Hotels in Brisbane

The city of Brisbane gets around 300 days of sun a year. But more than being a sunny city, Brisbane has a little something for everyone. The third-largest city in Australia, there are so many things to do in Brisbane. The city is great for nature-lovers with nearby wildlife sanctuaries, natural parks, and island tours.

For the culture crowd, Brisbane has a thriving food and arts scene that continues to innovate. Shoppers will salivate at the sight of Queen Street Mall, with its 700 shops. Brisbane is also an international hub to many of Australia’s most popular cities, making it a great place to start your Australian adventure.

How to Get There

To start, you’ll most likely land at Brisbane International Airport--one of Australia’s largest airports and a convenient access point for the rest of the world. From the airport, there are several ways to reach Brisbane’s city centre. The Airtrain is a popular option, taking only 20 minutes to reach the city and has trains coming in every 15 minutes.

For door-to-door shuttles, the airport recommends the Con-x-ion shuttle bus service for roundtrip transfers. If you would prefer to get to your accommodation in private, taxis are available 24/7 outside the airport and cost around $50 for a one-way trip.

Getting Around

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, going around Brisbane is easy. The city’s easily accessible public transportation options include bus, train, and ferry lines that go from one city to the other.

To make traversing the city even easier, you can purchase a Go Card from the airport, train stations, or convenience stores. After loading the card, you can conveniently tap to pay for your ride. If you’re going around the city centre, check out the City Loop and Spring Hill Loop buses which stop at popular destinations--the best part is it’s absolutely free.

Top Things to Do

There are plenty of tourist spots in Brisbane that can cater to all types of interests. If cuddling a koala is on your Aussie bucket list, then make your way to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The sanctuary also has other resident Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, crocs, snakes, and wombats. With animal encounters and talks, a trip here is both fun and educational.

Those looking for a relaxing afternoon will enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens on Mt. Coot-tha Road. The sprawling park features 128 hectares of rare plants and beautifully manicured gardens.

Meanwhile, the more adventurous will enjoy the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. The massive steel bridge offers a unique bridge climbing experience. The bridge reaches up to 80 meters high, with a panoramic view of the Brisbane river.

Still looking for an adventure? Brisbane is a great starting point for island hopping. Nearby islands include Fraser Island, Moreton Island, and Stradbroke Island. On these islands, you can see shipwrecks, jump in the waters, and explore. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the sight of a whale on your way there.

If what makes you happy is a paper bag full of new clothes, then Queen Street Mall might be paradise. The vibrant shopping street is home to 700 stores and counting. There are stores for every style, from designer to streetwear to casual and comfortable. Shoppers on a budget need not worry, the shopping district has affordable options and great bargains as well.

What to Eat

Brisbane has a big food scene, with plenty of different cuisines and diverse offerings. The city has everything from Italian, to Thai, to Japanese from your choice of eatery, from fine dining to food truck. If you’re looking for one dish to remember Brisbane by, 1889 Enotecca’s gnocchi with pork and fennel sausage is raved about by locals and tourists alike.

If you’re hankering for a good old burger, Red Hook is a local classic. Vegans and vegetarians will also be relieved to know that Brisbane is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly city with many options.

Nightlife

The city also has an exciting nightlife and is home to Australia’s first entertainment district--Fortitude Valley. The area is full of nightclubs, live music, bars, and more. While you’re here, you can dance your heart out at a club, attend concerts, or have a cocktail at a rooftop bark. The valley has something for everyone, as long as you’re over the age of 18.

Where to Stay

Brisbane is such a big city, so if it’s your first time, it might be a bit daunting to choose from the many hotels in Brisbane. Brisbane hotels are plenty and can cater to your budget. If you’re willing to splurge, there are luxurious hotels that will keep you pampered. Backpackers and travellers on a budget can check out hostels, which are cheaper and flexible.

Brisbane’s Central Business District is a convenient choice to stay if you want a little of everything. The CBD is centrally located, making it a great starting point. If you’re after the nightlife, Fortitude Valley also has good hotels and hostels. Families with kids can check out South Bank, a beachside neighbourhood with plenty of activities.

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