The 27 best backpacker hostels in Australia
The Land Down Under is full of adventure, beautiful weather, terrifying and wonderful wildlife, and some of the best parties in the world, so it’s no wonder people flock from all over the globe to get their Oz fix. Sooner or later though, you’ll need a place to cool off, rest your weary noggin and recharge, so we’ve put together a list of the best backpacker hostels in Australia. We promise that you’ll have a G’day (and night) in these amazing hostels! Here are ten of the best hostels in Australia:
1. Base Magnetic Island – Magnetic Island, Queensland
Drink up! ?: @sonjq
What’s more wonderful than waking up with a gorgeous view of the sea and a breath of fresh ocean air? Base provides an area for guests to camp out under the island stars and wake up to a view of oceanic heaven. Of course, the hostel offers some of the best budget hostel accommodation in Australia, and even includes a female-only sanctuary dorm (complete with a pampering package). If you’re the partying type, then look no further than the magnificent Full Moon Down Under Party, one of the best parties in Australia, hosted every month at the hostel. Up to 5,000 people and plenty of body paint a’flowing!
But wait, there’s more!
- Best party bar on Magnetic Island
- Bar overlooks the shore
2. Southern Cross Backpackers – Agnes Water, Queensland
Looking for a frog to kiss ??: @aleeeshy
This peach of a hostel is located on 16 acres of luscious land, dotted with trees, hammocks and gardens. After all, what’s a visit to Australia without a little communing with nature! They even have a cute little lake on the premises – presh! SCB is a champion among Australian hostels with pools, as swimming area feels much more like a resort than a regular pool, sorting all your sunbathing and aquatic needs. The onsite Karma Bar will keep you freshly hydrated while poolside! While you’re there, you’d be nuts not to check out the famous Scooter Roo Tour!
But wait, there’s more!
- Free breakfast
- Free shuttle to town
3. Gilligan’s – Cairns, Queensland
Dive in ?: @ijdagilbertsson
If you’re bored at Gilligan’s, it’s definitely your own fault 😉 Right next door to the hostel is the famous Rusty’s Market, and it’s surrounded by tasty cafes and delightful boutiques. The hostel itself has weekly events in its TWO awesome nightclubs, including performances from local and international DJs! If you’re looking to earn a quick buck, you can check out their “Workers Wanted” jobs board for all the latest listings!
But wait, there’s more!
- Amazing lagoon swimming pool
- Free Airport pickup
4. Scotty’s Mission Beach YHA – Mission Beach, Queensland
Pool GOALS! ?: @dcfotofilm
Like most Aussie hostels they’ve got an awesome pool and a phenomenal social vibe. But at Scotty’s, their crown jewel is adventure! Whether you’re looking to go skydiving, rafting, island touring, snorkelling, diving, kayaking, helicoptering, or trekking through the rain forest, they have got you covered! Adrenaline level: 1000!
But wait, there’s more!
- Steam room
- Jobs board
5. Bounce Sydney – Sydney, New South Wales
Rooftop bars are the best bars ?: @bouncehostel
One of Australia’s best hostels, and repeatedly named in the ‘Top 10 Large Hostels in the World,’ Bounce is a Sydney staple for backpackers. The location is unbeatable (as shown by the near perfect 9.6/10 guest rating), and the atmosphere is the stuff of backpackers’ dreams. The incredible rooftop terrace overlooks the city, and regularly hosts delicious BBQs. Get your Bounce on!
But wait, there’s more!
- Book exchange
- Jobs board
6. Wake Up! Sydney Central – Sydney, New South Wales
Bunk bed window views ?: @worldwidewhispers
Wake Up hostel is ALL about the experience, not just the bed. The hostel hosts daily events, most of which are free and guaranteed to help you stockpile incredible memories. There are pizza nights, free tours to Bondi Beach, wine & cheese nights, scrumptious cafe, beer pong championships etc. The in house bar is renowned as Sydney’s best Backpacker and Student bar! No wonder Wake Up was named the most popular hostel in Sydney at the 2016 Hoscar Awards!
But wait, there’s more!
- Budget & luxury accommodation available
- Prime central Sydney location
7. United Backpackers – Melbourne, Victoria
Just 5 more minutes ? ?: @paulabzo
Off to Melbourne for this beaut! United Backpackers is perfect for lovers of off-the-beaten-track adventure. The hostel has an uber cool basement bar that’s open 7 days a week, and is always brimming with DJs and events. The location of the hostel itself means you’re only minutes away from all of the best things to do in Melbourne! Make sure to take a moment to enjoy the quirky art and décor of the place!
But wait, there’s more!
- Taco Tuesdays!
- Underground Chill Out Lounge
8. The Nunnery – Melbourne, Victoria
Red skies at night, Shepherd’s delight ?: @sienna_scottt
What a building. The Nunnery has all the vintage beauty of yesteryear without compromising on modern comforts. The building dates back to 1888 and even holds stunning stained glass windows, as well as looming grand staircases and outdoor balconies. There are both dorm and private room options available, and the private guesthouse even comes with its own kitchen! But don’t worry, it’s not only a pretty place, there’s a ton going on with numerous free events happening including pancake Sundays!
