Backpacking through Australia always seems like an excellent idea! This is a land that can provide you with plenty of adventure, lots to see, a rich history to learn, and offers a promise that you’ll certainly have a good time there. When you think of Brisbane, the first thing that pops into mind is a city that can offer both history and culture. Since it is one of the biggest ones in Australia, you can only imagine the number of worthwhile experiences it can offer. Once you set foot here, you will immediately notice how sophisticated the city is. And in order to be able to enjoy it all, you’re bound to stay at some of the best backpacker hostels in Brisbane.
If you are looking for a nice sightseeing option, then choosing a river cruise is the best way to go. It will provide you with the opportunity to see all the historic buildings, as well as how bridges all well connect the city.
In case you prefer walking, then you can still find plenty of interesting things to do on foot. To explore some indigenous culture and art, you should start from the Cultural Centre, which provides many contemporary works from European masters that you can enjoy.
If tropical vibes are what appeals to you, then don’t skip exploring South Bank Parklands. This is one of the best places you can visit while you are there. The riverfront provides a unique view, and the city’s spirit is wrapped up in this particular place. You can swim in the man-made lagoon and let the relaxing power of water do the magic for you, or choose a restaurant to eat at when you want to shield yourself from the sun.
Good to know: If you’re hopping around Australia quite a bit, we have other guides that could come in useful, like our best hostels in Australia. This guide is also an extension of our initial guide on the best hostels in Brisbane.
Here’s your shortcut to the 3 COOLEST Backpacker Hostels in Brisbane:
- Brisbane Quarters – best for Digital Nomad
- Somewhere to Stay Backpackers – best for Solo Traveler
- Brisbane Backpackers Resort – best for Couples
South Bank is the next stop where you can enjoy vintage clothing and handmade jewellery, and you can even pick up a souvenir to bring back home.
After you have chosen an interesting item from the Collective Markets at South Bank, you can move on to witnessing one of the cutest things in the world – koalas! If you go down to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you may even get the chance to cuddle a koala and experience their warmth and love up close! There are about 70 other species of animals you can see there, including dingoes, wombats, snakes, crocodiles, wallabies, and more.
Art finds its way anywhere – so if you’re a passionate art admirer, you can experience some wonderful pieces while visiting Brisbane. Work your way around the museums and galleries, and include the State Library of Queensland, the cutting-edge Queensland Art Gallery & the Gallery of Modern Art. You should also consider enjoying the interactive exhibits in the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre.
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
During your trip to Brisbane, visiting a botanic garden is a must. Take a stroll through the stunning Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha and immerse yourself in all the natural beauty this place offers. And while you might feel too enchanted to utter a word while you’re there, you’ll definitely have a lot to talk about once you return home.
One of the highlights of this city is the fusion cuisine, which you can experience if you go to Eat Street Northshore. The atmosphere here is vivid, and so is the food! You can take your pick and try everything from Mexican to Malaysian cuisine. Deep-fried foods, mac and cheeseburger, Japanese pizza – leave your dietary plan at the entrance and awaken your senses with the help of a little magic.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What do we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- cheapest hostels in Brisbane
- more hostels in Brisbane worth a mention
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- All hostel and sights on a map
- FAQ
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Brisbane
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Brisbane cost 20$ – 35$ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around 96$ – 148$ per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Backpacking tips for Brisbane: Before we move on to the list of the best backpacker hostels in Brisbane, we have gathered some backpacking tips for you that will certainly assist you on your trip.
- While you are visiting the South Bank, you can enjoy plenty of free activities. Indulge in some free fitness classes, visit the Epicurious Garden, or rent a bike and take a stroll around the area.
- While you are at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, don’t forget to take a photograph with this cute animal. If your taste is a little edgier than that, don’t worry – you can even take a picture with a snake!
- If you want to catch your breath and rest a bit between museums, you can always go to the South Bank Parklands and relax on the riverfront. Another way to make sure you are not missing a moment of fun is to go on the Wheel of Brisbane and take a ride.
- While in the botanic garden, don’t forget to enjoy the largest collection of Australian rainforest trees in the world!
- Making the most of your stay while you are on a budget will lead you to the stroll around the Brisbane Riverwalk. This is quite a long trail that will show you hidden parts of the city. There is a pedestrian and a cycling lane so you can choose your means of transportation.
