Free Attractions Guide - Brisbane, Queensland
1. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
Only 7kms from the CBD and features a magnificent tropical display dome, a lagoon, Japanese gardens, Bonsai display, 52 hectares of themed gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Take a drive out there from the CBD with your campervan hire Brisbane.
+61 7 3403 2535 Mount Coot-tha Rd, Mount Coot-tha2. Brisbane Powerhouse
Brisbane Powerhouse is both a producer of contemporary performing arts and a multi-arts venue. Nestled on the beautiful banks of Brisbane River (beside New Farm Park) the former power station has become a distinct landmark, both as a stunning industrial creation and as a hub for everything creative, including theatre, music, comedy, film, visual arts, festivals and ideas.
+61 7 3358 8622 119 Lamington Street, New Farm3. Captain Burke Park
Captain Burke Park features inner city parkland beneath the Story Bridge (named after John Douglas Story) with city and river views, there are BBQ's available to enjoy a picnic.
Holman Street, Kangaroo Point4. Chinatown Mall
This cosmopolitan area boasts a range of cafes, restaurants, clubs and a shopping mall. The "Valley Markets" are also held here every weekend.
+61 7 3854 0860 Duncan Street, Fortitude Valley5. City Botanic Gardens
An easy walk from the busy CBD, visitors will see exotic and gorgeous plants that flourish in Brisbane's sub-tropical climate.
The City Botanic Gardens are the city's oldest park, originally planted by convicts in 1825 with food crops to feed the prison colony. Make sure you don't miss a walk through the mangroves on the boardwalk.
There are free guided walks daily (except public holidays) led by experienced volunteers.
6. City Hall
This beautiful sandstone building situated in the heart of the city was erected between 1920 and 1930 and is heritage listed topped with a 92 meter clock tower. For a fee, visitors may take the lift to the observatory deck which passes the through the clock workings.
King George Square, Brisbane7. Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) are located 150m from each other. QAG is Queensland's premier visual arts institution and a leading art museum nationally.
The Gallery's driving philosophy is to connect art and people. The Gallery is also recognised as an international leader in presenting innovative museum-based learning programs for children. These programs are coordinated through the Children’s Art Centre. Developing youth audiences for visual art is another priority for the Gallery and this is achieved through programs such as the annual Prime event.
8. Kangaroo Point Lookout
Located only 1km from the CBD, these cliff formations were not formed by nature but by early mining and are now the major rock climbing attraction for Brisbane's abseilers. Kangaroo Point is also a popular spot for picnics, walking and cycling. Particularly popular is the walk under the Story Bridge to Dockside.
There are BBQ’s facilities at the top of the cliffs giving a fantastic view of the city, just on dusk. This is a favourite spot for locals as well as tourists travelling with campervan hire.
9. Mt Coot-tha Lookout
Step out on the observation deck at Mt Coot-tha Lookout to experience the panoramic views of Brisbane City stretching out to Moreton Bay and around to the distance mountains. Around the vicinity of the lookout there is also a handful of bushwalks including the Aboriginal Track down to Slaughter Falls.
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha10. New Farm Park
More than 17,000 visitors come to New Farm Park every week to enjoy a picnic, relax and read the paper, go bike riding or walking on the paths that run adjacent to the river. Relax in the sun underneath the tree lined park.
Brunswick St, New Farm11. Queensland Art Gallery
The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) are located 150m from each other. QAG is Queensland's premier visual arts institution and a leading art museum nationally.
The Gallery's driving philosophy is to connect art and people. The Gallery is also recognised as an international leader in presenting innovative museum-based learning programs for children. These programs are coordinated through the Children's Art Centre. Developing youth audiences for visual art is another priority for the Gallery and this is achieved through programs such as the annual Prime event.
12. Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum is an innovative, exciting and accessible museum of science, the environment and human experience of international standing. Admission is free except for special temporary exhibitions. You will find no dusty relics locked away in dimly lit display cases here.
Through excellence in communication, collection, interpretation and research, the Museum displays bring significant times, people and places to life. The exhibitions say something about who we are in terms of our environment. At the Queensland Museum South Bank one can learn about the past, understand the present and prepare for the future.
This fascinating museum of cultural history and science tells the changing story of Queensland. Walk under a whale, discover dinosaurs, and see the State's marine reptiles and much, much more.
