SantoriniDave.com

Where to Stay in Brisbane

By Santorini Dave

A view from high up of a river, palm tree, bridge, and skyscrapers

Our view from the Stamford Plaza, along the Brisbane River looking across to Kangaroo Point.

The Best Places to Stay in Brisbane

Sometimes, Brisbane is only a stop to the rest of Queensland, especially to places like the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Still, the state capital and Australia’s third-largest city has so much to offer. Set along the winding namesake river, the inner-city retains considerable history and charm as colonial-era buildings compete with 50-level office structures and freeways detour around tropical parklands. Suburban areas with accommodations have individual personalities and distinct attractions, whether rowdy bars, serene gardens, riverside walkways, or boat cruises. While the weather is always hot, Brisbane doesn’t boast any classic Aussie beaches, but some of the most glorious stretches of sand, sea, and surf are easy to reach along the hedonistic Gold Coast. Brisbane is already buzzing in anticipation of hosting the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Brisbane Neighborhoods

Most stay in the City Center if only for the wide range of accommodations, superb shopping, and access to excellent transport. The beautiful South Bank is just over the river via several bridges, a riverside precinct with a stunning setting, and many attractions. Spring Hill offers an infectious city-edge vibe just north of downtown, while those seeking some after-dark action may prefer to stay a little further out at Fortitude Valley.

Also in the suburbs and accessible by public transport are other worthwhile options. Woolloongabba, the oddly-named suburb with the main sports stadium, will be the center for Olympic action. Kangaroo Point is a quick ferry trip from downtown, beautifully quiet and laidback, and the views are sublime. Hamilton is handy to the airport and has plenty of budget-priced accommodations. Hotels at Portside, a charmingly revamped area alongside the river, offer the same convenience but higher rates. The coastal suburbs of Wynnum and Manly may not boast sandy beaches, but they offer everything else needed for an enjoyable holiday (or day out) at the sea. The Gold Coast has it all – sand, surf, sea, and shopping – and plenty of accommodations at Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads, although it is possible to take a day trip to the Gold Coast from central Brisbane.

The Best Places to Stay in Brisbane

A view straight up to the sky of two blue glass towers.

Many of the rooms within the W Brisbane’s two towers offer some of the finest views of the Brisbane River.

Best Areas in Brisbane for…

  • Best Area in Brisbane for First-Time Visitors: Spring Hill
    Just relax and enjoy the best of Brisbane from this charming inner-suburban area within a 15-minute walk of the City Center (for shopping and transport) and Fortitude Valley (for after-dark action). Along the leafy and often quiet streets are plenty of everyday shops, trendy cafés, and old-style pubs. Two bonuses are the Spring Hill Baths swimming pool and impressive Roma Street Parkland (see later). Most of Spring Hill is regularly linked to the City Centre by the free City Loop bus while the two major train stations – Roma Street and Central – are also easy to reach on foot.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Sightseeing: City Center (West)
    The City Center – particularly the western section – is the optimal location for seeing the numerous sights around Brisbane. The excellent public transport by ferry, train, and, to a lesser extent, bus also make it easy to see the sites in the suburbs and as far as the Gold Coast. Must-sees within this part of downtown Brisbane include the Museum of Brisbane inside the majestic City Hall, and the magnificent City Botanic Gardens. Just outside the Gardens are three more major attractions: Parliament House, the QUT Art Museum, and delightful Old Government House.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Boat Trips: South Bank
    A blue and white ferry boat rides on the river next to the downtown high rises.

    The free City Hopper ferry service links the western and eastern sections of the City Center with South Bank and Kangaroo Point.

    The Brisbane River dominates the City Center, South Bank, and Kangaroo Point, so the settings are attractive, and access is easy by boat. For simple convenience, most cruises along the river leave from the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon wharf in the northern part of South Bank. Several companies offer enticing cruises daily with commentary, stops, and, sometimes, meals and drinks. (These are always popular, so book ahead.) River City Cruises uses what they describe as a “boutique timber vessel.” Mirimar focuses on extended trips past posh waterside suburbs to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where cuddling a koala may be a holiday highlight. And don’t forget it is easy enough to enjoy the river’s many sights and sounds by ferry, including the free City Hopper which links South Bank, the City Center, and Kangaroo Point.

    A boat sits on the river by a dock where passengers board.

    Guided tours of the mighty Brisbane River are available from South Bank with River City Cruises and Mirimar.

  • Best Areas in Brisbane for History: City Center (East and West)
    In a park a sculpture of two men, one carrying a rifle with a bandage over his eyes, leans on another man caring a walking stick.

