You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a great time in Brisbane, in fact, there are lots of things you can enjoy for free! 

With beautiful weather all-year round, Brisbane is a great place for walks, hikes, picnics, a cruise down the river, or simply to take in picturesque scenery – all for free! 

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Brissie that won’t leave a dent in your wallet! 

1. Ride a CityHopper Ferry

Website: https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/Ferry/T/cityhopper

Location: Stops between Sydney Street and North Quay

Contact Details: 13 12 30 (Translink)

Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 5:30am – 12mn, Friday & Saturday – later hours

A visit to Brisbane won’t be complete without a ferry ride down the iconic Brisbane River! And good news is, you can ride the CityHopper ferry for free and take in the views of the stunning cityscape from the river! 

The CityHopper has seven stops and runs approximately every 30 minutes. The stops include Sydney Street, Howard Smith Wharves, Holman Street, Riverside, Maritime Museum, South Bank, and North Quay. 

Pro Tip: Each CityHopper terminal stop has several attractions that you can also visit for free! 

North Quay

• Museum of Brisbane – City Hall
• Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
• Brisbane Square Library

South Bank

• Streets Beach
• Parliament House
• Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

Maritime Museum Ferry Terminal 

• Kangaroo Point Cliffs Lookout
• South Bank Parklands

Riverside

• Cathedral of St. Stephen
• Saint John’s Anglican Cathedral

Holman Street

• Captain Burke Park
• Story Bridge
• Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park

Howard Smith Wharves

• Wilson Outlook Reserve
• New Farm Riverwalk

Sydney Street

• Brisbane Riverwalk
• Brisbane Powerhouse
• New Farm Park

2. Bask in the Sun at Streets Beach

Website: https://www.queensland.com/gb/en/things-to-do/attractions/

Location: Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Contact Details: +61 7 3029 1797

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm (with lifeguard on duty)

Did you know that Brisbane has a mini oasis right in the heart of the city? Streets Beach, situated within the South Bank Parklands, offers a refreshing escape without leaving town where you can take a dip in the water or have a picnic with family! 

We love that you can enjoy a view of the Brisbane river and city skyline while cooling off in the crystal blue water. Life guards patrol the man-made beach all-year round and there are barbecue facilities, as well as play areas for children. 

Pro Tip: Streets Beach is a perfect place to spend the day especially if you don’t have time to visit the nearby islands or beaches. After unwinding in the crystal blue lagoon, there are a number of cafes and restaurants nearby! 

Here are some of our recommendations: 

• Popolo
• Lost Bean
• Denim Co. 
• Coco Bliss
• Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

3. Take a Stroll through the Botanic Gardens

Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/

Location: City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888

Hours: Open 24 hours

We love Brisbane’s abundance of greenery with its sprawling parklands that make walks truly enjoyable! We recommend visiting the City Botanic Gardens located at the city center with a gorgeous view of the river! 

Within the botanic gardens, there are several attractions. This includes the bamboo grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, Walter Hill Fountain, Jemmy Morrill and the Brolgas sculpture, ponds, and Riverstage, which is also a venue for concerts and festivals. 

Pro Tip: If you want to learn more about the various attractions and different species of plants that thrive in the gardens, we recommend going on a guided tour! 

The tours will be facilitated by volunteers free of charge and are available Tuesdays to Sundays at 11am and 1pm. 

There are also other botanic gardens that are worth visiting such as the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt. Coot-Tha and Sherwood Arboretum. 

4. Catch the Sunrise at Mt. Coot-Tha

Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/

Location: Brisbane, QLD 4066

Contact Details: 07 3403 8888

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm

If you’re wondering where the best place to catch the sunrise would be, it would definitely be at Mt. Coot-Tha! You can enjoy the breathtaking views as the sun’s golden glow spreads across the city, the nearby suburbs, and the Moreton Bay region. 

Mt. Coot-Tha is located less than 15 minutes away from the Brisbane CBD, and apart from getting a panoramic view of the city, there are also different attractions to explore! 

You can hike to the summit, walk through trails, and immerse yourself amidst its beautiful native flora. 

Pro Tip: Parking is limited at Mt. Coot-Tha so it would be better to take the 471 bus on Adelaide Street in the Brisbane CBD. Then get off at stop 19 at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-Tha. 

If you have a bike, it’s also easy to cycle to the mountain by crossing the Anzac Park overpass. 

5. Soak up the Sunset at Kangaroo Point 

Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/

Location: 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169

Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888

Hours: Open 24 hours

What better way to end the day than a stroll through Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, and maybe a little picnic while waiting for the sunset? 

You can watch the best natural light show in Brisbane from the cliffs or by the river and just soak up the sparkle as the sun dips down over the horizon.

Pro Tip: You can also get to Kangaroo Point Cliffs for free via the CityHopper ferry! Just hop off on Holman Street terminal or Maritime Museum ferry terminal.

