01. Wander through the wonders 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, Brisbane showcases world-class art exhibitions that are more often than not free to attend.

Level up: The major exhibitions are often ticketed but for a small fee you can experience world-renowned art.

02. 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 recognised as one of Brisbane’s best hidden gems, Enoggera Reservoir, is a favourite for locals 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.

03. Catch the KittyCat along the river

All aboard the tiny red vessel. You may have seen the little KittyCat vessels, dashing from one side of the river to the other. They travel between Sydney Street terminal in New Farm Park and North Quay in Brisbane City transporting you across Brisbane 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.

04. Explore the local farmers’ markets

Brisbane loves all farmers' markets, and many are 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 Brisbane City.

05. Catch local artists free with City Sounds

Fun fact: Brisbane is home to Australia’s largest and longest-running free live music program. Each week a rolling line-up of local and touring bands and artists perform on the stages in Queen Street Mall, Post Office Square, South Bank and other locations in and around Brisbane. With original, alternative, indie, folk, jazz and electronic music, there’s something for every music lover. And best of all, it's completely free!  Take a look to see what’s coming up.

06. Lie on the grass at New Farm Park

New Farm Park is a favourite spot for many, and it’s easy to see why. One of Brisbane’s most popular parks, it’s the perfect place to relax on the grass by the river and people watch while embracing a refreshing riverside breeze. For a bit more activity, spread out a picnic rug under a tree in 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 match (alcohol is permitted in New Farm Park).

07. 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 to see the beautiful Brisbane view and well-known Brisbane landmarks wake up.

Level up: Grab your morning coffee and breakfast from The Summit Cafe, located just near the lookout for the best seat in the house.

0.8 Wander back to The City via the Riverwalk

After your picnic in the park, wander back towards Brisbane City via the Riverwalk, which boasts scenic views of the Story Bridge and surrounds. This permanent pathway sits above the Brisbane River, winding its way from New Farm, Howard Smith Wharves and on into The City.

0.9 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.

10. Explore the Museum of Brisbane

The third floor of Brisbane City Hall is home to the Museum of Brisbane (MoB), bringing The City’s vibrant art, culture and history to life. It’s a fascinating place to drop by with free exhibitions that dive a little deeper into Brisbane’s story. Wander through an exhibition, take a tour, join in on a workshop, or enjoy one of the special events. There’s even a MoB Kids program of activities.

11. Relax in the botanic gardens

Pack a picnic rug and spend a lazy afternoon in the sunshine or pop on your walking shoes and stroll along the iconic riverside walkways. Whatever your style, the City Botanic Gardens is Brisbane’s original botanic gardens and offers a relaxing green space where you can chill on the lawn or wander the many pathways and themed gardens.

12. 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 via a bus for just 50 cents.

13. Lose track of time with your nose in a book

Take the little tuckers to The Corner at the State Library of Queensland's noisy, kid-friendly play zone. Here, children can 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.

Embrace your inner bookworm at the Brisbane Square library or one of The City’s boutique bookstores.

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.

14. 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.

15. Discover Brisbane through a Brisbane Greeters 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.

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 some epic Brisbane region 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, or join Hop On Brewery Tours to discover Brisbane’s best breweries.

 17. Splash about in Streets Beach, South Bank

An oasis located in the heart of South Bank, Streets Beach is a must visit while exploring the 17-hectare South Bank Parklands. Kids can play in the aquativity playground, splash about in the sparkling blue lagoon, lie pool-side on the white, sandy beaches or be shaded by the surrounding sub-tropical plants.

18. Climb a mountain near Brisbane

Reaching the summit of a mountain makes any difficulty of the climb all worthwhile. Lace up your hiking boots to tackle one of these mountain climbs around Brisbane.

19. 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 that is home to beautiful antique and jewellery boutiques St Stephen’s Chapel and the site of the old convict barracks.

20. Wander through the Bribie Seaside Museum & discover the magic of Bribie Island

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. After exploring the museum, discover the stunning natural surrounds and beautiful beaches of Bribie Island. Effortlessly immerse in this island paradise, its natural surrounds and be greeted by iconic native Australian wildlife.

21. 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 and shows.

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.

22. 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 The City comes alive at night.

23. Get back into nature

Do you know just how many free 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.

24. 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.

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. The Old Petrie Town Sunday Markets join the historic buildings linking the streets and provides visitors with a unique experience where local history meets trendy gourmet foods and fresh fruit and vegetables.

26. Walk to King Island

Roll out of bed nice and early and trek out to King Island in the Redlands Coast region. 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. 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 from March to May and August to October. 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.

28. Find peace walking around Roma Street Parkland

The Roma Street Parkland is arguably one of the most beautiful spaces in Brisbane. 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.

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 enjoy your lunch on the lush green space found at Sherwood Arboretum. While you’re there, throw a line in the water off the jetty, roll down a hill or simply just laze under a shady tree.