Brisbane on a budget – fun that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg

Going on holiday doesn’t have to mean blowing all of your hard earned dollars on expensive meals, champagne and five star accommodation. In fact, some of the best stories come from holidays on a budget. From a suitcase rummage, to exploring Brisbane’s natural parklands, here are a few of our picks to enjoy Brisbane on a budget.

Mt Coot-tha & Brisbane Botanical Gardens

Brisbane’s most prolific make-out spot, Mt Coot-tha provides panoramic views of the city and is only a 20 minute drive from the CBD. The best time to visit is at dusk to watch the rays of daylight disappear and the cityscape come to life. Park your car at the bottom of the hill (or at the top if the idea of bushwalking makes you want to curl into a ball) at J.C. Slaughter Falls and take the easy walk up the bush track to the Lookout. By the time you’ve reached the top you’ll have well and truly earned an ice cream from the Kuta Café.

South Bank Parklands

Where else can you relax on a fake beach in the middle of the city? Jump on a City Cycle bike and take a self-guided tour around South Bank Parklands. South Bank has a range of restaurants and cafes that cater to the pickiest and stingiest of eaters. You’ll likely stumble upon a festival, market or free activity available in the parklands and, if you’re lucky, there’ll be free samples of something delicious on offer.

Suitcase rummage

Brisbane’s favourite pop-up market, the Suitcase Rummage can be found in Reddacliff Place in the CBD. Occurring fortnightly on a Sunday, the mini-scale market invites vendors to sell used and handmade items from suitcases.

Davies Park Market

If you’re in the mood for delicious eats, smooth coffee, entertainment, and fresh produce then the Davies Park Market in West End has everything your heart desires. You’ll forget what you’d planned for the rest of the day once you sit down to listen to the band with a Blackstar cold press coffee in one hand and a vegetarian samosa in the other.

Brisbane Powerhouse

If you’re in the mood for delicious eats, smooth coffee, entertainment, and fresh produce then the Davies Park Market in West End has everything your heart desires. You’ll forget what you’d planned for the rest of the day once you sit down to listen to the band with a Blackstar cold press coffee in one hand and a vegetarian samosa in the other.

Hip Hop and burgers at Remy’s

Cheap burgers and chilled beats are aplenty in Paddington at Remy’s café on La Trobe Terrace. Thursday evenings are for smooth live jazz and malt shakes; Friday there’s the house DJ and on Sunday you can groove to the hip hop DJ while demolishing 2 for 1 burgers.

No Lights No Lycra

Keen for a boogie without the overheads of cover charge, alcohol and a cab home? No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) is the place to test out your wildest dance moves, without the Sunday morning hangover and in (close to) total darkness. For only $6 you could be dancing to Prince’s Purple Rain one minute and Milkshake by Kelis the next. Be careful not to get too carried away and end up with your elbow in someone’s face.

Visiting Brisbane

If you’re visiting Brisbane, then make sure you check out our city guide. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about Brisbane and more.