Brisbane has plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots providing wireless broadband access, internet cafés that let you surf the internet while you sip your latte, and a host of hotels, hostels and other accommodation offering access to the latest communications technology. Here's our guide to getting connected in Brisbane.
If you have a favourite Wi-Fi spot, please share it in the comments below...
Wi-Fi hotspots
Wireless broadband access is provided by many businesses, hotels and restaurants in Brisbane. At Wi-Fi hotspots you can browse the internet, check your email, connect to your corporate network (be sure to use a secure VPN - virtual private network - connection), make free Voice over IP phone calls, play online games, update your blog, and IM (instant message) with your friends.
Free Wi-Fi
The State Library
The State Library of Queensland offers a free wireless service - no login is required. Wi-Fi is available throughout the Library. You'll find lots of people sitting on benches in the courtyard outside, working on their laptops. There are also free public access computers available on levels 1 to 4 of the library's South Bank building.
BCC Libraries
Free wireless access is available to library card holders at the following Brisbane City Council libraries:
- Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street, City
- Chermside Library, 375 Hamilton Road, Chermside
- Garden City Shopping Centre, Cnr Logan And Kessels Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
- Indooroopilly Library, Level 4, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre
Library membership is free to Brisbane ratepayers and anyone who lives, works or studies in Brisbane City Council area. (You will need to provide proof of your current residential address. Find out more.)
McDonald’s
McDonald’s offers free Wi-Fi in more than 148 stores across Queensland. See if your local is one of them. (50MB download restriction per session and no peer-to-peer file sharing allowed.)
Urban Grind
Urban Grind in New Farm does the best coffees and also offers free wi-fi for the first half hour. Subsequent time is charged at $1.50/15 minutes. Find out more.
Brisbane Airtrain
Brisbane Airtrain offers free internet access at both the domestic and international airport platforms. Access is limited to half an hour for customers.
If you walk along George Street in the CBD (between Adelaide and Turbot Sts), you'll probably be accosted by friendly backpackers, handing you vouchers for free internet access at one of the many companies offering tours and travel.
Paid Wi-Fi
Brisbane has an abundance of internet cafés, where you can use computers for internet surfing and chats, sending emails, printing and more. The rates are around a few dollars an hour and the connection is generally high speed broadband, which means no waiting.
If online gaming is your thing, try KaoS CTi Internet Café (a gaming café where you can go online and game all day for just $15!).
Brisbane Transit Centre - located next to (and partially above) Roma Street Railway Station, the Brisbane Transit Centre offers pay-to-use internet facilities on Levels Two and Three.
Hotels and hostels
Most hotels and hostels have an internet station or kiosk in the lobby. Many also provide internet access to individual rooms. Check our accommodation section for detailed hotel listings.
Computer accessories and equipment
If you find yourself in need of computer accessories or equipment, head to one of the major technology retailers, such as Harvey Norman, Dick Smith or Officeworks, all of which have outlets in the CBD.
Looking for a digital photo processing centre? Harvey Norman's Photo Centres offer an extensive range of photo processing services from the self-service Digital Photo Kiosks. Or check our business listings for other places offering photographic processing services.
Info-kiosks
Want to find out what's happening in Brisbane? The Queen Street Mall Visitor Information Centre, located at the Edward Street end of the mall, features booking desks, interactive touch screens, brochure/map racks and automatic tellers.
Got any tips for where to get free internet access in Brisbane? Add your comments below.
I just want to say that is great to see brisbane becoming a WiFi friendly city, however it is still lagging well behind other citys in Aus and esp the world! The internet is the universal language for informatoin and communication, and if we (brisbane) want to attract tourist then we should make it technology friendly for them, allowing them free access to internet for searching things such as work, public transport, accomodation, tours, entertainment etc....
Pick up your act Brisbane and the BCC - lets make a name for this great city of ours and send the tourist packing telling family and friends how internet friendly Brisbane really is!