Top Things to do in Brisbane
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Brisbane, Queensland
Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane is the hub of Queensland culture, offering a peek at the past and a glimpse into the future. Visit the historic Windmill and Old Commissariat Store, built by convicts in 1828, or fast-forward to the present (and beyond) with a trip to the new Gallery of Modern Art. Mingle with locals atop Mount Coot-tha, cruise the Brisbane River to South Bank’s sandy beach on the City Cat and make sure to fill the cuteness quota at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to koalas and kangaroos.
Restaurants in Brisbane
1. Opal Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 210 reviews
A fascinating insight into this unique and iconic Australian industry and explore the wonder and magnificence of nature.
Reviewed By Y415IZmichellen - Melbourne, Australia
Did the self-guided tour for $5 which included an informative video about opals in Australia. Lots of beautiful stones to see and some available to buy. Made me appreciate opals and their history more
2. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,353 reviews
An oasis for wildlife, the Gardens feature 52 hectares of plants from Australia and all around the world. Horticultural and art and craft shows are displayed in the Auditorium most weekends and free volunteer guided walks leave the Information Centre, Monday to Saturday (except public holidays) at 11 am and 1 pm. Alternatively you may like to explore the Gardens via one, or all, of the three self-guided trails available.
Reviewed By christoskontas - Thessaloniki, Greece
The botanical gardens cover a vast area with a huge array of beautiful flowers, tropical plants and trees of Australia and around the world. It's a lovely green breath of life near the city of Brisbane. Some of the highlights are the geodesic dome, the Japanese gardens, the rainforest and the bamboo forest. Definitely worth a visit and everyone will enjoy the walk and tour of the gardens. It was an unforgettable experience in nature.
3. City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,219 reviews
Brisbane's most famous landmark features the circular Concert Hall, a world-famous grand piano organ and a majestic view from the clock tower.
Reviewed By 228malcolmw - Coffs Harbour, Australia
Nice old style building, which includes the Museum of Brisbane, well worth a look at with a beautiful Main Hall.
4. South Bank Parklands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,529 reviews
South Bank Parklands is Brisbane's premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, its 17 hectares of lush parklands, world-class eateries, stunning river views and hundreds of delightful events all year round make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Reviewed By 934alenas - Bargara, Australia
One of the best places to visit in Brisbane, whether you want to relax in the sun with the Brisbane River at your feet, swim in the simulated beach pool (complete with Life Guards) or dine in the many many amazing restaurants in and around the area, South Bank is the place to be!!!
5. Brisbane Powerhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Reviewed By Grand_Times123
Great venue to catch a show, eat a meal or wonder around. Situated by the Brisbane River, it is steeped in history, had a great gallery and fabulous shows, especially during Brisbane Comedy Festival.
6. Roma Street Parkland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,927 reviews
Scenic park located right in the middle of the city features colorful subtropical gardens and Celebration Lawn, a green oasis for picnicking, flying kites or just relaxing.
Reviewed By Radix7 - Sydney, Australia
I am embarrassed! Despite numerous visits to Brisbane over the years- mainly, admittedly, on work - I had failed to visit this wonderful area, and just within walking distance of the city centre. The numerous paths lead through a very diverse garden - views, fountains, ponds, sculptures, trees, shrubs, lawns and beautiful flower beds. A must for any visit I do in future.
7. City Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,147 reviews
Reviewed By borrum - London, United Kingdom
A lake, beautiful lawns and trees, a cornucopia of rare plants and flowers, well-designed pathways, and adjacency to the River make this park a perfect location for a pleasurable stroll or peaceful reflection.
8. Museum of Brisbane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,106 reviews
Museum of Brisbane is located on Level 3 of the newly restored Brisbane City Hall. Our story is Brisbane's story - the lives of those who lived here, the events that have shaped our history and the places that we hold dear. As a museum dedicated to the city, we celebrate the people, places and stories of Brisbane. Museum of Brisbane presents these stories through an innovative mix of social history and visual arts. Every exhibition is an opportunity to discover more about ourselves and our city. Our carefully curated events, workshops and tours are designed to help you delve even deeper. We are a space where stories unfold - a place for meaningful dialogue; enjoyable, entertaining experiences; and a place to explore and share in the identity of Brisbane. While the Museum's story is only 10 years old, we are the narrators of a story far older: Brisbane's story.
Reviewed By froglag - Spokane, United States
Definitely the tour guide made the tour. He was informative and funny adding humor that added to the tour. And to top it off it was a Free tour.
9. Gallery of Modern Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,364 reviews
The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is a single institution located across two adjacent river-side buildings in the Cultural Precinct at Brisbane's South Bank. QAGOMA holds a collection of historical, modern and contemporary art, and stages a dynamic program of Australian and international exhibitions. We are home to the Children's Art Centre which collaborates on interactive artworks with leading artists from around the world, and the Australian Cinematheque, the only dedicated cinema facility in an Australian art museum. QAGOMA operates its own retail outlets and cafes and restaurants, proceeds from which support the Gallery.
Reviewed By Roselilyoz
When visiting Brisbane we visited GOMA and loved the current exhibition of the wonderful Margaret Olley paintings, and also the Ben Quilty exhibition. This is an excellent gallery, and the curation was excellent. We would always come back here when visiting Brisbane in the future.
10. Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
Embark on an interactive journey from the First World War to today inside Anzac Square Memorial Galleries—a free exhibition curated by State Library of Queensland. Located in Brisbane CBD, with the magnificent Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame burning at its heart, Anzac Square provides permanent recognition for those who have served our nation and offers a tranquil place to commemorate and reflect on their commitment, bravery, and sacrifice. Visitors to the exhibition can now enrich their experience by joining our brand-new Collection Highlights tour, departing every Wednesday at 10.30am (excluding public holidays). This free, 45-minute guided tour explores the best of State Library's military collection including the people, places and stories that underpin the Queensland war experience. Larger groups can also enjoy an exclusive, complimentary tour of the galleries, ideal for Queensland-associated battalions, regiments, and other special interest groups. Admission is free
Reviewed By dough424 - London, United Kingdom
We visit the square as it was shown on the map and decided to investigate while in Brisbane, what we didn’t know until we arrived was that there were galleries. The galleries are well set out and cover many conflicts from the Great War, Second World War, Korea and other conflicts that Australian and New Zealand armed forces have been engaged in. It’s all very well laid out and very informative.
