If visiting the beautiful city of Brisbane is on your to-do list, and you’re on a bit of a budget, then this is the blog for you! There are so many things to see and do in and around this lovely area. We wanted to share our 35 free (or cheap) things to do in Brisbane that we think you’ll love. Of course, it’s probably pretty obvious that our favourite way to travel is in a campervan, especially when exploring Australia. And, Brisbane is no exception. When you rent a travel van, you get to see so many more places and do it all on your own time, which we think is a win-win.
From beautiful walking trails and farmer's markets to wandering through galleries and museums, your Brisbane road trip will be jam-packed with great Australian attractions and activities. Plus, if you’re planning to rent a van to travel in, Mighty Campers have a Brisbane depot to make your campervan hire Brisbane all the easier. Be sure to also check out the campervan hire deals available.
Read on to get all our free or cheap must-do’s in Brisbane!
1. Enjoy nature at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
First up on our list of free or cheap things to do in Brisbane is taking a nature walk at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Whether you go by foot or ride a bike, this is one scenic walking trail you’ll want to take. Plus, great Australian weather means that most of the year, it will be warm enough to splash around in the Enoggera Reservoir. Or, perhaps rent a kayak or canoe.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
2. See the stars at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Next up on our list of free or cheap things to do in Brisbane is to visit the awe-inspiring Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens in Mt Coot-Tha, the Planetarium has so many fun and interesting things to see and do. It’s also home to the Cosmic Skydome, which is an incredible 12.5-metre-diameter projection dome! The Planetarium is open from Tuesday until Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Mondays from 9 am to 4 pm during the school holidays. General entry is free, and there are admission fees for those wanting to visit the Cosmic Skydome shows.
3. Admire works of art at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art
Those who love art must visit the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. They are constantly filled with wonderful exhibitions to experience, as well as incredible permanent art collections from both Australian and International artists. The art galleries are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, making them a great addition to your Brisbane road trip itinerary planner.
4. Explore the local farmers’ markets
Brisbane boasts a plethora of incredible markets just ready to be explored. From local artisans and farmers' produce stalls to hand-crafted gifts and clothing, there is a market for everyone in the wonderful city of Brisbane.
Brisbane City Markets During the week, you have the option of the Brisbane City Markets, which are held every Wednesday in Brisbane Square and are full of great food, farm fresh produce and lifestyle products.
Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets If you’re wanting to find a vibrant weekend market, then the Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets are a must-do. They are held every Saturday at the former QUT campus and are a wonderful spot to wander around. Try some incredible food and pick up some goodies for an afternoon picnic to have at your campsite.
Riverside Markets Another great market to add to your itinerary are the Riverside Markets at the City Botanic Gardens, which are held every Sunday. These markets are popular with locals and tourists alike and are full of Queensland art and fashion, as well as live music, great food and smooth coffee.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
5. See what’s on at the Powerhouse
The Brisbane Powerhouse is one of those places that you could visit every week and never tire of what it offers. From hilarious comedy acts and cabaret shows to kids' activities and theatre performances, there are so many great shows and experiences on offer at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
6. Take in the pretty sights of Roma Street Parkland
Located in the heart of Brisbane City are the Roma Street Parklands, which are a vibrant oasis of designer gardens and lush lawns that make up 16 hectares of stunning parkland. Whether you’re a garden or plant enthusiast or just feel like a lovely day surrounded by beauty, this is a wonderful experience to discover. Plus, with free BBQ areas, picnic spots and a year-round calendar of events, this is a wonderful day out that the whole family will enjoy.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
7. Have a barbeque at Kangaroo Point
A lunchtime barbeque is always a good idea on any Australian road trip, and enjoying one in Brisbane is no exception. A barbeque at Kangaroo Point offers the very best views of the Brisbane River, city and surrounding mountains, all within a picturesque setting. Those with kids will be delighted to know there are playgrounds here, as well as lovely pathways for you to wander along after a delicious barbeque lunch.
8. Go on a bushwalk at Mt Glorious
If immersing yourself in nature sounds like a wonderful addition to your road trip itinerary planner then a bushwalk at Mt Glorious is a must! This natural wonderland is so close to the city of Brisbane. Plus it’s a gorgeous native rainforest that has some breathtaking walking trails to discover. The rainforest is made up of soaring trees, pretty palms and lush ferns and is home to a range of native animals and incredible birdlife. To get here, you’ll take a beautiful scenic drive for 45-minutes out of the city. When you arrive you will find a small town with cute cafes and public barbeque areas. Mt Glorious is the perfect spot to fuel up before heading off on one of the many walks.
9. Stroll along South Bank
A trip to Brisbane wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beautiful area of South Bank. This beautiful green space invites you to enjoy a picnic or barbeque or walk along the river walkways to take in the views. Swimming in South Bank’s iconic Streets Beach is another great option. The beach is an inner-city man-made beach and lagoon.
10. Take your children to The Corner
Those with kids are going to want to visit The Corner. This is a wonderful creative space that is perfect for children under the age of eight. They offer daily programs and activities full of stories, songs and interactive fun that will be a wonderfully creative time for kids and parents alike.
