Brisbane moves at its own pace, combining its laid back lifestyle with an inner city bustle. While there’s plenty room to move, the CBD isn’t quite where it’s at when it comes to things to do. If you’re in Brisbane for the week and are looking for free things to do in Brisbane, we suggest you hire a car and explore surround suburbs.
South Bank
Brisbane’s South Bank combines gorgeous bougainvillea trees hugging the walkways, making for the perfect photo with a beach-style lagoon set overlooking the city centre. Spend your morning shopping along Queen Street mall followed by the afternoon paddling in the cool waters of Streets Beach at South Bank.
Image: Southbank - credit Shipwreckphotography
Roma Street Parklands
Wander through the 16-hectare parklands with a lake and lush greenery surrounding. If riding is your preferred method of transport, hire a bike and discover even more.
Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art
There’s something so relaxing about the ambiance of an art gallery. Unwind at QAGOMA with two distinct galleries; Goma has a kids section with a free area that’s often changing with the likes of Andy Goma and Sugarspin exhibitions in the past.
City hop the Brisbane River
Dividing the north and the south, while you’re in Brisbane, the Brisbane River is not to be missed. Catch the CityHopper, a small red ferry that travels from the CBD all the way to New Farm Park, allowing you to enjoy the view from the water on both sides of Brisbane.
New Farm Park & Brisbane Powerhouse
New Farm Park is set overlooking the Brisbane River, which makes it the place to be on a Sunday afternoon. Bring a picnic basket and rug, and kick back in the park. No matter why you’re there, New Farm Park leaves you with a diverse array of people; you’ll find groups of people slacklining, afternoon soiree’s, games of cricket and even medieval games being played. Further down there’s a dog park and those who prefer something a little stronger than lemonade can grab a drink at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Wait until night falls and on a Friday night you’ll find free comedy too.
Image: Southbank - credit Shipwreckphotography
Mt Coot-tha
If you haven’t been on a date up to Mt Coot-tha, have you really even been to Brisbane? Mt Coot-tha is one of the most iconic and well known look outs in Brisbane. While you’re there you can take a walk through Mt Coot-tha forest with a few different walking tracks and if it’s been raining lately, you’ll find JC Slaughterfalls on the way.
Take a scenic drive
Whether you go north or south, Brisbane provides a number of beautiful scenic drives. Take a drive to Samford for a small town feel, Sirromet Wines in Mount Cotton for local produce like cheese and wine, Somerset home to three large lakes, or Redlands bayside showcasing views over Moreton Bay just to name a few.
Image: Southbank - credit Shipwreckphotography
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