Brisbane on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
Yes, Brisbane is one of the easier Australian cities on a budget thanks to free galleries, a free city beach and 50-cent transport. Allow about A$120 a day per person for a hostel or shared room, cheap meals and one paid sight.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | A$55 | A$120 | A$250 |
| Food & drink | A$45 | A$90 | A$170 |
| Sights & tickets | A$15 | A$60 | A$160 |
| Local transport | A$3 | A$10 | A$50 |
| Per person, per day | A$118 | A$280 | A$630 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Brisbane day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Streets Beach and the South Bank Parklands
- The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
- The City Botanic Gardens and the riverside walk
- Watching the climbers and the view from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs
- Mount Coot-tha Lookout and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens
- The Queensland Museum at South Bank (permanent galleries)
Cheap eats
- Bánh mì in West End or Inala: about A$8–12
- Food-court lunch in the CBD: about A$12–18
- Pub schnitzel or steak night special: about A$18–25
- Pie or sausage roll from a bakery: about A$6–9
- Dumplings in Sunnybank: about A$12–20 a plate
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in hostels in Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill or near Roma Street, with dorm beds roughly A$35–60. Book ahead for school holidays and major events.
Getting around cheaply
Use TransLink's 50-cent fares on buses, trains and CityCats with a Go Card or contactless card. The Airtrain from the airport is privately run and costs about A$20–25; airport buses or a shared ride can be cheaper for groups.
A sample budget day
- Morning: CityCat from New Farm to South Bank (A$0.50) and GOMA (free)
- Lunch: food court or bakery, about A$15
- Afternoon: swim at Streets Beach, then bus 430 to Lone Pine (A$0.50 + about A$60 entry), or free Kangaroo Point Cliffs
- Evening: pub meal special in West End, about A$25
- Total: about A$120 including a dorm bed, or less if you skip Lone Pine
More ways to save
- Ride the CityCat end to end for a 50-cent river cruise past the city skyline.
- Look for pub 'steak night' or 'parmy night' specials during the week.
- Fill your water bottle at public fountains around South Bank.
- Visit North Stradbroke Island on public transport plus the ferry (about A$20–30 return) instead of a tour.
- Choose a hostel with a free breakfast and kitchen.
- Walk the CBD and riverside instead of using paid sightseeing buses.
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Common questions
Can I visit Brisbane on a budget?
Yes. Free galleries, a free city beach, 50-cent transport and cheap Asian food in West End and Sunnybank keep costs down. Allow about A$120 a day.
What is free in Brisbane?
GOMA and the Queensland Art Gallery, Streets Beach, the Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha Lookout and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
What is the cheapest way from the airport?
The Airtrain costs about A$20–25 one way; groups may find a shared Uber similar or cheaper.