Base Backpackers Central

Located in one of Brisbane’s landmark buildings, this hostel has been operating as a budget accommodation option for out-of-towners since its creation as the People’s Palace by Salvation Army architect Colonel Saunders in 1911. As such it is a rare survivor of the temperance (no alcohol or gambling) hotels built by the Salvation Army in the early 20th century although the temperance aspect has long since disappeared.

The spacious rooms vary from the mega 10 bed dorms at $20pp to double rooms at $25pp and single rooms at $45pp. All dorm location comes with personal lockers and all rooms have personal security keys.

Features include a rooftop barbecue area and an in-house late night bar as well as a café and bistro for cheap breakfast, lunch and dinners.

Note that with the onsite bar the lower floors can be on the noisy side although as a city location it is relatively quiet.

In walking distance are the city’s main shopping precinct and a Woolworths, to the WWII MacArthur Chambers Museum, the City Botanic Gardens for bike hire and one train stop away are Chinatown and the bars, clubs and funky boutiques of Fortitude Valley.

Nearby historical landmarks are the convict built Windmill on Wickham Tce, Anzac Square and Central Station.