Byron Bay/Brisbane - good hostels/hotels required!

I'm travelling to Australia for 3 weeks May - June and I was wondering if anyone can recommend some good, reasonably priced accomodation in Byron Bay & Brisbane.
Byron I'd be looking towards backpacker accomodation, Brisbane probably cheap hotels?

I had a quick look for Byron places and all looks pretty good, either Arts Factory, Aquarius or the Blue Iguana.

Brisbane however looks less promising - certainly from online reviews the phrase 'sh!t hole' and 'unclean' cropped up a bit too often for my liking in the hostel reviews.

Anyone care to make some recommendations for either location?

Ta!
Allan.

the arts factory is awesome. they have a fire show every friday night at 8.00 too... a lovely girl called grace runs it...definatly check it out...
brissie though? couldnt help yer matey sorry!!!

Looks like it's definately the Arts Factory in Byron then! Pity we won't be there on a Friday though

Cheers!

A.

a reasonable backpackers was above a pub called 'the elephant and the wheelbarrow', which is in the Valley - bout 15mins walk from city centre. its a fairly clean backpackers with everything youd need. the local area has heaps of cheap food. the actual pub downstairs has the best wedges ive ever tasted. i think we paid the standard backpackers fee - bout $20/night.

valura and arsn may be able to suggest a couple of other places.

are you coming down to sydney?

good luck.

come and play at our house. It'll be fun promise!

i highly rocomend the art factory as i stayed there may 2003 on my way up north

the only thing i will say is get yourself a good mozi repelant but its well worth the trouble

I too would recommend the Arts Factory... I myself have not been there however I know a particularly wonderful circusy person who has given this place rave reviews..

Brisbane ... UCK ...

hmmm... I know several none I would recommend however. There are some lovely rainforest cabiney places out in the hills but a bit expensive perhaps...hmm and transport factor too I guess...

I guess it doesn't matter too much though... so long as your valuables' fit in your pocket and you don't wanna spend time in a hotel type room anyway do ya...do you have the Queensland Lonely Planet? I would recommend it if you don't... lonely planet books always are good for a rough and also sometimes smooth idea of where to plonk.