Queensland's river capital: subtropical, outdoorsy and unhurried, with a man-made city beach in the middle and the Gold and Sunshine coasts an hour either side.
Free things to do
Free
South Bank & Streets Beach
A free inner-city beach, genuinely — bring togs.
Free
Mount Coot-tha lookout & gardens
The whole city and the bay from one free terrace, best in the last hour of light.
Free
City Hall clock tower tour
A 1930s cage lift takes eight at a time up to the clock face, free from the Museum of Brisbane desk.
Where to stay
from $51
Brisbane City Backpackers HQ
Dorm bed · per night · Pool deck over the river bend.
from $138
Somewhere to Stay Backpackers
Private room · per night
from $164
K2 Brisbane
Private room · per night · K2 Brisbane is all about uncomplicated co-living: convenience, cleanliness, comfort, safety and value—in a heritage building near the CBD.