We hope these backpacking tips will be useful to you, and now, let’s move on to the best backpacker hostels in Brisbane.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
Top 3 Backpacker Hostels – Brisbane
If you find yourself backpacking through Australia, and Brisbane is one of the cities on your list, know that you are making an excellent choice! Look through the best backpacker hostels in Brisbane for inspiration and find the one that will suit you best!
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Somewhere to Stay Backpackers |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Brisbane Backpackers Resort |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Brisbane Quarters |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Brisbane Backpackers Resort |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Brisbane Quarters |
| ✨Unique Environment: | Somewhere to Stay Backpackers |
1. Brisbane Quarters
If you want to ensure that you are staying in a hostel that matches your chic energy, then look at what Brisbane Quarters can offer. One of the best things about this accommodation is that anyone can fit in. Whether you are a backpacker, someone travelling on a budget, or a flashpacker, you will enjoy your time here and feel very welcome.
The vibrant hostel is located in the city centre and will accommodate you with a unique style – a blend of tropical and vintage. The eclectic design will leave you speechless, and the accommodation provides both private and shared rooms. All of the rooms have an air conditioner so that you can enjoy a cosy night of sleep.
Other amenities you can find include an outdoor pool, a library, a fitness area, plenty of entertainment, and facilities you can use. You can truly see why this is called a sanctuary in the centre of the urban jungle.
Location: This hostel is situated in Brisbane and with Roma Street Parklands reachable within 1 km. It is around 1.5 km from New Farm Riverwalk, 1.7 km from City Botanical Gardens and 1.6 km from Queensland Performing Arts Complex (QPAC).
The best choice in Brisbane for
- Digital Nomad
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Somewhere to Stay Backpackers
This is one of the best backpacker hostels in Brisbane that can provide excellent accommodation and proximity to the cheapest bars and cafes. Located in the centre of all happenings and a short stroll away from City Beach at South Bank, Somewhere to Stay Backpackers is the perfect lodging that will make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
The accommodation has a unique resort style and can provide plenty of amenities. You can chill in the common area (which is a large veranda), or enjoy the beautiful garden, the large pool, and, best of all – the breathtaking view of the city! The garden area even has some outdoor games, lounge chairs, and comfy hammocks.
The lodging allows you to choose between private rooms, double rooms, or dormitory rooms. It is strategically located just a five-minute stroll from the best cultural district in Brisbane. There are over 100 cafes, bars, clubs, and restaurants all around.
Location: This hostel is a 5 min walk from the coolest cultural district of Brisbane – West End – including 100’s cafes, cheap restaurants, bars and clubs.
A great choice for
- Solo Traveler
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Brisbane Backpackers Resort
Allowing yourself a little bit of luxury while on vacation is the ultimate way to relax! The best thing about Brisbane Backpackers Resort is that it is located in the Cultural hub of the West End, making it a perfect place to stay if you want to take in the best of the city – starting from the top attractions and finishing up with an extensive list of bars and restaurants. All of this is available at the tips of your fingers.
Building up a reputation as a chill hostel that doesn’t focus on parties but rather on wellness, has made Brisbane Backpackers Resort incredibly popular. They encourage socialising while you are given the opportunity to use some of the many amenities it offers. These include a pool and a ping pong table, a heated spa, a tennis/football/basketball court, and all the necessary equipment for any of these activities.
The reception desk is always open, and the staff is there to help you make the most out of your stay. All dormitory rooms have an ensuite bathroom, and you can also find a commercial fan and a fridge. An interesting thing to point out is that this is the first accommodation in Queensland that offers capsule beds.
Location: This hostel is a 5-minute bus ride from Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. It is a 10-minute drive from The Tivoli Theatre. Brisbane Airport is 20 minutes’ away.
This is one of the best hostels in Brisbane for
- Couples
- Female Solo Traveler
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Brisbane?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Brisbane.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Brisbane
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Brisbane best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
We’re listing all the three best Brisbane backpacker hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
Our Favorite Hostels in Brisbane put on a map + sights
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Brisbane?
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Flights to Brisbane?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Here are some more awesome guides in Australia:
- best hostels in Australia
- best hostels in Sydney
- best hostels in Brisbane
- best hostels in Cairns
- best hostels in Alice Springs
- best hostels in Byron Bay
- best Hostels in Adelaide
- best hostels in Perth
- best hostels in Airlie Beach
- best hostels in Darwin
- best hostels in Noosa
- best hostels in Bondi Beach
- best hostels in Surfers Paradise
- best hostels in Hobart
Party hostels:
Backpacker hostels:
Heading over to Fiji? check out our guide to the best hostels in Fiji.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Brisbane guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
