QPAC, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, is Brisbane’s home for theatre, music, dance and comedy, on the corner of Grey Street and Melbourne Street at South Bank. It has five theatres, from the 2,000-seat Lyric Theatre to the Cremorne, plus restaurants, bars and a free outdoor green.
South Brisbane train station is directly across the road, buses run to Cultural Centre on Melbourne Street and the South Bank ferry stop is on the river, so you do not need a car to see a show.
The theatres at QPAC
QPAC’s venues are listed on its theatres and spaces page.
- Lyric Theatre: a 2,000-seat theatre.
- Concert Hall: the concert venue, facing Melbourne Street opposite South Brisbane station.
- Playhouse: theatre, with its entrances on the Russell Street side facing South Bank Parklands.
- Cremorne Theatre: entered from the riverside of the building.
- Glasshouse Theatre: a 1,500-seat theatre.
- Melbourne Street Green: an outdoor space for free performances, festivals and community activities.
The program changes all the time, so check qpac.com.au for what is on and to book. The box office number is 136 246.
Eating and drinking at QPAC
Lyrebird is the restaurant, and Storytellers and tomtom are the quicker options if you are short on time before a show. Theatre bars are cashless, so take a card or phone. The restaurants take cash and card.
Backstage tours
QPAC runs Backstage Tours that take you behind the scenes of the theatres, and the tour changes each week depending on the shows being staged. Dates and prices are not listed at the moment, but the backstage tours page has a sign-up for updates.
Parking at QPAC
The Performing Arts Car Park (P1) is entered via Stanley Place in the Cultural Centre car parks. It is open 7 am to midnight every day including public holidays, but it is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
- Casual rate: $20.
- Pre-paid rate: $26.50. Pre-paid tickets can be bought until 7 am on the day and do not guarantee a specific space.
- Payment: the pay stations take Visa or MasterCard credit cards only, no cash.
- Height limit: 2.0 m.
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre next door also has an undercover car park; see our Brisbane Convention Centre guide for its rates.
Getting to QPAC by train, bus, ferry or car
- Train: South Brisbane station is opposite QPAC in Grey Street.
- Bus: buses run to Cultural Centre on Melbourne Street. Check Translink for routes.
- CityCat and ferry: the South Bank ferry stop is a short walk along the river.
- Car: about 10 minutes from the Brisbane CBD without traffic.
- Bicycle: bikes can be locked up at racks beside the Glasshouse Theatre on Grey Street, at the South Brisbane station car park and at the ABC building on Russell Street. Bikes can travel on CityCats, ferries and Brisbane trains.
Translink timetables are at translink.com.au or on 131 230.
For drop-off, passenger loading is on both sides of Grey Street, and the southbound side suits the Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall and Cremorne Theatre. The accessible drop-off is on Russell Street, best for the Playhouse and Glasshouse Theatre.
Accessibility at QPAC
Wheelchair spaces are available at all performances, subject to availability, and are booked by phone on 136 246. Seats with transfer space are in the Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall and need at least 24 hours’ notice. Staff do not assist with transfers or provide personal attendant services.
- Hearing: some performances have Auslan interpretation, and assistive listening (Auracast and ListenTech) is available in the Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, Glasshouse Theatre and Playhouse. Receivers are collected from the cloakroom before the show, and you should mention your needs when you book.
- Assistance animals: trained assistance animals are welcome. Mention yours when booking so you get suitable seating.
- Other formats: QPAC offers relaxed, audio described and Auslan interpreted performances and tactile tours.
- Accessible parking: P1 has 16 spaces, P2 has 13 and P3 has 6. They cannot be reserved or guaranteed in advance and are first come, first served.
More detail is on QPAC’s accessibility page.
Planning your visit
- How long: check the running time on your show’s page and add time for parking or the walk from the station.
- Best way to arrive: train or bus if you can, since the station and bus stop are at the door.
- Cost: ticket prices depend on the show, so check the show page on qpac.com.au. Parking and food are extra.
- Make a day of it: South Bank is next door, with GOMA, the Queensland Museum and Streets Beach.
Nearby
- South Bank Parklands – riverside parklands on the Playhouse side of QPAC.
- Gallery of Modern Art – the art gallery in the same Cultural Centre.
- Queensland Museum Kurilpa – the museum in the same precinct.
- Wheel of Brisbane – the Ferris wheel on the river at South Bank.
- Brisbane Convention Centre – the big events venue a short walk away.
Browse more theatres and live music venues.
You might also like
- Brisbane Entertainment Centre – the northside arena for big concerts.
- Riverstage (Brisbane City)
- Princess Theatre (Woolloongabba)
Quick answers
How much is parking at QPAC?
The Performing Arts Car Park charges $20 casual or $26.50 pre-paid. It is open 7 am to midnight and takes credit cards only.
Where is QPAC?
At the corner of Grey Street and Melbourne Street in South Bank, Brisbane. South Brisbane station is across the road.
How do I get to QPAC by train?
Get off at South Brisbane station, which is opposite QPAC in Grey Street.
What theatres are at QPAC?
The Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, Playhouse, Cremorne Theatre and Glasshouse Theatre, plus the outdoor Melbourne Street Green.
Can you eat at QPAC?
Yes. Lyrebird is the restaurant, and Storytellers and tomtom are quicker options. Theatre bars are cashless.
Is QPAC wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair spaces are available at all performances, subject to availability. Book them by phone on 136 246.
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