Long touted as the “third option” behind Sydney and Melbourne, our beloved home / adopted city requires no ranking in our eyes.
Visiting Brisbane means that you’re likely to be blessed with sunny days where the thermometer will barely drop below 20 degrees Celsius. A bustling new entertainment and dining precinct along the Brisbane River invites you to chill by the waterfront from midday to nightfall. Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach boasts a sparkling blue lagoon where swimming and sunbathing are expected. Museums and galleries are within easy reach and the cafe culture is thriving.
An inner city stay at one of these must-try Airbnbs in Brisbane Australia will undoubtedly leave you wishing that you had booked a longer stay. Don’t worry, we’ll welcome you back and have a schooner waiting.
airbnb brisbane australia | 15+ stays in the river city
About Airbnb
Airbnb has revolutionised the way that people travel and experience a place away from home.
If you’re looking for a place that feels like a home away from home plus some tips from locals, we have found Airbnb a reliable accommodation and travel resource.
Finding the right Airbnb, Brisbane Australia
Regardless of the size of your travel party, you are guaranteed to find an Airbnb in Brisbane suited to your needs.
Airbnb Brisbane CBD apartments are best suited to couples or travelling pairs whilst Airbnb Brisbane Southbank and West End options are likely to cater for small families or larger groups. Inner city options are perfect if you don’t plan on hiring a car whilst a pet friendly Airbnb can be found on the outskirts of Brisbane.
There are some fabulous hotel options but if you prefer to have a small private balcony or verandah, Airbnb provides plenty of options. We round up a vast selection taking into account location, access and cost. This is our home city so have plenty of insights into suggesting the best Airbnbs in Brisbane.
*Prices stated are indicative and valid as at December 2020
Inner City Enviro-Luxury Haven
Spring Hill
This standalone eco-pod is as luxurious as it is convenient. The home is architecturally striking as it is “green”, having been built to demonstrate the principles of sustainable housing. Featuring a king master suite with diaphanous panelled walls in the bathroom, Appelles products and plunge pool, the hosts have created an intimate and romantic space that you’ll hardly want to leave. Organic breakfast is supplied for all residents too.
When you do come up for air, restaurants, shopping and nightlife in Fortitude Valley, Chinatown and New Farm are easily accessed via foot or public transport.
Details
- Amenities: Free parking, WiFi, Self check-in, Plunge Pool, Organic breakfast
- Sleeps: 4
- 1 night from AU$268
Chic Designer Apartment
Norman Park
This airy apartment is perfect for a dashing duo who appreciate contemporary living in style and comfort. The host’s interior design speaks to Jasmine’s aesthetic with sleek black and whites adorning every inch of this compact, yet cleverly arranged apartment. A silver gilded mirror features in the main living area complimenting the other European-esque touches throughout the space.
A coffee maker is provided to make your own espresso to start the day, or else, take a short walk to the train station to make your way into Brisbane CBD.
Details
- Amenities: Queen bed, Packaway cot, Wifi, Coffee Maker, Self check-in
- Sleeps: 2
- 2 nights from AU$220
Quaint Cottage
Paddington
This beautiful, wooden cottage is the perfect base for a small family to explore Brisbane. The property has retained its historic Queenslander character with wooden floors, retro front sunroom and old-school lifting windows. The interior has been fully renovated with a modern kitchen and white painted walls filtering in plenty of natural light.
Located in popular Paddington, you will be close to plenty of restaurants and cafes. After a day of exploring, no doubt you’ll welcome the lounge in the outdoor living area.
Details
- Amenities: Outdoor living area, Full Kitchen, Clawfoot bathtub, Wifi, Self check-in
- Sleeps: 4
- 1 night from AU$242
Immaculate Designer Apartment
Wooloowin
Perfectly suited for a pair who enjoy home cooking, this fully equipped gourmet kitchen is replete with everything you need for a homely date night, complimentary Netflix included. A mere 10 minute walk to the supermarket means that you can stock up on all the essentials plus meander down to local cafes for a caffeinated pick-me-up.
The wonderfully furnished bedroom leads out onto the airy patio complete with a BBQ and outdoor setting, perfect for the balmy Brisbane nights. If you are interested in hiring a car to venture a bit further, the host has provided a convenient link.
