10 Of The Best Cheap Activities In Brisbane And Beyond For Under $20
Girls just wanna have funds
By Caitlin Napier | 8th June 2022When it comes to the finer things in life (weather, food, fashion, fun – you get the drift) Brisbane has it in abundance. And, if you’re balling on a budget or simply don’t wish to splash too much cash, there are a plethora of cheap activities on offer for the whole fam. One could never be lost for something to do so we found 10 activities for under $20 to keep you and your bank balance happy.
By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here! Hide the form
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Yatala Drive In
Yatala
Retire Netflix for the night and take a wholesome trip down memory lane to watch your favourite stars under the stars at the Yatala Drive In. The 60s-style theatre boasts three fields with large outdoor screens playing everything from the latest blockbusters to retro classics – simply tune in old school-style through your car’s FM radio. There’s also an American style diner and snack bar complete with Cadillac couches and James Dean tributes, offering movie-goers old classics like hot chips, choc tops, and burgers. A night at the Yatala Drive-In will only set you back $40 for a carload of up to six people, so pack the snacks, pillows, and plenty of popcorn!
Price: $40 carload (up to six people) or $16 for adults and $10 for children.
Felons Brewing Hall Trivia Night
Brisbane City
Let’s get quizzical! If you fancy yourself as a bit of a quiz maestro, rally the gang and stake your claim as Brisbane’s ultimate pub trivia experts! Felons Brewing Hall hosts an epic trivia night every Wednesday from 7.30pm accompanied with ice cold brews and delicious bites. It’s the perfect way to break up your working week and at the bargain price of only $4 (with the potential to win over $600), it’s a no-brainer.
Price: $4 per person
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Kangaroo Point
Sometimes the best things in life truly are free. If you’ve never wandered Kangaroo Point’s stunning cliffside in Brisbane’s inner south then you’re seriously missing out. With the expanse of the river stretching out below you and arguably the best views of Brisbane’s picturesque skyline, it’s the perfect place to pack a picnic and watch the sun dip below the glassy buildings. If heights aren’t your thing, try heading down the stairs to Captain Burke Park to explore the riverside by scooter, setting you back only 30c per minute.
Price: Free
Victoria Park Putt Putt
Herston
Polish those putters and gather your nearest and dearest to get down on the green at Victoria Park’s putt putt course. With unrivalled views of the city’s skyline and neighbouring lush green parklands, you’ll be swinging through all 18 holes with some pretty epic views. The course is also fully licensed so you can sip ‘n’ swing, ordering through the QR codes located at each hole. Make a day of it and explore the precinct – there’s a driving range if you want to level up your skills and a playground for the little ones. There’s even a jumping castle on the weekend! Happy putting!
Price: $20 for adults and $14 for children
Old Petrie Town
Whiteside
Travel back in time only 40 minutes north of the CBD at Old Petrie Town! This unique hidden gem houses an array of specialty stores within charming historic buildings spread across acres of lush parkland. Wander the old-timey streets from Wednesday to Sunday, with the restored village also hosting a moonlight market on Friday nights as well as the popular Sunday markets – expect handmade goods, eclectic finds, and delicious local produce.
Price: Free entry
Iceworld
Acacia Ridge, Boondall
Get your skates on with this heart-warming experience! Bundle up and glide around Iceworld’s Olympic-sized rinks found in both Acacia Ridge and Boondall. $20 will get adults a two hour skate sesh ($18 for kids) with everyone welcome from axel jumping experts to tiny tots hitting the ice. Brave the chill long enough and you’ll catch the rink turning into a disco dance floor at the end of each session with funky tunes to match so you can belt out some bangers while gilding around. Starting to feel the chill? Warm up with an indulgent hot chocolate from the cosy coffee shop overlooking the ice.
Price: $20 for adults and $18 for children
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Toowong
Fancy some intergalactic entertainment? Forget Star Wars, star gaze instead at Queensland’s largest planetarium located in Mt Coot-tha’s botanic gardens. Take a (free) astronomical journey through the observatory, sundial courtyard, and mini theatre where you may stumble across asteroid fragments, star clusters, and even a world-class replica of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo spacesuit. $15 will get you entry into the popular Cosmic Skydome where immersive space shows and realistic recreations of Brisbane’s night sky are projected.
Price: Free entry
Eat Street
Hamilton
Feast your eyes on a real treat! Shrouded by brightly coloured shipping containers under the glow of thousands of fairy lights is Eat Street Northshore – a true foodie’s paradise. Fill your boots every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night with anything from wood-fired pizza, freshly shucked oysters, and Japanese okonomiyaki to salted caramel funnel cakes and delicious donuts. If you’re strapped for cash, don’t stress; the ambience alone is enough to warrant a visit with a variety of live music and even an outdoor cinema.
Price: $5 entry, kids under 12 are free
Suitcase Rummage
Brisbane City
This bi-monthly market is a bargain hunter’s dream. Rifle through the vintage suitcases of artists, makers, designers, and re-sellers to find your next treasure. Wardrobe overflowing? For only a $10 vendor registration fee you can get in on the action too. Bartering and swapping is all on the cards so if you’re a thrifty shopaholic with some time to kill on a Saturday, this one’s for you.
Price: Free entry
Merthyr Bowls Club
New Farm
Perched on the banks of the river with sprawling views to match, Merthyr Bowls Club is the perfect place to unlace your sneaks and kick back for a few hours of frugal fun! $10 will get you two hours of barefoot bowls, offered from Wednesday to Sunday. Throw in some riverfront dining and ice cold drinks and you’ve pretty much nailed your weekend plans.
Price: $10 entry
