Sorry, southerners, but bargain Brisbane is our coolest summer capital

Seemingly determined to keep residents and visitors ship-shape, Brisbane City Council offers an ongoing range of free and affordable classes and activities in its parks and pools from water aerobics, tai chi, qigong, pilates and yoga to scooter clinics, laser tag, rock climbing and abseiling. Those seeking something more languid can head to one of the city’s pretty parks such as New Farm. Visit here on a Saturday and wander the Jan Powers Powerhouse Markets or check out the regular free artistic offerings and exhibitions at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Want to save your 50¢ cents and put it towards a coffee (we are yet to find an affordable cup of joe in Brissie)? Walk to New Farm’s Sydney Street terminal and you can catch the free KittyCat ferry to North Quay. Or stretch your legs and amble along the Riverwalk for priceless views of the Story Bridge as you re-enter the CBD precinct.

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Head to King George Square and the Museum of Brisbane (MoB), where you can indulge in a free tour of the Clock Tower riding in one of the city’s oldest cage-lifts to witness what has kept this heritage-listed gem ticking for more than 90 years. On the third floor of the MoB, the New Light: Photography Now + Then exhibition runs until July 13.

Discover the nation’s largest and longest running free live music program City Sounds, which boasts pop-up venues all over the city and showcases everything from indie and folk to jazz. Best of all, it costs nothing, which is music to our ears. Just out of the city and a 50¢ bus ride away at Toowong, Mt Coot-Tha boasts spectacular botanic gardens, among which is perched the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium with its free entry and fascinating displays of the galaxy. Or head to the peak of Mt Coot-Tha for a sunrise or sunset overview of the city which is serving up affordability in spades right now.

THE DETAILS

Getting around
The Translink website has all the details on routes and payment options for public buses, ferries and trains. See translink.com.au

Visit
Information on Brisbane City Council pools and other free activities is at brisbane.qld.gov.au

For more on the APT at GoMA see qagoma.qld.gov.au

For more on NEON at the State Library see slq.qld.gov.au

For opening times and exhibits at the MoB museumofbrisbane.com.au

Stay
Oaks Hotels & Resorts have numerous properties in Brisbane and are offering a deal until February 27 – if you stay for two nights or more, you can save 20 per cent on any room type. Sign up as a free Oaks DISCOVERY member and you can save an additional 10 per cent. See oakshotels.com