Brisbane
Queensland, Australia
Daily Budget
~A$73
~US$60 · per day
Best Months
Climate
Dry Season / Winter
Vibe
Gateway city
Overview
Queensland's capital is a warm, laid-back city that serves as the gateway to the east coast trail north. Often overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbours, Brisbane has quietly become one of Australia's most liveable cities with a thriving food scene, free riverside attractions, and easy access to islands and hinterland. It is noticeably cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne for accommodation and food.
Editor's Pick
Brisbane stands out for: Gateway to the east coast trail north toward Cairns and south to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay; Warm subtropical climate year-round — swimmable weather most of the year; South Bank Parklands offer a free artificial beach, pools, and cultural precinct in the city centre.
Things to Do
View all 9 activitiesTop Hostels
View all 5 hostels
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Daily (AUD) | Daily (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | A$28 | $23 |
| Food | A$18 | $15 |
| Transport | A$7 | $6 |
| Activities | A$11 | $9 |
| Total | ~A$73 | ~$60 |
Hostels
5 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
9 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Brisbane?
- Budget around A$73 AUD (~US$60) per day in Brisbane, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Brisbane are Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Brisbane?
- Top-rated hostels in Brisbane include Somewhere to Stay, Summer House Brisbane, Brisbane City YHA. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from A$22 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Brisbane?
- Must-do activities in Brisbane include Bar hop through Fortitude Valley's live music and nightlife scene, Climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or abseil down them, Day trip to North Stradbroke Island for snorkelling, surfing, and wild dolphins. There are 9 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
