The best free things to do in Brisbane in 2026 are swimming at Streets Beach in South Bank Parklands, QAGOMA's galleries, the Queensland Museum, riding the free CityHopper ferry, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the Mt Coot-tha lookout, the City Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Brisbane in City Hall.
Brisbane's best free attractions cluster along the river: the South Bank cultural precinct (galleries, museum, library and parklands), the City Botanic Gardens and the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, all linked by the free CityHopper ferry. The weather means outdoor sights work year-round. See also our best attractions in Brisbane.
A free city beach, lagoon and riverside parkland.
South Bank Parklands run along the river opposite the CBD, with Streets Beach (a lifeguard-patrolled sandy lagoon), the Arbour walkway, playgrounds and barbecues.
The weekend markets add stalls and street food.
Good to know: Swim at Streets Beach, then walk the bougainvillea-covered Arbour.
Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Two major free galleries on the river.
The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) are free, with Australian, First Nations, Asian and Pacific art and big contemporary exhibitions.
Its Children's Art Centre runs free activities for kids.
Good to know: Check the Children's Art Centre programme if you have kids.
Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Free natural history and culture, including dinosaurs.
The Queensland Museum covers the state's natural history and culture, from dinosaurs and Great Barrier Reef wildlife to First Nations history. General entry is free.
Its SparkLab science centre is ticketed.
Good to know: Pair it with QAGOMA next door.
Cnr Grey & Melbourne Sts, South Brisbane QLD 4101
A free ferry ride along the inner-city river.
The free CityHopper ferry runs along the Brisbane River between North Quay and New Farm, stopping at South Bank, the CBD, Kangaroo Point and Howard Smith Wharves.
It's a great way to see the city from the water.
Good to know: Ride the full route for a free river cruise.
North Quay Ferry Terminal, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Cliffs over the river with city skyline views.
The Kangaroo Point Cliffs face the CBD across the river. The clifftop park has lookouts, picnic spots and barbecues, and climbers and abseilers use the cliffs below.
The view of the city lights at night is superb.
Good to know: Come at dusk for the skyline lights.
River Tce, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
Brisbane's best panoramic view.
The Mt Coot-tha summit lookout gives a sweeping view over the city to Moreton Bay. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, below, are free too.
Bushwalking tracks lead up through the forest.
Good to know: Visit at sunset, then the Botanic Gardens the next morning.
1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-tha QLD 4066
Riverside gardens on the edge of the CBD.
The City Botanic Gardens, on a bend of the river beside the CBD, have shady lawns, mangrove boardwalks, bamboo groves and old trees.
It's next to QUT and Parliament House.
Good to know: Walk the mangrove boardwalk along the river.
147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
The city's story, inside City Hall.
The Museum of Brisbane, on the third floor of City Hall, tells the story of the city through free exhibitions. Free tours of City Hall's clock tower run on most days.
City Hall's grand auditorium is worth a look too.
Good to know: Book a free clock tower tour on arrival.
Level 3, City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Free exhibitions and a riverside library.
The State Library of Queensland at South Bank has free exhibitions, a children's space and a lovely riverside setting.
It's next to the Gallery of Modern Art.
Good to know: Stop for a coffee on the riverside terrace.
Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Swim at Streets Beach, visit QAGOMA and the Queensland Museum, ride the CityHopper ferry, walk the City Botanic Gardens and see the view from Mt Coot-tha.
The CityHopper ferry is free and runs along the inner-city river between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm. CityCats and other ferries need a go card or contactless payment.
Yes. Streets Beach at South Bank is a free, lifeguard-patrolled artificial beach in the city, open every day.
QAGOMA (the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art), the Queensland Museum, the State Library of Queensland and the Museum of Brisbane are free, with fees for some exhibitions.
Mt Coot-tha Lookout, about 15 minutes' drive from the city, and the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.