Brisbane Accommodations

Brisbane accommodations

Brisbane accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Brissy” and “Queen City of the North” (historic nickname).

Brisbane known for: waterways, shopping malls, performing arts / live music venues, art galleries, wharfs, piers, riverside paths, bridges, parks, gardens, farms, hiking trails, scenic peaks, night markets, street food, koalas

Located at about the mid-point of Australia’s rounded, eastern coastline, Brisbane is roughly 9 miles up-river from Moreton Bay. Between the Coral and Tasman Seas, the Moreton Bay inlet connects directly to Brisbane Central Business District (CBD). Flowing through Brissy, the Brisbane River (“Brown Snake” – tidal estuary – South East Queensland’s longest river) is sourced by Mount Stanley and empties into Moreton Bay. South of Brisbane are Gold Coast (long sandy beaches) and the “hinterland” (rainforests, eucalyptus forests, botanic gardens, woodlands, natural bridges, gorges, cliffs, rivers, waterfalls, platypus, bushwalk hiking areas). Northward, Sunshine Coast is home to sand dunes, shallow lakes and mangrove forests.

Brisbane main attractions: Westfield Chermside (shopping mall), Eat Street Northshore (former container wharf / night market – street food / beer stalls), Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout (scenic spot), City Botanic Gardens (plant life, ponds, picnic areas, concert venues), Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (zoo), Queen Street Mall (shopping mall), Suncorp Stadium, Roma Street Parkland (gardens, waterways, amphitheater), Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (free entry), Westfield Carindale (shopping mall), Queensland Museum, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha (56-acre subtropical botanical garden – native / exotic plants, workshops, events), Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park (River Terrace Park – riverside park – rock climbing, BBQ area, public art, skyline views), Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Powerhouse (former tram power station / performing arts center – concerts, plays, shows), Wellington Point Recreation Reserve, New Farm Park (recreational facilities, arts center), Shorncliffe Pier (fishing pier), Brisbane Showgrounds (fairground), Victoria Park Driving Range (golf driving range), The West End Markets (farmers’ market), The Tivoli (live music venue), The Triffid (live music venue), Story Bridge (pedestrian / bicycle-friendly bridge – skyline / river views), Howard Smith Wharves (waterside development – restaurants, breweries), Woody Point Jetty, Scarborough Beach, Old Cleveland Lighthouse, St John’s Cathedral (Gothic Revival architecture, wood carvings), Bullocky Rest, Indooroopilly Golf Club, Royal Queensland Golf Club

Surrounding Brisbane points of interest: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre (shopping mall), SkyPoint Observation Deck (panoramic views, restaurant), GC Aqua Park (waterpark), Robina Town Centre (shopping mall), HOTA (arts center – concerts, events, movies, gallery, bar), Miami Marketta (live music venue / night market – street food, cocktails, beer – Gold Coast), Burleigh Head National Park (coastal headland area – rainforest trails, wildlife), Tamborine National Park (rainforest – gorges, waterfalls, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic overlooks), Curtis Falls Track, Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, Glass House Mountains Lookout, Burleigh Beach, Hinze Dam (walking paths, café, lake / mountain / spillway views), Queensland Museum Rail Workshops | Ipswich, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, The Spit Gold Coast (beach – surfing, fishing), Mount Ngungun (Glass House Mountains peak – hiking trails, scenic views), Woorim Beach, The Spit Lake Somerset (lake park), Bayside Wake Park (wakeboarding park), The Llama Farm, EWE-Nique Hobby Farm Haigslea, Emerald Lakes Golf Club, Links Hope Island (golf course), Boomerang Farm (golf course),  Lakelands Golf Club, Woodford Golf Club, The Pines Golf Course, Southport Golf Club (private golf course), The Grand Golf Club (private golf club)

