When you’re looking for something to do, there’s no need to spend a fortune.
Southeast Queensland has so many beautiful places to go and things to see, that a fabulous day out need not cost a bean. Save your pennies for that rainy day and get out and about for free on a sunny one.
1. Southbank Beach
Amid the hustle and bustle of a lively CBD is one of the last places you would expect to discover a vibrant beachside setting. Australia’s only beach in the middle of the city, Streets Beach is one of South Bank’s most popular attractions. A unique, man-made swimming beach, Streets Beach overlooks the brilliant Brisbane River and the expansive city skyline. Explore the spacious Streets Beach and discover a playful world where clever design seamlessly blends with natural beauty.
2. SOUTH BANK
South Bank, Brisbane has something to offer all ages.
Enjoy a stroll from Kangaroo Point past the abseilers and along the river to the South Bank and soak up the great view of Brisbane CBD in the process.
Then explore the Parklands, with its green foliage, public city beach, water play area, lagoons and picnic areas, before moving on to discover Little Stanley’s cosmopolitan strip of restaurants, bars and boutiques.
More info: www.visitsouthbank.com.au
3. CYCLE CITY
Cycling in Brisbane gives you the freedom to explore more than 1000km of high quality bikeways and offers a unique perspective that can’t be found on foot or by car, allowing you to discover Brisbane in a whole new way.
Brisbane CBD is well developed for cycling, featuring the Bicentennial Bikeway. There are a huge number of sights, attractions, restaurants, cafes and parks to be enjoyed along the way, and all are accessible by bike. There are also great facilities for the cyclist such as water fountains, shelters, and cycle parking facilities, making it not only a free, but an easy day out.
More info: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
4. SURF’S UP
Body boarding at Burleigh Heads is a fun and free way to get out and get active.
Grab your boogie boards and head to the Gold Coast to surf this north-east facing beach renowned for its great waves.
In addition to boarding, there are a great range of other local activities and attractions at Burleigh Heads, including Burleigh Heads National Park, which includes some breath-taking coastal walking trails.
More info: www.visitgoldcoast.com
5. GET CULTURAL
The State Library of Queensland presents a thriving public events program of exhibitions, talks, workshops, film screenings, training and information sessions and activities for children and young people, including the new exhibition Floodlines, telling the story of Queensland’s historic floods.
More info: www.slq.qld.gov.au
6. GO GREEN
Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens is Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic gardens.
The 52 hectare park features a beautiful Japanese Garden, a Lagoon, a Bamboo Grove and it also houses the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Located seven kilometres from the city centre, a drive up Mount Coot-tha to watch the sun set at the end of the day could also prove to be the perfect start to a weekend. Entry is free.
More info: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
7. TREK THE MOUNTAINS
Named by James Cook in 1770, the Glass House Mountains are the remains of volcanos dating back over 20 million years. Rising up dramatically from the landscape, the volcanic peaks are not only a spectacular sight but also the home to some beautiful indigenous flora and fauna such as koalas, goannas, echidnas, grey kangaroos, and 26 threatened plant species.
For bird lovers, you will find kookaburras, lorikeets, rosellas, peregrine falcons and the rare glossy black cockatoo, which is considered vulnerable to extinction.
More info: www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks