Saturday 9 November 2013

Brisbane for free

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and another fantastic city to visit and the weather makes it possible to enjoy activities pretty much all year round.

The city is located alongside the Brisbane River and there are walkways that follow the river that you can wander along and enjoy the cafes, restaurants and river views. 




City Botanical Gardens

The walkways continue through to the City Botanical Gardens located at Gardens Point. The gardens were opened in 1855 and were the cities original botanical gardens. Prior to that time the site was a botanical reserve established to provide food for the penal colony.



Entry to the gardens is free and you can wander around for hours as there are a range of sculptures, gardens and ponds to see.  These include the Bamboo Garden and  Weeping Fig Avenue. Sitting at a spot along the river is also a peaceful way to spend some time relaxing and watching as boats and joggers pass by.

The gardens are open 24 hours, with pathways lit at night.

Mount Coot-tha Gardens

Another free option if you like gardens is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha. The gardens are located at Toowong a short distance from the city. 

Spanning 52 hectares the gardens are recognised as Queensland's pre-eminent collection of native and exotic plants.  Included in the collection is a bamboo grove, Japanese Garden including Bonsai House, scented garden, arid zone, waterfalls and rainforest trees. 

Opening hours vary depending on the season - September to March 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and from April to August 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.





South Bank

South Bank parklands are an amazing asset for Brisbane city. From the water play areas and Streets Beach to a bougainvillea-covered Arbour and cobbled laneways the area attracts young and old. Many of the attractions are free and people often bring a picnic and spend the day. You can choose from the wide range of restaurants, cafes and eateries that cater for every taste.

A range of events and markets are held at South Bank so don't forget to check out their events calendar as you may find something of interest.


Queensland Gallery of Modern Art

If you're interested in art the Queensland Art Gallery|Gallery of Modern Art have significant collections of more than 15,000 Australian and international paintings, sculptures, art objects and installations.

The collections includes Indigenous art, art depicting Queensland's history, contemporary Australian and Asian art through to International art including Picasso.

The Galleries are located on the South Bank of the Brisbane River. Both buildings can be entered via Stanley Place and are only 150 metres apart. 

Entry to the galleries are free but you may have to pay for some of the special exhibitions.






Queensland Museum

The  Queensland Museum located at South Bank is a museum of natural history, cultural heritage and human endeavour. It tells the story of a changing Queensland. 

The Museum has a range of permanent exhibitions including ENERGEX Playasaurus Place and the story of 3 Victoria Cross recipients titled the Courage of Ordinary Men. A program of regularly changing exhibitions ensures the Museum continually interests and educates across a broad range of topics.

Open daily from 9.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. The Museum is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day and  Boxing Day. Open ANZAC Day from 1.30 pm. General entry to the Museum is free. You may have to pay for some special exhibitions.







Free guided walks

If you're interested in a  free guided walk around the city they're offered week days at 12 p.m. starting from the Brisbane Visitor Information Centre. The walk includes visits to City Hall, Treasury Casino, the Old State Library, Brisbane's Botanical Garden and the Brisbane Club.

Free transport


The city provides free transport via a high frequency bus which loops around the Brisbane CBD and Spring Hill area.  Bus route

Brisbane Library - free internet

The Brisbane library offers a range of services include free internet.  The Brisbane Square Library is located at 266 George Street in central Brisbane.  The library is closed on public holidays. Opening hours Monday to Thursday are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.