Brisbane: Base Brisbane Central (Hostel)

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

This colossal backpacker institution is housed in a vast, ancient building right in the city centre. It holds an immense 380 guests a night and employs 65 staff to keep them entertained, housed and fed (and drunk).

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.