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Best Free Things To Do In Brisbane

Looking for some top free things to do in Brisbane? Then check out these 20+ 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

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 

Springtime trees at 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, 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 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

Facade of Judith Wright Centre, Fortitude Valley

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

Crime exhibits at 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 

Free outdoor gym on waterfront at West End

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 Bonsai House, the bamboo grove, lakes, the Tropical Display Dome, the Cacti & Bromeliad House, and whilst there visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium...more

Explore an old gold mine

Tin miners shack at Bellbird Grove Boulder Circuit

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 

Swimmers on shore of Enoggera Dam swimming hole

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

Actors on screen at 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

If you'd like to hear more about what's new on Brisbane's creative art scene, discover first the latest cafe, bar and restaurant openings and get the low-down on what's happening around town, sign-up for our free, weekly e-newsletter here.

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Celebrate community at Co.As.It. International Women's Day Lunch
Opera Queensland's festival for the stage returns for its second year
A tale of heart and humour full of clever disguises, unlikely heroes, a midnight ball
The Witches take centre stage in La Boite Theatre's reimagining of Macbeth
The ultimate event for small business, MySmallBiz Expo, returns from March to June
A conscious shopping event and a place to support local small businesses
Enjoy a fun-filled family day at the Moreton Kids Festival
Don't miss Camerata's first mainstage concert for 2025.
The Australian Sake Festival is heading to Brisbane for the first time in 2025
MUST DO

Brisbane Bel Canto Festival

Opera Queensland's festival for the stage returns for its 2nd year, covering music from the beginnings of operatic song in Italy to a song cycle composed in Australia
Brisbane Bel Canto Festival
World famous comedians in Brisbane!
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