Planning a visit to Brisbane? You’ve made a smart choice!
Read on for some of the best things to do in Brisbane without blowing your budget. Did you know that there were 9.4 million visitors to Australia last year? That’s an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year. Are you dreaming of going to Australia but afraid you can’t afford it? In this article, you’ll learn some of the best things to do during your visit to Brisbane on a budget.
Read on to discover how to make your dream of going to Australia a reality and find out about the many adventures to be had.Â

1. City Botanic Gardens
After you arrive in Australia and find a very affordable car hire in the area, you’ll want to check out the City Botanic Gardens. Did I mention it’s free to check out? This is a great way to relax from the hustle and bustle of city life and take a nature break.Â
While you’re there, make sure to check out the Bamboo Grove, the 2 ornamental ponds, and the Weeping Fig Avenue. You can either take a self-guided tour or a free guided walk with one of the volunteers of the gardens. Guided walks are twice daily at 11 am and 1 pm.Â
2. The City Hopper
Believe it or not, the river cruise on the City Hopper is completely free. It’s conveniently a hop on and off service where it passes 8 stops. You can sit back and relax while taking in the breathtaking views and architecture of the city.Â
3. Loan Pine Koala Sanctuary
If you’re an animal lover you won’t want to miss Loan Pine Koala Sanctuary which has over 100 different animal species including 130 koalas. You can see kangaroos, duck-billed platypus, wallabies, and many other animals.
Profits from the sale of tickets are sent to medical rescues, raising awareness about animals in the wild, and research. It’s 22 AUD per child and 36 AUD per adult.Â
The address is 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069, Australia.
4. Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane is located on the 3rd floor of the Brisbane City Hall and is free to go to. You can see artwork by the local artist Richard Randall, multimedia presentations, and historic ceramics. It also has a small theater, 2 cafes, a gift shop, and the Dome Lounge.Â
The address is City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.Â
5. Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Head to Kangaroo Point Cliffs to escape the city and enjoy nature. You can do adventurous activities like rock climbing and abseiling. If you’d rather, you can join on a Segway tour. After the tours or adventure, you can relax and have a barbecue or picnic admiring the city’s skyline.Â
6. Southbank Parklands
You definitely want to see Southbank Parklands. It’s filled with museums and exhibitions, along with markets and diners you won’t want to miss. There’s an artificial beach and lagoon there as well that you can enjoy.Â
7. The Brisbane Wheel
When you’re in the South Bank, you can check out the Wheel of Brisbane and see gorgeous views of the city. The cost is 20 AUD per adult and 14 AUD per child.
The address is Russel Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia.Â
8. Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland is free to explore and is made up of 5 districts. There’s the Celebration Precinct, The Spectacle Garden at Colin Campbell Place, the Forest and Fern Gully, the Upper Parkland, and the Lake Precinct. Fern Gully and the Upper Parkland are the most popular out of the 5 districts.Â
Fern Gully has a rainforest with creeks, walkways, and ferns. The Upper Parkland has a children’s playground, Harry Oakman Pavilion, and amphitheater. You can enjoy a free guided walk as well that leaves from the center of the park, also known as The Hub.Â
9. Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern ArtÂ
You won’t want to miss out on the art at Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. It’s free to check out, and is made up of 2 venues (The Queensland Art Gallery, and the Gallery of Modern Art). You can see art created by international and Australian artists.
There’s also a Children’s Art Centre as well where there are activities and interactive exhibitions. You can also see Aboriginal work as well while there.
The address is Stanley Place, South Brisbane Queensland 4101, Australia.Â
10. Suncorp Stadium
If you enjoy a good rugby game, you’ll want to check out the Suncorp Stadium. Whether you want to see a local or national team like the Brisbane Broncos, the Queensland Reds, or Wallabies, you can check them out here.Â
There are also soccer games held here as well, and many concerts. A gift shop is also located at the stadium. On days when no events are happening, you can take a public tour of the facility.Â
The address is 40 Castlemaine St, Milton QLD 4064.Â
11. Brisbane Lookout, Mount Coot-ThaÂ
If you’re looking for stunning views of the city, check out Brisbane Lookout, Mount Coot-Tha. This is a free viewing platform along with a bushland reserve. While you’re there, you can go on many walking trails, along with a café, restaurant, and gift shop.Â
You can also check out views of the city with the coin-operated telescopes.Â
Exploring the Best Things to Do in Brisbane
When you’re looking to travel but are on a tight budget, it’s still possible to explore some of the best things to do in Brisbane. Follow these tips and before you know it you’ll be a well-seasoned traveler of this stunning city from art to nature. Â Â
Are you planning a trip to Brisbane, Australia? We would love to hear from you, leave us a comment below and check out our other travel articles.