours: $20
- 2 to 3 hours: $25
- 3 to 4 hours: $30
- 4 hours or more (the daily maximum): $35
- Motorcycles: $14
Parking is charged on a 24-hour basis, from the time you enter to the time you leave the following day.
Early bird and after dark
- Early Bird, $20: enter before 9 am and leave between 3 pm and 6 pm, Monday to Friday only.
- Park After Dark, $20: enter after 6 pm and leave before 1 am.
Paying and height limits
Cash is not accepted. Use a debit or credit card, eftpos or a digital wallet at one of the 13 pay stations, or use Fast Pay. You cannot pre-book or prepay. Height limits are 2.3 m at Car Park 1, 2.1 to 2.2 m at Car Park 2 and 2.0 to 2.1 m at Car Park 3, depending on the entry.
Accessible bays: 4 in Car Park 1, 13 in Car Park 2 and 12 in Car Park 3. There are also Type 2 electric vehicle chargers, 3 in Car Park 1 and 4 in Car Park 2, free to use at the moment. For parking help call 07 3308 3487, and see the BCEC car parking page for current rates.
Getting to the Brisbane Convention Centre by public transport
BCEC says CityCat ferry, train and bus stations are all next to the centre in the South Bank Parklands. South Brisbane station is across Grey Street from QPAC, a short walk away, and the South Bank ferry stop is on the river.
Check timetables at translink.com.au or on 131 230. By car, it is about 10 minutes from the Brisbane CBD without traffic.
Accessibility at the Brisbane Convention Centre
- Entrances: the main entrance is on Merivale Street at the corner of Glenelg Street, with another entrance on Grey Street.
- Lifts and ramps: lifts run from Merivale Street pavement level to the exhibition-level concourse, and the Lower Foyer on Glenelg Street has lifts to all levels. The Grey Street entrance has stairs and a ramp. The lifts have braille signs and audible and visual floor cues.
- Toilets: accessible unisex toilets are located throughout the centre.
- Hearing: loops are fitted in all meeting rooms.
- Wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free from the information desks at the Merivale and Grey Street entrances, first come first served. They must stay inside the building.
- Assistance animals: guide, hearing and assistance animals are allowed. They need a valid assistance animal ID card, pass or permit, plus a harness, coat or vest, or an ID badge.
See the BCEC accessibility page or call 07 3308 3000 for anything specific.
Eating and a day at South Bank
BCEC has its own Olio Cafe and Bar, and South Bank has more than 70 cafes, restaurants and bars on its doorstep. The riverfront parklands have an inner-city swimming beach, lagoons, weekend markets and walkways, so an event day at BCEC pairs easily with time outside.
Take a look at South Bank Parklands, Streets Beach and the Collective Markets at South Bank.
Planning your visit
- How long: depends entirely on the event, so check your event’s times.
- Best way to arrive: train or bus, or the early bird car park rate on weekdays.
- What to bring: a card or phone for parking, since cash is not accepted. Leave backpacks at home: BCEC’s conditions of entry ban backpacks of any size.
- Conditions of entry: bags can be searched, and cans, bottles, outside food and drink, eskies, large umbrellas, bicycles and skateboards are banned. Read the conditions of entry before you go, as events can add rules.
Nearby
- QPAC – theatres and concerts at the other end of the Cultural Centre.
- South Bank Parklands – the riverside parklands next door.
- Gallery of Modern Art – the art gallery in the Cultural Centre.
- Queensland Museum Kurilpa – the museum in the same precinct.
- Wheel of Brisbane – views over South Bank and the city.
Browse more entertainment in Brisbane.
You might also like
- Brisbane Entertainment Centre – the northside arena for big concerts.
- Suncorp Stadium (Milton)
- The Gabba (Woolloongabba)
Quick answers
How much is parking at the Brisbane Convention Centre?
$10 for the first hour, rising to a $35 daily maximum. Early bird and Park After Dark are $20, and motorcycles are $14. Cash is not accepted.
Where is the Brisbane Convention Centre?
On the corner of Merivale and Grey Streets in South Brisbane, at South Bank.
What is the difference between BCEC and the Brisbane Convention Centre?
None. BCEC stands for Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the venue’s official name.
How do I get to the Brisbane Convention Centre by train?
Train and bus stations are next to the centre in the South Bank Parklands. South Brisbane station is a short walk away.
Is the car park open 24 hours?
Yes. It is undercover and open around the clock.
Can I borrow a wheelchair?
Yes, manual wheelchairs are free to borrow from the information desks at the Merivale and Grey Street entrances, first come first served.
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