    Anzac Square is a pleasant inner-city park commemorating wars and battles involving Australia.

    Local authorities have fought hard to retain some sense of history despite the unrelenting development across the City Center. An impressive array of gorgeous colonial-era buildings is open to the public, but visiting hours are often limited, so check them out online. The splendid City Hall has a striking auditorium (once used by The Rolling Stones in the early 1960s) and the Museum of Brisbane upstairs. Just north of the busy Riverside ferry terminal is the renovated Customs House with a chic restaurant. And flanking the western edge of the superb City Botanic Gardens are the Parliament House and Old Government House.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Culture: South Bank
    Created for the World Expo in 1988 is the riverside leisure precinct of South Bank. North of the playgrounds, tropical gardens, and remarkable swimming lagoon (see later) is the Queensland Cultural Centre, where several attractions are grouped together and easy to access by foot, train, or ferry. These include the exceptional Queensland Museum (entry charge) and the combined Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery (both free to enter). If that’s not enough, also clustered around the shaded lawns and inviting cafés are the State Library of Queensland and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
  • Best Areas in Brisbane for Vibe: Wynnum and Manly
    OK, the Gold Coast has the glamour and South Bank the panache, but at times, we just like things to be quiet, unpretentious, and places not overdeveloped, overpriced, and overcrowded. Wynnum is only a few train stops from downtown and offers shaded lawns, wading pools, seaside walkways, and a likable ambiance usually only found in country towns. Modest but inviting cafés designed and priced for locals line the streets. Within walking distance of Wynnum via a seaside path, Manly is a little trendier and home to open-air weekend markets
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Nightlife: Fortitude Valley
    A restaurant dining room filled with multiple hanging crystal chandeliers, live plants, a curved marble bar with lights, and wood tables.

    Typically extravagant, Cloudland is famous for its Italian food, cocktails, vertical gardens, and inside waterfall.

    Every city like Brisbane has at least one district packed with bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs like Fortitude Valley. Easy to reach by train from downtown, The Valley (as it’s known locally) has more than enough to satisfy most night owls. Spread out along Ann and Wickham streets, but within walking (or staggering) distance of each other are noisy bars, garish clubs, and crowded eateries. Some of the finest pubs for daytime meals and drinks are The Prince Consort Hotel and The Wickham. Exotic spots for cocktails and dinner are Cloudland and MAYA Mexican with a rooftop bar. Downright noisy and sleazy are Wonderland Brisbane and The Met. For something far more sophisticated, swing your hips at the Brisbane Jazz Club alongside the river at Kangaroo Point.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Restaurants: South Bank
    At South Bank, the variety of places to eat and drink is impressive, whether it’s crowded Irish pubs, classy American diners, or low-key Asian cafés. Most bars and restaurants don’t provide river views (except those on higher floors in lofty hotels), but many are along quiet streets, most offer outside tables, and a few overlook gardens. We recommend The Ship Inn, one of the city’s most historic pubs offering award-winning fare; Embers at The Charming Squire for an extensive wine list and vegetarian specialties; and Popolo, long-standing and recently revamped for Italian cuisine.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for City Views: South Bank
    The city center is so overdeveloped that it’s necessary to get out of downtown for prime city views. Directly across the river from the City Center, South Bank is a delightful low-level area with parks, walkways, and play areas along the river. Hotel and apartment complexes, one or two blocks from the water, may provide views of the ever-expanding City Center. Hotels at South Bank offering the finest unobstructed city views include the Emporium Hotel South Bank, Rydges South Bank Brisbane, and Opera Apartments South Brisbane.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for River Views: City Center (West)
    A view of the river from above.

    Among many worthy contenders, we believe the Emporium Hotel South Bank offers the finest river views anywhere in Brisbane.

    The premier place to relish views of the wide and meandering Brisbane River is from the western edge of the City Center. It overlooks the glorious South Bank leisure precinct across the water. While the multi-lane Pacific Highway blocks direct access to much of the river from the area called North Quay, the skyscraping hotels there offer some of Brisbane’s finest panoramas. These include voco Brisbane City Centre and W Brisbane. Elsewhere, views are equally stunning from the Emporium Hotel South Bank, our favorite hotel with river views to Stamford Plaza Brisbane in the eastern section of downtown and Brisbane Marriott Hotel on the edge of Spring Hill.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Sea Views: Burleigh Heads (Gold Coast)
    A high-up view of an ocean and shoreline.

    The Peppers Soul Hotel in Surfers Paradise has sea views from most of its rooms. It’s our best hotel with sea views.

