Joey's Guide To Brisbane
Brisbane is a sunny river city full of travellers, live music, and easy adventure. It’s affordable, social, and super walkable — with free museums, outdoor pools, street food markets, rooftop bars, and a city beach you can actually swim at. Backpackers love Brisbane because it’s the perfect mix of big-city energy and chilled Aussie lifestyle. You can wander river paths, catch cheap sunset ferries, hit nightlife in Fortitude Valley, or escape to waterfalls, hiking trails, and Moreton Island — all within reach. It’s the ideal stop to meet people, relax, and explore before heading further up the coast.
Stay Eat Explore
Where to stay
Brisbane’s food scene is fun, affordable, and perfect for backpackers — from riverside cafés to street food markets, rooftop bars, and sunset drinks at Felons Brewery.
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Bunk
It’s smack-in-the-middle of the action in Fortitude Valley (part of Brisbane), making it perfect if you want nightlife, food and easy access to the city.
Brisbane, QLD
Roamer
Tailored for modern travellers and digital nomads: features like a dedicated coworking space, good WiFi, and communal social areas make it more than just a place to sleep.
Where to eat & drink
Backpackers love Brisbane for its social hostels, walkable neighbourhoods, and easy access to both nightlife and nature. It’s the ideal place to recharge, meet new people, and base yourself while exploring the city or planning trips further up the coast.
Brisbane City, QLD
Felons Brewing
A lively riverside brewery at Howard Smith Wharves, serving great craft beer with unbeatable views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge.
"Have a bev under the story bridge by the river at lunchtime or late arvo to get some sunshine or watch the sunset. Good for big group or family catch ups, or just you and your mate." - Abby, Noosa, QLD
"Great for a sunset drink" - Harrison, Noosa, QLD
"Best spot for dinner, has the best view of the bridge and has a great open area." - Cooper, Noosa, QLD
"Affordable vibes" - Hannah, Noosa, QLD
"Massive drinking place with great views of the Brisbane river and city" - Morgan, Noosa Heads, QLD
Kangaroo Point, QLD
Story Bridge Hotel
A classic riverside pub offering hearty meals, cold drinks, and stunning views of the Story Bridge in a relaxed, social setting.
"Live music til late every night" - Kelsey Rau, Traveston, QLD
"Great pub" - Mitch, Melbourne, VIC
"Great central meeting place. All day , any day or night. Something always going on Great beers on tap." - Troy, Noosa, QLD
Brisbane, QLD
Hai Hai Ramen
A comforting bowl of ramen for around AU$10 during their special hour (Mondays & Tuesdays, 5-6 pm).
"Best ramen in Brisbane! Absolutely lovely soups and the noodles are perfect." - Harry
"Everything is beyond expectations! Fantastic ramen spot in Paddington, Brisbane!" - Jamie
South Brisbane
The Yiros Shop
Fresh Greek-style yiros/wraps for around AU$10-15, making it a quick and cheap bite during your city explorations.
"Greek-style wraps & fast food Greek restaurant Yiros (gyros) for ~ $10–$13, quick and filling. Good for late-night bites or a cheap lunch between sightseeing or hostel days." - Harrison, Noosa, QLD
El Camino Cantina
On Taco Tuesdays you can get tacos for AU$2 each (with a drink) — super handy for a social night out without spending much.
"Super fun vibey Mexican restaurant, happy hour, and yummy yummy tacos!" - Sophie
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Happy Boy
Chinese restaurant specialising in wok cooking and Guangdong-style BBQ, paired with small producer Aussie wines.
"Cheap & quick asian eats. $12 lunch deal!" - Abby, Noosa, QLD
Where to explore
With free museums, river walks, outdoor pools, and a swimmable city beach, Brisbane is full of low-cost adventures. It’s the perfect mix of city energy and laid-back Australian living.
Stradbroke Island, QLD
North Stradbroke Island (Stradbroke Island Tours)
A scenic island escape with stunning beaches, freshwater lakes, and chances to see dolphins, turtles, and kangaroos in the wild.
"Stradbroke Island the place is epic absolute Must !" - Emily, Adelaide
AFL Match
(March – September) – Experience Australia’s favourite winter sport live — fast, high-energy footy with passionate crowds and unbeatable stadium atmosphere.
Moreton Island, QLD
Moreton Island Day Trip
An adventure-packed day exploring pristine beaches, snorkeling the Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding massive dunes, and spotting marine life on one of the world’s largest sand islands.