Brisbane main airport: Brisbane Airport

Airport car rental agencies: SIXT, Enterprise

Rideshare service: Uber

Train service: Queensland Rail

Ferry operator: RiverCity Ferries

Contactless public transportation payment card: digital Translink card

Brisbane top events: Brisbane Festival, Brisbane Comedy Festival, GABS Craft Beer Festival, Good Food and Wine Show, BIGSOUND Festival, Listen Out, Good Things, Touch Bass, Ultra Beach Gold Coast, CMC Rocks QLD, Spilt Milk, St  Jerome’s Laneway, The Woodford Folk Festival, Paniyiri Greek Festival, Supernova Comic Con & Gaming,  Abbey Medieval Festival

More fun things: Moreton Island Trip, Australia Zoo Ticket. Brisbane River Cruise & Koalas, North Stradbroke Island Tour

Cricket and football are Brisbane’s most popular sports. The Brisbane Broncos (rugby) and Brisbane Roar (football) each play at Suncorp Stadium in the suburb of Milton (west of CBD). The Brisbane Heat (cricket) play at The Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground – set to be demolished after the 2032 Summer Olympics) located in the Woolloongabba suburb (also not far from the CBD). Brisbane’s currency is the Australian Dollar, cars travel on the left-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Brisbane accommodations are some of Australia’s best. Before we get to Brisbane accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.

Brisbane was named after the Brisbane River, which was named after  Sir Thomas Brisbane. Prior to Brisbane, aboriginal Australians are believed to have inhabited the area for at least 22,000 years. Just before European arrival in the 1820s, the overall Turrbal, Yugara and Quandamooka aboriginal population is estimated at around 6,000-10,000. Resourceful fishermen, skilled aboriginals set up seasonal riverside camps to catch fish, shellfish, crabs and prawns. The largest riverside camp, located at present-day Victoria Park and Woolloongabba, was occupied from time to time by around 200-600 fishermen. Captain James Cook sailed past Stradbroke Island’s northern end / Moreton Island’s eastern side aboard the Endeavour circa 1770. Cook originally named the area “Morton’s Bay” in honor of the 14th Earl of Morton, James Douglas. President of the Royal Society, Douglas had helped secure funding for Cook’s expedition. Due to an error in the first published account of Cook’s voyage, however, the spelling “Moreton” arose. Captain Matthew Flinders landed at present-day Woody Point on July 17, 1799. Flinders named the area “Red Cliff Point” after its red-colored cliffs.  European settlers encountered the Turrbal people in 1820. The Turrbal word for the present-day CBD was mianjin, or “place shaped as a spike”. Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane remitted orders to develop a new penal settlement in the Moreton Bay area circa 1823. John Oxley, surveying in November 1823, placed the new penal colony near Red Cliff Point. In 1825, convicts planted the City Botanic Gardens, which were originally located at a Moreton Bay penal settlement farm. Jacaranda and Poinciana flowering plants were introduced to Australia around this time. After the initial penal settlement was established, a non-convict European community developed, with German missionaries settling at Zions Hill sometime around 1837. Captain Patrick Logan expanded the Moreton Bay convict settlement and, by 1842, nearly 2,400 men, and 145 women, were detained therein. Scottish immigrants landed aboard the Fortitude circa 1849. The scots settled at present-day Fortitude Valley, which took its name from the barque on which they arrived. The Roman Catholic Church erected St Stephen Chapel in 1850. During the Frontier Wars (1820s-1850s), indigenous attacks occurred throughout the city, albeit with  Great Britain arising victorious. Much of Queen Street was destroyed by the 1864  Great Fire of Brisbane. Australia’s only moated fort, Fort Lytton was built at the Brisbane River’s mouth in 1882. Frog’s Hollow, a swampy “slum” area, was once a Chinatown red light district and place of prostitution, sly grogs (unlicensed liquor store) and opium dens. The 1893 Black February Flood caused about $4 million in damages (1893-valuation) to include the destruction of  Victoria and Albert Bridges, along with 35 deaths. In 1901, Australia’s six British self-governing colonies united into a Federation. Celebrations were held in Brisbane during the event’s first commemoration. After World War I, the Red Flag riots between returned First Australian Imperial Force soldiers and socialists resulted in 1 police horse death and multiple injuries. During World War II, South West Pacific Area (SWPA) headquarters was stationed at the AMP Building (present-day MacArthur Chambers), while American troops were based at the T & G Building. The November 26, 1942 “Battle of Brisbane” riot between the United States Army  and the Australian Army / civilians resulted in 1 Australian death (Gunner Edward S. Webster) and hundreds of injuries on both sides. Webster died instantly by way of an errant shotgun blast to the chest. A few decades after the Wars and the Americans’ departures, the 1982 Commonwealth Games and World Expo 88 were two key events that contributed to Brisbane’s modern development.