    As skyscraping hotels and apartments vie for perfect sea views, Surfers Paradise – and, to a lesser degree, parts of Broadbeach – have become seriously overbuilt. Consequently, some hotel windows look directly into the window of another hotel room. This is not so at Burleigh Heads, where the coastline – especially in the central area around the headland – is not swamped by high-rises, so more people can enjoy delightful sea views. With prime locations and optimum designs to maximum unobstructed views of the sand, sea, and surf along the Gold Coast are Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel, Peppers Soul which is over 70 levels high, and Boardwalk Burleigh Beach.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Peace and Quiet: Kangaroo Point
    Just across the river from the eastern edge of downtown, this suburb along a narrow peninsula retains a loveable suburban charm. Hip cafés jostle for space with old-fashioned pubs frequented by locals. The western riverbanks along Kangaroo Point offer hassle-free walking and jogging. Views across the river to the city are also inspiring. While the Story Bridge, which connects Kangaroo Point to the city via Fortitude Valley, dominates the peninsula, the bridge is unobtrusive and doesn’t affect the overall peace.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Walking: South Bank
    A couple walk along a wooden path.

    One highlight of any visit to South Bank is the Rainforest Walk.

    Stretching about 2km along the river opposite the City Center, the South Bank leisure precinct is ideal for walking. Explore the parklands, tropical gardens, and backstreet cafés on foot along wide shaded walkways (also shared with bicycles and pesky e-scooters). Along the way, stop at The Wheel of Brisbane, Nepalese Peace Pagoda, and the remarkable swimming lagoon. Then, consider a river cruise from the wharf near the Queensland Cultural Centre or discover the nearby museums and art galleries.
  • Best Areas in Brisbane for Cycling: South Bank and Wynnum/Manly
    As mentioned above, South Bank is perfect for exploring on two feet, but why not do it on two wheels instead? Using the pedestrian-only Goodwill Bridge, the walking/cycling paths along South Bank connect with the equally lovely but considerably quieter paths along Kangaroo Point. Alternatively, cycle along the delightful seaside path between Wynnum and Manly. (This path lined with cafés, lawns, and playgrounds is just a tiny section of the incredible 150km-long Moreton Bay Cycleway.)

    Using less effort, rent an e-bike or e-scooter from spots at South Bank (especially near The Wheel of Brisbane) and the foreshore parks at Wynnum and Manly. Two app-based companies offer these for a fee: Neuron (the orange ones) and Beam (the purple ones).

  • Best Area in Brisbane for Swimming: Gold Coast (Burleigh Heads)
    People walk on a wide beach.

    The Gold Coast beaches are wide, clean, and sandy, seemingly stretching endlessly in both directions.

    Almost all beaches along the Gold Coast offer plenty of sand and surf caused by strong ocean winds. Never underestimate the strength of waves and undertow, and always swim between the flags where lifeguards usually operate daily between 8am and 6pm. Our favorite beach along the Gold Coast is Burleigh Heads. However, for safer swimming, the pine-clustered headland around Tallebudgera Creek helps counter the waves – although, paradoxically, parts of Burleigh Heads are also perfect for surfing (see below). The setting around the national park and the backstreets packed with cafés add to the appeal.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Surfing: Gold Coast (Burleigh Heads)
    Local surfers will argue long into the night about the prime place for “gnarly” waves, but most can agree that surfing is ideal at Burleigh Heads. The consistently good waves for experts and learners differ from neighboring beaches because of the rocky headland and creek inlet. This part of the Gold Coast has other advantages, too: it’s less touristy and crowded than places like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, which means cheaper accommodations, better parking, and more space on the water. Lessons and surfboard rental (and kayaks) are available at Cheyne Horan Surf School and Paramount Adventures.
  • Best Areas in Brisbane for Parks and Gardens: Spring Hill and City Center (East)
    Within a short stroll of downtown are two magnificent parks – both large, shaded, quiet, and free to enter. Blanketing a ridge within the city-edge suburb of Spring Hill, Roma Street Parkland offers plenty of lawns, walking/cycling paths, playgrounds, (free) barbeque facilities, and a huge amphitheater used for public events such as outdoor movies (for a charge). Occupying a substantial headland within the City Center are the magnificent City Botanic Gardens . Reasons to visit and stay for hours at these gardens include tropical plants, adventure playgrounds, riverside paths for walking and cycling, ornamental ponds buzzing with birdlife, and attractive city skyline views.
  • Best Areas in Brisbane for Watching Sports: Woolloongabba and Spring Hill
    Dominating the inner-city suburb of Woolloongabba, the Brisbane Cricket Ground (known as “The Gabba”) is home to the aptly-named Brisbane Heat cricket team, which plays in the T20 Big Bash League. The Gabba is also where the Brisbane Lions play a unique code of football as part of the Australian Football League. Authorities plan to completely demolish and rebuild The Gabba for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. Sports fans also flock to see their beloved Brisbane Broncos rugby league team play at Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium) which is within a 30-minute walk of many hotels in Spring Hill.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Outdoor Activities: Kangaroo Point
    lots of bikes and rollerblades hang on walls waiting to be rented.

