The Best Holiday Apartments to Rent in Brisbane, Australia

Evolution Apartments are located directly by the Brisbane River | © Morgan Suites / Booking.com

4 November 2021

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As Brisbane prepares – in good time – for the 2032 Olympic Games, visitors are discovering a dizzying choice of attractions and experiences in the river city. To enjoy everything it offers like a local, book a holiday apartment in Brisbane, and stay a little longer so you’re not rushing and missing out. Here, we take the hassle out of choosing where you should stay – and every property is bookable with Culture Trip.

Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites, for a super-central location

Blue-tiled rooftop pool at the Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites with a view of the surrounding skyscrapers

Choose either a one- or two-bedroom apartment with a kitchenette in the heart of the city on Albert Street, in Brisbane’s CBD (Central Business District). It’s so well placed – take a leisurely stroll to shops and restaurants as workers hurry into their offices for the day; then, saunter back and settle in again. All the creature comforts are on hand – there’s a gym and, most importantly, a 25ft-long (8m) heated swimming pool with a sundeck to relax on, which will really make those office workers green with envy as you bronze.

Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites, for cool-pool factor

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Glass-fronted balcony at Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites, with evening views of the city, Brisbane River and a lit bridge below

You cannot get more of a central location on Queen Street. This 67-storey modern apartment block has one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with views of either the CBD or the river. An outside swimming pool and a whirlpool tub are both all yours to relax in, and there’s a decent gym for sweaty workouts. This is real local-style living – invite your new best friends around for drinks on the large balcony. Only a brief walk to the river boardwalk, connecting to either New Farm or the Botanic Gardens, Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites is just the ticket for lazy strolls or energetic runs.

Evolution Apartments, for families

Bedroom at Evolution Apartments, with a double bed and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city below

These super-spacious apartments have impressive dining and lounge facilities, not to mention fine balconies overlooking the Southbank precinct. Staying here, you’re just a short stroll away from both the CBD and Southbank. It’s the ideal location for families with young kids or couples wanting to take a stroll along the riverfront. Head up to the 36th floor to the Sky Lounge, complete with a kitchen, a billiards table and epic city views. As a guest, you also have access to a cinema room, BBQ facilities and a 24-hour front desk – all the benefits of a hotel, only more local and private.

Annexe Apartments, for club and pub proximity

Balcony at Annexe Apartments, with blue chairs and city views

On the city’s fringe, in the inner suburb of Herston, are these attractive self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments. With full laundry facilities as well as Foxtel and wifi access, they are the business for wannabe-local visitors. Fancy going out? This central location is less than 1km (0.6mi) from the shops, bars, clubs and live music venues in Fortitude Valley. If you’re in the city for a hospital visit or appointment, you’re well placed staying here: the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital is located directly opposite the apartment complex.

Arise Soda, for barbecue and bronzing

Rooftop pool at the Arise Soda at dusk, with views of the surrounding skyline

If you’re after proximity to the Southbank and West End, it doesn’t get any better than staying at this Cordelia Street option. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments all cut the city-break mustard, kitted out with modern open-plan lounge and dining areas. What truly sets Soda apart is the rooftop pool, cleverly cantilevered over Cordelia Street. With barbecue facilities and a 360-degree view for you to enjoy, you may never need to leave the high life as it is lived at Arise Soda. So relax, and work on that suntan.

Kozyguru South Brisbane, for free car parking

Balcony at the Kozyguru South Brisbane, bathed in a warm sunset light

Fancy holing up in the hip suburb of West End, a short drive to Southbank and the city? Take a break at this one-bedroom apartment – a great place to lay your head. The property comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a lounge room and has the breezy benefit of air conditioning. For more cool solutions, head to the rooftop pool for an idle afternoon – the fine views are, of course, free. There’s good news if you’re motoring, too – the onsite car parking won’t cost you a cent.

Menso at Southbank, for boutique hotel hipdom

Turquoise rooftop pool at the Menso at Southbank under a blue sky

Select a slick, modern and spick-and-span studio apartment – or one of the single- or two-bedroomed suites – at Menso Southbank, and settle in for a decidedly cool boutique hotel stay, with the Parklands mere minutes away on foot. The bedrooms are bright and zesty, in chocolate and white tones, with lime-accented cushions and soft furnishings. The funky Suzy’s Bar in house is open from 10am until late at night. Or there’s a handy rooftop pool and outdoor facilities for the hot days, with views towards Mount Coot-tha: the ideal setting for sunset drinks.

Morgan Suites, for elegant apartment living

Modest outdoor pool at the Morgan Suites

In Brisbane just for the weekend? Or are you perhaps thinking of staying for the long term? Either way, Morgan Suites has you covered – it comprises three adjacent apartment blocks at 12- 18 Merivale Street, South Brisbane. There’s Artisan (at number 18), home to apartments with, in some cases, generous balconies; stay here, and you get a pool and a gym. Or consider Station 16, adjacent to the CBD, where 67 one- and two-bedroom apartments have secure onsite parking plus access to a pool and fitness centre. Finally, Basse Apartments (at number 14) gives you the facilities of both alternatives above and looks really stylish, with Scandi-style light furniture. It’s a win-win-win situation.

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