A complete backpacker's guide to Brisbane

Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane is wedged between 100km of very famous coastline in the state’s south east – smack bang between Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

If you hear locals talking about the Brown Snake, don’t fret. That’s the pet name for the river that winds its way through our city and neighbourhoods. The city’s swirling, beating heart, you’ll find a lot of life revolves around the water: bars, restaurants, museums, sprawling parks and green space to enjoy the outdoors.

Brisbane's sub-tropical climate means you can expect sunny, mild weather year-round – even in winter. In fact, many travellers prefer to visit in winter due to lower humidity, clear skies, and really only a few weeks where you might need a sweater before you venture out. So no matter when you’re arriving, pack swimwear and sunscreen. And your adventurous spirit.

Where to stay: best backpacker hostels in Brisbane

Backpacking on a budget? Dive into Brisbane’s hostel scene, where a bed (or private room) comes with an affordable price tag, so you can save your money for experiences instead. It’s also the best way to meet like-minded travellers.

Most Brisbane backpacker hostels share the same postcode as the CBD, so getting around is easy. Here are a few of the best spots to rest your head after a big day in the city.

For sweeping city views: Brisbane City YHA

If you thought infinity pools and rooftop terraces were just for 5-star resorts then think again, because Brisbane City YHA has all of that and more, without the hefty price tag. Just a short stroll from the city centre and Suncorp Stadium, this hostel boasts sleek, air-conditioned private rooms and shared dorms.

The social calendar here will keep you busy too, with regular movie nights, weekly guided walking excursions of Brisbane city and Friday barbeques. There’s also a games room, TV lounge, indoor and outdoor dining, on-site café and bar and that all important rooftop sundeck, the perfect place to catch up with your new mates and watch the sun dip beneath the city skyline.  

Sign up on a day trip to explore a little further afield, such as adventures to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Australia Zoo and brewery tours around Brisbane.

If you feel like venturing out, the night hub of Caxton Street is close by, where the bars have been graced by world leaders, sporting greats and headlining musicians.

To be in the thick of it all: Nomads 

Smack-bang across the road from Central Station and walking distance from Queen Street Mall and South Bank, Nomads is perfect for those seeking inner-city accommodation. It’s close to a cluster of other hostels in the backpacking ‘heart’ of Brisbane CBD (with the famous Down Under Bar below it) and has all the charm and history a heritage-listed building can offer.

Its rooftop terrace is a great spot to chill out and watch the sunset, have a barbecue and mingle with fellow residents. They also have common areas where you can kick back or cook up a feast. Don’t miss the free activities throughout the week, from walking tours and volunteering experiences to rooftop parties and drag nights.  There’s also a free pancake breakfast on Fridays and free BBQ each Sunday.

When it comes time to sleep, you have your pick of private single, double and twin rooms, as well as dorms (including mixed and female only dorms).

For resort-style living: Brisbane Backpackers Resort

Based in artsy, carefree West End, Brisbane Backpackers Resort is less of a hostel and more of a resort. This spot is the closest hostel to South Bank and is walking distance to the vintage shops, cafes and curios of West End.

The hostel offers a pool, spa and tennis/basketball/football court along with a bustling bar that hosts nightly games, and you can easily book more activities through the travel desk.

In addition to dorms and private rooms, Brisbane Backpackers Resort offers capsule beds. 

For the night owl: Bunk, Fortitude Valley

You know you’re onto a good thing when your hostel has scooped up countless awards, with previous accolades including Best Hostel in Australia and Most Popular Hostel in Brisbane.

Bunk transformed an old arts college into a five-level backpacker party haven, all just steps from Brisbane’s nightlife capital, Fortitude Valley and riverside precinct Howard Smith Wharves. It’s also home to on-site tiki-inspired bar Birdees, which is a destination in its own right thanks to live music, DJs and themed evenings throughout the week.

If you like the nightlife and are happy to sacrifice a few ZZZs in return for cutting shapes on the dance floor, Bunk is for you. Choose between private rooms with ensuites, shared dorm rooms, or boutique private apartments that sleep up to six people with self-contained kitchen, lounge area and a private bathroom.

Where to eat on a backpacker budget

You won’t go hungry on a backpacker budget in Brisbane. No matter where you’re based, a wallet-friendly feed is just a short stroll away. Here are some of the best cheap eats in Brisbane.

