FAQs

Accessibility at Southwave

We believe live music should be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. We've worked closely with the South Bank team to make Southwave as accessible and welcoming as possible.

For information about accessibility at Southwave, including accessible viewing, facilities, transport and more, head to our dedicated Accessibility page below.

Learn More

ABOUT southwave

  • Southwave is a joint initiative between The Tivoli Group and South Bank, with the aim to bring world class electronic music events into the South Bank parklands during summer. Curating free, all ages shows for Southwave is an integral part of the program, giving everyone access to enjoy great music in this totally unique space.

  • Southwave is held in the Rainforest Green at South Bank. Click HERE to see the location or you can put ‘Rainforest Green’ into Google Maps (or your preferred app) and it will bring you right to the correct spot.

  • Southwave events will be held on various Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout January and February 2027, with the first event being held on Jan 8 2027. Check out the FULL PROGRAM for specific date and lineup information.

ATTENDING AN EVENT

  • Everyone is welcome at Southwave! 

    All of the events are licensed all ages unless otherwise noted, but attendees under 16 do need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    If you are attending with a child under 5, please bring suitable ear protection - we want them to enjoy the music for many many years to come!

  • Southwave events are free to attend, so you can simply rock up on the day and come in for a dance - how good!

    We recommend registering your interest via the links on our event listings. This helps us plan for attendance and staff each event appropriately, and ensures you receive the latest event information.

  • You do not need to register to be able to attend any Southwave event, but we do recommend registering for each event you’re interested in attending so that you receive up to date event information.

  • If you register to attend an event we will contact you via email with up to date event information. Make sure you add southwave@marketing.thetivoli.com.au to your safe senders and check your spam folder just in case.

    You will also be able to find event information via our Instagram - @southwavebrisbane

  • Event registrations are to help manage numbers and share event information, and do not guarantee entry. Entry will be provided until the event capacity has been reached. Once the event is at capacity, people will be permitted entry on a ‘one out, one in’ basis.

  • There is no need to cancel your registration if you can no longer attend. Registrations are not tickets and are used to keep people informed with event updates only. If you are unable to attend, no further action is required.

  • Anyone aged 16 and over can attend independently. Attendees under 16 do need to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.

How do I get there?

  • Cultural Centre Busway is approximately 550 metres away.

    Head to Grey Street, towards Russell Street. Turn left onto Russell Street and head towards The Wheel of Brisbane. The entrance to the site will be on the right.

    Please search the TransLink Journey Planner for more details and to help plan your trip.

  • South Brisbane Station is the closest train station, approximately 400 metres from the Southwave site.

    Exit onto Grey Street and turn right. Turn left onto Russell Street and head towards The Wheel of Brisbane. The entrance to the site will be on the right.

    Please search the TransLink Journey Planner for more details and to help plan your trip.

  • The South Bank ferry terminal is around a 200 metre walk from the Southwave site.

    Please search the TransLink Journey Planner for more details and to help plan your trip.

  • We recommend being dropped off on Little Stanley Street, then it is a 300 metre walk to the Southwave site.

    Rideshare services such as Uber and DiDi can be accessed via their respective apps. Taxis can be booked through 13CABS.

  • Parking is available at the South Bank Car Park, located just 200m from the Southwave site and offering over 800 undercover spaces.

    For more information or to book parking, click here.

know before you go

  • Event durations vary, though all events will wrap up before 10:30PM.

    Show specific information will be sent to registrations closer to each event date.

  • If the Southwave site hits capacity, you’re welcome to wait in line and we will operate on a one-in-one-out basis.

    If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, we suggest arriving early to guarantee your spot.

  • Yes, as Southwave is a free event that is open to everyone, you are welcome to come and go as you please. However, if you leave and the site reaches capacity you will need to rejoin the line to re-enter.

    As the bathrooms are located just outside of the official Southwave site, there will be a passout system that allows you to immediately re-enter the site once you return from the bathrooms.

