16 Free Things to Do in Brisbane When You’re on a Budget
Start planning your weekend because we've rounded up the best free things to do in Brisbane that are fun, yet budget-friendly.
You don’t have to live on a shoestring budget to appreciate all the free things in life. A vibrant city with a seriously impressive line-up of events and activities that will keep your bank balance in check, Brisbane is brimming with free things to do. Summit walks, farmers markets, ferry rides, indigenous performances, live music and even an inner-city beach that keeps the summer vibes kicking year-round. There is so much to see and do in sunny Brisbane.
For a jam-packed weekend of free things to do in Brisbane, here are our top 16 picks!
Free Movies in the Park
If you’re searching for family-friendly free things to do in Brisbane, these free movies in the park are the perfect thing! With a variety of movies across various local parks in Brisbane, you never know when a fun film screening might be popping up at your favourite local green space. There are usually markets, food trucks and entertainment on site to explore before settling in for a night in front of the big screen.
Sitchu Tip: BYO chairs, cushions or blankets to make yourself comfy, and you can even bring your own snacks to save a little extra pocket money. Some screenings allow your furry friends to come along too, so check in with each event to see if they are doggo-friendly!
Multiple locations
Daisy Hill Koala Centre
If you’re itching to get outdoors but not so keen to spend money, head to Daisy Hill Koala Centre! Built by the Queensland Government as a dedicated koala education facility, this incredible park near Brisbane is open to the public so that anyone can learn about our amazing native sleepy marsupials. The surrounding Daisy Hill Conservation Park encompasses 570 hectares of eucalypt forest, and there are some amazing trails to stroll through for a glorious hit of nature.
Mondays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm
Daisy Hill Conservation Park, Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill
Museum Of Brisbane
You could be forgiven for forgetting about this little museum tucked within City Hall, but it’s one not to be missed! The Museum of Brisbane is free to visit and contains a variety of historical photographs, artworks and installations that tell the history of Brisbane and its people. They regularly feature different exhibitions and installations, so you never know what you might discover! You can also book a free Clock Tower Tour and have your very own Boy Swallows Universe moment. They operate daily every 15 minutes, but bookings are essential!
Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Roma Street Parklands
The Roma Street Parklands are a gorgeous place to spend your time when you’re looking for free things to do in Brisbane. Whether you bring some friends for a nature walk, a book for some quiet time, or a picnic to enjoy, this is one of our favourite places in the city to visit. The stunning gardens are impeccably maintained, and feature seasonal plants, flowers and food plants for you to explore. You can sometimes find free events here for all ages, so be sure to check online to see what’s on!
1 Parkland Boulevard, Brisbane City
Have A Barbecue At Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Did you know the Kangaroo Point Cliffs have barbecues, tables and green grassy areas to enjoy a slow weekend catch-up with family or friends? There are also foraging gardens, where you can pluck fresh herbs to add to your meal. With fresh air, sunshine and a stunning view of the city skyline, it’s the perfect place to wind down. You can even take a stroll along the riverside to walk off the meal.
29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point
Old Petrie Town
A journey back in time awaits at Old Petrie Town, a charming historic village spread across 48 acres of picturesque gardens and untouched bushland. Just 30 minutes north of Brisbane CBD, this storybook pre-1930s town is home to an amazing collection of heritage-listed buildings which have been lovingly restored to their former glory. Visitors can explore at their own pace, with many things to see and do including browsing local retailers set within the historic dwellings or taking a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens. But it’s on Sundays when the village really comes to life with its weekly market. You'll find handmade crafts, second-hand books, locally-grown produce, live music and more.
901 Dayboro Road, Whiteside
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
With endless exhibits and interactive displays, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is sure to keep you entertained for hours. And best of all, it's free to enter! Head to the Display Zone and check out their latest exhibition, Earth: Our Blue Oasis. Learn about the factors affecting life on our planet and its fragility in the face of greater forces such as solar evolution and the greater cosmic environment. The sundial courtyard is also a great place to kick back and relax.
