Although Brisbane's wrapped along the breezy Brown Snake, we're pretty lucky to have near-perfect weather year-round. Not only does that mean the option to dine alfresco is always on the cards, there's also primo opportunities to soak up the outdoors with mates for next to nothing.
Whether it’s slow park days, mornings spent walking the endless designated walking bridges or catching a new flick under the jacarandas, the city is overflowing with wallet-friendly ways to fill your weeknights and weekends.
Together with our mates at Brisbane City Council, we've consulted our calendars and looked ahead for the best cheap and free things to do this winter.
Cosy Up Under The Big Screen
If your idea of a good night includes a fresh new blockbuster, popcorn and a cosy blanket, then nabbing tickets to the Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema is a no-brainer. Partnering with the Brisbane Powerhouse, Dendy is bringing the best of new releases and cult classics to the big screen from Friday to Sunday nights.
You'll be kitted out with a pair of headphones per seat and a QR code-activated candy bar fully stocked not only with sweet treats and delicious food, but also with warm drinks that are all awaiting your order. All that’s left to do is decide what size popcorn to share (or keep for yourself). Plus, during winter snatch their $15 tickets on screenings—that's more cash to spend on snacks.
Get Your Steps In Before Digging In
Just like those situationships of the past, Brisbane is stuffed to the brim with history. From early settlement to its bustling underground nightlife in the '90s, the city is tattooed with experiences—if you know where to look.
Luckily, Brisbane City Council and a few city-loving volunteers have come together to provide walking tours of all the best Brisbane has to offer. Whether it’s a stroll down the aromatic Fish Lane, a mini-hike along Kangaroo Point Cliffs or immersion into the electric Fortitude Valley streets, the Brisbane Greeters are equipped with a route and a few fun facts to keep you entertained for free.
We recommend exploring the Fish Lane walking tour and ending with a sweet scoop from Gelato Messina or letting your guide take you on an adventure through the CBD on a Greeters Choice Morning Tour.
Uncover Free Art Exhibits Around The City
Spend a day (or two) to wander the city and discover artworks from Paradise Gloss, an exhibition curated by Laura Brinin, that runs from 14 June to 3 November. Keep your eyes peeled across the city for art installations by locally-adored artists, including Sunday Jemmott and Bonnie Hislop, as their works are displayed in light boxes, up sides of buildings and across banners.
Laura’s overarching vision for the exhibition was to have each piece encourage exploration and play, so get hunting!
Strut Along The River
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Although known to outsiders as the River City, we locals can agree our greatest feature has to be the array of unique bridges and river routes that connect us south and northsiders. And with the brand new Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge finally ready to trot along, we can expand our hot girl walks into hot girl picnics in Newstead Park this winter.
The new active transport link connecting Newstead Park to Kingsford Smith Drive is our shiny new flex. Rally the group chat together, double tie those laces and get a sweat on for free along the river—before treating yourself to a coffee and sun soak in Newstead Park. With plenty of shade and patches of grass to perch along, it’s the much-deserved, low-cost treat at the end of a quick endorphin hit.
Slot In Time For A Free Workout Class
Whether it's school holidays in your house or you’re just itching to fill your weekend with activities outside the home, Victoria Park has heaps of free and active experiences for you and the whole family this winter. There's Park Play for the little people, weekly yoga and a social run club for you and your housemates.
There’s so much more to experience for free this winter in Brisbane. Find more information and explore the variety of activities here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Brisbane City Council and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Urban List and Supplied.