This French Renaissance style building was built by the Lord Mayor in 1889, and today the hotel is a Brisbane institution.

But you won't find a room here - the 'Brekky Creek' is a pub and restaurant serving up the juiciest steaks you'll find in the city, and beer 'off the wood' (out of wooden barrels).

The bar is always packed out, thanks to Brekky Creek's stellar reputation. But this no-nonsense steakhouse for hard-core carnivores more than lives up to the hype.

2 Kingsford Smith Dr, Breakfast Creek, 4010
www.breakfastcreekhotel.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/lu242s

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There are loads of backpacker hostels in Brisbane, especially in the Fortitude Valley with its buzzing nightlife.

But this award-winning hostel really goes the extra mile, with free pick up from the train station and a 'travel agency' for booking tours and surfing trips at cheap rates. The super-friendly staff will even help with finding a job on your travels!

The private rooms are like trendy loft apartments, but the amazing bar and cafe 'Birdee Num Num' comes as standard, with Sunday BBQ 'sessions', live music most nights, and an outdoor heated pool for late-night pool parties.

The best bit about this hostel? The on-site spa for a spot of pampering - a welcome to weary backpackers everywhere after weeks on the road.

www.bunkbrisbane.com.au/

Google map: tinyurl.com/nglwtu

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You're sure to come across XXXX Castlemaine beer in a Brisbane bar, and at this working Brewery you can learn how your humble pint is made.

At the end of the tour you head to the ale house to learn how to pour and taste the perfect pint, before guzzling your four free 'brewery fresh' beers. Go on Saturdays and you'll get a Queensland 'Barbie' included in the price.

As the beer has been around for 130 years and the brewery is a listed building, you can pretend this is an 'educational experience' rather than boozing in the middle of the day.

Corner of Black & Paten Street (just down from Milton Road).
Milton, Brisbane

Google map: tinyurl.com/py7kjf

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Fortitude Valley was once Brisbane's home of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, with junkies and wannabe rock stars wandering the streets. The area may have lost its edge but is still a hip spot for bright young things, flocking to the buzzing clubs and bars of Brunswick Street Mall at night. By day, the pedestrianised street is the place to be seen sipping coffee in the cafes, or browsing the quirky market stalls on a Saturday for some kitsch-cool finds.

Brunswick Street
Brisbane City
Queensland 4006

Google map: tinyurl.com/r7qvws

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Located in inner Brisbane, the Norman Hotel is branded as Brisbane's WORST vegetarian eating spot. So what do you get? Very large pieces of meat (cooked as you want) ...with not much else.
A very trendy spot (very busy), with a reasonable menu ...if you like meat! Good service and good food, even better if it once moo'd!

102 Ipswich Rd
Woolloongabba, QLD 4102
not far south of the Story Bridge
ph 3391 5022
free on site parking
www.normanhotel.com.au

Google map: tinyurl.com/oljufa

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The Emporium hotel (opened Jun07) is to be highly recommended. Super service with fantastic luxurious rooms makes it a great place to stay. The hotel is located in the Emporium Food and fashion precinct in the 'Valley.

Cheap it is not, but it's worth the stay. I also have to mention that the entrance to the hotel is... amazing!

1000 Ann st
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane

Google map: tinyurl.com/mrfbjp
ph 3253 6999

www.emporiumhotel.com.au/

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No Brisbane visit is complete without a 'late Breakfast'. Swing by the Brekky Creek Hotel to sample its signature steaks, seafood and wide range of beers, including XXXX from the wood which puts its keg-raised little sister to shame....

Address: 2 Kingsford Smith Drv, Breakfast Creek, QLD, Australia, 4010
Tel: +61 07 3262 5988
Fax: +61 07 3262 7545
www.breakfastcreekhotel.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/lu242s

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This is a slightly unconventional vegetarian/ vegan cafe and bar in the heart of West End, an inner-city suburb that has traditionally tended to attract community-minded people.

The Forest was set up by a small group of friends who wanted to create a place where locals could gather and chat without having to spend loads of money. Seating is couches around coffee tables. It's BYO alcohol and you can often catch live music and even local short films at night.

The cafe's main thrust seems to be providing cheap, yummy, organic (as much as possible) wholefood, and a chilled atmosphere that welcomes and respects all.

124 Boundary St, West End
www.theforest.com.au/one.html

Google map: tinyurl.com/ktggw6

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This bar has always had street cred and so it follows that it's always attracted some amazing performers to an intimate space. It was first set up by two women who had little cash but a big desire to promote emerging musical talent. When I first went there in 1993, the walls were covered with graffiti and there was no licence to sell liquor. Instead, the bar staff served SodaStream and patrons brought their own Eskys of beer. Now, the graffiti's gone and the bar serves alcohol, but the cool reputation lives on - deservedly so.

711 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley; www.thezoo.com.au/

Google map: tinyurl.com/kpyng2

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