Australia’s third largest city – Brisbane is the gateway to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and has been on the backpacker trail for a long time.
But as with most of Australia, it’s not a cheap city, and there are a ton of hostels available which is exactly why I wrote this list of the 5 best hostels in Brisbane.
Written by travellers, for travellers, this guide will show you the highest reviewed hostels in Brisbane.
And as an added bonus, we’ve organised the hostels into different categories. So no matter what you are looking for (to party, chill, meet other travelers, or save money) our list of the 5 best hostels in Brisbane will help you book your hostel quickly and get you closer to exploring this amazing Australian city.
What to Expect from the Best Hostels in Brisbane
You might be asking yourself: “why should I stay at a hostel”? Well, let us clear it up a bit.
Hostels are generally known to be one of the cheapest forms of accommodation on the market. That doesn’t just go for Brisbane, but pretty much every place in the world. However, that’s not the only good reason for staying at a hostel. The unique vibe and social aspect is what makes hostels TRULY special. Head down to the common room, make new friends, share travel stories and tips, or just have a great time with like-minded travellers from all over the world – you won’t get that opportunity in any other accommodation.
Brisbane has all sorts of different hostels. Whether you want a party hostel, a digital nomad one or just a calm place to spend a couple of days, there’s definitely the right hostel for you.
Most of Brisbane’s hostels offer the option to choose between a private room or a shared dorm. While dorms are obviously the cheapest option, staying in a private room might work out just as cheap if you travel with a partner or friend. Here are some of the average prices you can expect:
- Dorm room (mixed or female-only): $13-16 USD/night
- Private room: $42-47 USD/night
When looking for hostels, you’ll find the best options on HOSTELWORLD. This platform offers you a super safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs easily and find the perfect place for you.
Most of the best hostels in Brisbane are highly reviewed already! But the main struggle you’ll come across is deciding where to stay in Brisbane. The city has many areas and neighbourhoods which are all unique and offer different attractions.
Most of the best hostels in Brisbane were highly reviewed already! Choosing the best one will be fairly easy. But the main struggle you’ll come across is deciding where to stay in Brisbane. The city has many areas and neighbourhoods which are all unique and offer different attractions. These are our favourite ones:
- The CBD – Short for Central Business District. Essentiall the Brisbane city centre and perfect for your first visit!
- Petrie Terrace – Ideal for budget travellers
- Fortitude Valley – Offers crazy nightlife venues
Now that you know what to expect from Brisbane’s hostels, let’s have a look at your options.
The 5 Best Hostels in Brisbane, Australia
If you’re backpacking Australia, the chance that you’ll come across Brisbane is pretty high. Lucky for you, we’ve picked out the absolute best hostels in the city and divided them into different categories below.
1. Overall Best Hostel in Brisbane – Nomads Brisbane
Nomads is one of the coolest hostels in Brisbane and boasts a rooftop terrace complete with dozens of comfy sun loungers. The Nomads group of hostels have venues across Australia and New Zealand, they offer some sweet discounts if you book all your adventures through them. Their Down Under Bar is the best place to hook up with travel buddies or even meet new nomads to explore with. This place gets pretty pumping so you’ll be glad to hear they have a late check-out option for all who need it!
What also makes this place stand out amongst the other Brisbane hostels is the location right in the middle of Brisbane city centre, so ideal for hitting places like Queen Street Mall. If you’re a digital nomad, just be aware the Free wifi is only on between certain hours and air conditioning isn’t available.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Multiple room options
- Parking on site
- Calm and peaceful atmosphere
The room options you get at this hostel really make it something special. Not only do you get to choose from different sized dorms (mixed and female-only of course), but there are private rooms with en-suite private bathrooms with loads of different capacities. If you’re travelling with a group of friends, this will be the ideal spot for you!
Note that this is definitely not a party hostel, but more like a place to relax and chill before heading out to explore the city. While there are great nightlife options pretty much just around the corner, you’re guaranteed to have a peaceful and quiet night at Nomads. If you’re looking for a Brisbane hostel that covers pretty much all bases, this is the one!
2. Best Hostel in Brisbane for Solo Travellers – City Backpackers HQ
City HQ is an ideal youth hostel in Brisbane for travellers who want to party but equally want to crash in their own pad. City HQ has their own super cool bar called The Fatt Wombat; here you’ll find backpackers from across Brisbane piling in to make the most of cheap beer and an on-point party vibe. If you hit the Fatt Wombat hard and don’t fancy straying far, make the most of City HQ’s movie lounge. City HQ is one of the coolest hostels in Brisbane and is particularly good for couples on a tight budget.