Queensland’s capital and most populous city, Brisbane is home to around 2.5 million “Brisbanites”. Over 32% of the metropolitan population is foreign-born. Brisbane has 19 skyscrapers at 492 feet or higher, with the tallest being Brisbane Skytower at 887 feet. Brissy is located on the Brisbane River Valley’s hilly floodplain. To the west rise the Taylor and D’Aguilar mountain ranges. A massive, submerged continent to the southeast that’s nearly the size of Australia, Zealandia is thought to be over a billion years old. The northward Coral Sea Plateau is a contiguous area with depths no greater than 3,300 feet. Apart from the airport, the Port of Brisbane is the city’s main transit hub, handling about 150 ship calls per year. Brisbane cruise lines include Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and more. In addition to koalas, the Brisbane area’s wildlife is diverse and includes tree frogs, rainbow lorikeets (colorful parrot), kookaburras (kingfisher), Australian water dragons (lizard), bearded dragons (lizard), flying foxes (megabat – 5-foot wingspan), blue triangle butterflies, golden orb-weaver spiders and St Andrew’s Cross spiders. Brisbane River species include yellowfin bream, flathead, Australasian snapper and bull sharks, while Moreton Bay is home to humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs (manatee), mud crabs, soldier crabs, Moreton Bay bugs (lobster) and more. Brisbane’s humid subtropical climate is characterized by hot summers and moderate winters. January summer high temperatures average around 87 °F, while June winter highs stay around 71 °F. Additional points of interest include Queensland Cultural Centre, Feel Good Program (park / former World Expo 88 site), The Old Windmill (city’s oldest building, built by convicts c. 1828), Eagle Street Pier (riverfront dining complex), Walter Taylor Bridge (suspension bridge), State Library of Queensland, Treasury Building and University of Queensland. Popular foods include barbecued meats, various seafood, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, Ramen, gnocchi, breakfast carbonara and fruit, while signature cocktails, wine, whiskey and craft beer are the most-poured drinks. With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Brisbane accommodations that will help make for a memorable experience.

 

 

 

Emporium South Bank

267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

Queensland Children’s Hospital

Hotel amenities: river views, balconies, spa center, fitness center, flat-screen TVs, desks, daily buffet breakfast, 24-hour front desk

Nearby restaurants / bars / pubs: Popolo Italian Kitchen and Bar (Italian restaurant), OTTO Ristorante (Italian restaurant), Aquitaine French Restaurant, Siam South Bank (Thai restaurant), Mado (Turkish restaurant), Terrace Rooftop Bar, The Ship Inn (gastropub)

Nearby misc.: Gong Cha (bubble tea store), Queensland Maritime Museum, Griffith University Art Museum, The Arbour Walkway, River Quay Green South Bank (event venue), Picnic Island Green (picnic ground)

Within feet:

• • • Queensland Children’s Hospital
    • TAFE Queensland Brisbane
    • South Bank Parklands
    • Queensland University of Technology
    • Riverstage

Within 1 mile:

• • • Boggo Road Gaol
    • Queen Street Mall

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Brisbane Central Station

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • University of Queensland – St. Lucia
    • Roma Street Station

