10+ Things to do Solo in Brisbane on a Budget

Are you looking for something fun to do in Brisbane solo?

If you are interested in budget-friendly things to do in Brisbane that are just as fun to do alone as they are with a group, check out this list of the best budget-friendly things to do solo in Brisbane.

I don’t get much time alone since having kids, but now that they are in school, I have the chance to explore Brisbane on my own.

While I have a car, I prefer to take public transportation.

All of these activities are easy for me to complete during school hours and get to on public transportation. We live in the inner Brisbane city suburbs.

That means that they would be easy for all solo travelers who are staying in Brisbane City.

Here are my current favorite things to do solo in Brisbane. Of course, you could also do these activities with a partner or friend.

Go To The Spa (On A Budget)

The French Beauty Academy

I have found the perfect place to relax on a budget. The French Beauty Academy is a beauty school that offers cheap treatments. Their options change, but so far, I have had a massage, facial, and manicure.

I have also gotten my makeup done for free. Not only is it free, but they then gift you a $10 coupon to come back for another treatment.

Waxing and makeup are free to $5 (with a $10 coupon for a later activity if they are free).

Massages and facials are usually $20 to $30. I had the aromatherapy massage, which is $30 for an hour and 15 minutes, and it was amazing. That was my favorite treatment so far.

I will be going back. I am signed up for a hot stone massage next.

They also offer spray tanning, eyelash extensions, cellulite treatments, and various packages depending on the time of year.

So far, I have had the evening makeup done as well as the theatrical makeup. The theatre makeup is always Alice in Wonderland-themed. Thankfully, removal is part of that process, so I did not have to go to school pick up with theatre makeup on!

They also offer daytime, creative, runway, and airbrush makeup, among others.

The schedule changes often, and you never know what kind of treatments will be added (or taken off).

The French Beauty Academy is my current favorite place to go alone when I have a free day in Brisbane and don’t want to spend too much money.

The Brisbane School Of Hairdressing

I was in desperate need of a haircut, and I found the Brisbane School of Hairdressing. They offer a variety of treatments as well, but so far, I am happy with the $25 haircut I received. Maybe when I get through all of the treatments at the French Beauty Academy, I will check out their treatments.

It is easy to book online at the French Beauty Academy, but I recommend calling the Brisbane School of Hairdressing. I made a few appointments online, but they were always canceled. It does not seem like their online services line up with their actual calendar.

Both schools are in the middle of the city and are easy to reach by public transportation.

Q Academy

Walking down the street one day, months into living here, I finally noticed Q Academy just a few blocks away.

Whether they are new or just new to me, it is time to check them out!

Q Academy is a massage school, and they offer 1 or 2-hour student massages.

You choose between a relaxation massage and a remedial treatment. A one-hour massage costs $35 while a two-hour massage is $60.

They do have professional massages available as well for $80-$100.

Booking can be done online, and you can choose from a variety of dates and times.

The students performing the remedial treatment massage have done more coursework and are looking to solve issues such as headaches and joint pain.

Go Window Shopping

I like to look more than buy, so shopping isn’t (always) an expensive activity for me.

James Street is close by and has the kind of fancy shops that I like to browse. There is the Palace Theatre on James Street, too, which shows both current and older movies as well as film festivals.

Boundary Street in the West End is another fun place to browse the shops.

Queen Street Mall is the closest to the center of the city and reminds me of shopping in New York City. There are a variety of shops from Chanel and Tiffany to Target and Big W.

Shopping Centers are generally the same, so I suggest going to whichever is easiest for you. For me, Chermside and Indooroopilly are easy to get to by public transportation. They all have movie theatres, and matinee movies tend to be cheaper.

Running errands is not relaxing, so I try to have a specific day for errands so I can enjoy my free time alone in Brisbane.

Ride A Bike Or a Scooter

Since I have been in Brisbane, the bikes and scooters have changed. Now, there are green scooters that can be accessed through the Lime app.

Prices vary, and it depends on how often you plan to ride. They are not cheap per minute, but the price goes down with daily or monthly passes.

While you can no longer rent a bicycle by the minute, you can rent one from a shop.

I am not yet brave enough to ride the scooter alone, but I am confident on the bicycles. If you are brave enough, they both offer a fun way to help you get around on your day out alone in Brisbane.

Brisbane is full of hills, so electric bicycles and scooters can be very helpful.

Head To A Museum

So many museums are free in Brisbane.

Some of them have special exhibits that have a charge, so your best bet is to check out their website before you go, so you know exactly what you want to see and if it is worth the money to you.

Museum of Brisbane (MOB)

The Museum of Brisbane is free except for some of its workshops.

