Many visitors merely pass through Brisbane as a layover on their way to the Gold Coast, the Whitsundays or the Great Barrier Reef, sleeping on one of Australia’s best cities. It’s always been laidback and beautiful but has recently seen a surge in art, food and music, making it a great place to spend a couple of days before venturing on. Brisbane is also far more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, so you’ll see your dollars stretching further.
How to find the best hostels in Brisbane for your trip
Brisbane hostels are generally clean and welcoming. A lot have pools and rooftop terraces as standard, even when room facilities are basic. Temperatures in Brisbane are consistently hot year-round, so booking rooms with air conditioning is well worth the extra expense, especially over summer. Some hostels will charge for Wi-Fi and linen so be sure to check the fine details when booking. Brisbane is easy to commute across with short distances and good transport connections.
Most hostels in Brisbane are located in three main areas: Brisbane CBD, Roma Street and Fortitude Valley, all of which easily connect to Brisbane’s main attractions.
The hub of Brisbane City is the cluster of streets around Queen Street Mall, the main pedestrianised shopping mall. Several little laneways have sprung up along its fringes that are stacked with great food and independent cafes. Felix for Goodness on 50 Burnett Lane does healthy, nourishing meals and great coffee. Super Whatnot on Charlotte Street is great for craft beer and inspired cocktails, while Red Hook on Eagle Lane is a hole in the wall spot serving tacos, wings and hot dogs.
South Bank is one of Brisbane’s main draws which houses the city’s galleries and museums along a man-made beach. GoMA is not to be missed for its modern and contemporary art collection.
A bit further afield is New Farm, a suburb with a buzzy, upmarket restaurant and shopping precinct on James Street. New Farm Park is a lush green space where locals congregate for barbecues by the river. New Farm is also home to hundreds of jacarandas which bloom between early October and November and cover the whole area in purple flowers.
Follow the riverside walk along New Farm Park for stunning views of the city, up to the Brisbane Powerhouse, which hosts comedy, arts and culture events. A little further along you’ll reach the suburb of Teneriffe which has been transformed from a wool exporting port into a foodie hub.
Further north at Fortitude Valley is where you’ll find most of the city’s nightclubs. During the day the Valley can feel a bit scruffy, but at night it comes alive. Barbara has great energy, with themed nights and a fun “let’s see where the night will take us” vibe. If you want to sing all night long then The Press Club is the place to go, playing old school RnB. Ei8ht (which was formally the iconic The Family) is the mega club in town with five stories playing heavy electronica.
For cheap eats check out King Street in Bowen Hills for the city’s permanent food truck park or Hamilton’s Eat Street Markets. Be sure to take a trip on a CityCat ferry to see Brisbane from the water.
But to enjoy all of the above, you’ll of course need a place to stay – that’s where we come in. Read on to discover how to find the best hostels in Brisbane!
Jump straight to:
- Best hostels in Brisbane for solo travellers
- Best hostels in Brisbane for couples
- Best party hostels in Brisbane
- Best hostels in Brisbane CBD
- Best of the rest hostels in Brisbane
Best hostels in Brisbane for solo travellers
Breeze Lodge
Breeze Lodge has an awesome rooftop bar, great for views over the city and meeting new people. The hostel is based close to the river in Kangaroo Point, so you’ll need to catch the ferry or a bus to get to the CBD but you’re in a quiet, relaxed part of the city. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are a 10-minute walk away and if you’re here in jacaranda season, this is one of the best areas to view the explosion of purple flowers on the trees. Air-conditioning is a welcome relief in the regularly hot Brissie temps. Free breakfast, modern, stylish decor and a big kitchen are all A+.
Hostel highlights:
- Rooftop lounge
- Huge kitchen
- Air-conditioning
Address: 635 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Neighbourhood: Kangaroo Point
Nearest station: Maritime Museum Ferry Terminal
City Backpackers HQ
This hostel is located in the centre of Brisbane, close to Roma Street station, with a rooftop pool and terrace. The rooftop garden, modern kitchen and guest laundry are all excellent. You have unlimited WiFi access which is a perk, as it’s not available in all Brisbane hostels. Take a walk down to Kangaroo Point Cliffs for impressive views of the city.
Hostel highlights:
- In-house bar
- Pool
- Movie lounge
Address: 380 Upper Roma Street, Brisbane
Neighbourhood: Brisbane City
Nearest station: Roma Street
Brisbane City YHA
Brisbane City YHA is a great hostel for meeting other backpackers thanks to its onsite bar, rooftop terrace, pool and games room. It’s safe, clean and close to the city. You’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay with secure parking, a communal laundry and a fully equipped kitchen. Brisbane City YHA hosts lots of weekly events including BBQs, walking tours and movie nights.
