SPRING has sprung and it's time to get ready for adventure - a fun-filled day out in beautiful Brisbane just got a whole lot better with free off-peak travel for seniors, meaning you don't need to spend a cent to enjoy river views, local history, world-class gardens, classes and culture.
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Brisbane City Council has made all bus, ferry and CityCat trips free for seniors who travel on weekdays from 8.30am to 3.30pm and 7pm to 6am.
Weekends just got better too, with free bus travel for seniors all day and all night, helping you to enjoy Brisbane's beautiful climate and connect with family and friends.
There's so much to see and do in Brisbane, so here's a guide to the perfect budget-friendly day out.
Morning meander: Take a morning bus to the Cultural Centre and wander through the South Bank Parklands. The Nepalese Pagoda offers a cool and calming retreat, and the Epicurious Garden has edible herbs, vegetables and fruits that can be tasted from the harvest cart on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Guided gardens: Hop on the Citycat at South Bank 1 ferry terminal (bound for Northshore Hamilton) and enjoy the quick river crossing to QUT ferry terminal. From here it's a shady stroll to the Gardens Club Café for a cuppa, before joining a free guided garden discovery tour at the rotunda at 11am.
Cruisey afternoon: Returning to QUT ferry terminal, take a 25-minute CityCat ride (bound for Northshore Hamilton) past the gleaming CBD towers, under the Story Bridge, and disembark at one of Brisbane's most-loved greenspaces, New Farm Park. Here you'll be spoilt for choice of afternoon activities!
There's the sweet rose garden and picnic lawns under gorgeous old Jacarandas if you'd like to laze in the park. Visit Brisbane Powerhouse for an ever-engaging rotation of free exhibitions and events and enjoy a bite to eat or a cheeky afternoon tipple by the river. Council's New Farm Library is also nearby, with a schedule bursting with free classes and events, as well as the catalogue of books, magazines, music, movies and more.
Local heritage and art: When you're done exploring the New Farm precinct, take a free off-peak bus (such as nearby 199 and 196 services) and hop off in the city. You'll be a short stroll away from the Museum of Brisbane, located on level three of City Hall, with a host of free exhibitions open from 10am to 5pm daily, including the recently opened New Woman, which reveals the art, personal stories and enduring legacies of Brisbane's most significant female artists over the past 100 years. Wrap up the day with a free City Hall Clock Tower tour, which leaves every 15 minutes. Your homeward bus connections are not far away, with city bus stations and street-side stops all part of Council's transport network to get you home quicker and safer.
Travel tips
Make sure you've got a senior go card or go+ card before your day out, and simply tap your card when you get on and off to make sure your trip is free.
Seniors can apply for a senior go card online via the TransLink website or at a go card retailer. To see if you are eligible for a senior go card visit the TransLink website.
Find out more
Brisbane.qld.gov.au - find more to see and do, including free events at the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm Library, Museum of Brisbane and City Hall Clock Tower information
Translink.com.au - to apply for a senior go card, check fares and timetables, and to plan your journey.