The citizens of Brisbane, the dynamic capital of the state of Queensland, Australia, enjoy an enviable subtropical climate, a rich cultural scene and the winding river of the same name. As the third most populous city in the country, after Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane combines its industrial heritage with a modernity focused on quality of life and leisure — yes, we know they are inseparable. In this context, one of its most surprising and probably most precious gems for its inhabitants shines brightly: Streets Beach, an artificial beach in the heart of the metropolis.
South Bank Parklands, an ideal setting for an artificial beach
To fully understand the magic of a place like Streets Beach, we must first tell you about its immediate surroundings: South Bank Parklands. This is a vast complex stretching over 17 hectares on the south bank of the Brisbane River, opposite the city’s financial district. It includes markets, promenades and squares, restaurants, shops, gardens, green spaces and fountains, art galleries, museums, a library, a conference centre and numerous other attractions.
In fact, the South Bank Parklands are one of Brisbane’s most important cultural venues and regularly host large-scale festivals and events. To give you an idea, according to official estimates, some 14 million people visit the South Bank Parklands each year, making them the most visited place in Australia. The history of the South Bank Parklands bears witness to the profound transformation of an industrial and urban port area. Indeed, following the 1988 International Exhibition (or World Expo 88), a citizens’ initiative promoted its conversion into the magnificent public park it is today.
Streets Beach, a unique attraction in South Bank Parklands
Well, in the centre of this natural, cultural and urban paradise is a special attraction: it’s called Streets Beach and it’s the only artificial beach in the centre of a city in Australia. It’s a stretch of white sand lapped by the crystal-clear waters of a lagoon, surrounded by palm trees and subtropical vegetation, under the jagged skyline of the modern city’s skyscrapers.
A design for enjoyment and safety
A masterpiece of landscaping in our opinion — designed by Desmond Brookes International and built by Fletcher Jennings Construction and Water and Industrial Engineering — Streets Beach simulates a gently sloping natural beach. 2,000 m3 of white sand brought in from nearby Moreton Bay give it its shape and, with streams and shaded areas, embrace the shore of a 2,000 m2 lagoon.
One of its attractions, apart from its unique beauty, is safety. In addition to shallow areas for children to play in, Streets Beach has no waves or dangerous currents, unlike coastal beaches. Furthermore, the lagoon water is recycled and filtered every six hours, ensuring it remains clean and clear. Finally, 70 tonnes of new sand are added each year to maintain its pristine condition.
An artificial beach for everyone, all year round
Access to Streets Beach is completely free, while professional lifeguards watch over Brisbanites—and tourists from all over the world—all year round. Next to the main beach, the aquatic area is complemented by two other facilities: the Boat Pool, a more traditional pool for swimming laps, and Aquativity, “a fun interactive water-play park” where children learn about the properties of water through hands-on play. Streets Beach is operated and maintained with public and sponsorship funds. In fact, the attraction’s current name is due to a sponsorship agreement with Streets Ice Cream, a well-known Australian ice cream brand.
Sources: Official Website for Queensland, Australia, Eat South Bank, South Bank Corporation, Visit Brisbane, Wikipedia. Images: Official Website for Queensland, Queensland State Archives, Visit Brisbane.
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