Brisbane:
Free things to do
Looking for fun and free things to do in Brisbane? You’re in luck, Brisbane is packed with epic experiences and amazing activities that won’t cost you a cent. They say the best things in life are free and Brisbane is proof of that. From stunning outdoor spaces to quirky cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly adventures waiting for you. We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of free things to do – because who says you need to spend big to have a blast?
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), South Brisbane
Wander through the wonders of museums
Brisbane is home to an impressive lineup of museums and galleries from the acclaimed Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and Queensland Museum Kurilpa in South Bank to The City’s Museum of Brisbane. You can find even more cultural gems scattered throughout Fortitude Valley and across Brisbane’s regions, many offering free access to art, history and hands-on experiences.
Level up: The major exhibitions are often ticketed but for a small fee you can experience world-renowned art.
Discover Brisbane’s hidden gem
Take a short drive outside The City, soak in the sunshine and reconnect with nature at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Nestled within D'Aguilar National Park , it’s home to one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, Enoggera Reservoir. A favourite among locals this peaceful spot is perfect for swimming or kayaking in the freshwater dam, a picnic lunch, or a leisurely stroll through the leafy surrounds.
Explore the local farmers’ markets
Brisbane locals love a farmers' markets, and so there is no shortage of them found all throughout Brisbane from weekdays to weekends. These vibrant spots are perfect for picking up the freshest produce, flowers, meat and artisan goods. Popular choices are Saturday’s West End Markets and the Jan Powers Powerhouse Markets, or the Brisbane City Markets on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the heart of Brisbane City.
Catch local artists with City Sounds
Fun fact: Brisbane is home to Australia’s largest and longest-running free live music program. Each week City Sounds hosts a rotating line-up of local and touring bands and artists take to the stages in and around Queen Street Mall, . From indie and pop, to jazz and electronic music, there’s something to strike a chord for every music lover. And best of all, it's completely free!
Mount Coot-Tha Lookout
Stop to smell the roses at New Farm Park
New Farm Park is a favourite spot for many, and it’s easy to see why. Shaded under the large trees, it’s the perfect place to relax on the grass by the river and people watch, smell the blooming flowers or watch the boats speed by on the river, all while embracing a refreshing riverside breeze. For a bit more activity, spread out a picnic rug by the main oval area and enjoy a game of football or play lawn games 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 pair (alcohol is permitted in New Farm Park).
Catch the golden glow at Mt Coot-Tha
Whether you’re an early bird or night owl, Mt Coot-Tha offers one of the best views of the city at both sunrise and sunset. You can walk or ride up one of the hiking tracks, or drive up to the car park, layout a picnic rug and simply enjoy the million-dollar views.
Level up: Grab your morning coffee and breakfast at the Summit Café or book in for lunch or dinner dining at the Summit Restaurant located just near the lookout for the best seat in the house.
Walk on water (almost) with the Riverwalk
Connecting New Farm and Brisbane City is a permanent walkway that hovers just above the Brisbane River. Boasting clear views of the Story Bridge and surrounds and bypassing Howard Smith Wharves this picturesque walk or bike ride is the perfect way to explore Brisbane.
Relax in the botanic gardens
Spend a lazy afternoon in the sunshine, get ready to run around or take a stroll along the iconic riverside walkways. Whatever your style, the City Botanic Gardens and Mount Coot-Tha’s Botanic Gardens offer relaxing green spaces where you can read a book on the lawn or wander the many pathways and themed gardens.
State Library, South Brisbane
Hike near the City
Chasing an 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 have a car to get there, many are accessible via a bus or train for just 50 cents.
Lose track of time with your nose in a book
Whilst you take your time finding your next read and finding a quiet corner to enjoy, you can take your little tuckers to the kid-friendly play zone. The Corner at the State Library of Queensland is the perfect spot for children to participate in free and creative hands-on fun, digital games and reading activities. Keep an eye out for the library’s special school holiday programs too!
Level up: Hunt out Archives Fine Books for second-hand treasures, Dymocks for more mainstream titles on every possible topic and Pulp Fiction to satiate your desire for fantasy, crime and science fiction.
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.
Take a free guided tour
The best way to learn about Brisbane’s hidden gems and surprising stories is through the wisdom of knowledgeable Brisbane locals. Brisbane Greeters Tours share stories, reveal great spots and immerse visitors in our vibrant city.
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, history and charm surrounding Brisbane on one of the many scenic drives in the region.
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, or join Hop On Brewery Tours to discover Brisbane’s best breweries.
Splash about in Streets Beach
An man-made oasis located in the heart of South Bank Parklands, Streets Beach is a must visit. Kids can play in the Aquativity playground, splash about in the sparkling blue lagoon, relax poolside or be shaded by the surrounding sub-tropical plants.
Climb a mountain
There is nothing more rewarding than reaching the summit of a mountain. Lace up your hiking boots to tackle one of these mountain climbs around Brisbane, where the views from the top are worth every step.
Follow The City’s art trail
Hidden in plain sight or floating above your head, maybe even hidden in a laneway is a world of art waiting to be discovered. Spreading across just under two kilometres, take your time discovering installations, sculptures and street art along the art trail.
Explore the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse
Nestled on the banks of the river, and right next to New Farm Park sits the Brisbane Powerhouse. A former power station that is now host to an array of exhibitions and live entertainment. Take a stroll through the trendy interior and enjoy one of the many free installations or shows.
Level up: Plan your visit around one of the national festivals that visit the Powerhouse with affordable tickets, and enjoy a glass of wine with a delicious pizza featuring an exceptional riverfront view at Bar Alto or Vertigo.
Barbeque at Kangaroo Point cliffs
There’s little wonder why the parks around Kangaroo Point Cliffs are packed with families and friends enjoying Brisbane’s balmy nights with a barbeque to ensure nobody goes hungry. With one of the best vantage points to get the best views of The City against the river, it's the perfect setting for dinner and a beautiful Brisbane light show as cityscape comes alive at night.
Wander along 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.
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. Wander the charming streets and visit the Sunday Markets, where local history meets trendy gourmet foods and fresh produce.
Walk to King Island
Check for low tide and walk across the natural sandbar to King Island in the Redlands Coast. The 2km return walk leads to a beautiful conservation park, peacefully uninhabited and surrounded by mangroves.
Discover Roma Street Parkland
The Roma Street Parkland's are arguably one of the most beautiful spaces in Brisbane. Wander through the Spectacle Garden and try to spot as many varieties of flowers as you can, explore the rainforest and around Fern Gully or simply just relax (or nap) under a shady tree in the Celebration Precinct.
Go green
Visit the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centreand 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.