You can always walk around the museum for free. They also offer free tours.

I recommend the Clock Tower Tour. It is less than 15 minutes long and starts at the Museum of Brisbane.

The Museum of Brisbane is located on the 3rd floor of Brisbane City Hall by King George Square in the Brisbane City CBD. It is easily accessible by public transportation and within walking distance of Queen Street Mall.

Queensland Museum

Check out what is on at the Queensland Museum before your visit. There are plenty of free exhibits.

Queensland Museum is a cultural, science, and natural history museum located in Southbank at the Cultural Centre.

There is a charge for Sparklab, but it is for children, and I wouldn’t visit alone. If you do have children, it is worth checking out. We bought a family annual pass, which was worth the cost for my science-loving children.

They also have special exhibitions that have a charge for entry.

The Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery Of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

QAGOMA is separated into 2 different buildings that are near each other.

Exhibits are usually free, and you can check out what is currently on here.

Like the Queensland Museum, they do have special paid exhibits at times.

GOMA also has a variety of free movies you are sure not to see anywhere else (and also some popular old movies) at their Cinematheque.

QUT Art Museum

The QUT Art Museum is on the Queensland University campus and is always free.

The museum is near Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, which is a beautiful place to walk around, and it is near the river.

There are markets in the gardens on Sundays, and the museum is open on Sundays.

Watch A Free Movie At GOMA

The Gallery of Modern Art has a beautiful movie theatre with free movie showings.

Cinematheque includes a variety of films that you are unlikely to see elsewhere.

Showings are on Wednesdays and Weekends.

Get a Coffee or Bubble Tea, or Whatever You Enjoy

I have found that you can’t go wrong with coffee in Brisbane. I don’t want anything fancy, just a flat white or a latte.

To be honest, I usually make my coffee at home and only get one out when I meet up with a friend, but if I want to get out of the house and just relax, bringing a book to a cafe is perfect.

Bubble Tea is more of a treat. Still, I prefer to sit down, relax, and enjoy my bubble tea.

If I am having a nice day out alone in Brisbane, I try not to rush around.

Go to the Library

I love to read, and I love to just walk around and look at books. There are a bunch of libraries around Brisbane, but I find that the Brisbane Square Library is perfect for wandering.

It is close enough to shops and restaurants, and easy to get to on public transportation.

On Wednesdays, there is a market right outside.

You do not need a library card to walk around the library. You only need one to check out books or use the computer.

Walk Along the River

The Brisbane River runs through the city, and there is a path along most of the river.

It doesn’t matter where you go; the views are nice.

If you get tired, you can always take a City Cat boat back to where you started.

Take a Tour with Brisbane Greeters

Do you want to learn more about a neighborhood? Maybe you do not want to walk around alone.

Take a free tour with Brisbane Greeters. Tours are offered in 20 languages.

You can choose from a neighborhood-specific tour to a themed tour or even let the guide decide where to go.

16 Free Guided Tours in Brisbane

Go on a Fashion Tour in Fortitude Valley

For those who are interested in fashion, there is a 3-hour tour with Britt’s List.

The $20 admission includes a tote bag and discounts to stores that are visited.

The Parliament Building

Free guided tours are offered Monday-Friday at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm unless Parliament is in session.

Parliament tours are approximately 30 minutes long.

Take a Bush Tucker Tour of Roma Street Parklands

Of course, Roma Street Parklands are beautiful gardens to wander through any time, but if you are interested, they have free tours.

Book quickly as their Bush Tucker and the Rainforest tours book out.

Roma Street Parklands is currently offering other free tours as well, such as 20 Years of Roma Street Parklands, which focuses on the design and history of the park.

Other current free tours include Art in the Park, Spectacle Garden in Colin Campbell Place, and Albert Park 1877-2001.

See What is on at Brisbane Powerhouse

For all things art and culture, check out the Brisbane Powerhouse.

The Powerhouse has a beautiful location near the river. It can be easily reached by scooter or bicycle. There is a bus stop not too far away.

Sometimes there is a free art exhibit at Brisbane Powerhouse, and live music on select weekends.

How Would You Spend a Day Out Alone in Brisbane?

What am I missing? Are there any budget-friendly ideas you have for a day out alone in Brisbane?

What do you like to do when you have a day alone in your city?

I have realized that I do not take pictures when I am out alone! That is something to work on.

More Ways to Spend a Day in Brisbane

• Free Guided Tours in Brisbane
• Day Tours from Brisbane
• Date Night Ideas in Brisbane
• Story Bridge Climb
• 1 Day in Brisbane Itinerary, 3 Ways
• Finding Fairy Doors in Brisbane

Things to do Solo in Brisbane FAQ

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