13. Riverside Markets
Every Sunday, Stall Holders assemble a colourful street market in central Brisbane, presenting an electic range of locally crafted and imported handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, furniture, homewares, local produce, plants, home-made treats and more!
+61 7 3870 2807 1 Eagle St, Brisbane14. Roma Street Parklands
Experience the theme gardens such as the topiary maze, rainforest walk, lake, celebration lawn and amphitheatre. There are plenty of artworks to admire. There are playgrounds designed for children of all ages, with swings – including the Liberty Swing designed for those with a disability – slides, spinning toys, climbing frames, gongs and sound boxes, as well as steps, trees and a rock-lined tree bed for games and exploration
1 Parkland Boulevard, Brisbane15. State Library of Queensland
The State Library of Queensland offers a brand new visitor experience in Brisbane's premier cultural and entertainment precinct, South Bank. Filled with a rich collection of information and ephemera about Queensland’s heritage, Indigenous knowledge, fine arts and so much more - the State Library is a 'must visit' cultural and knowledge destination.
With an almost endless combination of library and information services complemented by national touring exhibitions, film screenings, events, children's and family activities to choose from you can create your own unique experience in person or virtually.
16. Southbank Parklands
Visit Southbank's manmade sandy beach, relax in open grassy picnic spots. Throughout the year there is free live entertainment, festivals and fireworks throughout the parkland.
Southbank, South Brisbane17. Southbank Markets
Every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, the South Bank Lifestyle Market features an exciting range of arts, craft, homewares, collectibles, exotic items, designer fashion and much more. The Markets are an ideal way to find a unique gift, or simply stroll through and enjoy the atmosphere. The Market is an excellent place to sample delicious treats, organic produce and homemade fare. Listen to our fabulous music and entertainment.
+61 7 3844 2440 Stanley Street Plaza, Southbank, South Brisbane18. The Valley Markets
Fortitude Valley Markets, also known as "The Valley Markets" include hand-made market products, natural organic produce, stallholder information, online market stalls, art and craft.
When it comes to innovative design, Fortitude Valley Markets are renowned as Brisbane's formative location for contemporary local designers showcasing the latest in edgy urban style, with everything from clothing to homewares on display. "The Valley" is also internationally renowned for its "underground" music culture. As the birth place of such bands as Powderfinger and Savage Garden, you will no doubt enjoy the weekly performances at Fortitude Valley Markets of local, unsigned bands trying out their raw tunes in the market place. The Fortitude Valley Markets have an eclectic range of hip and happening arts and crafts. Check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed!
Every Saturday and Sunday from 8am til 4pm.
19. Wynnum Esplanade
Located 25kms from Brisbane's CBD is a seaside suburb boasting a cool breeze and caters for morning walkers, joggers and cyclists with its long stretches of waterfront parkland and bikeways. The recently renovated salt water Wading Pool on the esplanade is very popular and has historic importance as it was built during the Depression years of the 1930s.
Visit Wynnum Pier to gaze out into the bay and breathe in the salt air.
20. 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (QMI) Museum
The displays in this museum range from 1860-1942, depicting the colonial times, the Boer War, WW1 and militia Light Horse days. The museum is open on the last Sunday of each month (Feb-Nov), from 1pm to 4pm.
Other times can be made by arrangement.
21. Albert Street Uniting Church
As Brisbane’s spiritual home for over 160 years, this church is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm and is a truly magnificent sight to look at.
+61 7 3031 3030 Corner Albert and Ann Streets, Brisbane City22. QUT Art Museum
The QUT Art Museum is a modern art gallery located in Brisbane’s CBD. Displaying fine art collections, and thought-provoking exhibitions of contemporary art, this is an art museum perfect for art enthusiasts from all works of life.
+61 7 3138 5370 2 George St, Brisbane City23. ANZAC Square War Memorial
This war memorial is uniquely and ideally set in peaceful surrounds amidst the hustle and bustle of city life in Brisbane. Dedicated to Australia’s military heritage, this memorial is open 7 days a week from 9am to 2pm, with group tours welcome to prior arrangement.
+61 7 3221 0722 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City24. Cathedral of St. Stephen
Located just a 10 minute walk from Central Station, the Cathedral of St. Stephen is perfect for those interested in art and architecture, and the religious and local history of Brisbane.