Within 10.1 miles:

• • • Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Emporium South Bank is 8.8 miles from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Emporium Suite): $469

 

 

 

Alcyone Hotel Residences

35 Hercules Street, Hamilton

Hamilton Park

Hotel amenities: outdoor pool, balconies, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, hairdryers, laundry facilities, secure on-site parking

Nearby restaurants: Fosh Bar & Restaurant (seafood restaurant), Byblós (restaurant), H Cafe & Bar – Portside (restaurant), Sono Japanese Restaurant Portside Wharf (Japanese restaurant), Aamaya Indian Restaurant

Nearby misc.: Yellowish (café), Rise Bakery Portside Wharf (bakery), Sense of Taste Portside (liquor store), Tigerlamb Portside (hair salon), Portside Wharf (shopping mall), Quantum Tattoo Removal Clinic (tattoo removal service)

Within feet:

• • • Hamilton Park

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Yoga Alma

Within 1.5 miles:

• • • Bannister Park

Within 3.8 miles:

• • • Streets Beach

Within 4.6 miles:

• • • Boggo Road Gaol

Alcyone Hotel Residences is 1.6 miles from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Two-Bedroom Apartment): $173

Cost per person (four people): $57

 

 

 

Hotel Kingsley

610 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton

Hercules Street Park

Hotel amenities: saltwater swimming pool, soundproofing, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, free parking, free airport shuttle service upon check-out

Nearby: Seagrill Cafe Restaurant (restaurant), Chambers & Crosthwaite Antiques (antique store)

Within feet:

• • • Hercules Street Park
    • Hamilton Park
    • Doomben Train Station

Within 1 mile:

• • • Oriel Park

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • Cameron Rocks Reserve

Within 2.7 miles:

• • • New Farm Riverwalk

Hotel Kingsley is 1.4 miles from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Triple Room): $173

Cost per person (three people): $57

 

 

 

 

Jephson Hotel & Apartments

63 Jephson St, Toowong

Toowong Memorial Park

Hotel amenities: balconies, free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, rooftop function room

Nearby restaurants: KatsuCo Toowong (Japanese restaurant), Barolos Ristorante (restaurant), Genkotsu Ramen Toowong (authentic Japanese restaurant)

Nearby misc.: The Gunshop Cafe (café), La Grava (café), ASN Toowong (vitamin & supplements store), Clear Skincare Clinic Toowong (skin care clinic), Toowong Triumphant Barbers (barber shop), Sherwan Barbers (barber shop), Stepz Fitness Toowong (gym)

Within feet:

• • • Toowong Memorial Park
    • Perrin Park
    • McIlwraith Croquet Club

Within 2 miles:

• • • Wheel of Brisbane

Within 2.1 miles:

• • • South Bank Parklands

Within 3.2 miles:

• • • Story Bridge

Jephson Hotel & Apartments is 7 miles from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Two-Bedroom Apartment): $277

Cost per person (four people): $69

 

 

 

Spicers Balfour Brisbane

37 Balfour St., New Farm

New Farm Riverwalk

Hotel amenities: restaurant, rooftop bar, city views, 1940s-style art-deco décor, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines

Nearby restaurants / bars / pubs: Bella Tiarnie Restaurant & Gourmet Pizzas (Italian restaurant), Continental Cafe (Continental restaurant), The Balfour Kitchen & Bar (Vietnamese restaurant), New Farm Curry House (Indian restaurant), Himalayan Cafe (Napalese restaurant), Abla’s Kebab (kebab shop), Toranj Restaurant (Persian restaurant), Gerties Bar and Restaurant (bar), Brunswick Hotel (pub)