11. Take in the views at Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout
Taking a drive up to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout is a great way to enjoy breathtaking views over Brisbane. Here you can take in the panoramic views of the city skyline, all the way to Moreton Bay. These are some of the best views of Brisbane that you will find, and up here you’ll also discover some great walking tracks leading from the lookout area.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
12. Take a relaxing walk through the City Botanic Gardens
If a relaxing walk through beautiful gardens sounds like a wonderful addition to your road trip in Brisbane, then a stroll through the City Botanic Gardens is a must! These are Brisbane’s original botanic gardens and offer a wonderful experience to nature lovers. Following along the pathways you’ll discover Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, Riverstage, as well as ornamental ponds and so much more.
13. Learn something at Queensland Museum
Those after an educational experience must visit the Queensland Museum. Here you will be amazed and in wonder around every turn. But the best part? Admission is free! They offer a huge range of events, explorations, and discoveries to those who visit. There are also plenty of interactive experiences for kids to enjoy and marvel at.
14. Cycle the Brisbane river walkway
Up next on our list of free or cheap things to do in Brisbane is to cycle along the Brisbane Riverwalk. This is one of the best ways in which to see two of the city’s most vibrant areas as it links New Farm and the city. The walkway is suspended above the water, giving you an incredible view across the river to Kangaroo Point and the CBD. Those who would rather walk are in luck as well, as there is a segregated walking path to make it as safe as possible for cyclists and walkers alike.
15. Step back in time to Old Petrie Town
Those looking for a little old-town culture must pay a visit to Old Petrie Town! This charming historic village is spread across 48 acres of parklands and is home to many gorgeous heritage buildings. This cute little town hosts a market every Sunday. Here you’ll find a great range of unique handicrafts, books, local crafts, delicious food and fresh produce. While here, you can also wander along the historic streets, visit the historic buildings and even check out their museums.
16. Educate yourself on the city at the Museum of Brisbane
If an educational experience is something you’d like to add to your road trip itinerary, then a trip to the Museum of Brisbane is a must-add! This incredible museum offers fun for the whole family and is a wonderful combination of social history and art. The museum brings the city’s vibrant art, culture and history to life through exhibitions, events, workshops, tours and fun kid’s activities. They are open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, making it an easy and wonderful experience to add to your itinerary.
17. Take a tour of the City’s Clock Tower
A visit to Brisbane wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the city’s clock tower. This is one of those experiences you’ll remember for a long time to come, and it is a wonderful activity to do with kids! Take the free 15-minute tour up Brisbane City Hall’s Clock Tower. Here you can take in views over the surrounding city and enjoy an integral part of Brisbane’s history. Free daily tours run every 15 minutes between 10:15 am and go until 4:45 pm every day, and are a must-do for the whole family.
18. Look out for koalas at Daisy Hill Koala Centre
If the thought of hanging out with koalas sounds like a great addition to your trip to Brisbane, then a trip to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre is a must! This is a dedicated koala facility. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about these fluffy mammals and their conservation, as well as see them in their natural habitat. This centre comprises 570 hectares of open eucalypt forest and is a haven for koalas and other native animals. Admission is free and they are open every day from 10 am to 4 pm.
19. Wander the Brisbane Heritage Trail
A wander along the Brisbane Heritage Trail is a wonderful way to get a look into the city’s past. This is thanks to the many heritage buildings and historic sites. The specially curated Heritage Place Trail invites you to walk along and learn about many things, including:
Brisbane’s early convict history
The Great Fire of Brisbane
The World War 2 military presence
What Brisbane was like in the 1970s
There are two loops that you can follow for a shorter trip, or you can link both loops for a longer, more educational experience.
20. Admire all the street art
Brisbane is a beautiful city. However, what makes it even more vibrant is all the incredible street art that lines the streets from Fortitude Valley to New Farm and out to South Brisbane. Each work of art is a masterpiece and will leave you in awe which is why we think everyone should check them out on their trip to Brisbane.
21. Hop on a free ferry
It’s not often you get to take a ride on a ferry for free, but thanks to the inner city ferry services you can! Take a glorious trip along the Brisbane River to get to your next destination, it will be an experience in itself. There are seven stops between North Quay and Sydney Street in New Farm, meaning you can hop on and off multiple times. The ferries run every 30 minutes and are a wonderful way to see the city from a different perspective, while also getting to your next destination.
22. Go window shopping in Queen Street Mall
Chances are you’ve heard of Queen Street Mall. This is Brisbane’s iconic shopping strip and is the city’s best-known pedestrian mall boasting more than 500 retailers. This includes local talent, designer stores, international labels and everything in between. Here you can enjoy some great window shopping, stroll down heritage-listed arcades and delight in some great eats along the way.
23. Hunt for waterfalls
There are some epic waterfalls just out of the city that are a great way to break up your time in the hustle and bustle. From secluded swimming holes to roaring waterfalls, the areas around Brisbane are full of tranquil places to visit. Whether you’re after a bit of a hike and a swim or prefer just turning up and being close to the water, the options are there to suit you.
