Brisbane Greeters

Brisbane Greeters is a free, volunteer-run walking tour service, who show visitors and locals around the city they know well. It describes itself as a free public service open to everyone, has been running for around eight years and has hosted more than 80,000 people. More than 100 volunteer Greeters take part, and between them they speak more than 20 languages, which makes the service especially useful for visitors who would prefer a tour in their own language.

There are two main formats. Greeter's Choice tours leave every day at 10am, seven days a week, and follow a route chosen by the Greeter based on what they find most interesting about the city, so no two walks are quite the same. Your Choice tours are tailored: you choose up to three interests or one area, and the service matches you with a suitable Greeter. Interests on offer include public art and contemporary design, the major cultural attractions, heritage buildings, education and scientific discovery, sport, Aboriginal heritage, the penal colony and early settlement, and the city's wartime history, including its American chapter. Areas cover the city precincts, the riverside precincts and the parklands and gardens. In total there are more than eight tour options.

Tours meet outside Brisbane City Hall at the King George Square entrance. Booking is made online through the Greeters' booking page, and because places depend on volunteer availability, it is wise to book as early as possible, particularly for a Your Choice tour in a specific language. The tours are family-friendly, and disabled access is available; contact the team to discuss your needs.

Brisbane Greeters suits first-time visitors who want an orientation on their first morning, solo travellers looking for company and local insight, and anyone curious about the stories behind the buildings. Because the walks start at City Hall, they combine naturally with the Museum of Brisbane and its free clock tower tours in the same building, or with morning tea at the Shingle Inn, the 1936 tea room whose original fit-out has been rebuilt inside City Hall. General enquiries go to Brisbane City Council on 07 3403 8888.