City backpackers is exactly that, it’s located right in the centre of Brisbane city within walking distance of Queen Street Mall. However you’re super close to the Brisbane River and just across the water from South Bank, so it’s a pretty chill Brisbane hostel too. There are even movie nights at City HQ if you’re looking to have a quiet one.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredible Location in South Bank
- Movie Lounge
- Rooftop Hangout
If you wish to stay at City Backpackers HQ dorms, you actually have to have a full-sized backpack with you, according to the hostel rooms. If your backpack isn’t present, you only get to choose between the private rooms. While we’re at it, the private rooms are a full-on treat! With comfy beds, river views and your own private space, they’re definitely worth the slightly more expensive price.
Those who really want to get to know Brisbane will love the location. You’re in the heart of the city, close to all of the main attractions. South Bank city beach and the weekend markets are just a short stroll away! If you don’t feel like going out, simply head up to the rooftop and socialise – it’s the best spot to make new friends!
3. Best Hostel in Brisbane for Digital Nomads – Brisbane Quarters
Brisbane Quarters is a hostel to simply fall in love with. Perfect for digital nomads, you can enjoy high-speed wifi all day and get your work done. When you finally close your laptop, the value of the hostel really gets to shine. Jump in the pool, get a sweat on in the fitness area or socialise with other like-minded travellers – the entertainment options are endless.
This hostel is another in Brisbane City centre, so you’ll be able to reach all of the must-see places in Brisbane on foot. If you’re not 100% sure where to start your adventure in the city, head to the reception and the friendly staff will provide you with insider information and top tips.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free High-Speed Free WiFi
- Library
- Fitness area
Since Brisbane Quarters only accommodates travellers over 18, you can expect a pretty grown-up crowd that is super easy to hang with. You can make new friends by staying in one of the dorm or pod-style rooms at this Brisbane hostel. If you’re looking for a bit more privacy, opt for a private room with an ensuite bathroom. It might be a bit more expensive, but definitely worth it!
The biggest perk of the hostel is definitely the air-conditioned rooms. Especially towards the summer months, you’ll really look forward to having a cool place to rest your head. Even the communal kitchen is equipped with an aircon unit! Make some delicious meals without breaking into a sweat – definitely a luxury in Australia!
4. Best Party Hostel in Brisbane – Bunk Brisbane
The best party hostel in Brisbane is Bunk, hands down! Bunk is probably the coolest hostel in Brisbane too! Offering guests a bright and modern hostel building complete with an outdoor swimming pool and their own bar you’ll be rocking from dusk ’til dawn at Bunk! That said, you can still get a decent night’s sleep if you don’t fancy hitting it hard! Bunk was voted as not only the best hostel in Brisbane but the best hostel in Australia in 2016 and they’ve kept up the good work. FYI you only get 30-minutes of free WiFi per day, then it’s $2 a day.
Bunk is also in a great location within walking distance of Brisbane CBD, so you can be over at Queen Street Mall in no time. There’s also air conditioning so you can chill in the cool large lounge room or sun yourself in the outdoor communal areas.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free and super fast Wifi
- Dorms only available for international passport holders
- Travel desk
Bunk has been the most popular hostel in Brisbane for three consecutive years, so you’ll definitely be in for a treat. Note that you can only get into a dorm bedroom if you’re an international backpacker. Australian travellers only get the private room option. Speaking of, if you want a bit more time to yourself during your stay, book yourself into on of the cosy private rooms. They even come with ensuite bathrooms.
To meet like-minded travellers, simply head out to the beer garden, grab a drink and socialise. Bunk Brisbane is known for its super friendly and welcoming atmosphere, so you’ll be able to make friends in no time!
5. Best Cheap Hostel in Brisbane – Gonow Family Backpacker
Gonow is the best cheap hostel in Brisbane, offering reasonably priced room rates throughout the year. As the best budget hostel in Brisbane Gonow can sleep up to 70-people per night. They’re always pretty busy and this helps create a great hostel vibe. Gonow offers backpackers a basic breakfast each morning of toast with jam or chocolate spread and a cup of coffee. It’s not much but it certainly helps save a few dollars if you’re exploring Oz on a super shoe-string budget. Gonow has a classic Brisbane backpackers hostel vibe.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Private and calm atmosphere
- Walking distance to city centre
- Free Pasta on Wednesdays
Since this is a budget hostel, you shouldn’t expect high-end luxury. The beds are super comfy and you’ll be provided with linen, but the dorm and private rooms are quite simple. Yet, they have everything that a backpacker might need including Free wifi. They can also organise transfers to Brisbane airport if you need help with that.
