Ultimate Guide to Brisbane for Backpackers |
saving you money on guidebooks since 2011 |
City: Population 2 Million
Introduction
As you head north along the east coast from Sydney on your way to the reef, surfing and fruit picking in Queensland, you’ll hit “Brissy”, this State’s thriving capital. As Australia's fastest growing capital city, Brisbane is becoming more and more popular with backpackers and Aussies who enjoy the warmth of the year round sun and the laid back lifestyle typical of Queensland.
Quick Links to Brisbane Backpacker Information
Orientation
Brisbane is about 20 km inland from the warm blue waters of Moreton Bay and the Coral Sea and is pretty much split in two by the Brisbane River (think bridges and ferries). The heart of the CBD is Queen Street mall. Head south from the CBD to the backpacker popular West End or north for the hip and happening Fortitude Valley.
Maps
Free maps in Queensland are not hard to find, but if your hostel has run dry pick up one from the Visitor Information booth located right in the middle of the Queens Street pedestrian mall (look for Wintergarden complex). Apart from maps you will find the people there really helpful with all kind of information - welcome to Queensland.
Weather
Sub-tropical Brisbane has a wonderful climate year round with not too hot summers and mild winters, making it a popular year round destination for backpackers (daily highs in winter rarely drop below 17C!).
Transport
To get into the city from the Brisbane airport just jump on the Airtrain which drops you in the heart of the CBD. The Airtrain also travels direct to the Gold Coast if that is going to be your first stop in Queensland.
Translink is Brisbane’s public transport system and includes buses, trains and river ferries and the travel card is called the GO card. The main train and bus station in the CBD is Roma Street station, which is also where you’d catch longer haul buses or trains (including south along the coast to the Gold Coast or north to popular stops such as Fraser Island, Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands all the way to Cairns and beyond).
Internet access
Internet cafes can be found in the Queen St Mall and Fortitude Valley (“the Valley”). For those with their own device and want free wifi head to the beautiful State Library (on the south bank) or a McDonald’s restaurant in the city. Many of the chain cafes also have paid wifi.
Where to stay
Only the best Brisbane hostels by location as voted by you. (We left all the 3 star and below places off our list and there are lots of them!)
Brisbane City YHA - City - 4.5 stars
Brisbane City Backpackers - City - 4 stars
Bunk - Fortitude Valley - 4 stars
Brisbane Backpackers Resort - West End - 4 stars
Best eats and drinks
Any night of the week is a good night in Brisbane since every one is living that laid-back Aussie lifestyle in this beautiful town. Check out these favourite haunts of backpackers:
- Down Under Bar & Grill, the main backpacker bar in Brisbane is pumping literally with fab drink promotions, especially on Thursdays.
- The Embassy, the music here is unforgettable and the scene itself very lively!
- Exchange Hotel, this popular place does get a bit crowded on weekends but on Wednesdays you can stretch out a bit and savour a delicious $12 rib-eye fillet steak.
- O’Malleys Irish Pub, great music, cold lager or Guinness!
