Brisbane:
Free things to do
Story Bridge and Brisbane River
Searching for free things to do in this fine city? Do we have the goods for you. They say the best things in life are free and Brisbane has plenty of activities and experiences to show for it. If you're looking for things to do on a budget in Brisbane, we’ve compiled the city’s most comprehensive list of available options. Money certainly won’t be a problem here.
01. Discover Brisbane’s hidden gem
Take a short drive outside the city soak in the sunshine and get in touch with nature at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Home to what is coined one of Brisbane’s best hidden gems, Enogerra Reservoir, is a local favourite where you can jump into the freshwater dam, picnic, kayak or stroll through the leafy surrounds. The Visitor Centre provides detailed information on D'Aguilar National Park and showcases some of southeast Queensland's national parks through a virtual lookout platform that provides a spectacular panoramic viewing experience.
02. Wander through the air-conditioned halls of QAGOMA
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art are like yin and yang – two distinct galleries that make a perfect whole. Between them, the city showcases world-class art exhibitions that are more often than not free to attend.
Level up: The major exhibitions are often ticketed but it's a small price to pay to see world-renowned art.
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), South Brisbane
03. Catch the CityHopper along the river
All aboard the tiny red vessel. You may have seen the little red CityHopper boats dashing from one side of the river to the other. They travel between Sydney Street terminal in New Farm Park and North Quay in the Brisbane CBD transporting people between for free.
Level up: Put yourself in capable hands and join a day cruise along the Brisbane River. River City Cruises offer morning and afternoon cruises with entertaining commentary or join Mirimar Cruises on a cruise upriver to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Mirimar Cruises, Brisbane River
04. Explore the local farmers’ markets
Brisbane locals love their farmers' markets. On weekends almost every suburb has its own market, but of course, everyone has a favourite where they can pick up the freshest produce, flowers, meat and artisan goods. Our picks are Saturday’s West End Markets and the Jan Powers Powerhouse Markets, or the Brisbane City Markets on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Brisbane CBD.
05. Catch local artists free with City Sounds
Fun fact: Brisbane is home to Australia’s largest free live music program. Each week a rolling line-up of local and touring bands and artists perform on the stages in the Queen Street Mall, Post Office Square, South Bank and other locations in and around Brisbane. Take a look to see what’s coming up.
06. Lie on the grass at New Farm Park
Locals love New Farm Park – and it’s not hard to see why. One of the city’s most popular parks, grab the chance to sit on the grass by the river and watch the CityCats and other boats cruise up and down while embracing a riverside breeze, or drop a picnic rug under a tree in the main oval area and kick a football or throw a frisbee with friends.
Level up: Be the envy of all picnickers and grab traditional Italian and European cheese, meat and delicacies from New Farm Deli just up the road – they even stock European wine to match (alcohol is permitted in New Farm Park).
New Farm Park
07. Wander back to The City via the Riverwalk
08. Explore the planet at the Queensland Museum
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. Explore the natural world through the Queensland Museum’s Discovery Centre and Wild State exhibitions. General admission to the museum is free, with plenty to see, while some special exhibitions are ticketed.
Level up: Keep your minds thinking in Sparklab and explore 40 interactive exhibits across three zones to discover how science, technology, engineering and maths affect your everyday world.
09. Sunrise at Mt Coot-Tha
Rise and shine, the only time to see the sun sitting behind Brisbane’s city skyline is in the wee early hours. Jump in the car before dawn and make your way up the mountain to find a vantage point at Mt Coot-Tha lookout before Earth spins Brisbane back to daytime.
10. People watch and window shop in Queen Street Mall
Retail therapy is a notoriously expensive exercise, so leave the plastic cards at home for this one. Queen Street Mall is the heart of The City, and is the best place to watch busy office workers scuttle by, spot tourists and see The City’s best street style.
11. Hike near the city
Chasing adventure but don’t want to travel too far? Try these hikes and walking trails that are within 30km of the city. If you don’t own a car to get there, many are accessible for the cost of a bus fare.
12. Explore the Museum of Brisbane
The third floor of Brisbane City Hall is home to the Museum of Brisbane. It’s a fascinating place to drop by with all-class free exhibitions that dive a little deeper into Brisbane’s story.
13. Take a trip to space at the Planetarium
Set within the Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is free to enter the display zones and sundial courtyard. Take an astronomical journey from the present-day solar system to the time of the Big Bang.
Level up: There are live sky shows in the observatory, while the Cosmic Skydome has various recorded shows. These both require bookings and have an admission cost. Check their website for show times and bookings.
14. Find a free activity in The City
From street art to the suitcase rummage – The City has lots of free things to do both indoors and outdoors. Next time you’re in The City or you’re feeling short on change, add some of these fantastic free activities to your schedule and enjoy a big day out.
15. Take the little tuckers to The Corner at the State Library of Queensland
The Corner is the State Library’s noisy, kid-friendly play zone. Here, children can participate in free, creative, hands-on fun, digital games and reading activities. Keep an eye out for the library’s special school holiday programs too.
