15 Top Free Things To Do In South Bank
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Whether you’ve been in Brisbane for a decade or a day, chances are you've visited South Bank Parklands at least once. Brisbane’s iconic riverside parkland is famous for its restaurants and bars, but there’s so much more to discover. Here are 15 things to do that won't cost a cent:
Designed by renowned Brisbane architect Robin Dods, the heritage-listed brutalist-design building has been home to world class class exhibitions since it opened in 1982 and today holds permanent priceless collections of iconic Queensland and Australian artists including Sidney Nolan, Vida Lahey and Russell Drysdale.
GOMA
Not only is GOMA Australia’s leading museum of contemporary art, but many of the exhibitions here are free, along with their fantastic two level children’s art centre. Current free exhibition is Archie Moore: kith and kin.
SLQ Exhibitions
Books are only one of many reasons to visit the State Library. With a constant stream of exhibitions and events for both kids and adults, there’s always something to see, listen to or experience. The current fascinating exhibition is Dearly Departed.
Streets Beach
The world’s only city beach, manned by surf lifesavers is open all year round to either soak up the winter-sun on fine white sand or cool off in summer in the infinity edged pool.
On permanent display, The Big Hose, an artist-designed play sculpture in the form of an oversized 119 metre-long garden hose, sits on the banks of the Brisbane River at Kurilpa Point, a traditional meeting and trading place for the region’s Turrbal and Yaggera peoples
Queensland Museum Kurilpa
From the plane that Bert Hinkler flew across the world in to a World War 1 tank and Queensland’s own dinosaur, from a world of indigenous and islander arts and crafts to hands-on zoological displays, there’s plenty to soak up for free at the museum.
Epicurious Garden
Pick some fresh herbs or tea leaves to take home from this secret community garden that stretches along Clem Jones Boulevard from the Victoria Abutment. There’s also a tiny budding citrus orchard.
The Collective Markets
From Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, the white peaks of the South Bank Lifestyle Market stretch all the way along Stanley Plaza with merchants peddling everything from homewares, jewellery and fashion to art, gourmet goodies and ethnic snacks.
Nepalese Pagoda
Catch a glimpse of Expo 88 at this intricate hand-carved wooden pagoda that sits nestled in a rainforest glade. Then take a walk along the boardwalk that winds through the rainforest, the perfect antidote to hot summer days.
GOMA is the only Australian art gallery home to a cinematheque, screening an ongoing (mostly free) program of film and video that you're unlikely to see elsewhere, showcasing the work of influential filmmakers and international cinema, rare 35mm prints, recent restorations and silent films with live musical accompaniment. Wed & Fri nights and Sat-Sun matinees.
Picnic Island
Tucked away on the east end of South Bank is the lush Picnic island Green complete with giant fig playground and a BBQ pavilion on a tiny man made tropical island
Griffith University Art Museum
See what the next generation of artists are up to with expos such as the Churchie National Emerging Art Prize as well as artists talks and panel discussions. The art museum is also custodian of the Griffith University Art Collection, a significant public art collection in Queensland. Open Tue-Sat 11am-4pm (closed public hols)
Free Computer Access at the State Library
Free computers are available at the State Library for the public to access. Otherwise BYO notebook/laptop and enjoy free wi-fi with some of the best river and city views in town.
Climb the stairs to the remaining piece of the 1896 Victoria Bridge (the fourth to be built in that location), which is also home to a haunting WW1 memorial of a young Greek boy who was killed on the bridge during a homecoming parade for troops in 1918.
Sunday Social on the Green
There are few better ways to end a weekend in Brisbane than chilling out with some live music on the green lawns of the amphitheatre opposite the River Quay restaurants and watching the setting sunrays reflect on the city buildings.
