35 Top free and affordable things to do in Brisbane

Many visitors to Australia make the mistake of skipping Brisbane in favour of Sydney or Melbourne. It’s understandable when faced with limited time, and the lure of Sydney Harbour or Melbourne’s multicultural scene takes priority. But spend any time in Brisbane, and its friendly residents, superb weather, unique wildlife, and laid-back charm will quickly win you over. And when it comes to a travel list, here are 35 free and affordable things to do in Brisbane to help plan your visit.

Free and affordable things to do in Brisbane

With its extensive riverside paths, abundant wildlife, outdoor dining, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the Gold Coast and offshore islands, Brisbane has a lot to offer. Here are some ideas.

1. Take advantage of cheap public transportation

With a population of 2.7 million, Brisbane has developed an efficient public transportation network of buses, trains, and ferries. And with each fare only 50 cents, it encourages a traveller to stay a while and check out the sights.

Until 50-cent fares were introduced as part of an election platform in August 2024, Australia had the highest public transportation costs in the world behind Switzerland and the Netherlands. Brisbane led Melbourne and Sydney with the highest costs in Australia. Over a short three-month period of 50-cent fares, patronage increased by 16.7 per cent across all forms of public transportation, including a whopping 43.9 per cent on ferries compared to the same period the year before. Usage in many towns has yielded more staggering results, such as Townsville, which saw a 49% increase. It’s an interesting situation, and over the long term, will undoubtedly influence people’s choices about where they live, work, or study. In the meantime, visitors to Brisbane are among the beneficiaries.

Grab a Go Card and explore Brisbane on the cheap.

2. Explore inner Brisbane on an e-bike or e-scooter

Lime and Neuron e-mobility hubs or virtual parking zones are dotted across the city. The Brisbane City Council suggests an itinerary involving the Central Business District (CBD), Kangaroo Point, Story Bridge, New Farm, the Powerhouse, Teneriffe, and Newstead.

3. Cross the river on the Kangaroo Point Bridge

Brisbane’s newest bridge for pedestrians and cyclists is 460 metres long and links the Central Business District with Kangaroo Point. It features dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths, a shade cover on the pedestrian side, lift/elevator access on the Kangaroo Point side, a restaurant, bar, and riverside café, and shaded viewing platforms.

4. Follow the Kangaroo Point River Walk

Walk or cycle from the Kangaroo Point Bridge to Kangaroo Point along a scenic path past mangroves, wooden pavilions, sculptures, waterfront cafes, historic relics, benches, and viewing platforms. The mostly shaded path is divided for pedestrians and cyclists most of the way.

5. Watch rock climbers at Kangaroo Point

The Kangaroo Point cliffs were formed after 150 years of quarrying by convict labour which started in 1826 to access building stone for Brisbane’s early public buildings.

 Today, the 20-metre-high cliffs known simply as ‘KP’ to rock climbers are a popular rock climbing and abseiling location, even at night when lights illuminate the cliffs after sunset.

6. Climb up to the Kangaroo Point Lookout

Perched atop the Kangaroo Point cliffs, the Kangaroo Point Lookout offers arresting views of the Brisbane River, its bridges, and the city skyline.

7. Relax in the South Bank Parklands

The former industrial dockside precinct and site of early morning markets, South Bank was created for Brisbane’s 1988 Expo. Today, the 17-hectare (42-acre) riverfront park boasts pubs, restaurants, picnic areas, shaded walks, a bougainvillea arbour, a peace pagoda, and an artificial swimming lagoon. Streets Beach features supervised swimming areas and is a perfect place to relax on a hot summer day. South Bank is within walking distance of the CBD and major museums and galleries.

8. Grab a photo by the Brisbane sign

The Brisbane sign was created for the 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit as a temporary installation. However, its popularity led to its replacement with a sturdier replica funded by the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council. The sign’s design was updated in 2025 to highlight Brisbane’s key landmarks and experiences, further solidifying its position as a popular photo spot, conveniently located outside the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) at South Bank.

