The Best Hostels to Book in Brisbane, Australia

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.

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.

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.

Solo backpackers looking to make new friends should check out Chill Backpackers, a clean, comfy hostel in Brisbane located a short stroll from the Roma Street bus and train terminus. Weekly activities for guests include pool tournaments, quizzes and drinking games, and social spaces comprise a movie room and open-air decks with city and river views, where you can kick back with your own booze. The hostel sleeps travellers either in mixed or female-only dorms or private rooms, and staff can provide tips on what to do in Brisbane as well as arrange transport to other East Coast destinations.

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.

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!).

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.

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.

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.