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24 Free Things To Do In Brisbane

Looking for things to do in Brisbane that won't break the budget? Then check out these 24 great things for locals and visitors to Brisbane that won't cost a cent!

Ride the Clocktower

The Beatles, the Queen and Dalai Lama have done it in the mid to late twentieth century it was a rite of passage for Brisbane children on city visits. The view may not be the same but it's still a must do...more

Visit QAG & GOMA

Brisbane's iconic art galleries face off across Stanley Place and as well as their permanent collections of Australian and international art there are always some world class free exhibitions to see - currently Living Patterns and North by North-West

Swim at Streets Beach

There are few places in the world where you can lie on the white sand and catch some warm sun's rays while looking across at the city skyline and then taking a dip in a salt water lagoon...more

Queensland Museum

Visitors of all ages will find something of interest at the Queensland Museum, with multiple floors of free exhibits such as prehistoric Lost Creatures, the Discovery Centre and Wild State...more 

Take a Scenic Bush, Bay or City Walk

Brisbane has an an incredible range of scenic and accessible walking trails, the perfect way to spend time in nature and get some fresh air - here are 10 of the best... more  

Roma Street Parkland 

The largest subtropical gardens in the southern hemisphere, Roma Street Parklands are a joy to stroll through any time of year, with highlights including the Spectacle Garden and the rainforest zone...more

State Library of Queensland

State Library of Queensland always has fascinating free exhibitions, currently Working Country as well as self-guided Gallery Walks.

City Botanic Gardens

This lush green heritage-filled oasis on the cusp of the CBD has been a popular place for a stroll since the 1860s when it was designed by Brisbane's first botanic curator Walter Hill...more 

Visit a Street Library

Dotted around Brisbane's suburbs are miniature community libraries, created by local residents and made out of repurposed sheds, fridges and letter boxes and filled with books that are free to read...more

Museum of Brisbane

You could easily spend a few hours at this fascinating free museum dedicated to the history and culture of Brisbane in the City Hall with regularly changing exhibitions, currently Clay: Collected Ceramics as well as permanent displays...more

Walk a Heritage Trail

Get to know your local history by following one of the heritage trails in Brisbane's oldest suburbs including Rosalie, Milton, Bulimba (these 3 have plaques along the way) and South Brisbane...more

ANZAC Square & Memorial Galleries

Visit historic ANZAC Square and discover the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries curated by the State Library of Queensland, where visitors can embark on an interactive journey from World War One to today...more

Brisbane Riverwalk

Get a whole new perspective of Brisbane when you take this on-river walk (or cycle) from the Howard Smith Wharf redevelopment all the way along to New Farm's Sydney Street terminal...more

Old Petrie Town

Take a trip back in time in this charming restored historic village nestled in 48 acres of sprawling green parkland north west of Brisbane and experience a simpler pre-1930 life...more

Kangaroo Point City Walk 

This 5km river walk is one of the most varied in Brisbane, taking in old quarries, boardwalks, mangroves, bridges, parks, city riverfront eateries and a crossing of the Story Bridge and glass elevator ride to Howard Smith Wharves...more

Institute of Modern Art

Tucked away behind the Judith Wright Centre is this cutting edge modern art gallery that regularly hosts fascinating and quirky free boundary-pushing exhibitions and events, worth a visit...more

Queensland Police Museum

Queensland Police Museum

Learn about the history of policing in Brisbane and some of the most famous unsolved crimes in the state and try your hand at playing detective and solving a murder mystery at this little CBD museum...more

Outdoor Fitness Parks 

Get fit for free in the great outdoors in Brisbane, at these fantastic outdoor gyms and exercise parks with state of the art equipment or play table tennis at one of many free table tennis tables in parks around town...more

Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens

There's plenty to fill a day at these gardens, with highlights including the Japanese Garden, the bamboo grove, lakes, the tropical display dome, and whilst there visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium...more

Explore an old gold mine

Discover the legacy of Enoggera’s gold rush on an historic bushwalk past deep mineshafts and piles of discarded quartz as well as a mock-up of a miner's hut...more

Free Swimming Pools 

Some of the great natural and man-made swimming pools and lagoons in and around Brisbane where you can swim/wade/frolic and cool off in the water for free...more

GOMA Cinematheque

GOMA's state-of-the-art Cinematheque screens an ongoing program of film and video that you're unlikely to see elsewhere. Screenings take place Wednesday and Friday nights and Saturday and Sundays matinees and most all are free...more

Medibank Feelgood Program

Step outdoors and soak in the spectacular surrounds of South Bank Parklands with this fantastic free fitness program, from Zumba and Aqua Aerobics to zen-inducing classics like Yoga and Pilates... more

The Sound Society

Enjoy a laid-back afternoon of free, live music once a month in Brisbane's biggest sub-tropical backyard, with its pristine lawns, glistening water wall, and magnificent banyan trees... more

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Don't miss Shake & Stir's adaptation of James and the Giant Peach
Embark on an exciting journey through the past & present
The Smile Station is an interactive space for all ages to enjoy
Things are heating up at Terraces Restaurant in April
A cult classic returns to La Boite Theatre
Experience an unforgettable evening with Ella Hooper
The Queensland Choir accompanied by a live orchestra
Queensland Symphony Orchestra bring Olivia's iconic hits to life
A modern fairy tale about kindness, bravery, friendship & burgers!
EDITOR'S PICK

Brisbane's Biggest Easter Weekend

Pop on your bunny ears and head to Victoria Park for a FREE four-day Easter celebration
Brisbane's Biggest Easter Weekend
MUST DO

Easter School Holidays 2024

From Easter-themed mini golf and fun activities, to must-see shows and a dedicated kids festival, here are 20+ egg-citing things to do
Easter School Holiday Guide 2024
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Mar 29-Apr 1

From free outdoor Easter movies in the park, cutting edge theatre and Easter-themed mini golf to a Renaissance art immersive exhibition
This Weekend Mar 29-Apr 1
FAMILY HOLIDAY

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Have you booked in for the school holidays yet? This family holiday resort on the Gold Coast is a fun-filled adventure park where even furry family members are welcome
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
COMING UP

What's on in April in & around Brisbane

From a mega sunflower festival & five-week-long Brisbane Comedy Festival to an Olivia Newton-John tribute concert and canine comedians, some top things to do in April in and around Brisbane
What's On in April 2024 around Brisbane
FREE

Park Play

Kids can enjoy a world of wonder and excitement at this fantastic, free holiday program nestled in the heart of Victoria Park.
Park Play
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Easter Movie Night

Enjoy an egg-cellent night out with family & friends at Victoria Park’s Easter Movie Night with 2 free movie screenings
Easter Movie Night
KIDS

Playtopia

Roma Street Parkland's newest kids event - where curiority meets fun, offering free activities for children these school holidays
Playtopia
La Boite's awe-inspiring 2024 season kicks off
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