Nearby misc.: Death Before Decaf (café), Quando Cafe (café), Chouquette (patisserie), mikah’s (hairdresser), lila boheme (hair salon), Tsiknaris Hair (hair salon), Haus Of Hof Salon (hair salon), The Moissanite Company (jewelry store), EDWINA CORLETTE (art gallery), Straycat Barbershop (barber shop), Anytime Fitness New Farm (gym), Wilson Outlook Reserve (park), Five Star Cinemas (movie theater), Chinese Medicine Brisbane (Chinese medicine clinic)

Within feet:

• • • New Farm Riverwalk
    • Story Bridge
    • Story Bridge Adventure Climb
    • Dockside Marina
    • St. John’s Anglican Cathedral
    • Eagle Street Pier Ferry Terminal

Within 1 mile:

• • • City Botanical Gardens

Spicers Balfour Brisbane is 7.2 miles from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $290

 

 

 

 

Heal House

72 Heal Street, New Farm

Teneriffe Park

Suite amenities: free Wi-Fi, spacious terrace, dining alcove, gardens, free continental breakfast, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free non-alcoholic mini-bars, private bathrooms with granite tiles, custom vanities, free luxury toiletries, safe street parking

Also in the area: Spicers Balfour Brisbane

Within feet:

• • • Teneriffe Park
    • New Farm Riverwalk
    • Captain Burke Park
    • Grolife Indoor Plantscapes

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • King George Square

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • Wheel of Brisbane

Heal House is 3.8 miles from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $214

 

 

 

Felix Penthouse

374/26 Felix Street, Brisbane Central Business District

Eagle Street Pier

Penthouse amenities: outdoor swimming pool, terrace, BBQ facilities, spa, sauna, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, free parking

Nearby restaurants / bars: Doughcraft (Italian restaurant), Naldham House (restaurant), San Telmo (steakhouse), The French Exit (restaurant), Dr Gimlette Brisbane (cocktail bar)

Nearby misc.: Doo-Bop Bar (live music venue), Escape Manor (escape room center), The Hideout Specialty Coffee on Edward (coffee shop), Pablo & Rusty’s BNE CBD (coffee shop), BWS Felix St (liquor store)

Within feet:

• • • Eagle Street Pier
    • Brisbane City Hall

Within 1 mile:

• • • New Farm Riverwalk
    • Roma Street Parklands

Within 2.4 miles:

• • • Newstead House

Felix Penthouse is 7 miles from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $258

Cost per person (four people): $64

 

 

 

 

 

Balmoral Queenslander

273 Riding Road

Yoga Alma

Hotel amenities: balconies, patios, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, slippers, luggage storage

Nearby restaurants / bars: Marinara Restaurant (Italian restaurant), Cartel del Taco (Mexican restaurant), Pawpaw Asian Kitchen (Southeast Asian restaurant), Downtown Istanbul (Turkish restaurant), Ardo’s Hawthorne (wine bar)

Nearby misc.: Petrichor Day Spa (day spa), Willow Cafe, Little Hideout Cafe, Hawthorne Garage (gourmet grocery store), Bottlemart (liquor store), The Halo Room (hairdresser), Solace Hair and Body (beauty salon), Studio Pilates (Pilates studio)

Within feet:

• • • Yoga Alma
    • Hawthorne Park
    • Hardcastle Park

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Teneriffe Park

Within 1.5 miles:

• • • Newstead House

Balmoral Queenslander is 2.8 miles from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $117

 

 

 

 

 

Nudgee Home

Aramis Pl, Nudgee

Boondall Wetlands Reserve | All Inn Brewing Co.

Home amenities: 4 bedrooms, barbecue, garden, air conditioning, kitchen, washer, garage parking

Nearby: Avocet Beauty Studio, Nudgee Recreation Reserve

Within feet:

• • • Boondall Wetlands Reserve
    • All Inn Brewing Co. (brewpub)

Within 2 minutes:

• • • Nudgee Golf Club

Nudgee Home is 8 minutes from Brisbane Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $299

Cost per person (eight people): $37

 

 

 

 

So there they are, Brisbane accommodations that will help make for an excellent trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Australia!