Mount Coot-Tha Road, Toowong
Streets Beach
Claiming the title (and rightfully so) as Brisbane’s cultural hub, South Bank is a must-visit. Located in the 17 hectares of Parkland is Streets Beach, a man-made blue lagoon surrounded by sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. Year-round, it’s patrolled by lifeguards, plus, there is Aquativity, a water playground for kids. There’s no need to sit in hours of traffic to sit by the water, which is why Streets Beach is one of the best free things to do in Brisbane.
Stanley Street Plaza, Brisbane City
CityHopper Ferry
Dust off your sailor’s hat and jump aboard the CityHopper for a scenic ride up and down Brisbane River. Every day, Brisbane City Council operates a free inner-city ferry service between North Quay in Brisbane City and Sydney Street, New Farm. Running every 30 minutes between 5:30am and midnight Sunday to Thursday, you can jump on and off at any of the eight stops along the way.
Various locations
Summit Track
There are plenty of walking trails to choose from at Mt Coot-tha, but our pick is the 1.9km Summit Track. Part of the 1,500-hectare parkland which features an eucalypt forest, Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Planetarium, the Summit Track is an easy walk that takes you up to the top with guaranteed views that will impress - especially at sunset. A definite must when it comes to free things to do in Brisbane.
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mount Coot-tha
Gathering, Queen Street Mall
One of the only places where you will find free weekly performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia, Gathering is a Brisbane City Council initiative that showcases Indigenous culture through music and dance. You can find Gathering each Wednesday, from midday to 1:00pm on the main stage in Queen Street Mall.
Powerhouse Farmers Market
One of Brisbane’s favourite Saturday morning hangouts, the open-air Powerhouse Farmers Market champions local farm-fresh produce. Wander among the stores and take in the aromas of over 300 stalls selling fruit, veggies, meat, fish, bread, flowers, plants, street food, and so much more. Afterwards, laze in the shade of overarching trees at New Farm Park, take a stroll along the river walk, or play with your dog in the dog park.
The Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Yet another awesome free thing to do in Brisbane, GOMA showcases contemporary art from across Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Spend hours roaming through the galleries, or if you have little ones with you check out the Children’s Art Centre (it’s always free). As for the galleries themselves, General Admission is free, and now and then they host ticketed exhibitions and special events.
Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Queensland Museum
Another Brisbane gem, the Queensland Museum is a haven for science, culture and natural history. Through a series of exhibitions and displays, you can learn about Queensland’s past, present and future. Get hands-on in the interactive science bar and check out the storytelling exhibition. Of course, it is all free, with a calendar of ticketed events and exhibits throughout the year.
Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane
Brisbane Powerhouse
When looking for free things to do in Brisbane, check out Brisbane Powerhouse: a hub for all things artsy. Among their line-up of incredible events – comedy, film, art, dance, theatre, music, markets and festival – they have a few freebies thrown in that are a real hit. Keep an eye on their ‘What’s On’ page to keep up to date with the latest acts, and be sure to get in quick. It’s also worth a look-in if you’re passing by from a river walk or New Farm Park picnic, as there are often free photography installations or art collections on display.
119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Riverwalk
Why not explore the city on foot? Between New Farm and the historic Howard Street Wharves, an 870-metre-long pedestrian and cyclist walkway floats above the Brisbane River, connecting Brisbane City to New Farm. Combine this with the CityHopper and one of the art and cultural museums at South Bank and you have yourself one fun-filled, budget-friendly day!
Sitchu Tip: Make sure you bring your water bottle, a hat and some SPF if you’re walking during the day to stay sun safe, as you’ll be quite exposed on the riverwalk.
Riverview Court, New Farm
From the great outdoors to cultural centres that shine a spotlight on local talent, Brisbane is a haven for budget-friendly travel. If you loved our round-up of free things to do in Brisbane, make sure you check out Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Play in Brisbane for more inspiration for when you’re next in town. We’ve also wrapped up the best walking trails to help you explore the city on foot!