Hostel highlights:
- Pool
- Parking
- Weekly activities
Address: 392 Upper Roma Street, Brisbane
Neighbourhood: Brisbane City
Nearest station: Roma Street
Best hostels in Brisbane for couples
Ellie’s Guest House
Located in New Farm, a hotspot for Brisbane locals, this stunning hostel is a renovated ‘Queenslander’, a gorgeous style of architecture local to the area with a wrap-around veranda and gabled roof. Walking distance to New Farm Park, a beautiful green space with open air BBQs along the river and the James Street restaurant precinct, you’re still surrounded by action. Light, airy and spacious, the hostel is immaculate and feels like a B&B with only private rooms and no dorms. It’s great for couples who want to get away from it all, but there’s still the option to mingle and socialise with the many travellers who congregate in the sunny outdoor areas.
Hostel highlights:
- Private rooms
- Personal kitchenettes
Address: 124 Merthyr Road, New Farm
Neighbourhood: New Farm
Nearest station: Fortitude Valley train or Merthyr Road bus
Bowen Terrace Accommodation
This gem of a hostel has a home away from home feel, also located in a charming Queenslander. Bowen Terrace is in New Farm and close to James Street Precinct and the Valley. The hostel itself is tranquil and quiet with both private ensuite rooms and dorms. An outdoor pool, BBQ and laundry make this a great place to hole up and escape with your SO.
Hostel highlights:
- Pool
- BBQ
- Private rooms
Address: 365 Bowen Terrace, New Farm
Neighbourhood: New Farm
Nearest station: Fortitude Valley
Kookaburra Inn
One of our most highly rated hostels, Kookaburra Inn is immaculate, with cosy, well looked after rooms, a quiet atmosphere, air-conditioning and WiFi. It’s great for couples who want to relax or a solo traveller who needs a bit of R&R and a break from dorms. It has a great kitchen stocked with everything you could need and is an easy walk to central if you want to eat out. If you’re looking for views, take a day trip out to Mt Coot-ha with a picnic and check out the city from above.
Mt. Coot-ha… that view though 
Daniel Christie
Hostel highlights:
- Air-conditioning
- BBQ
- Private rooms
Address: 41 Phillips Street, Spring Hill
Neighbourhood: Spring Hill
Nearest station: Central
Best party hostels in Brisbane
Summer House Backpackers Brisbane
Summer House Backpackers Brisbane puts on daily events like BBQ dinners, walking tours, boat cruises, pub crawls and movie nights to get everyone meeting and hanging out. It’s located about 20 minutes’ walk from the CBD but is right next to Roma Street station, for easy connections to anywhere in the city. Summer House is a youth backpackers, so travellers need to be between 18 and 35 to stay.
Hostel highlights:
- Nightly events
- Rooftop terrace
- Free breakfast
Address: 350 Upper Roma Street,
Neighbourhood: Brisbane City
Nearest station: Roma Street
Bunk Brisbane
A large, modern hostel, Bunk has all the amenities you’d expect, like private and dorm rooms, free breakfast and a travel desk to give you advice on tours and things to do. A huge outdoor pool and hot tub with space for chilling and barbecuing is a great place to be in summer. Their on-site bar has a late license so you can party even when the clubs close. They organise daily trips to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for koala snuggles and have a free shuttle bus into the city. It’s close to Fortitude Valley with Brisbane’s best nightlife. Check out Laruche which attracts the best DJs and mega five-story club Ei8ht.
Hostel highlights:
- Daily trips to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Late license bar
- Hot tub
Address:11-21 Gipps Street, Fortitude Valley
Neighbourhood: Fortitude Valley
Nearest station: Fortitude Valley
Chill Backpackers
With maybe the best views of Brisbane, Chill has multiple rooftop terraces for meeting other travellers over drinks and dinner. Movie nights are regularly hosted in the movie room, plus there’s a games room and a pool. Friendly and helpful staff make the environment fun and welcoming. Close to food and restaurants and right next to Roma Street Station, it’s super convenient to get around the city.
Hostel highlights:
- Rooftop terrace
- Movie room
- Pool
Address: 328 Upper Roma Street, Brisbane
Neighbourhood: Brisbane
Nearest station: Roma Street
Best hostels in Brisbane CBD
Nomads Brisbane
Located right in the centre of Brisbane’s CBD, you’re minutes from Queen, Ann and Albert Streets and a 16-minute walk to South Bank or the Botanic Gardens. With lots of organised events, a rooftop terrace and The Down Under Bar located right under the hostel, you’re sure to keep the party going. There’s also a travel desk to help you out with trips or local information.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Rooftop terrace
- Travel desk
Address: 308 Edward Street, Brisbane City
Neighbourhood: Brisbane City
Nearest station: Central Station
Base Brisbane Uptown
Located a 10-minute walk to Queen Street Mall and a 10-minute walk to Southbank, Base Brisbane Uptown is as central as it gets in Brissie. Right next door to Roma Street station, it’s ultra-convenient for anyone catching the Greyhound bus services. Modern decor, spacious rooms, ensuite bathrooms and aircon make it a relaxed, comfortable place to stay.
