Finding places to stay in Brisbane is no sweat, to use this Australian expression. Whether you backpack in alone, come with six kids, have to travel for business or with a business group, want to stay for a night or for a week or for a year, there are plenty of choices open to you.

Backpackers have a great choice of hostels, some with beach or park access and the traditional bunk beds with clean bath and kitchen facilities and great views. Other hostels might be hotels, with cheaper prices and a younger-in-general clientele. A dusty hiker can cool off in the pool, cook in the communal kitchen or eat in the cafe, hang out in the bar or the game room, and spend the day resting for future treks or seeing the city on a guided tour.

Coming to Australia with the family? You can find family suites and cabins at many hotels, and even short term rentals with everything you need if you don't bring your furniture, too. One fun way to spend the vacation is in a rented caravan, a mini apartment on wheels. You can drive the whole crew around town, to the zoo, or to one of the beautiful beaches, and find a comfortable campground for the night.

Business groups can find special cottages and conference resorts with all the amenities for team building, corporate policy sessions, and leisure activities. Individual travelers have a wide choice of budget hotels and more luxurious accommodations. Luxury is not all that expensive in Brisbane, anyway.

If you are planning a long stay, it will be easy to find a reasonably priced apartment, for there are many for rent in the city and its environs. Some hotels and motels offer discounts for long-term stays. There are also many, many rooms in the classified ads, that offer the congenial company of local residents as well as comfort and economy.

For short visits, there are historic B&Bs, which will give you a taste of the history of the area as well as a comfortable bed and a great breakfast. The owners of these establishments are great guides to area sights and activities. You can also find hotels in all price ranges, from luxury resorts with on site restaurants, spas, and activities to economy hotels that offer mainly comfort and security for your stay. Most accommodations in this modern city these days come with private bath and Internet access.

For real economy, join GlobalFreeloaders and stay with a fellow member. There are great offers of hospitality on the web page of this international organization, which really make you want to accept the invitation. It is a great way to meet people who you would never get to know on an average vacation.

Whether you walk in, fly in, move in, or just drop in, the people of Australia are ready with great places to stay in Brisbane. So what are you waiting for? Send us a post card when you get settled.