Brisbane, the home of three major universities, is an energetic city with stunning riverside views and gardens. With one of the highest student ratios of any entry in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, the student buzz and atmosphere it provides is undeniable.
Like any busy student, you likely spend hours on end in lecture halls and stuffy library cubicles. But there’s no need to feel limited by the perimeters of campus - with a wide variety of cafés, libraries, and outdoor spaces throughout Brisbane, there are plenty of options to get out and explore while also buckling down on reading those textbooks. Ditch the desk, get your creative juices flowing, and discover all of the spaces conducive to getting work done in this beautiful city.
State Library of Queensland
A favorable student spot, the SLQ is a historic building overlooking the picturesque Brisbane River. Take a seat in the Red Box Room; an intimate space with floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the river and central business district. The library is also closely situated to the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art —the perfect spot to get your culture fix during a study break (and it’s free entry!). The building also has a café, speedy Wi-Fi, free library cards, and a number of meeting rooms and lounges.
Brisbane Square Library
This library offers a variety of facilities, including: free Wi-Fi, study rooms, computer access, printing and photocopying, a historic gallery, and a number of different lounges and seated areas. The meeting rooms can be booked for a maximum of two hours a day and are equipped with data projectors, electronic whiteboards, a kitchenette, and a fridge (for study snacks of course)—perfect for getting group work done. Sign up for a free library card and get access to everything this space has to offer.
New Farm Park
Not only does this park showcase spectacular river views, it also offers free Wi-Fi. Take a seat by the water’s edge and watch the boats pass by, all while smashing out some work. What better way to get inspired than by a little bit of fresh air? There’s also a library located inside the park.
Brisbane Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens set the perfect scene for diving into some reading, with Wi-Fi available in the Japanese Garden, café, and administration building. However, I recommend ditching the electronics and unplugging in order to fully appreciate the beauty of these gardens. There are enough free deck chairs to go around, or better yet, bring a picnic blanket and relax in a shady spot.
Roma Street Parkland
Located a quick 20-minute tram ride away from The University of Queensland, this green space offers designer gardens, deck chairs, cafés, and historical monuments. With such close proximity to the central business district, its 16 hectares of stunning parklands make for the perfect getaway when you’re in need of an escape from city life.
Brew Café and Wine Bar
This little hidden gem, nestled in a funky lane in the central business district, is equipped with long wooden tables to sprawl out on and a seriously good Wi-Fi. Whether you’re after a decadent dessert, smashed avo toast, or a savory burger, your taste buds will be thanking you after a study session here
Avid Reader
A book shop AND a café? This must be a dream. This is the ideal study spot for those looking for a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Enjoy the smell of new books, fast Wi-Fi, a seasonal and locally-sourced menu, and freshly brewed coffee.
Sol Breads
Situated in Brisbane’s quirky West End, this bakery is known for their range of organically-based nutritious bread, with fresh menu choices that won’t break the bank. Order some herbal tea and grab a spot at one of the spacious wooden tables available.
Sassafras Canteen
For those looking for both a caffeine and vitamin D fix, grab a seat in the outdoor courtyard at this cottage-inspired café. Located in the Paddington area, this spot is worth the trip outside of the central business district for their iconic breakfast menu and fruit frappes.
Compos Coffee
Located a few blocks from New Farm Park, this trendy café offers quality, modern Australian breakfast options. Order their famous in-house waffles or the epic breakfast bacon burger, paired with a fresh cup of ethically-sourced coffee. There’s also a meeting room which is available to book from Monday to Friday, ideal for group sessions.