+61 7 3336 9111 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City25. Redland Art Gallery
The Redland Art Gallery is Redland’s most vibrant cultural destination, with a mix of innovative and culturally diverse exhibitions. This award-winning gallery is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and Sunday, 9am to 2pm.
+61 7 3829 8899 Corner Middle & Bloomfield Streets, Cleveland26. Customs House
Customs House is a cultural, educational and heritage facility of the University of Queensland, and overlooks the beautiful Brisbane River and CBD. Enjoy the splendor of this magnificent building’s origin and soak up all of its architectural beauty.
+61 7 3365 8999 399 Queen Street, Brisbane City27. Logan Art Gallery
The Logan Art Gallery shows a mix of touring exhibitions, local artists’ work, visiting artists and permanent collections. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
+61 7 3412 5519 Corner Wembley Road and Jacaranda Ave, Logan Central28. UQ Art Museum
Recognised as one of the most beautifully designed university art museums, the UQ Art Museum offers an active range of exhibitions, public programs, events and publications. Browse the fascinating art exhibitions and then take a wander around the campus where you will find glorious buildings, endless coffee shops and picturesque lakes and fountains.
+61 7 3365 3046 University Drive, The University of Queensland, St Lucia29. Freemasons Ann Street Memorial Centre
The Freemasons Ann Street Memorial Centre is the headquarters of the craft in Queensland and a memorial dedicated to those who gave their lives in the World Wars. Tours take place at 2pm each Friday and donations are appreciated.
+61 3229 2422 311 Ann Street, Brisbane City30. UQ Physics Museum
Perfect for those interested in all things physics, the UQ Physics Museum tells the history of this fascinating science at UQ, with interesting and informative displays aplenty. The museum is open from 1-2pm on Thursdays during university teaching times.
+61 7 3365 3369 Parnell Building, The University of Queensland, St Lucia31. UQ Antiquities Museum
From Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt, to the Middle East and beyond, the UQ Antiquities Museum displays historic artifacts that comprise the foremost collection of classical Mediterranean antiques in Queensland.
+61 7 3365 1416 Michie Building, The University of Queensland, St Lucia32. Mercy Heritage Museum
The Mercy Heritage Centre works to preserve and promote the extraordinary history and heritage of the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane Congregation, through an interesting array of permanent collections.
+61 7 3831 2252 547 Ann Street, Brisbane City33. Musgrave Park Cultural Centre
The Musgrave Park Cultural Centre provides a focus for the Aboriginal culture in Brisbane and a venue for traditional and contemporary Indigenous visual and performing arts. The centre boasts an art gallery and exhibitions space, a theatrette, a café and a visual and performing artists’ workshop space.
+61 7 3846 5700 121 Cordelia St, South Brisbane34. Tony Gould Gallery
The Tony Gould Gallery is situated at the entrance to the Cremorne Theatre, and provides patrons and visitors with a changing program of entertaining exhibitions curated by QPAC Museum. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
+61 7 3840 7362 Queensland Performing Arts Centre, South Bank35. Telstra Museum Brisbane
Visit Brisbane’s Telstra Museum and you will be guided from the telecommunications evolution from Morse code to today’s advanced telephone systems. Group tours are available via prior arrangement.
+61 7 3862 2958 3 Oriel Road, Clayfield36. Old Government House
Regarded as Queensland’s most important historical building, Old Government House is situated within the grounds of the QUT Gardens Point Campus, and is an ideal way to see Brisbane’s history and colonial past. The house is open from Sunday to Friday, from 10 am to 5pm.
+61 7 3138 8005 George Street, Brisbane City37. Parliament House
Parliament House is Queensland’s premier heritage building and is one of Brisbane’s best known landmarks. Bound by the Brisbane River and the Queensland University of Technology, this glorious sandstone building is packed full of history and heritage and is sure to delight political enthusiasts.
+61 7 3406 7562 Corner George and Alice Streets, Brisbane City38. Queensland Energy Museum
The exhibitions at this museum demonstrate the social history of the electricity industry in Queensland, with a focus on the impact the supply of energy had. Call to find out more about the exhibitions.
+61 7 3854 1266 2 Bowen Bridge Road, Herston39. Queensland Police Museum
The Queensland Police Museum includes 25 displays that describe police heritage, Queensland crimes, police investigative techniques, medals and the history of police women, just to name a few. The museum is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on the last Sunday of the month.
+61 3364 6432 Police Headquarters, 200 Roma St, Brisbane City
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