    Kangaroo Point is Brisbane’s main center for outdoor activities. The Riverlife Adventure Centre rents bikes, kayaks, and rollerblades and offers tours, including rock climbing.

    The slender peninsula known as Kangaroo Point, accessible by ferry from the City Center, is the focus of several adventure activities. If you think the remarkable Story Bridge, which dominates the suburb, is begging to be climbed, contact Story Bridge Adventure Climb with an office directly underneath. Almost at the end of the riverside path along the peninsula’s western edge are the office and storage facilities for Riverlife Adventure Centre. This impressive outfit offers a world-class selection of fun stuff on and off the water, including kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, and bicycle rental. It is a must for the adventure-seeking family.
  • Best Area in Brisbane to Organize Tours: Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast)
    Oodles of outdoor activities and tours are available along the Gold Coast, where the combination of sun, sand, sea, surf, and wind promises plenty of adrenalin-pumping fun. Activities include surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving, and various cruises along the waterways and on the ocean. Away from the water, maybe cruise the sky with Gold Coast Helitours, try indoor skydiving with iFLY Gold Coast, or cuddle a koala at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. And almost everyone visits at least one of the major theme parks: Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, and Movie World. Surfers Paradise Visitor Information and Booking Centre, along Cavill Avenue, can book everything listed above and other tours.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Malls and Department Stores: City Center (West)
    While many locals prefer the convenience and air-conditioned comfort of shopping centers in the suburbs, there are more than enough shops, malls, and department stores to please visitors in downtown Brisbane (especially the western section). Stroll along the pedestrian-only Queen Street Mall and its offshoot Albert Street Mall. Delightfully shaded and rarely too crowded, these open-air walkways are also home to the iconic Australian department stores Myer and David Jones. Nearby are ultra-modern shopping plazas with food courts, cinemas, and internationally-known fashion brand outlets.
  • Best Areas in Brisbane for Boutiques: South Bank & the West End
    There is no obvious area in Brisbane that avid boutique shoppers can flock to. Around South Bank’s streets are some alluring independent retailers, but, as expected, items can be a little touristy and prices a little high. A better value and variety are available at The Collective Markets set among the South Bank lawns each weekend. For quality goods and prices set for locals, head further away from South Bank to an area known as the West End. Look out for Avid Reader for books and literary events and Euphora for fashion items. The range among stalls is eclectic at the vibrant Davies Park (West End) Markets open Saturday mornings.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Markets: Manly
    People walk through stalls at an open-air market.

    The Manly Creative Market along the sea runs every Sunday morning until 2 p.m.

    The lovely suburban beach of Manly (and its sister, Wynnum, just up the coastal path) may not have any sand or surf. Still, it has everything needed for an enjoyable beachside outing: cafés, playgrounds, walking paths, lawns, and kids’ wading pools. Manly also boasts two open-air, village-style markets on shaded lawns along the foreshore. On the first and third Saturday mornings of each month, masses of stalls at the Manly (Jan Powers) Farmers Markets sell quality produce, while every Sunday morning until 2pm the Manly Creative Market is the place for crafts, arts, clothes, etc.
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Transport: City Center (West)
    A yellow and blue tram pulls into a station.

    Running every few minutes, the G:link trams connect Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach with the train station at Helensvale, which serves the City Center and airport.

