An insider's guide to the best free things to do in Brisbane and Queensland, including attractions for kids, families and couples and how to see sites such as the Lamington National Park, South Bank Parklands and Queensland Art Gallery.
Exploring Brisbane for Free
Delights of Mt Coot-tha
Brisbane's miraculous skyline and surrounding vistas can be fully appreciated from the vantage point at Mt Coot-tha's Lookout. A recommended visit during night-time allows you to witness the city's lights dancing on the horizon, but it's prudent to arrive just as the twilight paints the sky to secure a parking spot as they quickly fill up. Apex facilities include a casual eatery and a rather upscale dining option for those wishing to savor their food along with the view. Nestled at the foot of this natural wonder is the sprawling Mt. Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, and intricate pathways, mapped for both walking and cycling. The paths weave a beautiful tapestry across the mountain's landscape, leading to hidden treasures like the refreshing JC Slaughter Falls and a captivating Aboriginal art trail that echoes tales of the past.
Perched atop Mt Coot-tha, the renowned Brisbane Lookout offers a sweeping, unobstructed view over the city and beyond. This gorgeous spectacle can be soaked in from its location at 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha 4066. For more information on this must-see site, feel free to visit brisbanelookout.com. It's easily accessible through public transport, with bus 471 from AdelaideStreet.
South Bank Parklands
No trip to Brisbane would be complete without a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of the South Bank Parklands. Spanning an expansive 16-hectares (40-acres), this beloved local sanctuary boasts a vibrant range of eateries, retail shops, and recreational areas. For the little ones, well-maintained playgrounds abound. You can also spend a relaxing weekend browsing through the diverse offerings of its lively markets.
Adding to its charm is a tropical-themed artificial lagoon encircled by towering palm trees. The parkland's riverside promenade not only offers prime viewing points of the metropolitan sprawl but also houses the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. This structure offers visitors a 13-minute ride in a climate-controlled enclosed gondola, elevating them 60m (197 feet) for a sweeping perspective of Brisbane in all its glory.
Friday nights or weekends offer the most energetic atmosphere when the outdoor markets thrum with activity. For those stationed at Queen Street Mall, a quick stroll of less than 10 minutes leads you straight to the parklands, making it an easily accessible spot.
Experience the heart of Brisbane life in an expansive 40-acre parkland, which houses lush green spaces and vibrant weekend markets alongside numerous eateries and boutiques. It's a neighborhood gathering spot that offers relaxation and entertainment for every visitor.
Location: Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane 4101
Get In Touch: 00 61 7 3867 2170;visitbrisbane.com.au
Arriving: Take the multiple service buses heading towards the Cultural Centre Busway
Queensland Art Gallery/GOMA
The captivating Queensland Art Gallery stands as a beacon in the Australian panorama of art, showcasing creative works housed in generously lit spaces, complemented by beautiful indoor and outdoor water installations. This gallery has a significant impact in the art community down under, by not just hosting large-scale exhibitions but also featuring an extensive collection of Aboriginal art. GOMA, short for Gallery of Modern Art, displays an eclectic selection of contemporary art pieces from Australia, indigenous communities, Asia and the Pacific. It's hard to pick a favorite between these two equally compelling galleries. Complimentary guided tours, providing insights into each gallery's unique collection and special exhibits, are available daily. Taking the art scene by storm from May to October 2016, GOMA will be hosting an exhibition featuring the works of the trailblazing New York photographer, Cindy Sherman. This marks her first Australian exhibition in over 16 years, presenting an overview of her remarkable work from the last decade and a half.
Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA both run daily free half-hour tours of the highlights of each gallery’s collection
Address:Grey Street & Stanley Street, South Brisbane 4101
Contact:00 61 7 3840 7303;qagoma.qld.gov.au
Getting there:bus to Cultural Centre Busway (multiple services)
Opening times:daily, 10am-5pm
Brisbane Greeters
The best walking tours in town are run by the Brisbane Greeters. You can join a group or have your own personal tour guide. The choice of subjects includes architecture, arts and culture, history, and more. I joined one that focused on public art, and it was fascinating. Others cover a particular neighbourhood or precinct. The volunteer guides have a passion for their city, and you’ll learn a lot. Tours last from one to four hours, and are very popular. Try to book at least two or three days ahead - you can book online or at the Visitor Information Centre in the Queen Street Mall.
