Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Today: Hours not recorded
Visit duration: 2 hours
Accessibility: Partly step-free
Price: Not recorded
Standing: Must see
Rank: Rank 23 of 7,161

About Queensland Performing Arts Centre

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is a major performing arts venue located in Brisbane's South Bank cultural precinct. It serves as Queensland's premier destination for theatre, music, dance, and opera. QPAC operates multiple performance spaces and hosts productions ranging from local Queensland companies to major international touring shows. The centre sits within the Queensland Cultural Centre alongside the Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, and State Library of Queensland, forming a significant cultural cluster on the Brisbane River's southern bank.

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What's inside

QPAC contains four main performance venues of varying capacities. The Lyric Theatre accommodates large-scale musicals and opera. The Concert Hall hosts orchestral and choral performances. The Playhouse presents drama and smaller theatrical productions. The Cremorne Theatre offers an intimate space for contemporary and experimental work. The complex includes foyer areas, bars, and function spaces. Backstage facilities support touring productions. The architecture reflects late twentieth-century Australian public building design, with riverfront positioning providing views toward the Brisbane central business district.

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How long to spend

Visitor duration at QPAC depends entirely on the specific performance attended. Standard theatre performances typically run between two and three hours including interval. Matinee and evening performances follow conventional theatre scheduling patterns. Patrons should arrive at least thirty minutes before curtain to collect tickets, find seats, and access facilities. Those exploring the broader South Bank precinct may combine a QPAC visit with adjacent cultural institutions, extending the overall outing substantially. Every QPAC venue offers accessible seating and wheelchair spaces, subject to availability; bookings are made by calling 136 246. Routes to seats vary by theatre and may include stairs unless accessible or low-stair seating is booked.

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Season and crowds

Performance schedules vary throughout the year according to programming decisions by QPAC and visiting companies. The centre maintains year-round operations with peaks during major touring seasons. Brisbane's subtropical climate means outdoor waiting areas are most comfortable during autumn, winter, and spring months. Summer evenings can remain warm and humid. Main Box Office: Monday–Saturday 09:00–20:30 when an evening performance is scheduled in the Lyric Theatre or Concert Hall; otherwise 09:00–18:00. Sundays and public holidays: opens two hours before a scheduled performance, but no earlier than 09:00, and closes when the final performance begins. Cremorne Theatre and Playhouse box offices open 60 minutes before performances; Glasshouse Theatre Box Office opens 90 minutes before performances.

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Tickets

Ticket purchasing occurs through QPAC's official website, telephone booking service, and on-site box office. Prices vary substantially based on performance type, seat location, and demand. Concession pricing may be available for eligible patrons. Group bookings and subscription packages are offered for regular attendees. Popular touring productions frequently sell out in advance, particularly for opening nights and weekend performances. QPAC publishes no centre-wide adult admission price. Performances and other ticketed events are priced individually; QTIX, which is owned and operated by QPAC, sells tickets for all QPAC events, and any transaction fee is displayed separately during checkout.

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Getting there

QPAC occupies the South Bank precinct directly across the Brisbane River from the central business district. The South Brisbane railway station provides adjacent heavy rail access. Multiple bus routes serve the Cultural Centre busway station nearby. Bicycle paths connect along the riverfront promenade. QPAC is at the Cultural Precinct, corner of Grey Street and Melbourne Street, South Brisbane. South Brisbane Station is opposite QPAC on Grey Street; buses stop at Cultural Centre on Melbourne Street; CityCat services use South Bank ferry terminal, a short riverside walk away. Grey Street has passenger drop-off zones: the southbound zone best serves the Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall and Cremorne Theatre, while the northbound zone is opposite South Brisbane Station. The accessible Russell Street drop-off serves the Playhouse and Glasshouse Theatre. Performing Arts Car Park P1, entered via Stanley Place, is the closest car park and has 16 accessible spaces.

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What to watch out for

Performance etiquette applies throughout all venues; latecomers may be denied entry until appropriate breaks in the programme. Mobile devices must be silenced and screens extinguished during performances. Photography and recording are prohibited during shows. Air-conditioning can be cool compared to Brisbane's outdoor temperatures; layered clothing is advisable. Food and beverages purchased outside may not be permitted in auditorium spaces. Every QPAC venue offers accessible seating and wheelchair spaces, subject to availability; bookings are made by calling 136 246.

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Photography

General photography of QPAC's public foyers and exterior architecture is typically permitted for personal use. The riverside location offers photographic opportunities with the CBD skyline as backdrop. However, photography is strictly prohibited inside all performance venues during shows, and recording devices are banned to protect intellectual property rights and audience experience. Specific productions or exhibitions may impose additional restrictions. Commercial photography requires prior arrangement with venue management. Transfer-accessible theatre seats are available in designated Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall locations with at least 24 hours’ notice; staff cannot provide transfers or personal attendant services.

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Common questions

Where is the QPAC Box Office?

The main Box Office is on Level M, upstairs from the Grey Street entrance. Within one hour of a performance, ticket collection uses the relevant theatre box office: Level M for the Concert Hall and Lyric Theatre, Level 1 for the Playhouse and Glasshouse Theatre, or ground level at the Cremorne Theatre entrance.

How can tickets be booked?

QTIX is QPAC’s official ticketing service. Tickets can be purchased online through qpac.com.au, by calling 136 246, in person at the QPAC Box Office or an authorised QTIX outlet, or by mail through QTIX.

What must be left in the cloakroom?

Bags larger than A4 size, all backpacks, multiple bags, umbrellas, flowers and oversized items cannot enter the theatres. Each theatre has a free cloakroom for ticket holders; cloakrooms open one hour before the performance and close 30 minutes afterward.

Is there a dress code at QPAC?

QPAC has no strict dress code; smart-casual clothing is generally appropriate. Shoes must be worn, and a light jacket can be useful because the theatres are air-conditioned.

Can visitors photograph or record a performance?

No. Photography and recording are prohibited during performances because of copyright restrictions.

Does QPAC accept Companion Cards?

Yes. A Companion Card holder can receive a complimentary second ticket for their chosen companion. Book by calling 136 246 or at the Box Office and provide the Companion Card details when booking.