Brisbane Travel Forum

Hi - I am hoping to get to Brisbane for a week or so in August - partly to stay with family in Albany (which I know is a fair way out) and partly to attend a festival at the Judith Wright Centre in Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley. That is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

It seems to me that if I want to go to the late night events and socialise then I had better find a hostel to doss down in on those nights close to the venue rather than try and use public transport to get back to Albany.

Has anyone got any suggestions for a hostel within staggering distance of Brunswick Street?

I am an older lady so want to feel welcome, if you know what I mean.

Also, as I don't know Brisbane well, can you tell me, is Fortitude Valley inner city?

AND - how far out is the airport? There is a bus, train into the city? How much does it cost?

Do you mean Albany Creek Jennifer? If so then yes it is indeed a long way out with very little hope of public transport late at night. There are quite a few seedy looking backpackers hostels within staggering distance of the Judith Wright Centre but as you are , by your own definition, an older lady like moi, I would suggest something a little more civilised. I don't know what your budget is but the Allender Apartments on the corner of Brunswick Street and Moreton Street, New Farm are only 3 or 4 bus stops from the Judith Wright Centre. Also, if memory serves me correctly, you have used Wotif.com overseas, so I'm assuming you will be looking to do so in this instance. If so, you will need to know that Fortitude Valley is indeed an inner city suburb and the closest places to the Judith Wright Centre are the City CBD, New Farm, Teneriffe to name a few. I name these in particular as they are well serviced by late buses on Friday and Saturday nights. (Bus # 199 both ways). You could even go to South Brisbane on that same bus so maybe you could check out some of the accommodations in Stanley Street or in the South Bank precinct. Let me know if I can be of any help as I live in New Farm and know the area and the public transport pretty well.

Jenski, any chance that you will still be around Brissy on 9th Sept? there's a VT meet calling you...

My granddaughter found a great little place on Southbank and I am awaiting her reply if you still need somewhere. You could get public transport from there.
I would not want to stay in Valley these days. But you have great offer from Merrymelda anyway for help.
I stayed once in Brisbane main town area at Irish Murphys (opp. casino) 0732214377 but I am not sure if they are open for accommodation everyday. Heaps of transport to Valley from there.Really a "backpackers" but quite OK.
Give me a "yell" if you want these followed up.
For late night it is not an expensive taxi ride to inner city.

Marg

oh yes albany creek - that's right

i checked the allender apartments because the poets are staying there and way too dear - over $100 a night

thanks for all your help - i will slowly digest it all

mum leaves on august 29 so I will be going before that and have to miss the meet on the 9th sep

i really want something within walking distance of the centre - don't mind if it is seedy as long as it doesn't turn up its nose at an old woman

(husband is very fussy and when i travel with him we wotif - on my own i go very downmarket)

You did ask about airport. Well the airtrain stops at Brunswick station. That station was closed a little while back but should be OK now. Not the cheapest train in the world but the only one from airport and very convenient. Like most airports it is a little way out of town but you are on the closest side of town.
Marg

This one seems to have good accommodation within walking distance for $70 per night.


http://www.totaltravel.com.au/link.asp?fid=613565

Or if you don't mind being in a dorm, you could try:

www.bunkbrisbane.com.au

or

www.bluetonguebackpackers.com.au

or

http://www.princeconsort.com.au/

All staggerable from JWC, but the last one should be your last choice (only if you're desparate!!!

I really do know how to spell "desperate"!

oh thank you very much indeed - you are a great help

airport trains and buses always seem to be so expensive - but what are you goi ng to do? walk?

Expensive or not, it's still the cheapest way to go if there are only one or two of you. (I think to Brunswick Street Station from the Airport is about $13 or $14 last time I looked. Trains go pretty regularly as well.

Whatever you do ,do not stay at a place called 'avondale lodge' at 179 Musgrave street Red Hill. After booking a room for a week and being told that the hotel was quiet and safe ,the first night was party night for a bunch of scary Islanders.I told the manager that I did not feel safe and could he give me a refund and I will just leave to which I was told 'tough luck you paid for a a week so you can either leave or stay for the week'. 'caveat emptor'.

thank you for that info