If you’re looking for a super social active Brisbane hostel with lots of parties, Gonow Family Backpacker might not be the right choice for you. They regularly hold barbeque nights and large group dinners, so it’s a very calm and grown-up vibe. Located roughly 25 min from the city centre in South Bank you’ll still be able to walk to all of the famous attractions and the Brisbane River. If you want to give your feet a rest, hop on the public transport instead!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Hostels in Brisbane, Australia
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, we’ve listed more epic hostels in Brisbane below.
Brisbane City YHA
As one of the coolest hostels in Brisbane, YHA offers travellers the chance to kick back, relax and party the night away. YHA has its own kick-ass bar with a patio terrace area too. The swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off after a long day exploring Brisbane. The YHA team are super clued up and are more than happy to help with travel plans. They host weekly BBQ nights and walking tours of Brisbane. In true Aussie style, YHA has become a highly recommended hostel in Brisbane ideal for partygoers, for their laid-back vibe and super welcoming crew.
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Brisbane – Summer House Backpackers
The best hostel for digital nomads in Brisbane is, of course, Summer House Backpackers. Summer House is a haven for digital nomads travelling the land down under offering free, super-fast and totally unlimited WiFi access. Their sunny rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to bosh out the workload before joining the Summer House crew for their evening activities; everything from movie nights to free Italian dinners. Summer House is a top hostel in Brisbane, especially for digital nomads.
Kookaburra Inn
Kookaburra Inn is definitely more of an inn than a youth hostel in Brisbane. Kookaburra Inn is a wonderful place to stay and ideal for couples or travelling duos who want to slow the pace down when they hit Brisbane. The Kookaburra Inn team are super welcoming and will go above and beyond to ensure you have a great stay with them. Offering free WiFi and air conditioning, Kookaburra Inn is a hidden gem for chilled out travellers.
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Brisbane – Bowen Terrace
The best hostel for solo travellers in Brisbane is Bowen Terrace. Whether you travel solo because you like your own space or you travel solo to meet and mingle, Bowen Terrace has the perfect setup for all solo travellers. The poolside and garden area is the ideal place to make new travel buddies and of an evening be sure to club together to whip up a mega BBQ! The Bowen team are really welcoming and are happy to help their guests. As a top hostel in Brisbane, they’ll even keep your big bag in storage for you if you opt in to one of their island tours. Bowen Terrace is a little further from Brisbane City centre but it’s in a chilled area by the Brisbane River. They can even help you get to and from Brisbane airport with their transfers.
Base Brisbane Uptown
Base Uptown is a great youth hostel in Brisbane for travellers seeking a mix of partying and exploring. Base has its own bar on site called The Guilty Rouge, good name! Base guests get 20% off at the bar and they run group events most nights, the team at reception will keep you up to date with what’s going on. Base is just a 10-minute walk from the South Bank area and its awesome park, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Meaning you can check-in, dump your bags and be on the beach in less than half an hour of arriving! Base is perfect for solo travellers keen to make new travel buddies.
Another Cheap Hostel in Brisbane – Manly Harbour Backpackers
Manly Harbour is a fantastic budget hostel in Brisbane which offers free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking, with dead cheap dorm rooms. Manly Harbour is the only Brisbane backpackers hostel to be in the bay, so you’re only ever a few steps away from the ocean. Manly Harbour Backpackers is a true home away from home, especially if you’re looking to hang around in Brisbane for more than a couple of weeks. Be sure to chat to the super friendly staff about staying longer and how you can earn your keep.
Joe’s Place
Joe’s Place is exactly what is meant when you describe somewhere as cheap and cheerful. As a leading budget hostel in Brisbane Joe’s Place offers dirt cheap (but not dirty) accommodation for travellers who are counting the cents. Joe’s Place is just 550m from Roma Street Station from which you can connect to the rest of Brisbane. Joe’s Place is managed by City Backpackers HQ so if no one is at reception when you arrive just nip next door and they’ll help sort you out.
Best Hostel for Couples in Brisbane – Ellie’s Guest House
Ellie’s Guest House is the best hostel for couples in Brisbane for sure. Offering spacious and cosy private double rooms Ellie’s is the ideal place to stay if you’re travelling with your lover. If you and your beau are looking for a party palace with a private room Ellie’s may not be the place to look, it’s pretty calm around here. However, if you’re looking for a welcoming, laid back and happy youth hostel in Brisbane Ellie’s is perfect. Ellie’s gives couples plenty of opportunities to chat and get to know their hostel mates with a balcony terrace and patio area.
