Holiday Fun in the City 

Free things to do during the Holidays – 10 Free Holiday Activities

For the upcoming holidays we’ve compiled a list of 10 budget-friendly activities to keep boredom at bay this summer! With a mix of all kinds of entertaining ideas in and near Brisbane, these are perfectly suited for both families or individuals. Enjoy your holidays!

1/ Library Events

There are many free activities being hosted at a multitude of Council libraries around Brisbane and the State Library of Queensland – for both kids and adults. Some include arts and crafts, mahjong games, children’s story times, book club meetings, learning new tech skills, tea and trivia, and comedy puppet shows.

For specific activity details and times, search for ‘library events and programs’ on Brisbane City Council’s website (www.brisbane.qld.gov.au) or the State Library of Queensland What’s On page: www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

2/ Sky Deck – The Star

Enjoy an evening in the city and test your nerves by walking along the high glass platform of The Star! By walking along the Sky Deck you’ll get to see the city from a whole new perspective – with free entry for all. There are also three restaurants and bar spots to enjoy a meal or drink with a spectacular view. www.star.com.au/brisbane/sky-deck

3/ Old Petrie Town

Visit Old Petrie Town and experience the charming restored historic village, spread across 48 acres of parklands with heritage buildings. Open to the public daily, with weekly markets also hosted, it’s perfect for a lovely and historical-filled day outside. Free entry. www.oldpetrietown.com

4/ Art Galleries

Getting to admire art for free is a great option for a rainy summer’s day! There are multiple walk-through art gallery exhibits with ranging themes open (and free) to the public including at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the Queensland Art Gallery right next-door, the Museum of Brisbane, and the University of Queensland Art Museum. www.qagoma.qld.gov.au www.museumofbrisbane.com.au
www.art-museum.uq.edu.au

5/ Sherwood Arboretum Park

Find a spot for a lovely picnic in the shade of the unique trees at Sherwood Arboretum Park, known for featuring Brisbane’s most extensive collection of 250+ Australian tree species. It has playgrounds and a boardwalk along the Brisbane River too! www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/botanic-gardens/sherwood-arboretum

6/ City Experiences

Spend time in the city experiencing the free Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower Tours (pre-booked) and the festive short story light display shining onto the City Hall in the evening. The clock tower tours run daily, year-round, while the city hall light show runs every 15 minutes from 7.30pm to 12am, on 5-24 December. 

Tours depart from MoB Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/clock-tower-tours www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/events/city-hall-lights/192468395

7/ Free Pop-up Music Performances

If you love music, the City Sounds program is perfect for a free opportunity to experience many wonderful pop-up shows. City Sounds helps to introduce upcoming bands/artists to Brisbane City audiences every week, by transforming ordinary urban spaces into music venues such as at Queen Street Mall. Visit their website to see what free pop-ups are coming up!

www.visit.brisbane.qld.au/places-to-go/inner-city/the-city/the-city-sounds

8/ Beach Day

For a lovely beach day out this summer, you can get to the Gold Coast with only 50 cents! Catch a train from Brisbane City to Helensvale, then a tram to Surfer’s Paradise and you’re right by the beach. Pack a little picnic from home to have by the sea too!

9/ Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens

Visit the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens for a lovely day out surrounded by nature, with free guided tours available. You can take a picnic to enjoy in the gardens (or visit the café). For even more fun watch a space-themed show in the Planetarium, entry fees apply from $17.50 to $11 per person. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/botanic-gardens/

10/ Free Swimming Spots

Visit South Bank and enjoy the beach-like pools and nearby parks, with a nice river view, completely free of cost. Or if you want to swim in nature, the Enoggera Reservoir (free entry) is the perfect place for a hot day – bring the family, a picnic, your paddle board or canoe – or pop into the cafe. The reservoir is open to non-motorised paddle craft only.

The adjacent Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre offers guided tours and a Wildlife Discovery Show (entry fees apply).

www.visit.brisbane.qld.au/inspiration/swimming-at-south-bank www.parks.qld.gov.au/parks/walkabout-creek-discovery-centre/things-to-do

For other holiday ideas please visit the Brisbane City Council website – for both free and paid activities:

www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/events-arts-and-culture/what-s-on-in-brisbane

visit.brisbane.qld.au/inspiration/free-things-to-do

Author: Isabel Becker 

Images courtesy of: Melanie Grevis-James, State Library of Queensland, and Unsplash