6. Experience a Sea Walk to King Island 

Website: https://www.queensland.com/gb/en/things-to-do/attractions/

Location: Wellington Point QLD 4160

Contact Details: [email protected] / +61 1300 667 386

Hours: 

Just 22 kilometers south east of Brisbane, King Island would be one of the most unique walking experiences that you can do for free! 

This is one of those trips where the journey is the highlight. You can walk to King Island at low tide from Wellington Point where you’ll cross through a sand causeway for a total of a two-kilometer roundtrip. 

It’s a great place to take the kids to let them explore some marine life along the way such as small crabs and other shellfish. The island itself is just small so it wouldn’t take too long to wander through its pathways between the mangroves.

Pro Tip: Remember to always check the tide times before your trip! The sandy pathway appears at low tide which is usually very early in the morning before sunrise until around 9am, or in the afternoon at 4pm onwards. 
You can check tide times at King Island and Wellington Point here.

7. Go for a Swim at Bribie Island

Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/bribie-island

Location: 65 kilometers north of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Queensland

Contact Details: (07) 3408 9026

Hours: Open 24 hours

What’s great about Bribie Island is that it’s very accessible since there’s a bridge connecting it to the mainland. It’s 65 kilometers from Brisbane and about an hour’s drive from the city, so it’s an awesome option for a quick day trip! 

The island is also a great place for picnics and camping, plus, you can explore its national parks as well! 

One of the highlights of Bribie Island is the Pumicestone Passage which is a protected marine area where you can explore its diverse ecosystem. 

You can also find a variety of Australian native wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and kookaburras at the Bribie Island National Park. 

Pro Tip: The best beach on Bribie Island for families is Bongaree Beach! The water is calm and shallow and there are a lot of picnic spots and shaded areas to set up your beach blanket or chairs. 

Meanwhile, you should go to Woorim Beach if you want to go surfing! It has a playground, skate park, and barbecue facilities as well. 

Dogs are very welcome, too! In fact, Bribie Island has a dog beach where your furry friends can freely run around! 

Finally, if you have a 4WD vehicle, then it’s the perfect companion when exploring Bribie Island as some areas are only accessible using a 4WD vehicle.

8. Enjoy a Stroll Along the Redcliffe Coast

Website: https://www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/blog/things-to-do-in-redcliffe

Location: 25 kilometers from Brisbane, Moreton Bay Region, Queensland

Contact Details: (07) 3205 0555 – Moreton Bay Regional Council

Hours: Open 24 hours

If you’re looking for a beach nearby, you should go to Redcliffe Coast which is just around 25 kilometers away from Brisbane in the Moreton Bay Region of Queensland. 

It has a boardwalk that stretches more than 10 kilometers and is a perfect place for an early morning walk or an afternoon stroll while waiting for the sunset! 

Redcliffe has several beaches that are great places to relax and cool off especially on a hot day. We recommend heading to Suttons Beach which is a patrolled beach with picnic grounds and barbecue facilities, plus plenty of parking spaces, too! 

Fun fact: the members of 70’s pop band, Bee Gees, are actually from Redcliffe! We love that you can take a stroll down Bee Gees Way which showcases an outdoor exhibit about the iconic band. 

Pro Tip: If you’re a sucker for weekend markets, then the best day to go would be on a Sunday as there’s a weekly Redcliffe Markets at the Redcliffe Parade! 

The market offers fresh local produce, meat, and seafood, gourmet and artisan goods, arts and crafts, and more! 

There are great places for brunch as well such as Preece’s at the Jetty, Over There Cafe, and KANTO by The Filipino Street Food. 

9. Hike through Queensland’s Forests and National Parks

Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/

Location: South East Queensland, Australia

Contact Details: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (office hours)

Queensland is famous for its pristine beaches, but its hinterlands surely offer a whole new world of adventure! If you’re looking for beautiful places to hike, then you should explore the many forests, mountains, trails, and national parks within Brisbane! 

The Boondall Wetlands has several walking tracks that’s ideal for beginners and it’s great that it’s just around 25 minutes from the city center! 

Another interesting walking track would be the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail where you can follow the old Valley Railway line that stretches 161 kilometers! Well, of course you don’t have to walk all the way but it’s a great trail for walking, running, or cycling! 

A little ways down is Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park which are almost two hours south of Brisbane. 

If you have the time, these are fascinating destinations worth visiting as they’re both part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage areas. 

Pro Tip: The different parks in and around Brisbane each have their own park rules and policies, so make sure to research before going on a hike! 

You can check out more information on Queensland national parks here. 

10. Walk Across the Iconic Story Bridge

Website: https://www.queensland.com

Location: Brisbane, QLD 4000

Contact Details: +61 73403 8888

Hours: Open 24 hours

The Brisbane Story Bridge is one of the most iconic structures in the River City and serves as an important road link connecting Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley.