Details
- Amenities: Complimentary Netflix, Smart TV, BBQ, outdoor patio, car hire
- Sleeps: 2
- 2 nights from AU$330
Queensland Heritage Home
South Brisbane
This 1890s worker’s cottage is a true gem in inner city Brisbane. A unique Queensland home with a private garden provides ample space and amenities for a small family vacation. The spacious deck offers expansive city views to enjoy a cuppa with the afternoon breeze while the living room and bedrooms offer dozens of titles for perusal.
Faded mint green tiles adorn the kitchen while gleaming white envelops the bathroom. All modern trinkets are present to ensure your stay at this Airbnb in Brisbane Southbank is comfortable and homely.
Details
- Amenities: Netflix, Air-conditioning, Verandah, Full kitchen
- Sleeps: 5
- 1 night from AU$422
High Level City Apartment
Brisbane CBD
This inner-city 2 bedroom apartment is a rare find and certainly shouldn’t be overlooked, particularly by small families or travelling pairs.
Fit-out with a full kitchen and the added bonus of an undercover balcony, this Airbnb shouldn’t feel cramped with 4 people. Full access to the gym, spa and pool are available for guests and the host is on-hand to help coordinate parking if required. The central Brisbane CBD location is ideal for exploring local haunts and is well connected to Brisbane Airport.
If your visit to Brisbane is guaranteed, you also have the option to save a few dollars with a Non-Refundable booking option.
Details
- Amenities: Balcony, access to gym, spa and pool, Full kitchen, Lift, Wi-Fi
- Sleeps: 4
- 2 nights from AU$334
Stylish Powerhouse
New Farm
For those travelling pairs with a bit more coin to splurge, this stylish, character rich apartment will be right up your alley. Exposed wooden beams and brick facades showcase much of the building’s original structure. A 2 way bathroom means that privacy is to be respected but the living area provides ample space without being boxed in.
Situated in the Powerhouse Apartments, the location is difficult to beat. The Powerhouse Theatre is just a stroll down the street with conveniently located shops, restaurants and cafes in the vicinity too.
Top Tip! If you’re in Brisbane over a weekend, make sure to check out the Jan Power Farmers’ Markets by the Powerhouse Theatre each Sunday morning.
Details
- Amenities: Full Kitchen, Netflix, Wifi, Skylight, Access to gym and pool
- Sleeps: 4
- 2 nights from AU$723
Garden Patio Oasis
New Farm
Eclectic motifs decorate the inside of this boho-chic apartment in the heart of New Farm. Best suited to a small family or two couples, you’ll certainly love this spot if you enjoy great food and drink with even better company in a lush outdoor setting – make sure to set aside an evening to get that firepit going!
Two bedrooms and two bathrooms mean that you shouldn’t get in each other’s way and the Brisbane River isn’t too far either, for gentle morning strolls or dusk meanderings by the water.
Details
- Amenities: Covered outdoor dining area, Backyard firepit, Secure carpark, Netflix & Foxtel
- Sleeps: 4
- 2 nights from AU$760
The Boho Hut
Anstead
For those who prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to reconnect with nature and briefly detach from the modern world, the Boho Hut is the stay for you. A rustic cabin set on three acres, this fully insulated and air-conditioned spot is furnished with unique, vintage pieces and will provide the necessities for a short stay.
No Wi-Fi is provided which means you can explore the local walking trails or simply sit on the patio hammock with a hot drink, keeping an eye out for wallabies on the front grass and the locals birds in the trees. The supermarket is less than 10 kilometres away to pick up bits and bobs so if you choose this Brisbane Airbnb, it would be best to also have your own vehicle.
Details
- Amenities: Self check-in, Air conditioning, indoor fireplace, patio hammock, Breakfast provided
- Sleeps: 2
- 1 night from AU$189
The Hive
Gumdale
Now you will know what it feels like to sleep inside a hive. This eco-retreat is located bayside, perched on a semi-rural property in Brisbane’s south-east. Sure it’s a little cosy but this Airbnb provides the necessities in a unique space. If you’re a nomad travelling around Australia, this is a perfect pit stop to park the campervan, to fill up on supplies and catch up on laundry at the nearby laundromat.
