Stradbroke Island is wunderbar indeed, and the Point Lookout Chalets offer eccentric and inexpensive accommodation. Small fibro purple and flower painted huts with international newspapers pasted on the ceilings and views through pandanas palms to the ocean. If you are not into camping from scratch and can't afford a lodge, then check out the huts available at Binna-Burra for around forty dollars a night on the edge of a valley. These are replete with small balcony each, double bed, cupboard and table with chairs. There are also markets at Riverside and Southbank on various days.
Some places request a small fee.
The City Council administers a number of cultural venues. The Institute of Modern Art springs to mind as a potential procurer of social life - however peculiar. Party on the State For free stuff and nearly free stuff, check out the film screenings and lectures given at the State Library , and the many walks and bus-rides mapped out by the local council . These may not be free, but shouldn't cost too much. The Zoo often has top Brissie bands on at the weekends.