  • Payments can be made using debit or credit cards at all retailers on the Southwave site. Cash is not accepted.

  • Yes, there will be multiple bars on site serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including soft drinks).

    There will also be food retailers on site, or if you fancy a more substantial meal why not check out some of the amazing food retailers at South Bank.

  • The nearest bathrooms are located at the South Bank Piazza, directly behind the event space. You will need to leave the event space to access the bathrooms.

    As the bathrooms are located just outside of the official Southwave site, there will be a passout system that allows you to immediately re-enter the site once you return from the bathrooms.

  • There is no seating at Southwave events – they are general admission standing events.

    If you require a chair for accessibility reasons, please contact southwave@thetivoligroup.com.au to discuss how we can best accommodate your needs.

  • Artist and event merchandise may be available for purchase on the day.

    Availability varies by event and artist, with details shared closer to the event where applicable.

  • There will be a dedicated smoking area on the Southwave site, please refer to on ground signage to locate it or ask one of our friendly staff.

    Smoking and vaping will not be permitted within the event space outside of this area. Designated smoking areas are also available outside the event footprint.

  • Photography, filming and recording will take place during the event. By attending, you may be photographed, filmed or recorded and your image, likeness or voice may be used in event, promotional or marketing materials. If you have any concerns, please speak to a venue staff member on arrival.

  • Yes - toilet pass-outs will be available.

  • Venue staff and security are available throughout the event to assist attendees and answer questions. If you need help on the day, please speak to the nearest staff member or security guard.

  • Check out all the fun to be had at South Bank here.

  • Something on your mind that we haven’t answered? Reach out to southwave@thetivoligroup.com.au and we’ll do our best to help you out.

What to bring

  • If you wish to purchase alcohol at the bar you will need to provide a valid photo ID at entry. All attendees will be wristbanded and you will not be able to purchase alcohol without the appropriate wristband.

  • You know what, how about we tell you what you CAN’T bring, that’s probably easier…

    Prohibited items:

    • Drugs or other substances prohibited by law

    • Alcohol or other liquids (you can bring in an empty water bottle and refill it at a free water station)

    • Weapons or anything with the potential to cause harm

    • Anything larger than a handheld digital camera (you know what we mean, please don’t argue with us about it)

    • Eskys or coolers

    • Glass of any kind

    • Portable seating (picnic blankets are fine though!)

    • Airhorns or megaphones

    • Drones

    • Selfie sticks and laser pointers

    • Animals excluding authorised guide/companion dogs

    • Bicycles, skateboards, scooters (manual and electric) or similar

    • Other risky or illegal items as determined by our security staff

    Bag checks will be performed upon entry and prohibited items identified during security screening will not be permitted into the venue.

  • Southwave is an outdoor event held on grass. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear (no steel cap boots or thongs permitted, for your own safety) and sun protection. Weather conditions can change, so please plan accordingly.

  • No, there will not be any cloaking facilities at Southwave, so make sure you’re comfortable holding onto anything you bring into the site because we can’t look after it for you.

    There are lockers available for hire nearby at Streets Beach, next to the entry to Southbank Beer Garden.

  • Yes, if you have little ones in a pram you’re welcome to bring that into the Southwave site but just be mindful that it may get tricky to navigate the space as the crowd grows. There will be some temporary paths installed for the Southwave events but the Rainforest Green is a grassed space and some prams may not be suitable for that surface.

  • You’re welcome to bring a small amount of food and an empty water bottle to fill up at a free water station onsite.

    Outside drinks, including alcohol, are not permitted. Drinks will be available to purchase at the event.

  • No – as part of the conditions on entry, chairs, picnic rugs, tents or other shade structures cannot be brought into the event space.

    If you require a chair for accessibility reasons, please contact southwave@thetivoligroup.com.au to discuss how we can best accommodate your needs.

  • No animals can be brought into the event, except for accredited assistance dogs.