But wait, there’s more!
- Free breakfast
- Free “Ultimate Aussie BBQ” experience every Friday!
9. Brisbane City YHA – Brisbane, Queensland
Just keep swimming! ?: @bjarneriess
Welcome to Brisbane! At this stunner of a hostel you can celebrate your arrival with a rooftop swim overlooking the river. That’s right, ROOFTOP SWIM! Of course like many other great hostels they want to keep you nourished and fed, with Sunday pancakes and Friday BBQs-a-plenty. If you’re a nature lover, you’re in luck! Nearby you’ll find some perfect whale watching spots, as well as the world’s largest koala sanctuary. Adorbs!
But wait, there’s more!
- Book exchange
- Jobs board
10. Bunk – Brisbane, Queensland
Twinkly lights and dreamy cocktails ?: @bunkbackpackers
Where to begin?! This hostel has basically everything! Award winner? Check! In-house night club? You bet! Free breakfast every single day?! But of course! Within 100 metres from the front door you’ll find art galleries, pubs, cafes, and boutique shops, not to mention the outdoor pool and rejuvenating hot tub. Seriously, what are you waiting for?
But wait, there’s more!
- Steam room
- Shuttle bus services
11. Nomads – Byron Bay, New South Wales
If you need me, look for me in the hammock ?: @antoniaustralien
Nomads biggest selling point is its location. Just 2 minutes from the stunning main beach at Byron Bay, Nomads puts you right in the heart of the action! Chill out after a day at the beach by heating things up a little in one of the two Jacuzzi’s out on the BYOB courtyard, perfect for a booze loving traveller on a budget!
But wait, there’s more!
- Global Gossip Internet Cafe
- TV lounge
- Byron Bay Lighthouse walk
12. Backpackers HQ, Sydney, New South Wales
Exotic vibes ?: @ayandemonanadventure
Voted Number 1 Hostel in Australia by the lovely customers of Hostelworld in 2012, Backpackers HQ is truly worthy of this title! Offering travellers a fully equipped kitchen, beautiful garden overflowing with foliage, and a super central location, it’s no wonder why Backpackers HQ is one of Sydney’s finest.
But wait, there’s more!
- Free WiFi
- Great views of the Central Business District
13. Home at the Mansion, Melbourne, Victoria
Shhh… This way to the Secret Garden ?: @gontlea
This hostel is a grand, heritage building enough to make any traveller feel fancy AF… oh DARling! The classic red brick building looks more like a castle than a hostel and comes with bucket loads of character! Think high ceilings and stain glass windows (yes, really!), flooding the property with natural light and a wonderful garden terrace to soak up that delicious Melbourne sun!
But wait, there’s more!
- Free wine and cheese Wednesdays
- 24/7 Happy Hour for guests
14. Travellers Oasis, Cairns, Queensland
Lovely lagoon ?: @tkenzie_meebo
Travellers Oasis is a slightly smaller hostel, but hey – size doesn’t matter, does it?! The welcoming and homely vibe makes backpackers feel right at home, and with the help of the swimming pool and BBQ terrace it’s easy to strike up conversation with fellow travellers.
But wait, there’s more!
- 15 minutes walk from the gorgeous lagoon
- TV/Games room
15. The Witch’s Hat, Perth, Western Australia
Spooky chic ?: @iam_joe
The Witch’s Hat Hostel serves real-life fairytale vibes complete with a gothic looking Edwardian turret that looks a little like (you guessed it!) a witch’s hat! The super friendly staff are always happy to chat and give advice for backpackers on the go! So don’t worry, there’s no Wicked Witch of the West(ern Australia) here!
But wait, there’s more!
- Free breakfast
- Free WiFi
- TV lounge
16. Noosa Flashpackers, Noosa, Queensland
I’ll be here all day ? ?: @emfagg
Flashpackers are backpackers who are more accustomed to the fancier things in life, and these classy travellers will find what they’re looking for at Noosa Flashpackers. Noosa Flashbackers knows what Australian hostellers need… free surfboard and body-board hire! Noosa has a real resort feel to it, from it’s luxurious private rooms to the tropical-chic decor.
But wait, there’s more!
- Free BYOB cheese night on Mondays
- Free WiFi and breakfast
17. Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach, New South Wales
Views from the roof! ?: @chergoesdownunder
Bondi Backpackers offers true rooftop goals with a stunning view of the iconic Bondi Beach. Located on the palm tree studded Campbell Parade, Bondi Backpackers has a whole range of complimentary activities for guests to try. Aussie rooftop BBQ every Friday, yoga classes, personal training sessions, and walking tours along the picturesque Bondi to Bronte coastline are just some of the fab activities available.
