YHA Brisbane City

YHA Brisbane City is a modern hostel on Upper Roma Street in the city centre, overlooking the Brisbane River. It is part of the YHA network, which is affiliated with Hostelling International, and it is a straightforward budget choice for travellers who want to stay in the city centre.

The standout feature is the rooftop pool, which has views over the city and the river and gives guests somewhere to relax after a day of sightseeing. The building also has a TV lounge and games room, indoor and outdoor areas for eating and socialising, and a travel desk that can help book tours and onward travel. Wi-fi is available throughout, there is 24-hour access, and secure parking can be booked in advance for a fee. The decor has an Australian theme, with photographs drawn from a photo competition on display.

Transport links are a major advantage. Roma Street station is about 600 metres away, with suburban trains, the Airtrain connection to Brisbane Airport and Queensland Rail's long-distance services all departing from there. The Brisbane Transit Centre, used by the main coach companies, is a similar distance, which makes the hostel practical for travellers arriving or leaving by coach. Brisbane Airport is around 17 kilometres away, and as well as the Airtrain there are shuttle buses operated by con-x-ion airport transfers. Arriving travellers can therefore reach the hostel without a taxi, which keeps costs down for those on a budget.

The hostel suits backpackers, solo travellers, students and anyone on a tight budget, as well as groups and families who want a central base without paying hotel prices. Booking through YHA directly is the simplest way to check the room types and rates available for your dates.

Roma Street station also borders Roma Street Parkland, with its Spectacle Garden, lake and playgrounds, and the hostel is near the cafes and nightlife of Caxton Street and Fortitude Valley. Mount Coot-tha is among the nearby attractions the hostel highlights, and you can head to South Bank for the river cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which departs from the Cultural Centre pontoon each morning.