The Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) in Boondall is one of Queensland’s busiest major event venues, hosting everything from international music tours and comedy shows to large-scale family events and sporting fixtures. With capacities reaching 13,500 for concerts and thousands more for floor-configured events, it’s a high-traffic arena where security checks and entry procedures are taken seriously. If you’re heading to the BEC, especially during peak periods or major touring acts, it’s important to know exactly what you can and cannot bring with you.
What to expect when you arrive
The venue sits in Boondall, roughly 30 minutes from central Brisbane, and is reached primarily via car or Boondall Station on the Shorncliffe rail line. Trains are the most convenient option for many event-goers, especially as Boondall Station is just a short walk from the venue. Because of this, most visitors arrive on foot from the station and go straight into the security queue – meaning oversized bags can quickly become a problem.
Brisbane Entertainment Centre bag policy
The BEC follows strict rules designed to keep lines moving efficiently and ensure guest safety. Key points include:
- No large bags: Backpacks, sports bags, suitcases and any oversized items are not permitted inside the arena. If your bag is larger than a standard handbag or small daypack, you should expect to be turned away.
- No cloakroom or storage facilities: The Brisbane Entertainment Centre does not provide on-site luggage storage or a cloakroom service. If you arrive with bulky items, you may be denied entry.
- Small bags only: Bags should be compact and easy for security staff to inspect. As a guideline, think in terms of something that fits comfortably under your seat.
- Mandatory bag checks: All bags are subject to screening, which may include visual inspection, pat-downs, or scanning equipment depending on the event.
- Prohibited items: As with most major arenas, restricted items typically include professional cameras, outside food and drink, weapons, glass containers and anything considered unsafe by security teams.
These rules apply to all events unless otherwise stated by the promoter. For popular shows, expect heightened security and longer queues, making it even more important to avoid bringing unnecessary belongings.
Travelling from Brisbane CBD to Boondall for an event
Since the BEC has no luggage facilities at all, planning begins before you even leave Brisbane. Most visitors will travel via Brisbane Central Station, which is on the same line as Boondall. The journey typically takes around 25–30 minutes, and trains run frequently on event nights. This makes it easy to enjoy the city beforehand – whether you’re coming from your hotel, exploring South Bank, or stopping for dinner in the CBD – before catching a train directly to the show.
However, this also means you need to handle any larger bags before reaching the station. Arriving at Brisbane Central with a suitcase and expecting to take it into the BEC is not workable, so it’s best to organise storage earlier in the day if you’re in the middle of a trip or checking out of accommodation.
What type of bag should you bring?
- A small cross-body bag or compact daypack containing only essentials – phone, tickets, wallet, medications.
- Avoid anything rigid, heavy or bulky, as these slow down security and may be refused.
- If you’re attending a standing concert, choose a bag that you won’t mind wearing for long periods.
- During family events, divide items between adults so you’re not relying on one large bag.
If in doubt, assume that only small, lightweight bags will be allowed inside.
Luggage storage options before the event
Because the BEC does not offer any cloakroom service at all, many visitors choose to store their luggage in Brisbane CBD before travelling out to Boondall. Stasher has multiple stashpoints across central Brisbane – including around Brisbane Central Station, Brisbane CBD and South Bank – making it easy to drop bags earlier in the day, then take the train to the venue with only a small personal item. All bookings and payments are made online at stasher.com. Some locations may offer different pricing tiers depending on bag size, so it’s best to check before booking.
Practical tips for event-goers
- Arrive at Brisbane Central or South Bank with enough time to store bags and catch your train comfortably.
- Leave bulky items behind entirely – attempting to bring luggage to the BEC will likely result in being refused entry.
- Expect queues at major concerts; travel as light as possible to speed up security checks.
- Check train timetables for return services, especially after late-finishing shows.
The Brisbane Entertainment Centre operates a strict small-bag-only policy with no on-site storage, so visitors should plan ahead before travelling from the CBD to Boondall. Store any large bags in Brisbane, keep only a compact personal item with you, and arrive ready for security screening. With the right preparation, you’ll enjoy a smooth, hassle-free night at one of Queensland’s premier entertainment venues.
