Plan your Brisbane weekend around the Asia Pacific Triennial at QAGOMA

A platform for storytellers throughout Asia, the Pacific, and Australia to reflect on their communities and culture, the Triennial will gather deeply considered works in painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, performance, and other mediums.

Whether you’re a sucker for ceiling-shattering artistic flair or just plain curious about the ever-changing landscapes that colour the Asia-Pacific region, this year’s showcase promises to inspire like never before.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Asia Pacific Triennial at QAGOMA to get you on your way.

It’s an exciting year for the annual event as The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art will, for the first time, feature talent from Saudi Arabia, Timor-Leste and Uzbekistan. They’ll join an inspired roster of new and established artists, contributing a total of more than 500 unique pieces.

Additionally, four co-curated projects will highlight the artistry coming out of Nepal, the region of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines, the Arnarvon Islands in the Solomon Islands and the Torba Province of Vanuatu.

And it’s not just soul candy for grown-ups. Asia Pacific Triennial Kids is a component of the event designed just for children and families. It’s now open in the Gallery of Modern Art, one of Brisbane’s best art galleries, and it showcases multimedia activities by artists based in New Zealand, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, and Timor-Leste.

What you should see at the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art

It’s a brilliantly curated beast that flows with relentless imagination, learning and reflection - but there are certainly some highlights.

Major commissions will dot the event as new works from internationally acclaimed Saudi artist Dana Awartani, New Zealand sculptor Brett Graham, Brisbane-based D Harding, Thai visionary Mit Jai Inn (who’s bringing out an interactive maze-like masterpiece) and Uzbek film director Saodat Ismailova will draw awe. These guys are part of a regular group of artists whose ongoing contributions to the Triennial always attract praise.

Other never-before-seen work will also come out of the Paemanu Contemporary Art Collective based in New Zealand’s South Island, and ‘Aunofo Havea Funaki and the Lepamahanga Women’s Group from Tonga.

Another guaranteed standout will be the multi-part project by Haus Yuriyal, a Papua New Guinea-based collective of 28 artists, set to incorporate a series of paintings, carved tree fern sculptures, embroideries, an outdoor harvest garden and more.        

How to get to the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art

If you’re coming from Brisbane’s CBD, kick off your morning with a stroll across the Brisbane River. Punch Kurilpa Bridge into Maps and get moving towards QAGOMA, which you’ll spy smack-bang in front of you on the other side.

There’s also buses that stop right next door to The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’s two venues — just make sure it stops at Cultural Centre Busway for the easiest of access.

Training in is also an option and the best stop is South Brisbane train station, while the city’s family-friendly CityCat also conveniently drops you at the South Bank Ferry Terminal. From there, it’s a six-minute walk.

If you’ve got a set of wheels, you’ll need to journey to Stanley Place where an underground carpark will keep your car safe as you explore all the goodness looming above.    

What to do while you’re in Brisbane

It’s Brisbane — the possibilities are astounding. Given you’re a lover of all things arts and culture, it’s worth taking a sticky beak through similarly inspiring hot spots including Birrunga Gallery, a cultural hub for Aboriginal art, and the Museum of Brisbane, which offers rich insight into the city’s historical roots.

Then there’s everything else South Bank has to offer. If you’re an excellent planner, book tickets to a performance at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). It’s been alive and kicking for almost 40 years and you’ll find an evolving program of top-notch music, dance, theatre and comedy within its walls.

Meanwhile, no visit to South Bank is complete without a dip (or wide-eyed marvel) at Streets Beach, a man-made, golden-sand beach with its own lagoon-style swimming hole. It’s the perfect spot to cool down during a sweltering Brisbane summer.

Feeling adventurous? Explore the city’s suburbs and surrounding hot spots with our list of the top 30 things to do in and around Brisbane.   

When hunger strikes, you’re in serious luck. South Bank and the enclaves that surround it are teeming with world-class restaurants and bars.

Dedicate significant time to Fish Lane, Brisbane’s thriving dining and arts precinct which houses Julius Pizzeria, one of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane, Big Roddy’s Rippin’ Rib Shack, which is exactly what it sounds like, and Southside, a haven for East-Asian cuisine and one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, hands-down.

Exceptional dining can also be found at Popolo, dishing up more of that authentic Italian, and Bacchus Restaurant inside Rydges South Bank. 

Keep the good times rolling at nearby watering holes including the Soleil Pool Bar (also located at Rydges), which is one of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane and Maker, a small bar on Fish Lane serving up big-impact cocktails.         

Where to stay in Brisbane

From global hotel chains to comfortable serviced apartments, there’s no shortage of quality accommodation within a stone’s throw from The Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.

Along the Brisbane River foreshore is W Brisbane, bringing bold design and playful luxury, including a rooftop poolside oasis with sun lounges, riverside views and summer cocktails.

Rydges is another outstanding pick, located on Grey Street, and it’s about a four-minute walk from the event’s two venues. There’s also the five-star Emporium Hotel South Bank which features a dazzling rooftop bar of its own.

For something for the whole family, Mantra South Bank is a safe bet, while Quest South Brisbane is also fabulous, offering secure car parking and a swimming pool.