Australia’s own little slice of heaven, Brisbane, sits between mountain ranges and its namesake river. The capital of Queensland, it’s the third-highest populated city in the country. Brisbane also goes by the names River City and Brissie to the locals.
As one of the oldest cities, Brisbane has played a significant role throughout history. Situated atop the traditional lands of the Turrbal people (the Turrbal peoples’ name for the area is Meanjin), Brisbane became wealthy as a port city and known as the centre of immigration.
During WWII, Brisbane even served as the headquarters for the United States Army. Continue reading to find out where you can stash your stuff for a day out in Brissie.
Airports
Despite the massive size of the city, it may surprise you to learn that there’s currently only one airport in Brisbane.
Brisbane Airport
After Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane Airport is the third-largest and conveniently located 12 kilometres from Brisbane’s city centre. The airport is made up of only two main terminals, one for domestic travel and one for international travel.
Brisbane Airport connects 50 domestic destinations and 29 international destinations. It is also rated one of the best performing large-sized airports globally for on-time performance. This means you don’t have to worry about delayed flights.
Brisbane airport is also connected to two railway stations. It has inter-terminal buses connecting the two terminals with the Skygate Shopping Precinct for easy access to duty-free shopping. Luckily, there are several different luggage storage locker banks to chose from, located throughout the airport and shopping district.
Domestic Terminal - outside the Virgin Terminal and Qantas areas, in the covered median strip area after the first pedestrian crossing.
International Terminal - adjacent to the entrance for the car park, on Level 1 (ground floor).
Skygate Shopping Precinct - between the DFO and Skygate Centre, next to the transfer bus stop & near Converse inside the centre.
It costs $12 per 24 hours for small lockers. $14 per 24 hours for medium lockers; and $16 per 24 hours for large lockers.
Trains
The Queensland Rail City network comprises more than 150 stations. These stations connect ten suburban lines and three interurban lines. Riding the rails is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see all of the scenic sights the country has to offer. And, if you do, you’ll be stopping at one of these following Brisbane train stations.
Central Railway Station
Central Railway Station is the main station on Australia’s City network. First built in 1889, it was designed to connect Brisbane to other major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. It is located in the middle of Brisbane’s central business district, on the corner of Ann & Edward streets.
The station is most identifiable by its distinctive row of ornate clocks made of sandstone from local quarries. However, it has undergone massive renovations since its founding, for maintenance and modernization. It also continues to be expanded on, including as recently as 2017.
Currently, the Central Railway Station in Brisbane consists of 6 platforms serving 13 Queensland Rail lines. Although the station previously had lockers , changes made have seen them removed from the station.
Roma Street Station
Although it’s undergoing reconstruction at the moment, Roma Street Station is still operational. With ten platforms catering to all interurban and suburban City network lines, it is a common stop on the line.
Flanked by quaint cafes and a shopping district, the Roma Street Station is in Brissie’s central business district. From this location, it’s only a short walk to the gorgeous Roma Park. Here you will find a small food court, but if you have time, check out Brisbane’s unique (and delicious!) dining spots nearby.
Unfortunately, Roma Street does not have any luggage lockers on site. However, there are lockers available nearby at the Myer Centre and DFO Skygate through RentALocker.
RentALocker storage costs $10 - $17 for the day, depending on size. Or, if you prefer, head down to South Bank or the Airport to use the locker facilities available at those locations.
South Bank Station
The South Bank Station is one of only two stations serving the South Brisbane area. With stops on the Gold Coast Line, it was first opened as Vulture Street Station. The station provides access to the retail and dining precinct on Grey Street, as well as the cinemas and park.
Only 3.55 kilometres (approximately 2.2 miles) from Central Railway Station, Brisbane officials updated the station in 2013. Today, it provides housing and office space for locals and businesses. The station also had a name change recently to Southpoint. It’s also known well for its proximity to the South Bank Parklands.
While there are no lockers available for rent on-site, there is lockers available nearby. Head over to Stanley Street Plaza across from Streets Beach and go up the stairs next to Southbank Beer Garden. Keep in mind, though, that there are only 20 small lockers available, so space is limited!
Stadiums
When it comes to sports towns, nowhere fits the bill better than Brisbane. Home to more than 20 public swimming pools, kilometres of dedicated bikeways, and all manner of sporting and entertainment venues, there’s always an event going on in Brisbane. Continue reading below to find out where you can store your luggage .
Suncorp Stadium
An arena with many names, Suncorp Stadium is also known as Brisbane Stadium, Lang Park, and, if you’re a local, The Cauldron. The stadium was first established in 1914 on the former site of a cemetery and can host 52,500 fans .
The Cauldron is considered one of the best rugby stadiums in the world. The stadium is lauded by critics as ”so intimate you can hear the smack of the bodies”. With roots as Queensland’s home of rugby, it’s also the main venue for soccer and rugby union.
Due to restrictions in place because of COVID, the cloaking room at Suncorp Stadium is currently closed. Visitors to the stadium are permitted to bring in items and bags size A4 or smaller. However, keep in mind that all items are subject to being searched. Additionally, permitted items are subject to change depending on the event.
Brisbane Cricket Ground Stadium ”The Gabba”
Known to Brisbanites as ‘The Gabba,’ Brisbane Cricket Ground Stadium is perhaps the most famous stadium in all of Brisbane. It has served as host to a variety of sports, including baseball, cricket, football, and pony racing. The Gabba has remained a staple in Brisbane athletics and entertainment since 1895.
The Gabba is capable of housing crowds of more than 36,000 people strong. It was also announced that it will be used in the upcoming 2032 Summer Olympics. Although, you may recognize it from the 2000 Olympic Games as the host of part of the Men’s Football tournament.
Although there are facilities available for luggage storage at the Cloaking Desk, the service is currently unavailable due to COVID restrictions. Depending on the event you’re attending, you are allowed to bring in small bags, so long as they can be stored beneath your seat.
Tourist Attractions
Brisbane is home to a variety of tourist attractions for visitors of all ages. For anyone visiting Brissie, and looking for a dose of excitement and fun, South Bank is the place to be.
South Bank Parklands
Covering more than 17 hectares (42 acres), South Bank Parklands sits directly across from Brisbane’s central business district. Since its days as the site of Brisbane’s World Expo 88, the South Bank Parklands has grown. It now includes areas of rainforest, grasslands, and plazas, as well as a variety of features and amenities.
Visitors are first greeted by the towering Wheel of Brisbane, a Ferris wheel featuring 42 air-conditioned trolleys. Explore further, and you’ll find the riverfront promenade, the Queensland Conservatorium, a piazza, restaurants, shops, and so much more.
South Bank Parklands offers small luggage lockers for temporary hire in the Stanley Street Plaza near Streets Beach. Be warned, though, that the lockers are limited to short-term use and cannot be used to store luggage overnight.
Queensland Cultural Centre
Queensland Cultural Centre at Grey Street in South Bank is the must-see museum for art and history buffs visiting Brissie. It is also home to the Performing Arts Centre, the State Library, the State Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum. Tourists visiting Queensland cannot miss this heritage-listed Cultural Centre.
Surrounded by sub-tropical gardens, restaurants, cafes, bookshops, bars, and more, it is more than just an art complex. However, to truly experience the Cultural Centre for all it’s worth, luggage storage is a must.
Like the South Bank, Queensland Cultural Centre is serviced by the small luggage lockers near Streets Beach. However, if you’re staying in the area for a while, be sure to check in with your hotel to see if they can help out.