    Public transport is excellent and helpful with Brisbane’s frequent unpleasant weather. The main focus for transport is the city centre, especially the western section. From the convenient and easy-to-use Central Station, trains head frequently to Wynnum and Manly, the airport, and Gold Coast with G:link trams (or bus connections) at Helensvale. Many suburban train lines also stop at Fortitude Valley. South Bank and Kangaroo Point are connected to the City Center with the very handy – and free – City Hopper ferry service. The only bus service of use to tourists is the free City Loop that cruises around the City Center, connects downtown with Spring Hill, and joins South Bank with the West End. Otherwise, whizz around the streets on an e-scooter operated by the app-based companies Neuron and Beam.
  • Best Areas in Brisbane for the Airport: Hamilton and Portside
    Despite the ease of travel by Airtrain between downtown and the combined domestic/international airports, some visitors stay at Hamilton, about halfway between the City Center and the airport. Most accommodations there are motels. These are functional, inexpensive, and primarily designed for inconvenient arrivals and departures, but also ideal for those traveling on a budget and with a car – especially if rented from an agency at or near the airport. However, Portside is far nicer and quieter, across the main road from Hamilton. This rejuvenated area alongside the river is fashionable, spacious, and much more than just somewhere to stay near the airport.
  • Best Areas in Brisbane for Families: Gold Coast and Wynnum/Manly
    Some families base themselves entirely on the Gold Coast for the perfect holiday combination of sun, sand, sea, surf, and some activities listed earlier. And the kids will want to go to one (or all) of the major theme parks: Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Movie World. However, some youngsters may be excited about all the (free) stuff at the inner-city beach suburbs of Wynnum and Manly, both accessible by train. A massive wading pool of seawater and a kid’s play area with tipping buckets and gushing fountains offset the lack of beach. So, why not join the many local families there with adventure playgrounds, extensive cycling and walking paths, shaded lawns, weekend markets, and fish and chip shops?
  • Best Area in Brisbane for Couples: South Bank
    People ride Segways under trees by a river.

    Kangaroo Segway Tours.

    Think of a gorgeous riverside setting, stunning city views, intimate dining, shaded paths for hand-in-hand strolls, and dinner cruises down the river. The South Bank is one of the most idyllic locations for a romantic city getaway anywhere in the country. Also boasting parklands, a rainforest, and a remarkable swimming lagoon (see earlier), South Bank is an easy walk from the boutiques at the West End (or take a free bus) and from the City Center for transport, sights, and shopping.
  • Trendiest Area in Brisbane: Portside (Near the Airport)
    Portside is a fashionable “urban village” packed with apartment buildings and restaurants beautifully positioned between the river and Hercules Street Park with its impressive adventure playground. Currently, accommodations at Portside are limited, but this will change dramatically in the lead-up to the Olympics/Paralympics in 2032, as Portside will be home to the Athletes Village.
  • Best Place to Stay in Brisbane on a Budget: Hamilton (Near the Airport)
    Accommodation prices are always high anywhere in the City Center and South Bank, and, for some, rates are just as unaffordable in city-fringe districts like Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley. In Hamilton, about halfway between the City Center and the airport, the main road is lined with inexpensive motels, some better than others. These are ideal for anyone traveling on a budget – especially families and those with a car because motels offer free parking onsite. A definite bonus in staying in Hamilton is all the facilities, including a supermarket and riverside cafés, in the upmarket Portside area just across the road.
  • Safest Area in Brisbane: Kangaroo Point
    Kangaroo Point is a quiet, spacious, and likable residential area within a slender peninsula across the river from the City Center. Only one stop on the free City Hopper ferry from all the noise, traffic, and crowds of downtown, the streets of Kangaroo Point are wide, leafy, and well-lit.
  • Unsafe Areas of Brisbane: Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise
    Brisbane is no less safe than other cities in Australia, but take the usual precautions, especially along crowded inner-city streets and at festivals, markets, and transport terminals where opportunistic petty crimes like bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are possible – although very rare.

    Fortitude Valley may seem unassuming during the day, but it is the center for after-dark action. Dive bars and hard drinking can cause the usual sort of problems, which can be easily avoided by sticking to the main streets, going home early, or simply choosing somewhere else for a night out. While Surfers Paradise is perfectly safe during the day and early evenings, some bars get rowdy and potentially unpleasant later, so take the usual precautions.

An old orange brick building spanning an entire block has cream colored arches and windows.

The Mansions is one of several historic and iconic buildings.

The 10 Best Areas in Brisbane for Tourists Ordered from the City Centre Out.

1. City Center (East)

A flower bed with purple, pink, and red flowers make the shape of a heart on green lawns.

We enjoyed our trip to the City Botanic Gardens, which occupies a vast section of the City Center.

Most visitors stay in the City Centre because of its excellent shopping and proximity to attractions like the City Botanic Gardens. What’s more, the ferry services (some free) and the free City Loop buses are extremely useful.

The reasonably compact City Centre can be divided into areas east and west of Albert Street, which stretches from the City Botanic Gardens to the magnificent Roma Street Parkland in Spring Hill. The eastern section is generally quieter, greener, and more spacious than the other side of downtown. As expected, most accommodations are luxurious and expensive, including numerous self-contained apartments ideal for long-stays and families.

A tall building with windows reflecting the blue sky.

Towering above other multi-story buildings in downtown Brisbane is the majestic Westin.

A tall tan stone building rises to the sky.