Paddington: Go for steamy ramen at Hai Hai, burgers at Fritzenburger or Remy’s, and head to Brewski for local craft beer and more upscale bar food that won’t break the bank.

Brisbane City: Govinda’s has been dishing up vegetarian Indian delights for over 20 years – and caters to gluten free and vegan diets too. Bagel Boys is a great spot for breakfast or lunch, hole-in-the-wall Banh Mi Now is a local favourite, while Sendok Garpu on Elizabeth Street is your go-to for Indonesian food. Underneath Nomads Backpackers, 4 Pines has incredibly good value meal deals on weekdays. You can also take your pick of local delights at Brisbane City Markets, which pop up in Reddacliff Place (Wednesday 8am – 6pm) and Cathedral Square (Thursday 8am – 2pm) each week.

Fortitude Valley: Tucked down Winn Lane you’ll find Ben’s Burgers: delicious, affordable American-style burgers done right. Nearby, Baja hosts a great-value Taco Tuesday with taco and margarita specials. The Prince Consort Hotel serves up pub grub and meal deals most days of the week. While Fortitude Valley is home to some very upscale (read: delicious but $$) Asian-inspired restaurants like honto and sAmesAme, you can find plenty of meal-deals right nearby in Chinatown - Biang Biang Fresh Noodle is a favourite, noodles made fresh on-site and with most meals offering some change from a $20 note. 

West End: Packed every night with families, students and young couples, Quan Thanh dishes up fresh and sumptuous Vietnamese and Chinese. All the old faithfuls are on their menu – noodles, stir-fries, pho and vermicelli salads. Plus, it’s BYO. Wander down Boundary Street for your pick of cheap eats, or pop into West Village to find poke bowls, pizza, burgers, sushi and more. There’s also great daily specials at local drinking holes Montague Hotel and Boundary Hotel.

For an experience: Jump on the CityCat to ride the ferry along the river to Hamilton, where you’ll find Eat Street Markets - a sprawling, lively hub of street food served out of brightly coloured shipping containers, each serving cuisine from around the world. There’s bars and entertainment too.

Best things to do when backpacking in Brisbane

Visit the koala sanctuary

Brisbane’s Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first – and largest – koala sanctuary, home to over 100 koalas along with 70 other species of native Aussie animals. A visit here is your chance to meet, learn and be fascinated by our iconic marsupials, hand-feed kangaroos, and discover how these heroes help to protect our most vulnerable wildlife.

No need for an Uber here: Mirimar Cruises depart from South Bank to Lone Pine making this an easy day out from the city, with a river cruise thrown in.

Soak up sun and culture in South Bank

17 hectares of tropical parkland in the middle of the city is an attraction in itself, but add a man-made, sandy beach and you’ll see why tourists and locals alike flock here on a hot summer’s day.

Bring your swimmers and relax on the real sand of Streets Beach, go for a wander to find the community herb and veggie patch and the secluded rainforest, stroll along the riverside, then browse the markets and grab a meal and a drink at one of the nearby restaurants and cafes. After a bite, wander over to QAGOMA – Queensland’s best art galleries, which have free-entry exhibitions alongside ticketed shows.

Take in the views from the top of Mount Coot-tha

For the best views of the city, get yourself to the top of Mt Coot-tha for sunset or after dark. From your lofty perch 287m above sea level, you’ll drink in 180-degree views of the city and see where it dips into Moreton Bay.

If more city views are on your agenda – and you have the budget – climb the Story Bridge to drink in the skyline from eye-level.

Head to the markets

Brisbane is home to dozens of weekly markets, where you can buy fresh foods and goods straight from local farmers, producers and artisans – and even pick up some treasures to take home with you.

Saturday’s New Farm Markets and West End Markets are among the best, both offering sprawling green parklands along the river to grab a bite from the many food stalls and have a picnic.

Paddle out on Brisbane River

One of the most fun things to do while backpacking in Brisbane is to get out on the river itself. Riverlife Adventure Centre offers kayak rentals and tours, for a new perspective of The River City.

Seek out street art and laneways

Turn any corner of the city and you never know what you might find. Brisbane is home to a network of vibrant laneways that host the city’s most creative street art, secret bars and cosmopolitan cafes. From Fish Lane in South Brisbane to hidden streets through Fortitude Valley, this guide will lead you to the best. 

