Brisbane may be one of Australia’s largest cities, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the most expensive. There’s plenty to be done in Brisbane on a budget, especially in the holiday period when your calendar can fill up quickly.
So, lace up your best pair of walking shoes and embark on a cash-savvy journey around Queensland’s marvellous capital.
Browse Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
A great way to familiarise yourself with a city is to experience its art. Luckily, Brisbane has plenty, and it’s almost all free at QAGOMA. The gallery hosts a wide variety of Australian and international exhibitions, with a focus on Australian and Pacific contemporary art. In fact, the gallery is home to more than 20,000 artworks in total, showcased in a variety of collections including the Indigenous Australian Art collection, the Asian Art collection, and the Pacific Art collection.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the gallery. QAGOMA is also home to the Children’s Art Centre, which offers a rotating series of exhibitions and activities created in collaboration with top artists. Right now, children are invited to explore their emotions through drawing and dance as part of Vipoo Srivlasa: Express Yourself.
Make sure you also take the kids to the Australian Cinémathèque, which champions the art of filmmaking. Screenings of influential and international cinema, rare 35mm prints, recent restorations and silent films occur on Wednesday and Friday nights, and Saturday and Sunday during the day. While most screenings are free, it’s best to check the program beforehand as some events are ticketed.
Embrace the Queensland lifestyle on South Bank
Considered the cultural heart of Brisbane, South Bank is a bustling lifestyle precinct boasting stunning views of the city skyline.
Perhaps the most famous South Bank attraction is Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach. Think a cool blue lagoon surrounded by sand banks and tropical plants – all for free. The beach is home to Aquativity, an interactive water-play park for kids, complete with educational play elements that teach little ones about the water cycle and its importance.
Kids will also love the 15 hectares of lawns that make up the South Bank Parklands, complete with picnic areas, communal barbecues and two playgrounds. And, check out the Arbour Walkway, a one-kilometre walkway designed by the Denton Corker Marshall architectural firm. It is made up of 443 steel columns decorated with bright pink bougainvillea, and it makes for a great photo opportunity.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, South Bank comes alive for the Collective Markets. Located in Stanley Plaza, this popular market offers a mix of art, photography, gifts, clothes, jewellery, and plenty of food. Local artists serenade the crowd with daily live music, and stallholders sell handmade wares you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re hoping to learn more about South Bank, the city runs free 90-minute guided tours of the area every week, where you’ll visit must-see spots, local favourites, and discover the history of the parkland. While there’s no cost, bookings are essential.
Catch the Brisbane Ferry
A river cruise through the city sounds like a fabulous idea, but in most places, this is a pricy activity. Never fear, the CityHopper is a free inner-city ferry service that takes passengers to eight stops across Brisbane. The service runs every 36 minutes between 5:30am and midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and operates even later on Friday and Saturday nights for party-goers.
City Botanic Gardens
The City Botanic Gardens are Queensland’s oldest heritage gardens, spanning 18 hectares of park and 1.2 kilometres of river frontage. While here, you can embark on a self-guided walk by collecting a Treasures brochure from the Visitor Information desk.
There are a range of themed areas in the Botanic Gardens. Step into a whole new world in the Bamboo Grove, where 23 different bamboo species shoot up high above, or seek shade in Weeping Fig Avenue. Make sure to keep an eye out for Hemmy Morrill and the Dancing Brolgas, which is a bronze statue by Lindsay Daen that depicts a seaman who survived a shipwreck in 1846 and lived with a local Indigenous group for 17 years.
After a few hours in the sun, sit down for a bite to eat at The Gardens Club, a dog-friendly cafe housed in the heritage-listed Curators Cottage. The cafe is run by the Wise Foundation, and all proceeds are donated to the community and organisations in need.
If you want to learn more about the gardens, you can join a free guided tour at 11am or 1pm from Monday to Saturday.
Immerse yourself in history on the Brisbane City Heritage Trail
As the capital city of Queensland, it’s no surprise that Brisbane is full of fascinating historic attractions. Download the digital Brisbane City Centre Heritage Place Trail to learn all about the history of the city centre from colonisation to WWII and beyond.
There are two trails to choose from, which can be done separately or as part of a larger self-guided tour. The City Centre Loop starts at the former Regent Theatre Building and ends at Macarthur Chambers, while the Spring Hill Loop starts at King Edward Park and ends at Wickham House.
Standout sites include King George Square, which was opened in 1930 and is named after the British monarch. Keep an eye out for the statue of King George, as well as several commemorative plaques. The square is home to one of five memorials placed at significant sites around Brisbane to honour the Stolen Generations, after the completion of the National Inquiry into the Stolen Generations.
Another highlight is Windmill Tower, which is the oldest standing building in Queensland, constructed in 1828. It is also one of two surviving convict-built structures, the other being the Commissariat Store on William Street.
Markets galore
No matter what time of year you visit, there are always fun and quirky markets to explore in Brisbane.
The Suitcase Rummage is a community market with a spin. Instead of stalls or tables, sellers pack a suitcase full of pre-loved clothes and handmade creations, and sell straight from the bag. The market aims to promote sustainability by creating an affordable and accessible experience for all, and runs on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.
The Brisbane City Markets take place in three iconic Brisbane locations: Reddacliff Place, Cathedral Square, and Queens Wharf. The markets are all about fresh local produce, including premium meats, daily-caught seafood, baked goods, and sauces and spices. Stall holders appear every Wednesday and Thursday in rain, hail or shine, making for the perfect mid-week activity.
On Saturdays, head to Davies Park to check out the West End Markets. This market sets itself apart as the best place for handmade wares and crafts, and the organisers love supporting small businesses. There is over 150 unique vendors selling delicious food and handcrafted gifts, as well as live music from talented local artists.
Want to explore more of Queensland? Head south for a fun-filled Gold Coast holiday, or north to the breathtaking Lizard Island.
Travel to Brisbane
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