As the capital of Queensland on the eastern coast, Brisbane is an important cultural city in Australia.
It attracts many tourists every year, owing to the unique landmarks it has, many of which are located within the Brisbane CBD.
From the Mt Coot-tha Overlook to the notable South Bank area and beyond, Brisbane has plenty of things to explore, whether you’re a local or a tourist. Plus, there are plenty of fun things to do in Brisbane for free!
Keep reading to learn about some of the best (and budget friendly) activities Brisbane has to offer!
1. Free Movies in the Park
If you want a fun and safe way to visit Brisbane the free films in the garden is the perfect place!
You never know when an exciting movie is showing at the local greenspace or the local library or at Manly Harbour Village. This can be one of the best free activities to do in Brisbane.
There are usually markets, food trucks and entertainment available at the site for exploring and then getting settled for the night on TV.
Seating tips: Bring your own chairs, pillows, or blankets for comfortable seating. Some screenings allow for the furry friends to come too, please check the events to determine whether these doggies are welcome!
2. Lie on the grass at New Farm Park
Many people like New Farm Park – which is a good reason why. One of the most popular parks in town.
Take a moment on grass beside the river where the CityCat boats and other boats are sailing through the winding riverside or put a picnic rug under a tree.
Level up: Be envious of the entire picnickers and grab Italian cheese, meat and delicacies from New Farm Deli just up the highway.
3. Check Out the Museum of Brisbane
Established in 2003, the Museum of Brisbane, located in Brisbane City Hall, quickly became one of the cheap things to do in Brisbane!
The Museum of Brisbane captures the history of Brisbane, as it relates to the rest of the country. It takes an artistic and social lens, with a combination of permanent and rotating exhibitions.
The Museum of Brisbane also offers a variety of programming and tours, suitable for different age groups, so you can always find something to fit your group.
Since it is located in City Hall, you can also take advantage of being right downtown and take some time to visit the rest of the building as well!
4. Take a Free Ride Along the River
While you’re in Brisbane, you’re bound to notice little red boats zipping along the Brisbane River and hopping from one side to the other.
North Quay is one of the terminal locations for the CityHopper ferry service. Those are the CityHoppers, which are a free ferry service that operates in the inner-city area of Brisbane.
Not only is the CityHopper a convenient way to shorten your trips over the river, it’s also a fun and unique way to see the city. From the water, you’ll get excellent views of the city around. If you have a bit more room in your budget and you want to take it a step further, there are also full (paid) boat tours along the river in Brisbane.
If you have the time, these paid tours are one of the fun things to do in Brisbane, since tour guides also talk you through the history and culture of the city as you ride.
5. Enjoy a Concert Complements of City Sounds
Some of the many fun things to do in Brisbane are the City Sounds concerts, which offer free live music in Brisbane. City Sounds is a free music program which puts on free shows in Brisbane and is one of the best free things to do in Brisbane Australia.
With a combination of local artists and touring artists, there is always a new artist to appreciate with City Sounds. You can find these concerts scattered around venues in the city, such as the Queen Street Mall, South Bank, Post Office Square, and more. If you’re a music fan, we encourage you to take a look at who they have on the schedule while you’re there.
Seeing one of the City Sounds concerts allows you to enjoy some free music and get a feel for Brisbane!
6. Catch the Best Views from Mt Coot-Tha Summit
Mt Coot-Tha Summit offers the best views of the city skyline, including all the well-known Brisbane landmarks. Although it is beautiful at any time of day, we suggest visiting in the early morning or in the evening, to see the morning lights or night lights.
Located just fifteen minutes from the Brisbane Central Business District in Brisbane’s largest natural area, Mt Coot-Tha is the most famous outdoor feature in Brisbane.
If you have a bike, you can tackle the trails to the top or take a hike instead. It is a wonderful way to get into Brisbane’s nature and enjoy the best views in the city and it is a brilliant free thing to do in Brisbane today. I loved the hikes I was able to do up and around Mt Coot-Tha when I was last in Brisbane.
Another must-see location for nature lovers is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, which is part of the 1,500-hectare parkland featuring eucalypt forest and the Planetarium.
7. Wander through a Local Farmers’ Market
Brisbane is full of local farmers’ markets, which offer a fun thing to do in Brisbane and is also one of the great things to do in Brisbane city for free. In fact, people in Brisbane love their farmers’ markets so much that every major suburb in Brisbane has its own farmers’ market.
