Brisbane is not just a hotspot for holidays, it's also a hotspot for technology. There are plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots providing free 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.
Wi-Fi hotspots
Wireless broadband access is now 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.
Here are some tried and tested free Wi-Fi hotspots in downtown Brisbane:
- Brisbane Transit Centre - located next to (and partially above) Roma Street Railway Station, the Brisbane Transit Centre offers internet facilities on Level Two.
- You'll also find Wi-Fi at McDonald's (Shop 307b).
- The Bar Merlo cafés on George, Market and Queen streets feature Wi-Fi hotspots, as do Gloria Jeans in Brunswick Street Mall and Hudsons Coffee on Queen and Charlotte streets.
- AFC Café in Woolloongabba offers wireless internet connections as well as computers.
- Brisbane Manor Hotel - this popular budget accommodation hotel in the heart of Brisbane offers ISDN unlimited, which means you can quickly email and surf the internet to your heart's content. The hotel also has private internet pods that can be hired by the minute or by the hour and can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The State Library of Queensland offers a free wireless service - no login is required. Wi-Fi hotspots are available in selected areas on level 1.
- There are also free public access computers available on levels 1 to 4 of the library's South Bank building.
- Brisbane Airport - it was the first airport in Australia to provide Wi-Fi hotspots for travellers. You don't have to be a member of an airline club to get Wi-Fi at the airport - the service is available in various areas of both the domestic and international terminals to anyone with a Wi-Fi card.
- Wireless access is available 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
To find other Wi-Fi hotspot locations in Brisbane, use the JiWire search facility.
Internet cafés
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.
Some of the internet cafés in and around Brisbane's CBD include:
See our business listings for other internet cafés.
Hotels and hostels
Most hotels and hostels have an internet station or kiosk in the lobby. Luxury hotels provide internet access to individual rooms. Some, such as the Marriott Hotel, are going a step further and providing guests with state-of-the-art in-room technology. All of the Marriott's 267 guest rooms have been updated with a high definition LCD screen TV, which also allow guests to connect and play their own MP3s, laptops, DVDs and games via an Australian first - 'plug-in' technology.
Check our accommodation section for further 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. It's the best place (after this website!) to get all the tourist information you need.
By Pip, from the ourbrisbane.com team
Got any hot tips for techno-savyy travellers to Brisbane? Add your comments below.