If travelling with little children, they will enjoy running around the lawn or the water park close by. Dogs are also permitted to stay for an extra charge.
Details
- Amenities: Full kitchen, Air Conditioned, Smart TV, Pets Allowed (extra charge)
- Sleeps: 4
- 2 nights from AU$240
Central Studio
Brisbane CBD
In our humble opinion, we would have to rate this luxurious studio as one of the best Airbnbs in Brisbane.
Comfort and location are the key elements for this place and if you are only visiting Brisbane briefly (although we would totally recommend a longer stay), then you would be hard pressed to find a spot for such value.
Unlike many other Airbnbs, this one doesn’t provide free wi-fi (a paid option is available), but don’t despair – Brisbane City Council does offer free wi-fi in nearby Queen Street Mall. There are no cooking facilities but being so close to Eagle Street Pier, Southbank and Howard Smith Wharves, you’d be mad not to head out into Brisbane city to experience the dining scene. Walking distance to Central Station means that you also have an easy connection to and from Brisbane Airport.
If you’re still frothing over the “no free wi-fi” situation in the apartment, consider that the host covers the Airbnb service fee for every booking, so that’s a few dollars you’ve saved for an extra beer.
Details
- Amenities: King Bed, Air-conditioning, Essentials, Self check-in
- Sleeps: 2
- 1 night from AU$168
Vintage Loft
Spring Hill
A hidden beauty easily within reach of the entertainment and dining precincts of Brisbane, this converted loft in the heritage suburb of Spring Hill will be a primary reason why your stay will be so memorable.
The space is sparsely furnished but thoughtfully so, in order to (literally) shine light on the original elements such as the exposed brick walls, soaring cathedral ceilings and arched window in the living space.
The loft has a mezzanine level with unenclosed stairs and glass balustrading overlooking the property. The building also has no lift. As such, these two factors render this AirBnB in Brisbane unsuitable for young children and those with physical disabilities and should be taken into consideration before booking a stay at this property. Noise curfews also apply.
Details
- Amenities: Full kitchen, office station area, Secure onsite parking (x1 car), Wifi, Air conditioning, Access to gym and pool
- Sleeps: 6
- 2 nights from AU$750
Zen in West End
West End
This superbly renovated 1910s worker’s cottage is the perfect stay for a travelling family or group of friends visiting Brisbane. The owners have done an exquisite job in preserving the original Queensland architecture whilst adding warmth and modernity into every inch, inside and out.
The living area seamlessly leads outside to the covered outdoor patio which only invites and encourages boisterous celebrations and gatherings. The outdoor bathtub and waterfall showerhead further adds a touch of glam and luxury.
Ideally situated, this Airbnb in the heart of West End Brisbane is wonderfully located close to supermarkets, restaurants and cafes along Boundary Street and Montague Road. South Bank Parklands and Brisbane City are easily within reach too.
Details
- Amenities: Full kitchen, outdoor shower & tub, Air-conditioning, double lock-up garage, Wifi, BBQ, covered outdoor patio
- Sleeps: 8
- 7 nights from AU$3,400 (including 20% discount)
Rooftop Pool Apartment
South Brisbane
The selling point of this Airbnb in Brisbane’s Southbank is undoubtedly the rooftop pool, where we would expect to find you on those scorching summer days.
This 1 bedroom apartment is compact yet modern and will provide all the essentials for your visit to Brisbane. A full kitchen is available where you can enjoy breakfast or dinner out on the covered balcony. Otherwise, make use of the rooftop patio enjoying a cold bottle of beer and drinking in the city skyline. Netflix is available for those “netflix and chill” evenings too.
Conveniently located close to a train station means an easy connection to and from Brisbane Airport. The central spot also invites plenty of nearby adventures on foot.
Details
- Amenities: Rooftop Pool, Lift, Wi-Fi, Air-Conditioning, Netflix, Full Kitchen, Balcony
- Sleeps: 2
- 1 night from AU$179
In The Clouds
Brisbane CBD
This ultra modern apartment in Brisbane Skytower will have you feeling like you’re sleeping in the clouds.
