12 Free Things to Do in Brisbane
Did you know Brisbane is the third largest city by size in Australia? Brisbane hosts a large hub of attractions and offers a diverse range of free activities for all age groups. To help work your way around this energetic city within a budget, we have put together a list of 12 free things to do in Brisbane for you.
Whether Brisbane is a familiar city or the next holiday destination for the family, everything on this list is a must. If you’re thinking about exploring Brisbane to the max, check out our holiday loans. Either with a strict budget or unlimited budget, Swoosh has you covered!
Overview:
- Free things to do in Brisbane
- Free things to do in Brisbane with family
- Free things to do in Brisbane this weekend
Free things to do in Brisbane
1. Picnic in the Park
All you need is a blanket and a basket full of food and drink to relax under the trees in one of the many parks and gardens Brisbane has to offer. A picnic in the park is a great way to enjoy quality time with your family without being in the hustle and bustle of Brisbane city. Rediscover the beauty of the natural world and watch the hours fly by.
2. QAGOMA
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) offer free entry for everyone to view some of the finest artworks in QLD. This gorgeous gallery showcases beautiful creations from a diverse range of artists and invites you into a world of creativity, freedom and colour. QAGOMA has hundreds of exhibitions and events throughout the year and the majority of exhibitions are free to enjoy.
3. City Hopper
Explore the city by water on the City Hopper and discover a new view of the city. While Brisbane offers a range of public transport options, why not take a free trip by boat? The Hopper will take you along the river and stop at seven different stops to either jump off and explore or view from the water.
In addition to the City Hopper, starting August 2024 all public transport is 50c whether that’s train, bus or ferry, creating a cheap option to get around Brisbane easier.
4. State Library of Queensland
Weather can not be predicted, yet there are many free things to do in Brisbane on a rainy day. Whether you are a bookworm, want to research a topic, trying to find an indoor activity or simply looking for a quiet place away from the city noise, the State Library of Queensland has something to offer. While this place is filled with books, the library is only part of this significant community filled place. The library holds free tours, workshops for all age groups, and showcases different exhibitions throughout the year.
Free things to do in Brisbane with family
5. Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Want a free day out in Brisbane with the family? Learn more about one of Australia’s unique, and most adorable icons – the koala. Located at the Daisy Hill Conservation Park, this interactive koala centre is fun for the whole family with educational facts, wildlife talks, woodland trails and spotting the residential koalas up in the trees. Good news is admission is free for the whole family.
6. Streets Beach
Feel like a beach day while in the middle of Brisbane, look no further than Streets Beach located on South Bank. This man-made beach paradise is open free to the public and gives you all the benefits of an Aussie day at the beach without having to worry about the jellyfish. Plenty of picnic and BBQ spots to plant your towels and enjoy the crystal clear waters.
7. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
When thinking about cheap things to do in Brisbane; you think of picnics, parks and beach days but what about stars. Visiting the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium can be a fulfilling, informational day out to explore the solar system and beyond. The planetarium is free admission with exception to the Cosmic Skydome shows. Whether a free trip to the planetarium or a fun ticketed day out, the planetarium is a must do out of this world experience.
8. Museum of Brisbane
Any history fans here, why not visit the Museum of Brisbane? The Museum of Brisbane is located in the heart of the city and shares different views and stories of the history of Brisbane in interacting ways for all groups. Check out Museum of Brisbane’s events, fun children’s activities and sensory experiences for all visitors.
9. QLD Museum
Want even more history? Walk across the bridge from the Museum of Brisbane to the QLD Museum which shares the history of humans, animals, countries and extinct animals from all over the world. The Museum is free to explore the past, and along the way learn about the dinosaurs, Australian animals, sea life, Aboriginal and Torres Strait history and more.
The museum always has events, workshops and new exhibitions on their website for the family to look forward to. Go a step further and check out the ticketed exhibitions scattered throughout the year.
Free things to do in Brisbane this weekend
10. South Bank Parklands
Enjoy South Banks’ vibrant parklands with picnics, BBQs, market stalls, beautiful natural features, and a breath of fresh air right in the heart of Brisbane. South Bank Parklands also has recurring weekend markets in the precinct for everyone to enjoy. Many of the free things to do in Brisbane can be found near this 17 hectare parkland precinct including Streets Beach and is also close to QAGOMA, QLD Museum and the State Library.
11. Brisbane Riverwalk
Opposite to South Bank Parklands is the Brisbane Riverwalk to enjoy the views of the city at a slower place. From New Farm to the Howard St Wharves that will take you on to the Brisbane CBD, this is a great walk to get a fresh perspective of the city, exercise with friends or cycle for fun. This walk is even more stunning at night when the bridge and trees are lit up with lights along both sides of the river.
12. Queen Street Mall
When someone says Queen Street Mall you immediately think of spending money, however it can be a free trip if you want it to be. The Queen Street Mall is home to more than just shops and food places, the mall can be a lively place to visit and window shop for hours on end. Queen Street Mall invites everyone and anyone to walk along the streets and take in the surroundings. Also on occasion, you can be entertained by street performers who come and show their skills to the public.
Want to explore more of Brisbane without burning a hole in your pocket? Swoosh has you covered!
Excited to experience more of this vibrant city but do not want to spend all your money. Check out our cash loans for Brisbane and see if you are eligible for us to help you with your holiday. Our process is quick, easy and effective to process your loan and allow you to explore Brisbane quicker. Either way, Swoosh has you covered!