MacArthur Chambers apartments are particularly refined and historic.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in City Center (East)
    Stamford Plaza • Westin • Royal on the Park • Sofitel • Hilton • Sebel • Four Points
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Oaks Margaret • Manor • Oaks Charlotte • Oaks Felix
  • Best Boutique Hotel
    MacArthur Chambers
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Oaks Charlotte • Adina • Oaks Felix

    • 2. City Center (West)

    People shop in a pedestrian mall carrying bags and sitting on wood benches.

    The Queen Street Mall is one of the premier shopping districts in downtown Brisbane.

    People stand around flowers sold at a market.

    At the top end of the Queen Street Mall walkway are numerous market stalls and tasty food.

    West of Albert Street, the roads are noisier, and footpaths are more crowded, especially around the Queen Street Mall shopping area. It is, however, easy to escape the mayhem by strolling to the Roma Street Parkland (see later) just to the north or the City Botanic Gardens to the south. The latter is flanked by three major sights: Parliament House, the QUT Art Museum, and delightful Old Government House. Also certainly worth visiting is the Museum of Brisbane inside the Brisbane City Hall.

    A theater with red seats and wood stage with organ pipes and relief wall sculptures.

    The Brisbane City Hall auditorium is still used for concerts; The Rolling Stones even played there in the early 1960s.

    This part of the City Centre is especially ideal for transportation, whether by ferry, free City Loop bus, or train to the suburbs and beaches (including the Gold Coast with tram connections). And the magnificent South Bank (see below) is easily accessible via pedestrian bridges.

    Most accommodations in the City Centre West are upscale and pricey, but several of Brisbane’s finest boutique (and romantic) hotels can also be found there.

A long small pool with lounge chairs and yellow and white umbrellas.

The pool at the Hyatt Regency almost overlooks the Queen Street Mall walkway and shopping area.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in City Center (West)
    W • Hyatt Regency • voco
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Meriton Herschel Street • Capri • Oaks Casino Tower
  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Treasury • Indigo
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    ibis Styles • Great Southern
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Adina • ibis Styles

    • 3. South Bank

    People ride bikes in a bike line.

    We rode bikes on the cycling path and is a popular way to explore South Bank and beyond.

    Beautifully positioned across the river from the City Centre is the extended leisure area of South Bank (which is part of South Brisbane). This gorgeous riverside precinct has gardens and playgrounds and is lined with cycling/walking paths. South Bank is always popular for its sublime views of the city skyline and all the places to eat, drink, and shop. Attractions include a rainforest, the Nepalese Peace Pagoda, and the remarkable swimming lagoon.

    Families sit in shallow water as their children play.

    In South Bank and only meters from the river is the man-made Streets Beach swimming lagoon with sand, lifeguards, and palms.

    At the northern end, a cultural hub includes more must-sees – the Queensland Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, and Queensland Art Gallery – and nearby the West End district is noted for its boutiques.

    From South Bank, enticing boat trips can be arranged (see earlier), or explore the river by ferry to the City Centre, Kangaroo Point, and beyond.

    Almost all hotels and apartments are at least 200 meters from the riverfront, but many rooms above the fourth floor still enjoy the lovely river and city views. Nothing is in the boutique range, but the apartment hotels are convenient and competitively priced.

A blue pool overlooks a river and city skyline.

The pool at the Emporium has a stunning setting and magnificent views.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in the South Bank
    Emporium • Courtyard • Rydges
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Opera • Atlas • Vine • Soda • Mantra
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Novotel • Courtyard

    • 4. Spring Hill

    A sunset over a city with orange and purple light.

    Our sunset view from the Mercure Hotel overlooking the Roma Street Parkland.

    Within a 15-minute stroll of the City Center (for shopping and transport) and Fortitude Valley (for nightlife), this likable city-edge district is overflowing with charm. With minimal crowds, traffic, and freeways, it offers extensive city views and impressive gardens – most notably the vast Roma Street Parkland with abundant lawns, walking/cycling paths, and (free) barbeque facilities.

    A plate with a crock of hot cheese and fires and salad.

    Our meal at Sporties in the Sportsman hotel, a popular spot with locals for quality food and drag shows.

    A long indoor swimming pool with dark blue swim lanes and triangle flags hung across the pool.

    Spring Hill Baths, a historic (and heated) swimming pool, is among the sophisticated apartments and trendy cafés.

    Conveniently linked to downtown by free City Loop buses, Spring Hill is ideal for families, first-time visitors, and anyone seeking some peace, including at the Spring Hill Baths swimming pool. Streets are crowded with stylish cafés and old-style pubs, and accommodations include a high proportion of apartments ideal for those staying a while, including families.

