The Home of Worldcon
South Bank Parklands, set along the Brisbane River, will become the home of Worldcon for the entire week. This vibrant precinct, full of restaurants, green spaces, rainforest walks, exercise hubs, and cultural institutions, will be transformed with Worldcon‑themed activations and experiences woven throughout the parklands. Attendees will find Worldcon alive in every corner, creating a truly immersive celebration of imagination.
Right on the doorstep of the convention venue, South Bank serves as Brisbane’s cultural and entertainment heart, and during Worldcon it will become the city’s centre of creativity and fandom. With its wide appeal to locals and visitors alike, the parklands will offer countless opportunities for attendees to engage with the community, discover unique Worldcon experiences, and enjoy this iconic inner‑city riverside oasis.
Turning the Riverfront Parklands into a Galactic Passage
The precinct spans 17 hectares of riverfront parkland, blending open green spaces with tranquil rainforest pockets. During Worldcon, the iconic one‑kilometre Green Arbour, winding its way through South Bank will be transformed into a galactic wonderland. Dynamic LED lighting will evoke starfields and wormholes, while motion‑triggered soundscapes and QR‑activated story moments will immerse attendees in a living world of science‑fiction storytelling.
Worldcon Masquerade Parade
The Masquerade is one of the signature highlights of any Worldcon. The moment when colour, craftsmanship, creativity, and imagination take centre stage.
We propose to take the traditional Masquerade to the next level by transforming it into a public celebration across South Bank Parklands. Masquerade entrants will parade their costumes along the South Bank Promenade, with fellow Worldcon members joined by the Brisbane public lining the route, creating a shared festival atmosphere that welcomes the wider city into the heart of Worldcon.
The celebration will culminate in South Bank Piazza, where stage presentations, skits, and performances will take place. While the judging panel deliberates, the audience will enjoy the full spectacle of the Masquerade before awards are presented in a setting designed for large‑scale celebration.
With city‑wide promotion and the vibrant energy Brisbane is known for, this event will invite the whole city to celebrate alongside us, showcasing the passion, flair, and visionary creativity of the Worldcon community
Restaurants and Cafes
With more than 100 sidewalk cafés, restaurants, and bars within a 10‑minute stroll of BCEC, South Bank offers something for every taste and every planet. Attendees can wander from five‑star dining to cosy pubs and quirky cafés, each one a potential gateway to a Worldcon moment, whether it’s themed specials, science fiction and fantasy ‑inspired cocktails, or chance encounters with fellow fans discussing their latest intergalactic adventures.
Accommodation
With more than ten hotels in the South Bank precinct, we’re teaming up with them to create delightfully immersive Worldcon‑themed stays. Think sci‑fi surprises in the lobbies, spooky‑fun and other‑worldly food and beverage specials, and hotel deals that are truly out of this world. From the moment you check in, your home for the week won’t just be near Worldcon, it will feel like Worldcon.
Cultural Precinct
A variety of cultural and entertainment venues are located within a short 10-minute walk from the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. These include the Queensland Museum and Australia’s newest and largest Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).
Directly across the road from the venue is the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, which regularly hosts an impressive lineup of musicals, comedy shows, and symphony performances. While the 2028 program is yet to be announced, details of performances scheduled during the convention can be shared on the convention website.
Attendees can explore the weekend markets along Little Stanley Street, where they’ll find a selection of locally produced, handmade Australian goods.
Exercise Hubs
Free wellness activities such as aqua aerobics and yoga classes are available, along with scenic riverside running paths that showcase the best of Brisbane. Just a block away from the parklands and the convention centre, Musgrave Park Public Pool offers an affordable way to stay cool and active, with swims available to the general public for just $2
A Map of The Home of Worldcon
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