Hostel highlights:
- CBD location
- Air-con
Address: 462 George Street, Brisbane
Neighbourhood: Brisbane City
Nearest station: Roma Street
Brisbane Backpackers Resort
If your priority is being close to South Bank, then Brisbane Backpackers Resort is perfect, only a few minutes’ walk from the galleries, ferry and beach. All the rooms in this big, well maintained hostel have ensuites, free breakfast, linen and Wi-Fi as standard. Their on-site cafe and bar provide entertainment and convenience. Add to this a spa and football, basketball and tennis courts and you’ve got yourself a pretty sweet hostel.
Hostel highlights:
- On-site bar and cafe
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Tennis court, football pitch and pool
Address: 110 Vulture Street, West End
Neighbourhood: West End
Nearest station: South Bank
City Edge Brisbane
City Edge Brisbane is smack-bang in the centre of town, minutes’ walk from Queen Street Mall and South Bank. City Edge only has private rooms, each with their own bathrooms and small fridges, so it has more of a budget hotel feel than a hostel. Sometimes though that’s exactly what you’re after – if you need some R&R with good quality rooms then book City Edge.
Hostel highlights:
- Private bathrooms
- Dry cleaning service
- Central location
Address: 63 Turbot Street, Brisbane City
Neighbourhood: Brisbane City
Nearest station: Roma Street
Best of the rest hostels in Brisbane
Aussie Way Hostel
Set in a renovated Heritage listed colonial style building from 1872, the big verandas, ornate detailing and wooden floors at Aussie Way are gorgeous. Aussie Way has a no alcohol policy, so this is the place for those wanting a quiet, restful spot to sleep. It is however a close walk to Paddington (or Paddo as the locals call it) and Caxton street which have good restaurants and nightlife. Located in Petrie Terrace, it’s away from the CBD but well connected via Roma Street station. Roma Street Parkland has some gorgeous views and is a relaxing green space to hang out and spend time.
Hostel highlights:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Outdoor decking and BBQ area
- Airport shuttle
Address: 34 Cricket Street, Petrie Terrace
Neighbourhood: Petrie Terrace
Nearest station: Roma Street
Somewhere to Stay
If you want to put your feet up by the pool and swing in a hammock then Somewhere to Stay is the place for you. Located in a big, beautiful Queenslander, this hostel has a number of room types to accommodate for singles and groups. The hosts organise weekly barbeques and popcorn and pizza nights, which are great for your wallet and meeting other travellers. Located walking distance to South Bank and the quirky, characterful West End, this a great spot to conveniently explore the city.
Hostel highlights:
- Pool
- Games room
- BBQ
Address: 47 Brighton Road, Highgate Hill
Neighbourhood: Highgate Hill
Nearest station: South Bank
Big Bird Backpackers
Big Bird gets its name from its bright yellow exterior – you won’t miss it. Comfy beds, large lounge areas and close to the city, Big Bird consistently provides top quality service. With a mix of dorms and private rooms, secure storage, Wi-Fi and a large carpark, Big Bird has everything you need for an affordable stay in Brisbane. Pop over the river to West End for an eclectic mix of independent stores and cafes. The Three Monkeys Coffee and Teahouse is a West End institution with lots of cosy corners, board games and amazing cakes.
Hostel highlights:
- Airport shuttle
- Outdoor terrace
- Central location
Address: 11 Eagle Terrace, Brisbane City
Neighbourhood: Brisbane City
Nearest station: Milton Street
Bluetongue Backpackers
Bluetongue has a homey feel and is located in Fortitude Valley, close to New Farm. It’s great for travellers wanting a quiet hostel with the option of checking out Brisbane’s nightlife close by. There’s a BBQ, terrace and large lounge room to socialise in. The staff are super friendly with lots of local recommendations to share.
Hostel highlights:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Sun terrace
Address: 515 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Neighbourhood: Fortitude Valley
Nearest station: Fortitude Valley
On board to start exploring Brissie? Which hostel will you go for? Let us know in the comments!
Keep reading!
The best hostels in Sydney for every type of traveller
The best hostels in Melbourne for every type of traveller
The ultimate guide to backpacking Australia
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