Lounge chairs sit by a thin long rooftop pool under gray skies.

We enjoyed the views from the elongated rooftop pool at The Johnson hotel.

A moody bar lounge with dark green velvet benches and wood chairs in a historic wood filled room.

We stopped by the stylish Inchcolm hotel bar for a cocktail from their mixologist. This unique boutique hotel resides in a heritage-listed building in Spring Hill.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Spring Hill
    Amora • Marriott • Inchcolm • Grand Chancellor
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Oaks Lexicon • Quattro • Republic • Mercure • Astor
  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Johnson • Inchcolm
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Holiday Inn Express • Meriton • Mantra Terrace • Sedgebrook
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Metropolitan • Soho • Kookaburra

    • 5. Fortitude Valley

    A tall large red square gate with a gold top sits at the entrance of Chinatown.

    Chinatown is between the two main roads through Fortitude Valley.

    Still trying to shrug off its bad-boy reputation, Fortitude Valley is the prime location for nighttime action – much of it loud and drunken. The numerous rowdy bars and strip clubs are inconveniently spread out while a surprisingly modest Chinatown area sits on the fringe of the suburb locals call The Valley. The main reasons to visit during the day are the historic (and heated) Valley Pool (where many professional swimmers have learned their craft) and the likable Brunswick Street Mall walkway lined with places to eat and drink.

    A long sports pool has diving platforms on the side.

    Popular with locals – and available to anyone for a small fee – the Valley Pool also has a coffee shop and gym.

    Brown whicker chairs sit overlooking a cityscape.

    The MAYA Mexican restaurant and bar is the classiest place in the area for a meal or drink. It also offers the finest views in The Valley.

    Otherwise, this area is not safe for families after dark. Along or just off the two main roads—Ann and Wickham Streets—are several surprisingly charming and affordable boutique hotels. Few options, however, are in the luxury range or suitable for families—and avoid booking a room in a private home. Fortitude Valley is only a 15-minute walk from Spring Hill and easily connected to the City Center and elsewhere by train.

On the outside of a small brick hotel is a woman's face painted on the brick between the windows.

The Constance is an excellent boutique hotel along a side street. We almost didn’t see the face on the outside of the building.

A seven story building has a palm tree out front.

The Ovolo The Valley hotel is part of a chain of funky hotels oozing with personality and charm.

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Fortitude Valley
    Calile
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Apartments on Connor • Kooii • Fortitude Valley Apartments
  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Constance • Ovolo • Amelia • Hotel X • Alpha Mosaic

    • 6. Kangaroo Point

    A large two-peaked bridge crosses a brow river.

    The gigantic Story Bridge links the northern part of Kangaroo Point with the City Center and the north suburbs.

    This pencil-thin peninsula created by a dramatic paper-clip bend in Brisbane River is linked to the City Center by the remarkable Story Bridge. Kangaroo Point is full of lofty apartments because the river floods and water almost surrounds the northern section—dramatic cliffs, used for climbing and abseiling, line other areas.

    Several sailboats sit on a river bank tied to a dock with a skyline in the backdrop.

    Views of the city from Kangaroo Point are stunning.

    With quiet streets and spacious gardens, this area offers an alluring suburban vibe and views in every direction of the meandering river and towering city skyline. Probably the safest place to stay in Brisbane, Kangaroo Point seems a world away from the frenzied downtown but only one stop by free City Hopper ferry. It’s a top spot to organize outdoor activities on the river, around the cliffs, and up the bridge, but accommodations are limited.

A large sign that reads "The Point Brisbane" in front of a tall palm tree and hotel building.

The Point Brisbane is our favorite luxury hotel in Kangaroo Point and among the quiet backstreets.

Gray lounge chairs sit under black umbrellas but a light blue pool.

The Docks on Goodwin apartment hotel has a quiet pool and spacious gardens, which are not available anywhere else in the City Centre, Spring Hill, or Fortitude Valley.

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Kangaroo Point
    Point
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    The Docks • Central Dockside • Bridgewater Terraces
  • Best Boutique Hotel
    Il Mondo
  • Best Hotel for Families
    Point
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    Il Mondo
  • Best Hostel
    Breeze

    • 7. Woolloongabba

    A large round stadium curves several stories above the street.

    The massive Brisbane Cricket Ground – known to everyone as The Gabba (from the suburb name) – dominates this area of inner-city Brisbane.

    A row of tables line a sidewalk.

    Just back from the Brisbane Cricket Ground, Logan Road is bursting with restaurants and bars.

