Discover the top free things to do in Brisbane

Travelling as a family is a great way to spend some extra time with the ones you love. To make the most of your Brisbane family holiday without even opening your wallet, check out this list of our favourite free activities in Brisbane that we know you and the family will love.

Visit the Koalas at Daisy Hill Koala Centre

For a cute and cuddly activity that you will enjoy just as much as the kids, head to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, located just 25 kilometres south of Brisbane in the Daisy Hill Conservation Park, part of a greater region known as the koala coast. Open from 9am until 4pm daily, the centre provides interactive displays and wildlife officer talks. You can also explore the 435 hectares of open eucalypt forest by bushwalking, horseback riding or mountain biking, or pack a lunch and take advantage of the barbecue facilities and picnic areas.

Loop de loop – Hop on The City Loop or CityHopper

For a good overview of Brisbane city, just jump on The City Loop or Spring Hill Loop service, a free bus that will show you Brisbane's central business district as well as the Spring Hill precinct - without having to walk or drag the kids along behind you. It stops at many of the major Brisbane attractions, so you can hop off and have a wander around the area as you like. Popular stops include Queen Street Mall, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Brisbane City Hall and Eagle Street Pier. The Spring Hill Loop also includes a stop at The Old Windmill Brisbane, Brisbane’s oldest building built by convicts in the late 1820s.

Kids will also love the free CityHopper ferry service which chugs along the Brisbane River, stopping at each terminal every 30 minutes. Hop on and off exploring popular Brisbane precincts like South Bank, Kangaroo Point and New Farm.

See Brisbane  from the CityHopper ferry

Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

Free Walking Tours of Brisbane

Put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore! Brisbane city is easy to discover by foot, and what better way to become acquainted with the city (and not get lost!) than with a free walking tour of Brisbane. Meet at the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre at 10:30am and be guided by an expert to popular Brisbane points of interest such as Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane Arcade and the only statue of Queen Victoria.

Brisbane City  Hall

Brisbane Powerhouse

Brisbane Powerhouse is ideally located in New Farm on the banks of the Brisbane River and is worth checking out!

Once supplying power to Brisbane’s trams in the early-mid 1900s, the Brisbane Powerhouse was decommissioned and abandoned in the 60s leading to a number of squatters and artists making it their home and leaving what is now known as heritage-listed aerosol art.

The industrial-cool building is now surrounded by a vibrant community and is a popular Brisbane attraction for artists, travellers and families alike. You can enjoy free cultural events, comedy shows, musical performances and kids activities, and while some events require tickets, there are many that provide free entertainment like jazz shows and photographic projects. There’s always so much to see and do at Brisbane Powerhouse!

Brisbane  Powerhouse

State Library of Queensland

This is not your usual library.

The State Library of Queensland hosts workshops, lectures, music festivals, exhibitions and more, and none of these events will cost you a cent. Some however do require bookings, so be sure to have a look at their website beforehand to make sure you'll get a seat.

As well as all of the events at the biggest Brisbane library, it's still a library, and therefore is a great place to head in case of rainy weather, or if you need a book to read while you're at the beach!

Mount Coot-tha lookout

If you’re after a bit of exercise on your Brisbane getaway, consider walking to the top of Mount Coot-tha. It will take you around 45 minutes of steady walking, just enough to really get you puffing, without being too much so as to turn your legs to jelly for the rest of your holiday. Walking not your cup of tea? Hop in your car for a much more laid-back ride to the top.

When you arrive, sit back and enjoy the incredible panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see across Brisbane city to Moreton Bay and by night, watch as the city lights and stars dance in the distance.

Mount Coot-tha  lookout

Roma Street Parkland

Right in the middle of the business district, you'll find a 16-hectare green oasis called Roma Street Parkland.

The park is considered to be the world’s largest subtropical garden in a city centre and while you can easily wander it yourself, you are also welcome to join one of the free guided tours. Leaving at 11am and 1pm daily, it will take about one hour of leisurely walking to see the highlights of this mid-city garden. Be sure to book your spot however, and don't forget your camera!

Held on one Sunday morning of each month, The Sound Society is a free music event at Roma Street Parkland. Pack a picnic, unwind and relax to sweet tunes in this natural city setting.

During school holidays, Kids Collective offers free school holiday activities for kids aged 5-12 years old at Roma Street Parkland and there are also two children’s playgrounds in the park.

Cool off at Streets Beach

On a hot day, venture to South Bank’s Streets Beach, a large man-made beach lagoon in the heart of Brisbane! Close your eyes and imagine you’re on a secluded island or take the kids to the Boat Pool and Aquativity to splash around in the Queensland sun.

Free to use and open year-round, Streets Beach is also patrolled by qualified lifeguards.

Streets Beach, South  Bank Brisbane

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