Brisbane: Base Brisbane Central (2 Star Hostel)

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Address: 308 edward street , Brisbane 4000, Australia
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Lonely Planet review

Formerly Palace Backpackers, this massive 97-year-old building with a rickety old lift is overdue for an interior refurb and won’t win awards for cleanliness, but can’t be beaten for location. The basement level Down Under Bar & Grill is party central – dancing on tables is a nightly ritual.

The Palace's size means that it's the ideal place to pick up new friends, lovers or travelling companions, and the number of guests means you're bound to find someone on your wavelength whether you're an existential loner or a wild party-goer. If funds are running low, visit the in-house job centre to pick up a stint as a jillaroo (female jackaroo), brickie's mate or barperson. Once you've earned enough cash you can book a Fraser Island adventure with the hostel's own tour agency. The rooms and dorms are a little cramped but there are comfy TV rooms, a huge kitchen and a great rooftop sundeck. The Down Under Bar (motto: 'go hard or go home') pumps all night every night, so if you're after a quieter time, opt for an en suite room in the more civilised Palace Embassy annex up the road.