9. Explore the cultural heart of Brisbane

Adjacent to the South Bank Parklands, the South Bank Cultural Centre includes QAGOMA (the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art), the Queensland Museum (QM), and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). With the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the State Library, the Queensland Conservatorium and the Queensland Theatre Company, this compact cultural precinct offers a diverse collection of cultural, educational, retail, and recreational facilities.

Admission is free to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Queensland Museum.

10. Ride the CityCat ferry

Jump on a CityCat or CityHopper to explore sections of the Brisbane River. The free CityHopper travels along the river from North Quay to Sydney Street, New Farm, stopping at eight terminals. The CityCat operates within a network of 22 terminals stretching from The University of Queensland in St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton.

11. Venture into the Powerhouse

Located at the eastern end of New Farm Park at 119 Lamington Street, the once-derelict power station has been transformed into a contemporary arts centre hosting events such as theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, live music, and art exhibitions. The Powerhouse supplied electricity to the largest tram network in the southern hemisphere at the peak of its post-war years. Trams were eventually replaced, and the Powerhouse was officially decommissioned in 1971. Remnants from its derelict days remain, including graffiti and industrial machinery. It houses two riverside restaurants and on-site bars. The New Farm Ferry Terminal is 200 metres away.

On Saturdays at the Powerhouse, the Jan Powers Farmers Market is open from 6:00 to noon. The market offers a wide variety of local produce, artisanal crafts, and street food.

12. Keep an eye out for wildlife

Australian water dragons are semi-aquatic lizards native to the eastern states of Australia. They’re adaptive swimmers and can stay underwater for up to 90 minutes without needing to surface for air. This handsome fellow beside the Powerhouse was about 60 centimetres long.

The Australasian darter has a snakelike, slender neck and striking plumage. It forages in water, often with only its head and neck exposed, and feeds on a variety of fish.

The Australian white ibis is a wading bird that’s widespread across much of Australia and seems at home in urban environments.

13. Check out the wool stores at Teneriffe

The wool stores on the Teneriffe Wharves played a proud role in the growth and success of the Queensland wool industry. Some of them were built with bricks imported from England as ballast on returning wool ships.

In the early 20th century, wool from across Queensland arrived at the Teneriffe wool stores to be auctioned and exported to international markets.

With changes to the Queensland wool industry, including computer trading and shipping in large container vessels, the magnificent wool stores and the wharves became redundant starting in the 1960s and fell into decline. However, redevelopment found a new life for the wool stores as office and apartment space, and the area has been gradually transformed into a residential community where its industrial heritage has been preserved.

The stainless-steel woolly duo sculpture stands on the Teneriffe riverfront as a reminder of the once flourishing wool trade in the area.

Today, the Woolstore Precinct is one of the most sought-after addresses in Brisbane. And, like many other riverfront communities in Brisbane, it has its own ferry terminal and riverwalk.

14. Enjoy street food at Eat Street

Built from 180 repurposed shipping containers, Eat Street Northshore is in the riverside suburb of Hamilton in an old waterside shipping terminal. It features five themed bars, eclectic shops, market stalls, street food eateries, and micro restaurants offering dishes from around the world. A modest entry fee gives access to live entertainment and a street-food village featuring international dishes, including Mexican quesadillas, Spanish paella, German sausages, Asian dumplings, and fresh local seafood. Eat Street is open every Friday and Saturday night. Take the ferry to the Northshore Hamilton terminal.

15. Stroll along the Brisbane Riverwalk

The 870-metre-long Brisbane Riverwalk is a riverside highway for pedestrians and cyclists, an elevated path extending from the suburb of New Farm to the historic Howard Smith Wharves. Shelters with water fountains and benches are scattered along the way. Take the CityCat or the free CityHopper to New Farm’s Sydney Street terminal, then turn left onto Griffith St and walk the block to Riverview Court/Merthyr Road to take the riverwalk to the CBD.

16. Enjoy a brew at the Howard Smith Wharves

Initially built in the 1930s, the wharves are a riverside dining precinct under the Story Bridge. Several eateries have superb views of the Story Bridge, Brisbane River, and the city skyline.The popular riverside hub features floating bars, as well as Greek, Italian, and Japanese restaurants along the boardwalk, and Felons, Brisbane’s first CBD craft brewery.

