Free Museums in Brisbane City

"Situated in Stanley Place on the South Bank of the Brisbane River, the Queensland Art Gallery is the state’s major visual arts institution, housing more than 15,000 Australian and international paintings, sculptures and decorative art. It’s worth letting a Volunteer Guide share their knowledge and take you on a 30-40 minute tour of the gallery to get some perspective of the huge range of works that make up the expanding collection. Address: South Bank, Stanley Place, Cultural Precinct, Brisbane, 4101Telephone: +61 7 3840 7303.Opening times:"

"Considered one of Australia’s finest art galleries, QAGOMA came about in 2006, with the merging of the history Queensland Art Gallery (established in 1895), with the Gallery of Modern Art. Located in an architecturally significant building on Brisbane’s South Bank, the two galleries are home to some incredible visual art from around the world, along with work by Indigenous artists and interactive exhibits."

"If you only have time for a short art gallery immersion, there are two Brisbane galleries that should be on your list. Queensland Art Gallery and The Gallery of Modern Art are right beside each other, and entry is free unless you are visiting a special exhibition. It’s worth checking to see what’s on as apart from the fine collection of Australian and international paintings and sculptures."

"The Queensland Maritime Museum has real ships such as the warship Diamantina and the lugger Penguin as well as classic ship models, marine memorabilia, photographs, paintings, lighthouse equipment and many other historic items. It is a hands-on museum run by passionate volunteers, many of whom are retired ship masters, marine engineers, and ex-naval personnel. Cnr Stanley & Sidon Streets, South BrisbaneDaily 9.30am to 4.30pmAdmission charge"

"With the variety of large and fascinating exhibits on offer, the whole family will be sure to enjoy a visit to the Queensland Maritime Museum. The museum allows visitors to explore and discover plenty of historic vessels for themselves, with popular showcases being the ‘Diamantina’ warship, ‘Penguin’, and more. For more information or to plan your visit, head to the Queensland Maritime Museum website."

"Located at the far southern end of South Bank is the Queensland Maritime Museum. This old museum is one of Australia’s largest maritime museum and features various historic vessels and numerous items on display. The kids will love exploring the huge historic boats, including the historic 1945 warship Diamantina, the 1925 steam tug boat as well as Jessica Watson’s Ella’s Pink Lady."

"A hidden gem of Brisbane that many locals don’t seem to know, the QUT Art Museum is located on the edge of the City Botanical Garden and is an intimate university gallery showcasing rotating internally curated exhibitions, commissioned projects and touring exhibitions of modern and contemporary works by Australian artists. Always thought-provoking, entry is typically free and visiting only takes around an hour. If you make it here, you should combine it with a visit to their sister gallery nearby in the stately Old Government House dedicated to the works of Australia’s pre-eminent landscape artist, William Robinson."

"This fine collection of 2000 plus contemporary works encompasses sculpture, painting and decorative arts and as such has a strong showing of Australian art from the 1960’s onwards."

"Just outside the CBD, you’ll find Mt Coot-tha – the closed mountain to the city, which from the top offers amazing panoramic views of the city. There is a range of activities for families to enjoy here, including bushwalks, picnics and even a planetarium. For brilliant views of Brisbane city – it is highly recommended to go to the observation deck where on a clear day you can see all the way out to Moreton Bay."

"If your little ones are interested in all things astronomical, then this is the place for them. You can view regular shows in the Cosmic Skydome which are projected onto the dome.These shows are recommended for different age groups, so check that detail when deciding which show to go to. There is also the Galaxy Gift Shop where you can buy all things cosmic."

"Set your eyes to the skies at The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium: the perfect place for the whole family to learn about stars, planets and all things space. Check out recreations of the night sky in the cosmic skydome, see fragments of asteroids and spacecraft models, and watch educational and entertaining feature shows."

"Enter the dazzling world of LightPlay where children can explore their artistic potential in an interactive space created especially for them!. Play with overhead projectors and illuminated light boxes and discover what happens when light is cast on different materials. Explore transparency, reflection and shadow as well as other properties of light."

