What can you do in Brisbane without breaking the bank? Well, you’re in luck. In Brisbane, the best kind of fun is often found outdoors and it’s often free. From beautiful tropical gardens to vibrant markets, Brisbane has you (and your wallet) covered. Here are our top things to do in Brisbane on a budget.
Explore Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Pack a (homemade) picnic and head to Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. A lush experience, the subtropical botanic gardens lay along the city’s inland. There are also free guided walks and exhibitions for both kids and adults. See
here for more parks and outdoor activities near Brisbane Holiday Village.
Cycle the New Farm Riverwalk
The New Farm Riverwalk sits on the river across from the eastern side of Kangaroo Point. Overlooking the most scenic part of Brisbane River and Stony Bridge, the route meanders its way from the Story Bridge to New Farm Park. And if you don’t fancy cycling, the walk is also happily separated into roadways for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Go Swimming at Streets Beach
Brisbane’s iconic man-made beach at
South Bank boasts a lagoon pool surrounded by white sandy beaches and Palm trees. Free to use, Streets Beach is a great place for both adults and kids alike – kick back and relax with a book or watch your kids splash around. Qualified lifeguards patrol the area all year.
Explore the Vibrant Markets
The Davies Park (West End), Rocklea and Carseldine markets are always great spots to spend a morning wandering between stalls. Browse everything from flowers to pre-loved clothes, and then stop for a taste of the local food on offer.
Enjoy an Inexpensive Feast
There are tons of tasty cheap eats in Brisbane. Try The Triffid’s beer garden for free music and inexpensive meals or taste the $10 cheeseburgers from Miss Kays on George St. Looking for something a bit lighter? Beach Burrito Co do $3 tacos on Tuesdays or Roll’d Queens Plaza serves rice paper rolls for just $3.90 each.
Hit the Beaches and Surf
Sunshine Coast Beaches, just south of Noosa Heads, is a quieter spot where you can relax, the kids can play in the sand, or you can hit the surf (beware of the rip!). After the beach, visit the townships of Maleny, Woodford and Dayboro.
Take in the Local History
Take a free guided tour of Brisbane’s City Hall and learn about the art, architecture and history.
Top tip: Book in or arrive early as it’s a popular spot and groups tend to fill up pretty quickly. Afterwards, head upstairs to the Museum of Brisbane for an extra dose of local history.
Top Tip: Use the CityHopper to travel around the city. It’s a free ferry that takes passengers from North Quay to Sydney Street every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight.
Planning your holiday to Brisbane and looking for affordable, quality accommodation close to the CBD? Contact Brisbane Holiday Village on 07 3341 6133, fill out our
online form, or email us at
[email protected].
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