The more adventurous might consider climbing the Story Bridge with Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb. The guided experience offers climbers stunning 360-degree views that stretch from the waters of Moreton Bay to the Great Dividing Range in the west.

17. Experience a Brisbane pedestrian scramble

Scramble crossings enable pedestrians to cross an intersection in all directions, including diagonally, simultaneously. Gaining popularity in the late 1940s, scrambles were a common sight in Brisbane, but only a few remain today. They fell out of favour due to increased delays caused by the growing amount of vehicular traffic. However, the benefits related to pedestrian safety have led to creative examples being developed in many cities around the world. Today, a pedestrian scramble can be experienced in the CBD at the intersection of Adelaide and Edward Streets or at the intersection of Vulture and Boundary Streets in West End.

18. Check out the tiny Museum of Brisbane

A small yet compact museum showcasing the city’s history, the Museum of Brisbane is on Level 3 of the Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane’s premier heritage building in King George Square. There are a few free tours (clock tower, museum highlights, and Brisbane City Hall Tour) operating from the site.

19. Ride up to the Brisbane City Hall clock

Until the late 1960s, Brisbane City Hall was the tallest building in Brisbane. Sitting 87.47 metres above the ground, the city hall clock has been keeping Brisbane on time since it was built for the opening of City Hall in 1930. At the time, it was the largest public clock and most modern time-keeping piece in Australia. With a clock face almost five metres in diameter and minute hands three metres long, it was a reliable timepiece for many residents.

Daily 15-minute free tours, available from 10:15 to 16:45, accommodate a maximum of seven people. Conducted by the Museum of Brisbane, the tour takes visitors up in Brisbane’s oldest elevator cage to see Australia’s largest analogue clock from the inside.

At 72 metres above King George Square, the observation platform offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city. Thankfully, several heritage buildings remain, including Albert Street Uniting Church across from City Hall built in 1888, dwarfed by surrounding skyscrapers.

20. Check out some of Brisbane’s heritage buildings

Unfortunately, many old buildings fell victim to the wrecking ball before the value of heritage properties could be realised. Thank goodness for the popular movements that expedited heritage protections before too many were lost. McDonnell and East was a major department store I visited many times growing up in Brisbane in the 1950s and 1960s, especially when it was time to buy school uniforms.

The palatial Regent was Brisbane’s largest motion picture theatre, opened in 1929. Every space was adorned with ornate plasterwork, murals, tapestries, artwork, and elegant light fittings. In the 1970s, the auditorium was converted into a multiplex cinema and the Wurlitzer organ from New York eventually found its way to the Australian Cinémathèque at the Gallery of Modern Art. After many protests, only the opulent foyer was saved, and it is now a Visitors Centre.

The People’s Palace is a heritage-listed former temperance hotel built by the Salvation Army in 1910 to provide inexpensive working-class accommodation for travellers. Temperance hotels grew out of the temperance movement, and the People’s Palace was the first of its kind in Queensland. No alcohol, gambling, or ‘other evils’ were allowed on the premises that included three floors of accommodation with 130 rooms and a rooftop garden. It was recently a backpackers’ hostel that has since closed, and the property appears to be slated for development as a ‘cultural destination’ for travellers seeking accommodation in a heritage building.

The current Central Station building was built in 1899. It replaced an earlier temporary structure of timber and corrugated iron that had been in place after the station opened in 1889. The station’s heritage value is reflected in its distinctive architecture and features, such as the iron lacework and columns.

21. Take a free Brisbane Greeters Tour

A TripAdvisor 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards winner, Brisbane Greeters conduct a rich variety of free walking tours by almost 100 volunteers. The popular Brisbane City Greeter’s Choice takes between two to four hours, operating daily from City Hall at 10:00. With a maximum group size of six, online bookings are essential, and can be made until 16:00 the day before if availability permits.