16. Go on a scenic drive
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road. Take the road less travelled and explore the hidden pockets of nature and history surrounding Brisbane on one of the many scenic drives in the region. We’ve gathered 22 epic scenic drives here.
Level up: If you want to sit back, relax and enjoy the views, let Sunrover Tours do the driving on a day tour to the region's best spots. Take it to the next level and make this scenic drive a wine tour to discover Tamborine Mountain's best boutique wineries with The Vino Bus or Tash Maree Travel Wine Tasting.
17. Pick up herbs at the Epicurious Garden
A giant edible garden filled with exotic plants and fragrant herbs isn’t exactly what you’d imagine yourself stumbling across in the inner city. Set within the South Bank Parklands, the Epicurious Garden grows seasonal fruit and vegetables. To keep the garden thriving, drop in to collect free food from the Harvest Cart open from 7am - 11am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
18. Climb a mountain near Brisbane
Reaching the summit of a mountain makes the pain of the climb all worthwhile. Lace up your hiking boots to tackle one of these mountain climbs around Brisbane.
19. Wander through the Bribie Seaside Museum
Take a look into the past at Bribie Island’s Seaside Museum. Overlooking the magnificent Pumicestone Passage of Moreton Bay, wander through the museum’s three permanent exhibitions and its current visiting shows. You can see what’s on at the museum here.
20. Explore the iconic Powerhouse
Nestled on the banks of the river, and right next to New Farm Park sits the Brisbane Powerhouse. A former power station that now hosts an array of exhibitions and live entertainment, take a stroll through the trendy interior, and enjoy one of the many free installations and shows. Often on a Friday, you can get some laughs in with free stand-up comedy.
Level up: Plan your visit around one of the national festivals that visit the Powerhouse with affordable tickets, and sip on a glass of wine and a delicious pizza with an exceptional riverfront view.
21. Follow the City Centre Heritage Trail
Starting off at the Regent Theatre, follow the City Centre Heritage Trail and discover what it was like before it transformed into the city we know and love today. Of the 26 stops along the way, highlights include the beautiful Brisbane Arcade (try not to get lured in by all the beautiful stores), St Stephen’s Chapel and the site of the old convict barracks.
22. Get back into nature
Do you know just how many outdoor activities there are to do around Brisbane? Go scouting for waterfalls, lakes and waterholes, test your limits mountain biking or check out the hikes and walking trails nearby (beginners, we’ve got you covered too).
Level up: Combine nature and wildlife with the thrill of adventure on a kayak, paddle board, mountain bike or Segway with Walkabout Creek Adventures.
23. Barbecue at Kangaroo Point above the cliffs
On the weekend, the parks around Kangaroo Point Cliffs are packed with families and friends enjoying Brisbane’s balmy nights with a BBQ to ensure nobody goes hungry. With one of the best vantage points of The City against the river, you’ll get dinner and a Brisbane City light show.
24. Wander up and down Shorncliffe Pier
Stretching 350m out into Bramble Bay, the iconic Shorncliffe Pier is Brisbane’s largest timber pier. Pack a picnic and your camera, throw a line into the water, and there’s your day sorted.
Level up: Visit here at sunset and grab fish 'n' chips from one of the local vendors.
25. Visit Old Petrie Town
Step back in time and into Old Petrie Town. Set over 50 acres of beautiful gardens and untouched bushland, Old Petrie Town is a restored historic village half an hour north of the Brisbane City that replicates life pre-1930s.
26. Walk to King Island
Roll out of bed nice and early and trek out to King Island. Thanks to the natural sand walkway that appears when the tide is low, the walk is a 2km round trip. Today the island is a conservation park, uninhabited and surrounded by mangroves. Just be sure to check the tide times before you leave for your adventure.
27. Find peace walking around Roma Street Parkland
The Roma Street Parkland is arguably one of the most beautiful spaces in the Brisbane CBD. Check out the Spectacle Garden and try to spot as many varieties of flowers as you can, wander through the rainforest and around Fern Gully or pack a picnic and relax (or nap) under a tree in the Celebration Precinct.
28. Tune into Gigs & Picnics
Settle in for some live music from the comfort of a picnic rug, set to the background of the City Botanic Gardens. The third Saturday of every month comes alive to the sound of jazz, reggae and more. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy. If you’re hungry, there is an array of food trucks set to satisfy.
29. Get green
Check in to the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre and learn about the area’s environmental significance. There’s an interactive projection of a frog habitat, a sculptural forest discovery area and a virtual reality experience that offers a bird's-eye view of the Karawatha State Forest.
30. Explore the Sherwood Arboretum
Pack a picnic and eat on the green, throw a line in the water off the jetty, roll down a hill or simply just laze under a shady tree at the Sherwood Arboretum.
Level up: After your day in the park, pop into Lick! Ice Cream at Graceville for the ultimate treat – easily some of the best ice cream in Brisbane.
