Brisbane offers a broad range of accommodation within walking distance of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) and across the Victoria Bridge in the CBD. Below is a curated selection across all budgets — from backpacker hostels to five-star hotels — to help you plan your stay. ISRE has not negotiated group rates with any of these properties; we encourage you to compare prices and book directly with the hotel or via your preferred booking platform.
Quick guide: Walking distances to BCEC are approximate (5 minutes ≈ 400 m). Price bands are indicative nightly rates in AUD for July 2026 — actual prices vary with dates, room type, and availability.
$ under $150 | $$ $150–250 | $$$ $250–400 | $$$$ $400+
Five-star hotels
Emporium Hotel South Bank
★ 4.5 · 3 min walk · $$$$
Boutique luxury directly across from the South Bank Parklands and a short stroll to BCEC. Rooftop pool and fine dining on site. The closest premium option.
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W Brisbane
★ 4.5 · 10 min walk · $$$$
Designer riverside hotel in the CBD, just across Victoria Bridge from BCEC. Distinctive interiors, riverfront pool, lively bar scene.
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Sofitel Brisbane Central
★ 4.4 · 15 min walk / 5 min by train · $$$$
Established CBD luxury above Central Station. Two stops to South Brisbane on the train, or a flat 15-minute walk via Queen Street and Victoria Bridge.
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Four-star hotels
Novotel Brisbane South Bank
★ 4.4 · 2 min walk · $$$
The closest hotel to BCEC — essentially next door. Modern rooms, outdoor pool, and easy access to South Bank dining.
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Rydges South Bank Brisbane
★ 4.3 · 3 min walk · $$$
Connected to the BCEC precinct with direct access to Grey Street's restaurants and the Queensland Conservatorium. A reliable conference favourite.
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Mantra South Bank Brisbane
★ 4.1 · 3 min walk · $$$
Directly opposite BCEC with hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Good option for couples or longer stays.
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ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
★ 4.3 · 15 min walk / 5 min by train · $$
Bright, contemporary CBD hotel close to Queen Street Mall. A solid mid-range choice if you'd rather stay city-side.
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Serviced apartments
A practical option for longer stays or anyone who'd like a kitchen and laundry on site.
Ivy & Eve Apartments by CLLIX
★ 4.1 · 5 min walk · $$
Modern apartment tower in South Brisbane with studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Rooftop pool, gym, and on-site cafes.
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Fleet Lane Apartments
★ 3.5 · 7 min walk · $$
One-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on Hope Street, South Brisbane. Rooftop terrace with city views. Closer to South Brisbane train station.
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Quest South Brisbane
★ 4.0 · 15 min walk / bus available · $$
Self-contained studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Closest Quest property to BCEC. Mater Hill Bus Station is 100m away for an easy two-stop trip.
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CLLIX at Brisbane Skytower
★ 4.3 · 15 min walk / 5 min by bus · $$$
Premium serviced apartments inside Brisbane's tallest tower in the CBD. Skyline views, city-side dining at your door, two stops to BCEC by bus or train.
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Mantra Midtown Brisbane
★ 3.9 · 15 min walk · $$
Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments on Charlotte Street in the CBD. Outdoor pool, gym, and easy access to Queen Street Mall.
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Budget hotels and hostels
Good options for early-career researchers and anyone keeping costs down. Several offer private rooms in addition to dorms.
YHA Brisbane City
★ 4.1 · 15 min walk · $
Well-run hostel in the CBD with rooftop pool, dorms and private rooms. Reliable choice for budget-conscious delegates.
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Summer House Brisbane
★ 3.9 · 12 min walk · $
Compact, modern budget hotel in South Brisbane. Walking distance to BCEC and South Bank Parklands.
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City Backpackers HQ
★ 4.4 · 15 min walk · $
CBD hostel with strong reviews. Rooftop bar, dorms and private rooms. Popular with international travellers.
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Habitat Backpackers
★ 3.6 · 15 min walk · $
Smaller, cheerful hostel in South Brisbane. Walking distance to BCEC and the train station.
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Somewhere To Stay Backpackers
★ 3.9 · 15 min walk · $
Long-running South Brisbane hostel with a pool and garden setting. Mix of dorms and private rooms.
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Gonow Family Backpacker Hostel
★ 2.8 · 20 min walk · $
Budget hostel in South Brisbane. The most affordable option on this list.
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Getting to BCEC
BCEC is on Merivale Street in South Brisbane. South Brisbane and South Bank train stations are both within a few minutes' walk. The Cultural Centre bus station and South Bank busway are nearby. CityCat ferries stop at South Bank Terminal on the river. From the airport, the AirTrain runs to South Brisbane station in around 30 minutes.
