Whether it’s the weather, the laid-back lifestyle or friendly locals the Brisbane vibe can’t be beaten. There’s so much to see and do for locals and tourists alike. Even better, heaps of these can be experienced without making a dent in your bank balance. Here is a list of our favourite free activities in Brisbane.

1. Stroll Queen Street Mall

The Queen Street Mall, located in Brisbane’s downtown, is a great spot to start your day. A major shopping and dining hub, it also hosts live performances, particularly on weekends.

2. Hike Mt Coot-tha & Other Hikes near Brisbane

The lookout at Mt Coot-tha, which lies a bit outside of town, offers stunning views of Brisbane and is the best way to start your day! If you’re after more great hikes in and near Brisbane, check out our article The Best Hikes and Walks Near Brisbane.

3. See a Koala in Brisbane

Although the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a fantastic spot to visit, you can also see koalas at Daisy Hill Koala Centre if you’re on a tight budget. The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is a fantastic venue to learn about koalas and their conservation since it offers daily wildlife officer talks, a sizable outdoor koala enclosure, and interactive displays. And yes, admission is completely free.

4. Visit City Hall & the Museum of Brisbane

Weekend events and festivals are frequently held in King George Square, which also houses Brisbane’s City Hall and a small museum that hosts year-round exhibitions about the city. Take a free tour to learn more about Brisbane’s past.

5. Take a Ride Up the Clock Tower

While you’re at the museum, take the free excursion to the top of the clock tower if you have the time. There you can enjoy sweeping views from what was once Brisbane’s highest structure. GoGet top tip; visit at sunset for the best views.

6. Take in the Brisbane Riverwalk

One of Brisbane’s most stunning walks, this is a must-do. You will be walking on water since the majority of its route is suspended above the river (or as close to this as possible). Spanning from New Farm to the Howard Smith Wharves and on to the Brisbane CBD, you’ll get fabulous city views, especially at night. If you’re feeling hungry (or thirsty), Howard Smith Wharves has some of Brisbane’s best bars and restaurants.

7. Explore South Bank

The cultural heart of Brisbane, no trip to Brisbane is complete without a South Bank visit. Although it hosts some of Brisbane’s best restaurants, there is no shortage of free things to do! Enjoy the green space, epic swimming facilities, playgrounds for kids, and picnic and BBQ spots. Your dining options range from high-end riverfront dining to coffee-to-go and fast food selections in the park and nearby streets. The park also frequently holds festivals, concerts, live music on Sundays, and weekend markets.

The Queensland Museum and crowd favourite GOMA, the Gallery of Modern Art, in the cultural precinct are both well worth a visit. And are free!

8. Jump aboard the CityHopper

The CityHopper is the best way to travel along the Brisbane River. With a new terminal at Howard Smith Wharves, the free CityHopper ferry can take you all the way from Sydney Street in New Farm all the way to North Quay in the city. Every day between 5.30 a.m. and midnight, and later on Friday and Saturday evenings, ferries run every half-hour. GoGet tip; head to the rooftop seats for the best views.

9. Explore Brisbane’s Heritage Trail

Brisbane City Council publishes a heritage trails brochure that outlines a walking route around 26 heritage sites. The trail starts at the Regent Theatre in the Queen Street Mall and ends on Edward Street. It’s a great way to learn about Brisbane’s early history, while enjoying Brisbane’s spectacular weather.

10. Cool off at one of Brisbane’s Waterholes

Looking to cool off on a hot day? Brisbane might be short of beaches, but why not head to Enoggera Damn for a day out? Take a kayak or tube with you to relax on the water. For family-friendly swimming areas, check out Orion Lagoon or you can also go swimming at Rocky Hole, Kondalilla Falls, or Albany Creek.

11. Enjoy Live Music

Brisbane has a thriving live music scene and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a free concert or show. You’re most likely to locate them around Queen Street Mall and Post Office Square. South Bank and Roma Street Parklands both feature live music in addition to Brisbane’s renowned City Sounds programme. Every first Saturday of the month, from 2pm to 7pm at South Bank, bring a picnic and unwind to beautiful music. Or on the first Sunday of every month head to Roma Street Parklands from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

12. Go chasing Waterfalls in Brisbane

You’ll need a car if you want to have the best chance of seeing a waterfall near Brisbane, so why not not grab a GoGet and explore one today. View our guide to view our article The Best Hikes and Walks Near Brisbane where most of the waterfalls can be found. It will take you around an hour and a half to drive to Lamington National Park. You have a choice of numerous alternative paths through the old rainforest, which offers breathtaking mountain vistas and viewing points. Morans Falls is your go-to location for Instagram selfies, but if you don’t mind a grueling hike, try to reach Mirror Falls!

13. Wander Brisbane’s Markets, Farmer’s markets & Night Markets

Brisbane is home to a thriving market scene. The Jan Powers Farmers Markets, which are held on Wednesdays at the top of Queen Street and on Saturdays at the Powerhouse, are among the most well-known. Every Saturday morning, pushers and peddlers of all kinds congregate in Davies Park, often known as the West End Markets. It is Brisbane’s best market of its kind, set up under the cosy shade of a row of enormous fig trees. Even if nothing else, it’s a terrific chance to people watch.

Every Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Boundary Street Markets are open where you’ll find vintage and retro clothing, live music and food vendors.

Looking for more things to do in Brisbane? Check out our articles on The best spots for outdoor day trips near Brisbane or 6 Of The Best Day Trips From Brisbane.