Our guide, Janelle, shared her passion and knowledge about Brisbane, interspersing interesting snippets of architectural, cultural, and historical information. She offered many helpful suggestions on sights and experiences individuals could explore on their own following the tour. Highly recommended!

22. Visit Anzac Square

Symbolism and remembrance are defining features of Anzac Square. One of the most poignant is the Shrine of Remembrance cenotaph atop a large sandstone wall on Ann Street, opposite Central Station. Inside the shrine, the Eternal Flame burns in a bronze urn as a reminder of those who died in wartime service.

Three paths enter Anzac Square from Elizabeth Street, each one dedicated to a branch of the Australian Armed Forces. Throughout the square are statues commemorating various campaigns and peacekeeping efforts, moving reminders of the contributions and sacrifices made by women and men who served during wartime and peacekeeping missions. A map and detailed descriptions are available online.

23. Stroll through Brisbane’s oldest arcade

Opened in 1923, the heritage-listed Brisbane Arcade is Brisbane’s oldest remaining and grandest shopping arcade. The arcade reflects a bygone era of shopping elegance and old-world charm.

24. Enjoy High Tea at Room with Roses

Room with Roses in the Brisbane Arcade specialises in breakfasts and high tea. My favourites were the two ribbon sandwiches and three warm savouries. The three house-made sweets were all delectably presented.

25. Search out Brisbane’s tiny doors

Crafted by local artist Mace Robinson, Brisbane’s tiny doors offer a whimsical trail through the city and an intriguing way to explore Brisbane. They can be found on a tree, in a park, laneway, restaurant, or fittingly, in the Queensland Art Gallery. The first tiny door appeared in Burnett Lane in 2017.

26. Enjoy a Lune croissant

Hailing from Melbourne, a coveted Lune croissant attracts people who line up for blocks to savour this southern delicacy. The New York Times has described it as the best croissant in the world. Brisbane has two outlets, and when I dropped in to the Burnett Lane location in the CBD, four varieties were available. I chose the almond, which had a price tag of $11.70. According to founder Kate Reid, a Lune croissant is 43 per cent butter, and most classic croissants are between 25 and 33 per cent (“and if you can’t taste the butter in a croissant, then you may as well just eat a bread roll”). Yes, I tasted the butter, and it was delicious.

27. Enjoy the view from a rooftop bar

In the heart of the CBD, Sixteen Antlers is in the Pullman Brisbane King George Square situated at the corner of Ann and Roma Streets. It features a stunning birds-eye view of the City Hall clock tower next door.

The arc-shaped building of The Star Casino at Queen’s Wharf is home to the Sky Deck, a sky-high observation deck on the 23rd floor. It features a 250-metre rooftop runway of restaurants and bars, 100 metres above the Brisbane River with 360-degree views. The glass-floor section allows visitors to observe the city beneath their feet.

28. Check out Brisbane’s oldest convict-built structure

The Windmill (The Observatory) on Wickham Terrace is the oldest convict-built structure surviving in Brisbane. Its purpose was to grind grain for the Moreton Bay penal colony, powered by a windmill and a human treadmill. After the penal settlement was closed in 1842, the building served as an observatory, signal station, and a fire observation platform. It was also used for radio and television research.

29. Enjoy the art collection at the UQ Art Museum

Exhibitions at the University of Queensland Art Museum are engaging and thought-provoking, showcasing innovative Australian and international artists exploring themes such as technology, colonialism, and cultural identity.

Take the CityCat, which terminates at the university’s lush, sprawling grounds. Or catch a bus from Ann Street in the CBD. While you’re there, look for the university’s Great Court, a sweeping quadrangle flanked by beautiful heritage buildings in multi-hued sandstone from Helidon.

30. Hike the trails of Enoggera Reservoir

Built in 1866, Enoggera Reservoir is the oldest reservoir in Brisbane and a rare example of an intact functioning reservoir and treatment plant from that era. The reservoir isn’t used as a source of drinking water except during periods of drought to supplement existing supplies. It’s primarily a recreational destination with a discovery centre, hiking trails, a designated swimming area, and a paddle craft launch area.