Shop local

Picking up a memorable souvenir doesn’t have to be cheesy – or expensive. Wander to Paddington where vintage stores, local boutiques and cool finds from records to antiques are waiting to be discovered – and jammed into your suitcase.

Use this Brisbane shopping guide to find your way. 

Bliss out on an island paradise

Brisbane may be known as the River City, but it’s not short on a sandy beach – or an island for that matter. While the postcard beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are easy day trips away, there’s more wonder to be discovered if you head offshore. Including two of the world’s largest sand islands.

Venture out into the bay to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) on an all-inclusive, one-day or multi-day trip with Australian Sunset Safaris. The island is less than 90 minutes cruise from Brisbane City, but a world away where you can snorkel through shipwrecks with turtles, surf sand dunes, ATV along the beach and and four-wheel drive through rainforest.

Another great option is Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) – particularly if you’re road-tripping along the coast and have your own vehicle. Catch the ferry and the island’s spectacular surf beaches, sacred lakes, coastal walks and small towns are yours to discover – at whatever pace you like.

If you have the right gear, you could even beach camp at either of these islands for one of the most soul-recharging experiences in Australia.

Brisbane bars and nightlife

No Brisbane backpackers guide would be complete without the low-down on where to let your hair down. Luckily, there’s no shortage of good bars, pubs and nightclubs in the city – for all budgets.

Where to go to party

Those with a penchant for a party and a late night are spoiled for choice in Brisbane. Fortitude Valley is the city’s main nightclub district with a mix of clubs, pubs and laid-back bars, though you’ll find good times throughout the city.

Located downstairs from Nomads Backpackers, Down Under Bar or ‘Dunder’ is a hub of backpackers and locals alike, mingling on the dancefloor. Constantly packed every night of the week, if you don’t get in early you’ll be lined up out the door.

Similarly pumping is Birdees Bar in the Valley, home to a tiki-inspired rooftop, beer garden, and riotous fun seven days a week, including DJs and live music. For bevvies overlooking the Story Bridge and the twinkling lights of the city, Fridays Riverside has a great DJ lineup where things can get a little wild.

The good times continue to roll at bars where live music takes centre stage, like Lefty’s Music Hall, Brooklyn Standard, and Woolly Mammoth. Check out this guide to Brisbane’s live music scene for where to catch local and touring acts.

Continue your night dancing into the wee hours at The MET, Retro’s and The Beat, one of the city’s best queer-friendly clubs and bars.

Where to go for a casual drink 

When it’s time to take things easy, get amongst Brisbane’s thriving craft beer scene.

A local favourite is Felons Brewing Co.  While a schooner here will cost a little more than the backpacker bars, soaking up the riverfront views at Howard Smith Wharves precinct is a must do for any traveller exploring Brisbane.

Learn the origins of beer brewing and the story of Queensland’s iconic XXXX on a brewery tour, or skip the tutorial and pull up a bar stool at West End’s Archive Beer Boutique for a huge range of local brews on tap, ping pong tables and bar games.

Speaking of games, if you’re looking to catch an international rugby or soccer match while you’re backpacking in Brisbane, Pig ‘N’ Whistle is your best bet. This iconic pub franchise has locations around the city, with decent brews, great pub food, and sports live and loud.

Catch views at a rooftop bar

Brisbane’s balmy weather means rooftop bars are open year-round. The cocktails might cost you a little extra than some other joints on this list, but think of it as a bar and sightseeing activity in one – what better way to play tourist and take in the sights as you sip? Use this guide to Brisbane’s best rooftop bars to plan your night.

Tips to explore Brisbane on a backpacker budget

• Catch public transport with a go card – which can be used on buses, trains and ferries throughout Brisbane. Just don’t forget to tap on and off.
• While the blue CityCat ferries have a fee (just tap your go card), keep an eye out for the red CityHopper ferries. These are free to ride, and will transport you around the main hubs of Brisbane’s downtown and South Bank.
• Discover these free and cheap things to do around Brisbane

Want to stay a while? Live, work and play in Brisbane!

Love to call Brisbane home on your Australian working holiday? Get your Working Holidayer pass to Queensland and discover why achieving the ultimate work-life balance is super easy here in the Sunshine State.