24. Walk to King Island
A must-add to your trip to Brisbane is a walk from Wellington Point to King Island at low tide. This is a great sea walk that the whole family is sure to love. The reason we say to go at low tide is that this is when the natural sand walkway. About 1 km offshore is where this walkway is revealed, making it a unique way to see the sights. It’s a 2km round trip and will have the whole family amazed. You’ll discover curling shells and small mud crabs that become exposed on the lower tides.
25. Tour Parliament House
A tour of Parliament House is a wonderful experience and perfect for those after an insider's look into all that happens here. Parliamentary attendants conduct a variety of tours of Parliament House, which run from Monday to Friday all year and take approximately 30 minutes. No bookings are required, making this an easy and educational addition to your Brisbane itinerary.
26. Cool down at Orion Lagoon
A 30-minute drive out of Brisbane will have you at the lovely Orion Lagoon. Here you’ll discover a vast expanse of shallow pools and water features that the whole family are sure to love. These interconnected pools cater for all age groups and swimming abilities. This is because the pools have been designed to give a beach-like feel with the added fun of activities such as spraying spouts and stepping stones. They are open to the public every day and are a must-do for those with kids!
27. Take a scenic drive along Nerang–Murwillumbah Road
If you love taking scenic drives, then we recommend taking a drive along the picturesque Nerang-Murwillumbah Road. This 34 km stretch of road runs along stunning natural bushland and even has a wonderful picnic spot to park up and relax at.
28. Picnic at New Farm Park
One of our favourite things to do in Australia is to enjoy a picnic, and a picnic at New Farm Park is hard to beat! New Farm Park is one of Brisbane’s oldest, grandest and largest parks and is a wonderful spot to spread a picnic blanket and enjoy some delicious food. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful gardens. From soaring mature trees to pretty rose gardens, there is so much beauty within this park.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
29. Take a nature-filled hike
If you feel like getting out and stretching your legs, then taking a hike in nature is a wonderful idea. Brisbane is surrounded by incredible walking trails that cater to all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for a long hike or a short one, there is something for everyone. While walking you will be immersed in incredible natural surroundings. From easy trails to lookouts, hikes to waterfalls and everything in between, the areas surrounding Brisbane are full of beauty and ready to be explored.
30. Pick herbs at Epicurious Garden
If you’re a garden lover or are looking for a wholesome experience to add to your Brisbane road trip itinerary, then a trip to South Bank’s picturesque Epicurious Garden is a must! Here you can wander along beautifully maintained gardens filled with exotic plants, fragrant herbs and lush surroundings. This garden is a productive garden that invites visitors to explore the incredible range of plant life. You’ll also be able to sample some of the produce straight from the garden with the help of the volunteer staff.
31. Deep dive into history at Bribie Island Seaside Museum
The incredible Bribie Island Seaside Museum is a wonderful place to visit and offers visitors a deep dive into the rich and fascinating history of Bribie Island. From stories full of interesting tales to epic theatre shows, there is something for everyone. Enjoy a huge range of immersive and interactive displays, events and workshops for you to discover.
32. Play in nature at Karawatha Discovery Centre
Situated within the lovely Karawatha Forest Park is the Karawatha Discovery Centre. This centre is home to Queensland’s first nature play space. This service has been set up to educate those who visit about the significance of the natural area and the animals that call it home. There are barbeque facilities as well as interactive displays to make this an educational and fun experience that the whole family is sure to love!
33. Fish at Shorncliffe Pier
An afternoon by the sea at Shorncliffe Pier is a wonderful experience for the whole family, especially if you love to fish. Here you can cast a line out and enjoy time by the water’s edge. Hopefully you’ll catch a couple of fish for dinner. If you don’t get lucky snagging a fish, then there is a local seafood shop close by for you to stock up at.
Mighty Campers are equipped with everything you need to prepare a simple yet delicious meal for your whole group including a fridge, freezer, microwave, cooker and bench space. Not only does this mean you can park up wherever you are and cook up a storm, you’ll also save money. This is because you won’t be eating out at restaurants and cafes every meal. Plus, if you need a little inspiration for what to cook, then we have a whole lot of wonderful recipes perfect for when you’re on the road.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
34. See what’s on at the State Library of Queensland
The State Library of Queensland may seem like an odd addition to your trip to Brisbane, but this incredible place has so much to discover. From ever-changing events and kids' interactive fun to rich history education and countless books, there is something for the whole family at this impressive library.
35. Marvel at native trees at Sherwood Arboretum
Nature lovers are sure to want to visit the incredible Sherwood Arboretum. Here you can marvel at the countless native trees and incredible wildlife that call this place home. From Bunya Pines and Silky Oaks to Cluster Figs and Wheel of Fire, the array of trees here is sure to impress all those who visit.
The best way to see and do more is with a Mighty camper
So there you have it, our 35 free or cheap things to do in Brisbane. In this list, we have covered a huge range of activities, sights and experiences that we think will cater to the whole family. Brisbane is such a wonderful city. It offers so much to see and do, so we hope this blog helps when you’re planning your Brisbane road trip.
If you’re ready to jump in a van and get exploring, then book your Mighty Camper today in a branch or online. We have some great deals also available, as well as some great blogs to excite and inspire you even more.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery