Free Things to Do in Brisbane

Brisbane is one of those cities where you don't need to spend a cent to fill a day. Between the riverside parklands, the free public galleries clustered around South Bank and the lookouts up at Mount Coot-tha, much of the city's best stuff is open to anyone who turns up. This guide pulls together free options across parks, gardens, galleries, markets and viewpoints spread from the CBD out to Toowong, Hamilton and beyond.

Why Brisbane delivers

If you're watching the budget or just want to make the most of a sunny day, Brisbane's free attractions are genuinely worth your time rather than being an afterthought. You can wander the South Bank Parklands, drop into the Gallery of Modern Art, take in the river from Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, or head up to the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout for a view over the city — all without an entry fee. Many sit close together, so it's easy to string a few into one outing.

Highlights

• Riverside walks and picnics at South Bank Parklands, New Farm Park and Orleigh Park
• Free art at the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Cultural Centre in South Bank
• City views from the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout and Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
• Plant-filled days out at the City Botanic Gardens and Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
• Market browsing and people-watching at The West End Markets and Eat Street Northshore

Our top picks

Hand-picked from our highest-scoring listings:

• South Bank Parklands — South Bank
• New Farm Park — New Farm
• City Botanic Gardens — Brisbane CBD
• Queensland Cultural Centre — South Bank
• Roma Street Parkland — Fortitude Valley
• Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park — Kangaroo Point
• Orleigh Park — West End
• Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha — Toowong
• Rocks Riverside Park — Indooroopilly
• Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout — Toowong

Explore more

Browse all parks, beaches, galleries, walks, lookouts in Brisbane.

Frequently asked questions

What free things are there to do in Brisbane?

There's plenty across the city — parklands like South Bank Parklands, New Farm Park, Roma Street Parkland and Orleigh Park, public galleries including the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Cultural Centre, the City Botanic Gardens and Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, plus lookouts such as the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout.

Where can I get a free view over Brisbane?

The Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout in Toowong is a well-known spot for a view across the city, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park offers an elevated outlook over the river.

Are there free galleries in Brisbane?

Yes. The Gallery of Modern Art and the surrounding Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank are popular free options for art lovers.

What free things can I do with the family?

The riverside parks are well suited to a family day out — South Bank Parklands, New Farm Park, Rocks Riverside Park at Indooroopilly and Orleigh Park at West End all offer open space without an entry fee.

Are Brisbane's markets free to visit?

Browsing The West End Markets and Eat Street Northshore in Hamilton costs nothing, though you'll want some cash on hand if you plan to buy food or goods from the stalls.