We love that it has protected lanes for pedestrians and cyclists so you can safely walk across the bridge anytime! 

You can enjoy a spectacular view of the river from the bridge and a nice route would be the City Botanic Gardens as your starting point for a scenic walk toward the bridge!

There are also guided Story Bridge climb tours where you will climb to the top of the bridge! 

Pro Tip: Group Hiking South East Qld is a group that go on evening walks every Monday, and the Story Bridge walk is one of their favorites! You should definitely join the group if you’re looking to explore Brisbane on foot! 

You can join the group here!

11. Tour Around Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct

Website: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/queensland-museum

Location: Brisbane, QLD 4000

Contact Details: Please check individual websites

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm

Brisbane has a rich history and culture. You can learn more and see different exhibits at the city’s cultural precinct with museums that you can visit for free! 

You can discover a lot about Queensland’s history, culture, and art at the Queensland Museum and Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). 

They’re all conveniently located within the same area where you’ll also find the Queensland State Library, Cultural Center, and Performing Arts Center. 

Pro Tip: Make the most out of your tour by booking free guided tours! There are volunteer tour guides available at the museums so you can inquire upon entry or better yet, schedule your tour beforehand by giving them a call.

12. Follow Brisbane’s Heritage Trail

Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Location: Brisbane, QLD

Contact Details: 07 3403 8888

Hours: Hours vary per location

Brisbane has a rich cultural landscape that’s evident through the city’s architecture and different historical sites that helped shape the city into what it is today. 

Going on a heritage trail walk would let you learn more about Brisbane’s bygone eras and immerse yourself into the stories of the different suburbs! 

There are a total of 19 heritage trails that you can explore in Brisbane. Some of the most popular ones include the Bulimba Heritage Trail, South Brisbane Heritage Trail, Rosalie Heritage Trail, Milton Heritage Trail, and Spring Hill Heritage Trail. 

Pro Tip: If you’re going to explore Brisbane’s heritage trails, then a map would surely come in handy! Check out maps for each trail to see the different sites and points of interest.

13. Travel Back in Time at Old Petrie Town

Website: https://www.oldpetrietown.com/

Location: 901 Dayboro Rd, Whiteside QLD 4503

Contact Details: +61 7 3285 5934

Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 8am – 4pm; Sunday, 8am – 1pm

Old Petrie Town will transport you back in time to a pre-1930s restored village with historic buildings and diverse flora and fauna set across 48 acres of parklands. 

Just 40 minutes north of Brisbane, it’s worth the visit if you wish to experience that old town charm! It has museums such as Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, Queensland Fire Museum, Steam and Tractor Museum, and Murrumba District Scout Museum. 

The village is also a great place to take the kids to let them experience a little piece of history. There are Sunday Markets and Moonlight Markets for the whole family to enjoy, as well as quaint little shops and cafes for some delightful treats! 

Pro Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, you should go on a weekday so you can explore the town better, from visiting the heritage buildings to a tranquil nature walk! 

And don’t forget to take a picture by the 300-year old fig trees! 

14. Break a Sweat at Outdoor Fitness Parks

Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Location: Brisbane, QLD

Contact Details: 07 3403 8888 Brisbane City Council)

Hours: Open 24 hours

It’s great that Brisbane makes being fit and healthy very accessible for everyone with many outdoor exercise facilities that you can use for free! 

We love that you can get a workout in while enjoying some fresh air and beautiful scenery as some outdoor parks are located by the river and by the sea! 

Over 170 Brisbane parks have outdoor fitness equipment so it’ll be easy to find one anywhere! The exercise equipment at parks vary but you’ll find simple, static facilities for sit-ups, chin-ups, and step-ups, as well as for cardio and resistance training. 

If you don’t know how to use the equipment, don’t worry as there’s usually instructions for each one. 

Pro Tip: Check out the map on the Brisbane City Council’s website to easily find the outdoor fitness park nearest you! 

If you’re interested in trying out parkour, Brisbane now has a dedicated parkour and fitness park that’s suitable for all levels! And it’s even set at a waterfront location with an awesome view of Bramble Bay!

15. Stop By Queen Street Mall

Website: https://visit.brisbane.qld.au

Location: Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888

Hours: Open 24 hours (for walking), hours vary per store

Queen Street Mall is Brisbane’s fashion and lifestyle center, and it’s not your typical mall as it’s Queensland’s largest open-air pedestrian shopping center with over 500 stores! 

The wide selection of retailers include local high-fashion brands, as well as international fashion and luxury brands. 

Since it’s a pedestrian shopping mall, it’s the perfect place to meet up in the city, or to go for a walk, or even just to sit on a bench as you watch people pass by. 

Pro Tip: You can ride a CityLoop bus to get to Queen Street Mall for free! Check out the routes and plan your trip here. 

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