Brisbane is one of Australia’s most thriving study destinations. Known for its warm welcome to international students, low-crime rates, safety, beautiful weather, cheap cost of living and respect for multiculturalism; many international students choose to study abroad in Brisbane every year.
In between growing your career options and kick-starting your professional journey at Queensford College, it is important you take a break and explore all of the unique experiences Brisbane has to offer!
Check out how you could spend your Saturday’s in Brisbane with this list of 16 things under $20:
1. Have a picnic at Kangaroo point
Pack a picnic basket of your favourite foods and rally up your best mates for a sunset picnic along Kangaroo point cliffs. Situated along Brisbane River, this popular hangout spot offers impressive Brisbane city views with access to public picnic tables, chairs and electric BBQ’s.
At the base of the cliff is a beautiful parkland filled with sculptures, mangroves and paths along the river. To work off your picnic feast, try running up the 107 steps from the base of the cliffs to the top, or have a go rock-climbing!
Cost: Free
2. Plan a hike through Mt Toohey Forrest
Located in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, just 10km from the CBD, is Mt Toohey Forrest. Take a break from study and try one of these 5 popular walking tracks that wind through large eucalypt forests, stunning grass trees and large sandstones. Keep your eyes open on your hike because Toohey Forest is home to a host of native animals including koalas, echidnas, gliders, 75 species of birds and an array of reptiles, butterflies and frogs!
Walking tracks range from 750 metres to 3.5km. Public transport is available to and from Toohey Forrest.
Pro Tip: Make sure to pack a water bottle and hat!
Cost: Free
3. Take a swim at Southbank
This massive beach-style lagoon in the heart of Brisbane city is one of the most popular tourist destinations the city has to offer. If you’re keen to beat the heat, set up a towel on the sand, put on your sunscreen and take a dip in the cool waters of Streets Beach! There are plenty of people sunbathing, swimming and soaking up the good vibes under the palm trees.
There are also plenty of alfresco cafes, bars and restaurants around if you decide to take a break from swimming for a bite to eat!
Cost: Free
4. Enjoy a cocktail at the Elixir rooftop bar in the Valley
Dress up and take a night off to visit one of Brisbane’s most popular rooftop bars. Indulge in a cocktail, boutique wine or one of the 15 local craft beers on tap under the stars and unwind with your study buddies. The roof top hosts day-bed seating with cushions, high tables and seats around the bar, lined with leafy green ferns, plants and fairy lights. #magical
Cost: Average $9-$15 for drinks
5. Visit GOMA
For a taste of art and culture visit the Queensland Art Gallery or the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) at Southbank. Between them the two galleries showcase a range of world-class art exhibitions that will have you contemplating life and human existence.
Check out GOMA for more details.
Cost: Free
6. Drive to Cedar Creek Falls for an adventure
Take a drive 30 minutes out of Brisbane to Cedar Creek Falls and spend the day relaxing in rock pools or splashing around under waterfalls. There is heaps to do and see, with picnic tables, chairs, BBQ’s and fishing spots available.
Pro tip: The upper end of the creek has a semi-submerged cave and jumping spot! Check it out!
Cost: Free
7. City cycle along Brisbane River – then take River Cat back
Chances are you haven’t ridden a bicycle since you were 12! As we get older we tend to forget the little things that used to make us happy. Take a break from study and rent a Brisbane City cycle bike for an hour.
Feel the breeze through your hair and cruise up the river, returning it at one of the several City Cycle stations along the way. Then hop on the free River Cat for a relaxing trip back down Brisbane River.
Pro Tip: Register your casual bike hire here.
Cost: $2
8. Feast at Eat Street Markets
Eat Street markets is a culinary experience unlike any other in the world. Home to over 180 gourmet food stalls presented in brightly coloured shipping containers, Eat Street markets is the place to let your taste buds go wild. A true landmark to the Brisbane & South East Queensland dining and entertainment scene, a few of Eat Streets most popular dishes include: doughnut ice-cream cones, gourmet candied apples, 1L cups of iced tea and Spanish paella!