This Airbnb in Brisbane CBD features floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views over the city, the Brisbane River and beyond. The central location is perfect for exploring the city by foot or hopping on one of the bicycles or electric scooters available for short term hire. The City Botanic Gardens, Fortitude Valley, New Farm Park, Howard Smith Wharves and Southbank Parklands are all within close proximity.
The ottoman converts into a single bed if you are travelling in that awkward group of 3. The Airbnb Brisbane CBD apartment also provides access to a gym, pool and sauna.
Details
- Amenities: Free car parking on premises, Air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, Lift, Full kitchen, Access to gym and pool
- Sleeps: 3
- 1 night from AU$245
What to see and do in Brisbane
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How to get to brisbane
BY PLANE
Most travellers to Brisbane Australia will arrive into one of two airports; Brisbane International Airport and Brisbane Domestic Airport.
From the airport, you can:
- AirTrain
- This train travels to Brisbane CBD and all the way down to the Gold Coast, stopping at Varsity Lakes.
- Click here for timetables and to purchase your tickets online.
- Car
- Hire a vehicle. Driving time from Brisbane Airport to Brisbane CBD is approximately 20 - 30 minutes depending on your route and traffic. The faster route is via the Airport Link tunnel (M7) and includes tolls.
- Taxi/Rideshare
- Taxis and rideshare companies operate in Brisbane. One-way fares from Brisbane Airport to Brisbane CBD start from AUD $40.
BY BUS
Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service are the key operators providing bus transportation up and down the east coast of Australia. For timetables and fares, check out Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service online.
Key Routes:
Gold Coast to Brisbane 1 hour 30 minutes
Sunshine Coast to Brisbane 2 hours 30 minutes
Byron Bay to Brisbane 2.5 – 3 hours
Sydney to Brisbane 14 – 16 hours
Cairns to Brisbane 28 – 30 hours
BY CAR
- Driving to Brisbane from Cairns & Sunshine Coast (North)
- From Cairns, follow the Bruce Highway all the way down the Queensland coastline where you’ll pass through Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton and Hervey Bay. You’ll join the A1 highway, pass through the Sunshine Coast and follow the signs for Brisbane. If you choose to take the Airport Link Tunnel (M7), this route has tolls.
- Driving to Brisbane from Byron Bay, Newcastle & Sydney (South)
- From Sydney, follow the M1/Pacific Highway all the way up the New South Wales coastline. You’ll pass through Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay and you may even want to stop in at the Gold Coast. Continue on the Pacific Highway/A1 and follow the signs to Brisbane.
GETTING AROUND BRISBANE
- By Bus
- The best way to travel on Brisbane’s public transport system is with a go Card. Paper tickets are much more expensive and are time bound. Once you purchase a goCard, you simply touch on and touch off each time you travel by train, bus or ferry. go Cards can be purchased at newsagents or 7-Eleven convenience stores and can be topped up at these same retailers, train stations and major busways. go Cards are available for adults, children, concessions and seniors.
- By Ferry
- Brisbane City Council offers three ferry services up and down the Brisbane River; CityHopper (small red ferry - free), KittyKat (new free ferry service) and CityCat (faster paid service - goCards accepted).
- Click here for more information on tickets and schedules.
- By CityCycle
- Brisbane City Council offers a bicycle hire scheme to residents and visitors and it forms an integral part of the public transport system within the city. Bicycle stations are dotted in and around the city. To hire, simply pay at a bicycle station, pull out your bicycle and helmet and enjoy the cycling paths to get from A to B. Don’t forget to return your bicycle to a bicycle station to end your rental period. CityCycle is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. goCards are not valid on CityCycle.
- Click here for information on CityCycle terms and conditions including rental rates.
- Scooters
- Two companies operate electric scooter rentals in Brisbane; Lime (green and white) and Neuron Mobility (orange and black). The scooters are located in and around Brisbane (they operate within a certain radius of the city) and you’ll see them parked or unceremoniously thrown to the ground on sidewalks. Download the app, register a credit card and swipe the barcode. Please don’t forget to wear a helmet.
- Rideshare
- Uber, Didi and Ola all operate in and around Brisbane. Download the apps and away you go!
Where to eat in Brisbane
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