Sorry, southerners, but this bargain city is our coolest summer capital

From a free Neon signs exhibition at the State Library to its 50¢ fares on public ferries, trains and buses anywhere in south-east Queensland, visitors could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stepped back into 1980s Brisbane.

A ride on the CityCat costs just 50¢.

Not since spiral perms were in vogue has Brisbane offered such value for money. Sure, the southern states have daylight saving, but when it comes to your hip pocket, that old joke that Brisbane is one hour and 30 years behind other eastern capitals may just ring true.

Former Queensland premier Steven Miles introduced 50¢ fares into the south-east corner last August as an election sweetener which proved more popular than an icy pole on a scorching day. While Miles didn’t win at the ballot box, it would have been political suicide for successor David Crisafulli to scrap public transport rides for the cost of a silver coin, and so these fares are here to stay.

Start your jaunty journey on the CityCat to the State Library where, until February 8, the free Neon exhibition pays homage to Brisbane king of hairdressing Stefan Ackerie and his signature rainbow signage. Travellers of a certain vintage may also remember the Gold Coast’s Pink Poodle Motel, Fortitude Valley’s King of Kings Chinese Restaurant and the iconic Castlemaine Brewery XXXX man, all famously flashing at this venue.

For those who can’t make it to Brisbane before Neon ends, there are plenty of other free activities to enjoy. Next door, the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) hosts the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT) until April 27, showcasing 70 artists from more than 30 countries. Hot tip: check out the peculiar performance art of Thai-born Kawita Vatanajyankur and Pat Pataranutaporn from the US.

The State Library’s NEON exhibition is on until February 8.Credit: Joe Ruckli

Creative curiosity sated, loll in the lagoon at South Bank’s Street’s Beach, which is free, patrolled and the only inner city, man-made beach in Australia. Or you could grab your 50¢ and catch a bus, train or ferry to one of the city’s 22 council pools, where a $2 swim (until the end of summer) will cost you less than a post-dip ice block.

Among the plethora of cool pools from which to choose, the heritage-listed Spring Hill Baths are a standout as Brisbane’s first in-ground pool built in 1886.

South Bank’s Street’s Beach is free, patrolled and the only inner city, man-made beach in Australia.Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

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