Free things to do in Brisbane
17 places with no entry fee, with the official website of each.
Places
Queensland Museum Kurilpa
South Bank
State museum on the corner of Grey Street and Melbourne Street, open daily from 9:30 to 17:00. General entry is free; SparkLab and some temporary exhibitions are paid.
DirectionsQAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art)
South Bank, Stanley Place
Two art galleries with free and paid exhibitions, according to Visit Brisbane. The GOMA cinema, Australian Cinémathèque, has free screenings on Wednesday and Friday nights, and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.
DirectionsMuseum of Brisbane
The City, Brisbane City Hall
Museum of art, culture and city history, on level 3 of City Hall, open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. It also runs free tours of the clock tower, with limited places and booking.
DirectionsInstitute of Modern Art
Fortitude Valley
Public contemporary art gallery in the Judith Wright Arts Centre, 420 Brunswick Street. Free entry, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
DirectionsSouth Bank Parklands
South Bank
Urban park of almost 15 hectares by the river, with free barbecues, picnic areas and a waterfront walk. It is part of the city's cultural centre.
DirectionsStreets Beach
South Bank
Artificial lagoon with sand and city views, patrolled by lifeguards. It is free and open all year, apart from a maintenance closure in winter. Lifeguard hours change by season.
DirectionsSir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Mt Coot-tha
Council planetarium inside the botanic gardens, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. The visit is free and the dome sessions are paid. Closed 9 to 11 and 23 to 27 November 2026 for works.
DirectionsBrisbane City Hall: visitas guiadas
The City, 69 Adelaide Street
Free 45-minute tours of City Hall, daily at 10:30 and 11:30, and also at 13:30 from Friday to Sunday. They leave from the King George Square lobby.
DirectionsSouth Bank Guided Tour
South Bank
Free 90-minute tour with volunteers on the history and sites of South Bank. It leaves from the visitor centre at Stanley Street Plaza; places are limited and prior registration is required.
DirectionsCity Sounds and Bands in Parks
Various parks and spaces in Brisbane
Free live music programmes run by the council. The council includes them in its list of cheap things to do; dates are on its events guide.
DirectionsBrisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Mt Coot-tha
Council botanic garden at 152 Mount Coot-tha Road. Free entry every day, until 18:00 from September to March and until 17:00 from April to August. Free guided walks at 11:00 and 13:00, except public holidays.
DirectionsCouncil environment centres
Boondall, Downfall Creek and Karawatha
Three centres to learn about wetlands and local bush: Boondall Wetlands, Downfall Creek Bushland and Karawatha Forest. Entry is free; some activities may have a cost.
DirectionsThe Wrecks (Tangalooma Wrecks)
Moreton Island, west coast
Boats sunk on purpose as breakwaters, with tropical fish and 2 to 10 metres deep. A diving and snorkelling spot with no entry fee, and currents can be strong.
DirectionsRiverfire
Brisbane River
Fireworks show over the river, as part of Brisbane Festival. The next announced date is Saturday 4 September 2027 and it is listed as free.
City Loop and Spring Hill Loop
The City and Spring Hill
Free council buses. City Loop (40 and 50) runs Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 18:00. Spring Hill Loop (30) runs Monday to Friday from 6:00 to 22:00 and at weekends from 7:00 to 19:00.
The Collective Markets South Bank
South Bank, Little Stanley Street
Craft, decor, fashion and jewellery market. Free entry. Friday from 17:00 to 21:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00 and Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00; special hours from 12 to 23 December.
DirectionsPowerhouse Farmers Markets (Jan Power's)
New Farm, Lamington Street
Producers' market opposite Brisbane Powerhouse, on Saturdays from 6:00 to 12:00. It pauses after 19 December and returns on 16 January 2027.
Directions
More in Brisbane
Free according to its website on 5 Nov 2026. Sometimes that only covers general entry, and it may change, so check before you go. No link on this page pays us.