Pro tip: Do a least 2 laps of the markets before buying any food! That way you can budget money for dishes you know you want to try without missing out.
Cost: $10-$20
9. Watch the Sunset at Mt Coo-tha
Drive or hike up Mt Coo-tha for stunning views of the Brisbane city skyline. Watch the sun slip away between skyscrapers and office buildings from the observatory deck or from the comfort of the Kuta Café.
Pro tip: Open till 11pm, the Kuta café is a great place to grab ice-cream, coffee or yummy snacks and chill out with mates late at night!
Cost: Free
10. Go shopping in Queen Street Mall
You can’t go to class looking unorganised! Spend your weekend browsing through any one of the 700+ stores in Queen Street Mall! A few of our favourite include: Uniqlo, ZARA and H&M.
Cost: $20
11. Have Brunch in Paddington
After a cheeky Saturday brunch in one of the coolest spots in Brisbane? Known for being filled with vintage stores, boutique shops and tonnes of gourmet cafes, Paddington is every hipster’s go-to brunch spot.
Head to the Fox and Rabbit café for an incredible feast of bone ham, scrambled eggs, caramelised onion jam, vintage cheddar and bourbon baked beans on toast, Sassafras; for crunchy honeycomb butter pancakes or Darling and Co for a twist on the classic omelette topped with luscious green paw paw, coriander and chilli.
Cost: $15-25
12. Have Dinner in China Town
Bursting with colour, exotic smells and ancient Chinese art work Brisbane’s China Town precinct is like no other. These mostly B.Y.O (bring your own alcohol) restaurants are a great way to taste traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai or Japanese food with friends on a relatively cheap budget.
Pro tip: Try the Vietnam House for some authentic Vietnamese Pho or Prawn and Pork rice paper rolls! Yummy!
Cost: $8-$20
13. Grab a Coffee in New Farm Park
New Farm Park is a quiet place of to come, relax and admire beauty. Located on the Brisbane river and surrounded by Jacaranda trees, New Farm Park is home to a rose gardens, rolling green fields, interconnected tree houses, aged banyan trees and an extensive playground.
On Sunday a jazz bands frequently plays in the pavilion and the park is usually inundated by picnickers, families and Sunday strollers. This is a great place to grab a coffee, sit on a park bench and watch the world go by!
Cost: $4
14. Pick up Fresh Free Food at Epicurious
The Epicurious Garden is a community based garden located at Southbank and is a must-visit destination for foodies and gardening fans. It is a giant edible garden filled with rare and exotic plants, herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables. All of the produce in the garden is organic and is grown locally by volunteers.
From 7am-2pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the public are welcome to collect free produce from the gardens harvest. Its first in, first served, so be quick to get in and avoid disappointment!
Cost: Free
15. Go to Strike in the Wintergarden
This popular place is often packed by international students every Saturday night for their cheap eats, drinks and unique night life fun. Featuring a resident DJ, 12 bowling alleys, an amazing laser tag arena, pool tables, private karaoke rooms and 3 spooky Exitus puzzle rooms, Strike Wintergarden is the ultimate place for a memorable night out!
Cost:
Bowling: $6 a game
Laser tag: $12 a game
Private Karaoke: $80 an hour
16. Play Mini-golf at Victoria Park
Who doesn’t love a bit of competition? Grab a friend and head down to Victoria Golf Park for a challenging 18 hole game of mini golf. Featuring a variation of terrains from rocks, to sand, to water, and swinging elements, this mini golf course is sure to bring out the best golfer in you!
Not only does it have city views and a fully licensed bar, it is also opened 6am till late Tuesday – Sunday.
Cost: $16
Choosing Your Course
Queensford College is here to help. Queensford College is a nationally recognised registered training organisation (RTO) and is an emerging choice of students abroad in helping them succeed academically and professionally. It is a gateway to what quality education in Sydney can offer. Here are some of the courses offered:
For more course information visit our course page or you can read more about our International Student Program here.
Become a qualified chef, aged care worker, business manager or accountant at our Queensford College Sydney Campus today! Take a look at our range of courses here. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364