    Part of this laidback suburb, within walking distance of Kangaroo Point and South Bank, is fashionable, while other parts are scruffy around the edges. But this whole inner-city district will undergo a complete makeover in coming years – including the creation of an underground train station – because the giant Brisbane Cricket Ground (known as “The Gabba”) will be the main stadium for the Olympics/Paralympics Games in 2032. Accommodations are mostly limited to apartments, but the variety will improve markedly well before the Games begin.

The outside entrance of the Courtyard Marriott hotel.

The Courtyard hotel is convenient and good value, located between the inner-city suburb of Woolloongabba and the South Bank leisure area.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Woolloongabba
    Diana • Courtyard • Rambla
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Oaks Woolloongabba • Quest South • Quest Woolloongabba
  • Best Boutique Hotel
    Chino
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    Gabba
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Rambla • Quest Woolloongabba

    • 8. Near the Airport

    Table and chairs sit in a restaurant next to windows and views of the water.

    There are many lovely places to eat and drink in the Portside area between the airport and City Center.

    The combined domestic/international airport is about 16km from the City Center and well-connected by shuttle bus and train. However, along the busy road in Hamilton to the airport are motels varying in quality. Still, with soundproofed rooms, they are usually not as noisy as expected (and the area is not under a flight path).

    The rejuvenated area called Portside between the road and river is far nicer and just as convenient to the airport. This quiet and fashionable suburb is crowded with private apartment buildings and trendy cafés, many along the river. There’s also a supermarket, a riverside walking path, and the substantial Hercules Street Park with a terrific adventure playground. And as home to the gigantic Athletes Village for the Olympic/Paralympic Games in 2032, Portside will become even more developed. The main advantage of staying in this general area is free parking onsite at budget-priced motels in Hamilton, although there may be a modest parking fee at classier places around Portside.

A bright green expresso machine sits on a counter at a brightly lit coffee shop and bar.

We stopped at the café in the Kingsford for a coffee and light meal.

  • Best Luxury Hotel Near the Airport
    Kingsford Smith
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Alcyone • Link
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Ascot • Riverview Motel • International
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Kingsford Smith • Kingsford

    • 9. Beaches

    Two women walk on a sidewalk next to the water.

    A walking path is next to the water at Wynnum and Manly beaches.

    Wynnum and Manly are the only stretch of the inner-suburban coastline. They are closer to the airport than the City Center (but unaffected by plane noise) and have some accommodations. Joined by a delightful seaside path for walking and cycling, these two suburbs are certainly adored by locals and usually ignored by visitors.

    Sailboats sit in a marina, with masts down.

    Manly is home to the vast Wynnum Manly Yacht Club Marina and the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

    Kids play in a shallow water bed filled with sculptures of whales, fountains, and a large dumping bucket of water.

    The playgrounds, swimming pool, and shaded parklands along the beach at Wynnum are always popular with families.

    Neither offer sandy beaches, but they have everything needed for a perfect day out or holiday, especially for families: playgrounds, swimming pools, free BBQs, lawns, cafés, and shops, as well as welcome breezes and views. Both places are conveniently linked to the City Center and airport by train.

The exterior of a two-level historic hotel.

Just a handful of hotels, including the historic Waterloo Bay Hotel at Wynnum, are located in the suburban beaches of Wynnum and Manly.

A sign outside a red brick building reads, "The Manly Hotel."

The Manly Hotel and pub is in the delightful beach suburb of Manly.

  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels in Wynnum and Manly
    Waterloo Bay Hotel • Manly Hotel
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Manly Marina Cove • Wynnum Motel

    • 10. Gold Coast

    A view of sand and blue ocean from high up.

    The sandy shoreline along the Gold Coast stretches as far as the eye can see and beyond.

    A wall of colorful guides and brochures.

    The Surfers Paradise Visitor Information and Booking Centre on Cavill Avenue is the best place to organize all sorts of adventure activities, tours, and boat trips.

    Many visitors slide through Brisbane on the way to the hedonistic Gold Coast, made even more convenient with direct trains (and tram connections) from the airport to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach (with bus links to Burleigh Heads). This 35-mile stretch of sand, sea, and surf is as amazing and alluring as imagined. Just meters from the main beaches are a surplus of places to eat, drink, shop, and stay – and plenty of things to see and do further inland. Most upscale accommodations are in the prime areas of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, while Burleigh Heads offers a more relaxed vibe and more affordable accommodations ideal for families on a budget. Surfers Paradise also has a decent range of low-cost hostels, but very little in the moderate range anywhere along the coast and almost nothing that could be called “boutique.”

An outdoor deck with a table has ocean views.

Our incredible view is from Peppers Soul in Surfers Paradise, which we rate as the Best Hotel with Sea Views.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.