The best walking tours in town are run by the Brisbane Greeters
Address:Queen Street Mall, Brisbane 4000
Contact:00 61 7 3156 6364;brisbanegreeters.com.au
Getting there:bus to Adelaide Street (multiple services)
Opening times:daily, 9am-3pm
Reservations:essential
Brisbane City Hall
Brisbane’s ornate City Hall was once the city’s tallest building. It has hugely popular free guided tours five times a day. Separate free tours are run to the top of the Clock Tower every 15 minutes from 10am to 5pm. You cannot book clock tower tours, so arrive early because the heritage elevator holds only seven passengers. Get tickets from the Museum of Brisbane on Level 3, and then wait your turn. The museum is well worth visiting; it provides an insight into the history and essence of Brisbane. Changing exhibitions relate the stories, events, and ideas that have shaped the city. This is a beautiful building — don’t miss it!
Brisbane’s ornate City Hall was once the city’s tallest building
Address:King George Square, Ann Street, Brisbane 4000
Contact:00 61 7 3339 0800;museumofbrisbane.com.au
Getting there:train to Roma Street or Central. Bus to Adelaide or Ann Streets (multiple services)
Opening times:Museum of Brisbane: daily, 10am-5pm. Clocktower tours: daily, 10.15am-4.45pm
Reservations:not possible
St John’s Anglican Cathedral
It took more than a century to complete but was worth the wait. Brisbane’s beautiful St John’s Anglican Cathedral was finally completed in 2009 and is one of the last Gothic-style cathedrals to be completed anywhere in the world, with stonemasons using traditional medieval building techniques.Volunteers are usuallyonhand topoint out some of the delightful details that make this cathedral uniquely Queensland—such as the carved possums on the organ screen and the hand-stitched cushions. Free concerts are held at 11am on the first Tuesday of each month.
One of Brisbane's architectural marvels, the stunning St John’s Anglican Cathedral, saw its construction come to an end in the year 2009.
You can find this majestic structure at 373 Ann Street, Brisbane 4000. Need to reach out? Call at: 00 61 7 3835 2222 or visit their website at: stjohnscathedral.com.au. If you're planning a visit, the central train station would be your best bet. The cathedral opens its grand doors daily, from 9.30am until 4.30pm. Note that it is a first-come-first-serve basis as they do not accept any reservations.
Free things to do in Queenland
Lamington National Park
Ancient Antarctic beech trees, giant strangler figs and misty mountain air characterise Lamington’s high, narrow ridges and plunging valleys. Stretches of dense rainforest make it one of the most important subtropical parks in southeast Queensland, and one of the loveliest, I think. The park has 160km (99 miles) of walking trails of varying difficulty and length, from 1km (half-mile) strolls to 23km (14 miles). The park is a dream for bird lovers, and you are also likely to see wallabies and other wildlife. The easiest access is from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, which is home to a free treetop canopy walk. For information on camping in the park, ring 13 74 68 (toll free, Australia only).
For those with a passion for avian species, the dream-like environment of the park also offers frequent sightings of wallabies and multiple other forms of wildlife.
The locale you definitely don't want to miss: Lamington National Park Road, within the boundaries of Lamington National Park 4275. For any queries, you can connect with us at nprsr.qld.gov.au. However, do keep in mind, public transport is unavailable to this area, so driving or opting for a tour bus will be your best options.
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Destination Calile
HOTEL in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Proudly dubbed as an 'urban oasis', the Calile Hotel embodies modern chic while incorporating vintage elements, exuding a unique charm. Starting at £232 for the night, the sleek hotel effortlessly blends into the metropolitan landscape of Brisbane, promising a luxurious stay. For checking room availability and more, you can follow this link. Prices courtesy of Booking.com
The Sophisticated Ovolo Inchcolm
Unequaled in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
The Ovolo Inchcolm, a celebrated heritage-listed hotel, hosts 50 unique rooms on the outskirts of the city's bustling CBD. Renowned as one of Brisbane's most graceful and fascinating places to stay, rooms start from £ 131 per night. Immerse yourself in the rich history and sophistication, see available dates here. All prices supplied by Booking.com.
The Innovation at Next Hotel Brisbane
Situated in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, a location synonymous with world-class hospitality.
Next Hotel Brisbane boasts of a prestigious spot in Australia's high-tech hotel scene due to the thorough transformation from its previous state to modern sophistication... Starting from £ 126 per night, it is an unforgettable experience worth every penny. See available dates. Prices supplied by Booking.com
Built with the ethos of redefining modern hospitality standards, the hotel is equipped with an array of state-of-the-art amenities and smart room solutions for the tech-savvy guest.
The location in Brisbane also contributes to the appeal as the city is known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history and friendly locals.