31. Soak up the views from Mount Coot-tha

Just 15 minutes from the CBD, the Mt Coot-tha Reserve boasts 1,600 hectares of eucalypt forests, hiking and biking trails, rainforest gullies, creeks, waterfalls, picnic areas, botanic gardens, and a planetarium.

Mt Coot-tha is the highest point in Brisbane, where the summit offers panoramic views of the city. Take the #471 bus from Ann Street to the Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout, with the option to stop at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha beforehand.

32. Check out the bayside city of Redcliffe

Redcliffe is historically significant as the site of the first landing of European settlers and convicts in Queensland. The First Settlement Wall honours the first inhabitants, the Ningy Ningy clan of the Gubbi Gubbi people, and the first European settlers associated with the short-lived 1824 penal settlement, which relocated to Brisbane after only nine months.

The first Redcliffe Jetty was completed in 1885, and subsequent iterations have been prominent features of the community ever since. The jetty has always been a popular fishing spot.

As is the case in many Queensland coastal communities, a saltwater lagoon is a popular swimming and picnic spot.

33. Stroll through ‘Bee Gees Way’ in Redcliffe

After emigrating from England in the 1950s, the Gibb family settled in Redcliffe, the ‘birthplace of the Bee Gees.’ It was where they adopted the name of their band and where the famous brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin first performed at the Redcliffe Speedway, from the back of a truck, to crowds of people who would throw money onto the racetrack.

In 2013, the local council unveiled the ‘Bee Gees Way,’ a 70-metre tribute to the band’s legacy through an alley that includes information and photographs from their early days living and performing on the Redcliffe Peninsula. Their first music contract was signed on the family’s kitchen table in Redcliffe. Barry has often said that Redcliffe was ‘paradise in 1958 and it still is.’

One of the highlights of the tribute to The Bee Gees is a life-sized statue of the young lads performing in Redcliffe. Another highlight is a life-sized bronze statue from the ‘One Night Only’ era.

34. Take a ferry to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

Moreton Bay is home to over 350 islands. Less than an hour’s ferry ride from the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island or ‘Straddie’) is an easy day trip from Brisbane. Take a train to Cleveland and a courtesy bus to the ferry terminal.

It is expected that 80% of the island will have national park status by 2026. It’s an ideal location for sightings of Australia’s unique wildlife. If your experience is anything like mine, I saw a koala napping in a tree within steps of the ferry terminal, and kangaroos grazing outside my accommodation at Point Lookout.

Visit South Gorge Beach, a small sandy pocket guarded by the island’s towering cliff faces on both sides. The stunning Gorge Walk along the headland hugs the rocky coastline where sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins are frequently spotted in the waters below. It’s also a superb spot for  whale-watching between June and November. Access the trail to the left of the Point Lookout Surf Club to find South Gorge Beach.

35. See Australia’s unique wildlife at Australia Zoo

Don’t be put off by ‘zoo’ being in the title of this unique and fascinating display of Australia’s unique wildlife. The expansive park at Beerwah, 80 kilometres north of Brisbane, allows visitors to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. There are also animal encounters, tours, a wildlife hospital, and shows with a highlight being the daily show in the ‘crocoseum’ where encounters with saltwater crocodiles is popular with the audience.

Queensland Rail operates a seven-day service between the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Beerwah. Australia Zoo’s courtesy coach transports passengers to and from the Beerwah station.

 

Are you heading to Australia? If so, you may be interested in these posts:

• 33 Magical sights on a self-guided walking tour of Sydney
• A relaxed and safe bike tour of Melbourne’s top sights
• Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland: Is the RailBed sleeper worth it?
• Cairns Kuranda day trip by train and rainforest cable car
• Cycling Uluru/Ayers Rock: Australia’s iconic natural landmark 
• The extraordinary wildlife of Alice Springs Desert Park
• 10 Reasons to buy a flexible Roamless eSIM plan for travel
• Buying a SIM card in Australia

 

Have you visited Brisbane? What sights or experiences would you add? Please share your thoughts in the comments. Also, if you found this post useful, please share it on your favourite social media channel(s) by clicking on the respective button(s). Thank you.

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