The Best Hostels to Book in Brisbane, Australia

Cool off in the hostel pool after a long day of touring the city
Cool off in the hostel pool after a long day of touring the city | Courtesy of City Backpackers HQ / Expedia
Alice Duffield

Australia isn’t known for being the cheapest place to visit, but there are a few ways you can save some dosh; we’ve rounded up the best hostels in Brisbane that won’t have you itching from bed bugs or breaking the bank.

1. Brisbane Quarters

Hostel

The contemporary lobby with a geometric tiled floor and a bike turned into a desk at Brisbane Quarters hostel.
Courtesy of Brisbane Quarters / Expedia

The recently renovated Brisbane Quarters is unusually well-equipped for a budget hostel, offering backpackers a 20m outdoor pool, modern kitchen, fitness centre and a hearty breakfast every morning. Its five room-types accommodate all kinds of guests, comprising bunks in shared dorms, sleeping pods for solo travellers and groups of friends and private, ensuite rooms for couples. Foodies and night owls will love the proximity (about 15 minutes on foot) to the popping Fortitude Valley district, home to many of Brisbane’s best brunch spots, bars and clubs.

2. Breeze Lodge

Hostel, Lodge

Backpackers relaxing on the communal rooftop terrace at Breeze Lodge in Brisbane.
Courtesy of Breeze Lodge / Expedia

Kangaroo Point’s Breeze Lodge is a top choice for groups, offering bargain four- and six-bed rooms with their own bathrooms, available both as mixed and female-only. These accommodations, as well as the twin rooms and dorms, have access to a well-equipped shared kitchen as well as kitchenettes on every floor. Other communal spaces at this Brisbane hostel include a lounge area and a rooftop terrace. Walk 10 minutes to the Thornton Street Ferry Terminal, from where you can hop on a boat service that will take you all over the city.

3. Banana Bender Backpackers

Hostel

The yellow exterior of Banana Bender Backpackers hostel in Brisbane.
Courtesy of Banana Bender Backpackers / Expedia

On the edge of Brisbane’s Central Business District, the small and cheerful Banana Benders Hostel provides several mingling spaces, including a TV room with pool table, a well-equipped kitchen and a deck area overlooking the 287m Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane’s highest point. Accommodations are spread over private pods in mixed and women-only dorms and double, twin and triple private rooms with shared bathrooms. It’s a great option for sports fans, as the Suncorp Stadium is just five minutes away on foot.

5. Nomads Brisbane Hotel

Airport Hotel, Hostel

Backpackers relax on bean bags on the roof terrace at Nomads Brisbane Hostel with views of the city behind.
Courtesy of Nomads Brisbane Hostel / Expedia

Located in the super convenient central business district, Nomads is an easy walk to public transport and most tourist destinations. If you’re flying into Brisbane there’s a handy airport shuttle, while brekky options are also available as well as an onsite nightclub and rooftop terrace.

6. Summer House Backpackers

Hostel, Guesthouse

Backpackers relaxing in a communal lounge area at Summer House Brisbane.
Courtesy of Summer House Brisbane / Expedia

Summer House Backpackers is home to some amazing rooftop views over the river – and better yet provides a free Friday BBQ up there. Unlike many hostels in Brisbane, you’ll find free unlimited wifi throughout (not just the reception area!).

7. City Backpackers HQ

Hostel, Hotel

Bunk beds in a private room at City Backpackers HQ in Brisbane.
Courtesy of City Backpackers HQ / Expedia

You’ll be relieved to hear that this Brisbane hostel has a pool to cool off in after a long day of touring the city; you’ll also find a great terrace area and an in-house bar and lounge area if you’re not in the mood to head out.

8. Somewhere To Stay

Hostel

The pool patio shaded by towering palm trees at Somewhere to Stay in Brisbane.
Courtesy of Somewhere To Stay / Expedia

This characterful hostel is in Brisbane’s lively and creative West End. This is a great one for travellers who want a bit more of a local experience, being just minutes away from great shopping, food and clubs as well as public transport. Other perks that will be appreciated in hot summers are the air-conditioning and pool to cool off in.

9. Base Backpackers

Suite Hotel, Hostel

A large bed in a private guest room at Base Backpackers in Brisbane.
Courtesy of Base Backpackers / Expedia

Base is super convenient as it’s directly across the road from the Brisbane Transit Centre. Rooms are ensuite and air-conditioned, and there is one of Brisbane’s best hostel party bars onsite.

Looking for more Brisbane boltholes? Our guides to where to stay in Brisbane on a budget, the city’s best hotels, romantic rooms and beach accommodation has you covered – all bookable on Culture Trip.

Mark Nayler contributed additional reporting to this article.

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