20 free things to do in Brisbane

Brisbane gets hot - it's a subtropical city, after all. Luckily, there are a number of places where you can take a dip, without dipping into your wallet (save your change for an ice cream afterwards). 

Streets Beach in South Bank is by far the most iconic place for a swim: a man-made beach in the heart of the city, with skyline views while you paddle. Up north in Redcliffe, Settlement Cove Lagoon is a family-favourite, while those preferring a tree-lined setting should make their way to Enoggera Reservoir in The Gap - great for a swim, kayak or canoe in calm waters. 

Cost: Free

3. Discover Brisbane's laneways

Wander down Brisbane's hidden network of laneways to discover a whole new side to the River City. Some of the most vibrant include the trio of Winn, California, and Bakery Lane in Fortitude Valley, or South Brisbane’s burgeoning Fish Lane, each lined with specialty boutiques, niche bars and eclectic eateries.

Cost: Relatively cheap, provided you simply window shop.

4. Hop on the ferry

Considering Brisbane’s nickname is the River City, it seems a shame not to experience it from the water.

For a free ferry trip, jump on board the little CityHopper boats dashing from one side of the river to the other - travelling between Sydney Street terminal in New Farm Park and North Quay in Brisbane CBD.

For a high-speed waterborne commute, look to the sleek CityCat. This ticketed ferry winds along the river from the University of Queensland, through Toowong, the City, South Bank, New Farm, and onto Portside Wharf and Hamilton (location of Eat Street Markets).

Cost: Free on the CityHopper. Swipe your goCard on the CityCat - a return trip is typically around $10

5. Find inspiration at QAGOMA

A visit to QAGOMA in South Bank will get your creative juices flowing. Comprised of the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, the duo each boast their own distinct personalities but share a collection of 16,000 works between them, curated from across Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Kids can enjoy getting hands-on in the creative centre, too. 

QAGOMA is also the only Australian art gallery with purpose-built facilities dedicated to film and the moving image, and the ustralian Cinémathèque at GOMA provides an ongoing program of film and video that you're unlikely to see elsewhere. Screenings take place Wednesday and Friday nights and Saturday and Sundays matinees - and many are free.

Cost: Free, though some exhibitions are ticketed.

6. Meander through South Bank

Born with Expo in ‘88, the South Bank precinct has become Brisbane’s backyard for good reason. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the 17 hectares of parklands that hug Brisbane River, with walking trails through lush gardens, a Nepalese Peace Pagoda, multiple playgrounds and picnic areas, and of course - the city beach. Throughout the week you'll come across markets and all sorts of live entertainment. 

Cost: Access to South Bank is free, so save your pennies for the cafes and restaurants you’ll find there.

7. Pick up some local goodies

Many of Australia’s best producers proudly call Queensland home - and you can taste your way through it at Brisbane's many weekly markets.

Local favourites include the Jan Powers Farmers Market (Saturdays 6am – 12pm at Brisbane Powerhouse), West End Markets (Saturdays 6am - 2pm, Davies Park), Milton Markets (Sundays 6am - 12pm, Milton) and Brisbane City Markets (Wednesday 8am - 6pm, Thursdays 8am - 2pm, Reddacliff Place, Brisbane City)

Cost: Free entry, bring cash for fresh produce, flowers and food stands.

8. See a show at Brisbane Powerhouse

Don’t judge a book by its cover; this graffiti-adorned space was once a neglected power station reborn in 2000 as the home of Brisbane contemporary culture. Drop into the heritage-listed landmark year-round to explore contemporary art exhibitions at Fairfax Studio, or check out what's on - the Powerhouse hosts hundreds of shows each year, from comedy to cabaret.

Cost: Access to Brisbane Powerhouse and Fairfax Studio is free, but shows charge varying ticket prices.

9. Walk to an island

You won't need to walk on water to reach King Island - but it might feel as though you are. 

Make your way to Wellington Point at low tide and you can walk the natural sand walkway that appears, leading you out to King Island, a conservation park home to wildlife and surrounded by mangroves. It's a peaceful 2km-return walk - just be sure to check the tide times before you leave for your adventure.

Cost: Free.