Brisbane Backpackers Resort
Brisbane Backpackers Resort, let’s call it BBR, is a top hostel in Brisbane for those looking to stay in the Westend area, close to the South Bank and its man-made beach. BBR is a great budget hostel in Brisbane, with dorm beds to suit even the tightest of backpacker purses. For those starting their gap year in Brisbane, the BBR team are an oracle of information. They have their own Job Club where they work to help connect new arrivals with jobs in the city. BBR is ideal for digital nomads looking to earn a little extra while in Oz.
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Brisbane – Banana Bender Backpackers
Banana Bender Backpackers is a tried and tested Brisbane backpackers hostel, loved by globe-trotters for the last 20 years. Banana Bender is ideal for travellers looking to spend more than just a few days in Brisbane, perhaps it’s the homely feel to the place or the cheap as chips dorm rates that make people never want to leave! Banana Bender can be found just outside Brisbane’s CBD meaning the cost of eating out or doing a weekly food shop is just a tad cheaper than in the heart of the city.
Breeze Lodge
This incredible hostel in Brisbane is also one of the newest arrivals on the scene, Breeze Lodge. As one of the best hostels in Brisbane in 2024 Breeze Lodge has thought about what the modern backpacker needs and delivered it in droves. They have kick-ass facilities, like their guest kitchen with enough space for all to cook at the same time and utensils that actually work! Breeze Lodge offers 5* hospitality and an amazing rooftop terrace chill-out zone. Clean and tidy, Breeze Lodge is a highly recommended hostel in Brisbane for all types of backpackers.
Somewhere to Stay
The cleverly named Somewhere to Stay in Brisbane is one of the best hostels in Brisbane in 2022. The team have established an awesome vibe here at Somewhere and travellers instantly feel at ease once they’ve dumped their bags in the spacious dorm room. There is something happening at Somewhere every night of the week, Mondays are BBQ night and Wednesdays are free pizza nights. Their swimming pool is an added bonus.
Chill Backpackers
Chill Backpackers is an all-around good egg and a top hostel in Brisbane. Offering overlanding travellers use of their off-street parking for free, Chill Backpackers has been created with young travellers in mind. If you’ve got your working holiday visa but haven’t managed to find a job yet be sure to join Chill Backpacker’s job club to help hook you up with work. Chill is super chill, so super chill, in fact, you can BYOB and sip away with your dorm mates on the cosy roof terrace.
Big Bird
Big Bird is a basic but welcoming youth hostel in Brisbane offering guests comfortable dorms and clean bathrooms. Big Bird is a laid back and friendly budget hostel and guests are permitted to drink their own booze in the common areas like the outdoor terrace or guest kitchen. The staff are always on hand to help if they can and are a great source of local knowledge especially when it comes to finding jobs. Although the Big Bird crew are up for a good time they have a quiet time policy after 11 pm. Fair enough really!
Yellow Submarine
Yellow Submarine is one of the best budget hostels in Brisbane located just a 5-minute walk from ‘backpacker central’. Yellow Submarine is basic and you do get what you pay for. That said, with free WiFi, a guest kitchen and a swimming pool, Yellow Submarine has all the facilities you could ask for in a Brisbane backpackers hostel. From the dorm windows, you can see brilliant views of Brisbane’s cityscape. For those balmy Australian evenings be sure to make the most of Yellow Submarine’s guest BBQ in their sun trapped patio area.
What to Pack for your Brisbane Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Brisbane
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Brisbane.
How much does a hostel cost in Brisbane?
The prices of hostels in Brisbane depend on the room type. The average price of a dorm room (mixed or female-only) ranges from $13-16 USD/night, while a private room costs $42-47 USD/night.
What are the best hostels in Brisbane for couples?
Ellie’s Guest House is an excellent hostel for couples in Brisbane. It’s cozy, calm, and has laundry facilities.
What are the best hostels in Brisbane near the airport?
Bunk Brisbane, our best party hostel in Brisbane, is 13.6 km from Brisbane Airport. It has an outdoor swimming pool and its own bar, and its location is within walking distance of Brisbane CBD.
Travel Safety Tips for Brisbane
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Australia
Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Brisbane.
Planning an epic trip all across Australia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Australia, check out:
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Brisbane
If you’re planning on travelling further, you can be (almost always) sure that you’ll find a great place to stay wherever you are. There are so many amazing hostels all over Australia, each of them offering a comfy bed, a welcoming vibe, and a chance to meet like-minded travellers – you’ll be well looked after!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Australia for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Brisbane covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Brisbane if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Brisbane before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Sunshine Coast backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