"As a Covid safe compliance measure, visitors to Ipswich Art Gallery must currently pre-book their 90-minute sessions in advance. Ipswich Art Gallery is one..."

"One of the most visited regional art galleries in Queensland, the Ipswich Art Gallery is set in a handsome heritage building that was once the Town Hall"

"Queensland's most important heritage building, this 1862 showpiece was designed by estimable government architect Charles Tiffin as a residence for Sir George Bowen, Queensland’s first governor. The lavish innards were restored in 2009 and the property now offers free podcast and one-hour guided tours; the latter must be booked in advance. The first floor houses the William Robinson Gallery, dedicated to the great Australian artist and home to an impressive collection of his paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and ceramics."

"When Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859, it needed a new building to house its independent government. Today, you can learn about colonial life in Queensland by taking a tour of this building, Old Government House, and its grounds, including the drawing room, storeroom, and servant's hall. The museum also has a variety of historical artifacts, as well as video and multimedia exhibits."

"There’s nothing dusty or musty about this slick little timber building on the edge of the Old Petrie Town car park."

"Brainchild of Restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess, the highly anticipated Brisbane venture GRECA brings a crystalline focus to great food and fun times to the Brisbane foodie scene. Nestled within the heritage Howard Smith Wharves precinct, GRECA provides an interactive dining experience in the midst of the city’s waterfront entertainment mecca. GRECA serves a contemporary take on the traditional Greek taverna (think Kalamata olives, grilled whole sardines, calamari, lamb ribs and Greek doughnuts) while the menu is focused around communal eating, Mediterranean style."

"A gorgeous Brisbane restaurant with views of the water like no other, Greca isn't just setting a supreme dining scene. Join this seafood favourite for Mediterranean cuisine as you enjoy chargrilled meat, swordwish and sardines aplenty."

"Getta Burger is still trading and all stores are open for walk-in takeaway, Uber eats & phone orders. Even better news they've just launched an amazing $12 lunch deal including ‘The Getta Burger’ + combo fries and a drink. So go out and support local business while saving yourself some coin while you're at it!"

"Petrichor – the scent of earth after rain – is as invigorating and refreshing as its name suggests. Offering relaxing hydrotherapy, maternity packages, hot spa massage and more, Petrichor Day Spa provides the ultimate spa experience for a head to toe glow."

"Ask for the Aquarius Health & Medispa signature body wrap and you’ll be whisked away to a magical carefree place of serenity. It’s really that good. Mum can take her pick from hydrating and nourishing, or purifying and detoxifying."

"Offering a range of Australian-based treatments, Endota Spa has five great day spa Brisbane locations to make getting there a breeze. With blissful billabong footbaths, West Australian clay cocoons, and detox packages, your Mum – or you – will be feeling like a whole new stress-free person in no time!. Endota Spas are located in:"

"Boucher’s reputation may not be known among the inner-city connoisseurs, but to westside locals it’s a star. In a cosy dining room with intimate lighting and parquetry floors, seasoned chef Peter Carter serves up Gallic classics – think bouillabaisse, steak frites and chateaubriand – washed down by a French leaning wine list that ranges across regions and years. The location in pretty-as-a-picture Graceville accounts for the rest of the charm."

"Monday lunch on Brunswick Street just got a whole lot better… Blow a kiss to your work worries and blow off some steam at the dining destination, Bisou Bisou. Choose from a range of traditional dishes such as cod brandade beignets with saffron mayonnaise or Queensland seafood bouillabaisse with saffron rouille."

"After serving French cuisine at the Boundary Markets for over a year, Julien Fourniev and partner Ashar-Lee O’Neil decided to turn their popular market stall into a permanent restaurant. Cue The French Bistrot in West End. Julien’s experience working as a chef for four years in the south of France is evident in the disciplined and delicious offering at The French Bistrot."