No matter where you’re staying, it is worth it to get out to a farmers’ market. Offering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and meals, you can explore all the best local goods.
Some of the markets even offer artisan goods that make great gifts for anyone back home.
A few of the best markets in town include West End Markets and Brisbane City Markets.
8. Appreciate Nature at the City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane has some beautiful city botanic gardens, which are free for anyone to visit! This riverside location is the original botanic gardens of Brisbane.
The gardens have several different areas which you can explore, such as Weeping Fig Avenue, the Bamboo Grove, ornamental ponds, and more. Throughout the year, they also host a wide range of concerts, shows, and exhibitions for the public, making it an even more interesting place to visit.
If you prefer to get to know the park better, there are also regular guided walks through the botanic gardens. The best part? Outside of special, ticketed events, the City Botanic Gardens are free to visitors (and their four-legged companions)!
This makes the City Botanic Gardens one of the fun and free things to do in Brisbane!
9. Explore the South Bank Parklands
There are few things as emblematic to Brisbane as the South Bank Parklands, located in South Brisbane. As the name suggests, the South Bank Parklands run along the banks of the river, stretching over 15 hectares of space.
Within the parklands, you’ll find bunches of little restaurants, art galleries, wonderful views, and events throughout the year. It’s a great way to unwind and appreciate the beautiful Brisbane weather.
Though not everything you’ll find in the South Bank Parklands is free, you can visit without it costing a dime and it’s consistently rated as one of the best things to do in Brisbane!
10. Take a Tour at City Hall
You can’t miss City Hall, with the impressive clocktower rising above it! You shouldn’t miss visiting it either, as it is one of the best fun things to do in Brisbane for free.
Brisbane’s City Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, from its circular Concert Hall to the clock tower. It certainly stands out against the modern skyscrapers of the central business district that surround it. If you’re looking for things to do in Brisbane for free, City Hall is a great option.
You can step inside to explore some of the local history. There are also free tours offered regularly, which we recommend if you have the time. It’s a wonderful way to explore an integral part of Brisbane!
11. Wander the Galleries at the GOMA
The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, also known as the QAGOMA and the GOMA respectively, are wonderful art institutions in Brisbane. With pieces spanning permanent collections and rotating exhibitions, there is always something new to see at the QAGOMA and the GOMA. They sit across the river from one another, offering different experiences.
The QAGOMA houses a larger permanent collection of Australian, Asian, and international art pieces, tied together by common themes.
On the other hand, the GOMA is dedicated to contemporary art, along with immersive programming and artwork catered to kids and families. While some special exhibitions will come at an extra cost, entry into these art museums and the Children’s Art Centre are free.
Wandering these museums is undoubtedly one of the best things to do for free in Brisbane.
12. Take a Walk at Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland is an oasis in the bustling city of Brisbane. Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful park offers a respite to both locals and visitors. Roma Street Parkland houses stunning subtropical gardens and a celebration lawn.
If you have some extra time, bring along a picnic basket or a kite and enjoy the expansive green space. If you’re exploring downtown Brisbane, we highly encourage you to take a detour in Roma Street Parkland.
It provides a breath of fresh air, as well as a fun thing to do in Brisbane to put on your list!
Brisbane on a Budget: Cheap Things to do in Brisbane
Whether you prefer to take in the views, the art, or the local culture, Brisbane has more than enough activities to keep you busy.
What’s even better, many of these classic Brisbane things to do are entirely free to you, no matter if you’re a local or a tourist. From the waterfront views of South Bank to the impressive skyline views of Mt Coot-Tha Summit, you won’t regret putting these activities on your itinerary. The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium offers free educational shows and is a great place to learn about the universe.
Additionally, the CityHopper ferry service connects North Quay with Sydney Street terminal in New Farm Park, providing a free and convenient way to explore the city.
For a budget-friendly and fun way to experience the city, make some time for these awesome things to do in Brisbane for free!
Frequently Asked Questions about Brisbane
How to get a free ride in Brisbane?
The free city loop bus service, Spring Hill Loop and South Brisbane Loop provides regular public transportation to Brisbane Central Business District.
Is the City Hopper in Brisbane free?
Brisbane City Council offers free inner-city ferries across the Brisbane River.
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