10. Get a bird's eye view from Mt Coot-tha

Catch a glimpse of Brisbane’s best angles from Mt Coot-tha's lookout. While views of surrounding city centre, Moreton Bay, Moreton Island, and the blossoming Gold Coast can be enjoyed all day, it’s sunrise and sunset that shouldn’t be missed. Drive to the top, or take one of the many hiking trails that wind towards the summit.

Cost: Free.

11. Immerse yourself in local history

Just as impressive at Brisbane City Hall’s grand facade is the building’s contents. Wandering the halls of the 80-year-old public space on a free guided tour, you’ll encounter plenty of historic exhibitions and Brisbane-based anecdotes, but nothing as captivating as the chance to climb the 87.5-metre high clock tower and take in the views at the top.

Cost: Free.

12. Feast at Eat Street Northshore

Satisfy your hunger pangs just east of the CBD, where you’ll find foodie mecca Eat Street Northshore. Here, 70 food vendors housed in brightly-hued shipping containers assemble each weekend. The atmosphere is a buzzing kaleidoscope of fairy lights, live music, and riverside views as you take your pick of plates of cheap and tasty delicacies from around the globe.

Cost: Admission is $5pp but those 12 years and under are free. Stall prices vary, but dishes are generally $10-20.

13. Fire up the grill at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Gift yourself the best seat in the house with a barbecue atop the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Nestled between South Bank and the Brisbane CBD, the heritage-listed landmark is popular for climbers, runners, and leisure-seekers alike, each enticed by the views of the city skyline.

Cost: Free, aside from the cost of your barbecue food.

14. Find tranquility in Brisbane's parklands

Find an inner-city oasis amidst the skyscrapers at Roma Street Parkland., where you can join a free tour led around the 16 hectares of manicured gardens and sprawling lawns, or simply see where your senses guide you.

Love gardens? Be sure to also check out Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha.

Cost: Free.

15. Picnic at New Farm Park

Beckoned by its 37-acres of garden, and the ample playgrounds and barbecues scattered throughout, around 18,000 people descend on New Farm Park each week. The sprawling grass areas of the historic precinct demand a picnic; all you’ll need to bring is a hamper.

You'll have to get there early on the weekends to throw your picnic blanket down near the river.

Cost: The public park is free, just BYO picnic.

16. Spark curiosity at the museum

Queensland Museum has something to spark everyone's interest, with a range or permanent and changing exhibitions covering natural history, science, culture and human achievement. It's also home to home to SparkLab, where you can bring out your inner scientist as you question, investigate and wonder about the world around you.

Cost: Queensland Museum is free to enter, though SparkLab, some exhibitions and events have an entry fee. Tickets can be purchased online.

17. Explore D'Aguilar National Park

There's endless green space to explore in the city, but venture 15 minutes outside of town to discover the start of D'Aguilar National Park, 36,000 hectares of natural beauty that stretches north into the mountain range. Expect a combination of sub-tropical rainforests, eucalypt woodlands and scribbly gum forests - and plenty of hiking trails and lookouts to explore. 

Cost: Free.

18. Stroll or cycle the Brisbane Riverwalk

Enjoy the outdoors along Brisbane’s famed floating Riverwalk to get up close and personal with the city’s leading waterway. Stretching between New Farm and bustling Howard Smith Wharves, there is designated pathways for cycling and walking, so you can go at your own pace.

Cost: Free.

19. Search for the stars at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Get better acquainted with the universe at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Since opening in 1978, the public space has been showcasing the outer stretches of the galaxy with its 12.5-metre-diameter projection dome for more than 40 years.

The Planetarium is also home to Skylore, a permanent display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Astronomy.

Cost: General entry to the Planetarium is free, but admission fees apply for Cosmic Skydome shows.

20. Cycle the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

An escape to the country is as easy as jumping on your bike, thanks to Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. 

Stretching 161km, visitors can walk, cycle or horseback adventure back to the late 1800s along the old Brisbane Valley Railway Line from Ipswich to Yarraman - taking in the scenery and stopping in country towns en route. The trail can be done in smaller sections too.

Cost: Free. If you don't have the bike or gear, Out There Cycling can help with shuttles and hire - for a fee.

Looking for more things to do in Brisbane? We've got you covered.