But wait, there’s more!
- Walking distance to Bondi’s nightclubs and bars
- Free surfboard hire
18. Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort, Surfers Paradise, Queensland
Werkin’ on my tan ?: @emmastitz
This insane hostel ticks all the boxes and has truly first class facilities. Surfer’s Paradise Backpackers Resort boasts a swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, volleyball/basketball courts, table tennis, a pool table, AND vintage arcade games (hello PacMan!) Did you manage to read all that without taking a breath?!
But wait, there’s more!
- Quiz and pizza nights
- Nightclub passes every night with first drink free
- Close to Queensland’s largest shopping mall
19. Airlie Beach Magnums, Whitsundays, Queenslands
Rumble in the jungle ?: @eliinlindqvist
Feel at one with nature in this tropical hostel retreat covered in greenery and foliage. The individual wooden cabins are super charming and make you feel more like you’re in the rain forest than a hostel right in the heart of Airlie Beach. Just watch out for those creepy crawlies!
But wait, there’s more!
- A short walk to the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Close to the Abel Point Marina
20. Byron Bay Beach Hostel, Byron Bay, New South Wales
Life’s a beach! ?: @byronbaybeachhostel
This hostel is all about location! Any beach loving traveller will swoon at Byron Bay Beach Hostel’s proximity to (take a guess…) Byron Bay Beach! The brand new building is extremely modern and has an impressive kitchen available for guests.
But wait, there’s more!
- Open courtyard with BBQ area
- TV Lounge
21. Breeze Lodge, Brisbane, Queensland
Maybe the coolest building, ever?! ?: @breezelodge
Breeze Lodge has a rooftop to rival any bar in Brisbane with funky lounge chairs and vibrant furnishings, also one of the best sunbathing spots in the city! The entire hostel is vibrantly decorated and has a really youthful feel to it.
But wait, there’s more!
- Fantastic, well equipped kitchen
- Free breakfast
- Netflix in the TV room
22. Aussitel Backpackers, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
Pass me my shades? ?: @ellendahlstrom
Sure, free surf hire is a plus, but what about free canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards! Aussitel Backpackers is the best hostel for water-sport enthusiasts and outdoor adventure lovers. Explore the beautiful Coffs Creek in one of the free hire canoes or grab one of the fishing rods and head to the Harbour.
But wait, there’s more!
- Free Wifi
- 10 minutes from the Botanic Gardens (visit the wild Koalas!)
23. Sleeping Inn Backpackers, Surfers Paradise, Queensland
Palm tree paradise ?: @sleepinginnsurfers
The unique selling point about Sleeping Inn Backpackers is that all the rooms are self-contained apartments, meaning that each room has it’s own kitchen, bathroom, shower room, and separate living room… YES, really! Sleeping Inn Backpackers is also a foodie’s dream hostel. With $5 all you can eat poolside BBQS, as well as all you can eat pizza nights, it’s hard not to pack on the pounds while staying here!
But wait, there’s more!
- Central location
- Big Night Out Club Crawl twice a week
24. Rambutan Townsville YHA, Townsville, Queensland
Australia or Greece? ?
Offering privates, dorms, and van sites, all accommodation at Rambutan Townsville YHA boasts it’s own private en-suite, air conditioning and complimentary WiFi. The pool is truly gorgeous with and some of the apartments face onto the crystal waters. This hostel is unbelievably chic and the restaurant is popular among travellers and locals alike.
But wait, there’s more!
- Free airport transfers
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite bar
25. BUNK, Surfer’s Paradise, Queensland
Pool views @laurenaalicia and @louismckendry
Complete with hot tub, swimming pool, and funky social terrace, BUNK Surfer’s Paradise is a sleek and stylish hostel with amazing facilities! BUNK is undergoing refurb work to make the hostel even more b-e-a-utiful!
But wait, there’s more!
- Private balconies
- Free breakfast
- Sundeck
26. Habitat HQ, Melbourne, Victoria
Beautiful scenes at St Kilda Beach ?: @larawoodhead
An always popular choice of accommodation for Melbourne visitors, Habitat HQ is located in the vibrant suburb of St Kilda. There’s so much to discovery in this amazing neighbourhood and you’ll have your pick of bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and some of Melbourne’s most popping nightlife spots.
But wait, there’s more!
- Free tour booking to Great Ocean Road or the Phillip Island Penguins
- Awarded the STAY WYSE 2012 Green Initiative Award for sustainability
27. Mad Monkey, Coogee Beach, Sydney
Breaky with a beach view? We think yes!
If you’re looking for a hostel that boasts scenic beachfront views along one of Australia’s most famous coastal walks, then Mad Monkey is the hostel for you! This newly refurbished, clean and friendly hostel has an assortment of room types; from dorm rooms to apartment-style accommodation – they have you covered. Enjoy life down under, true Aussie style with this beachfront, social and conveniently located hostel!
But wait, there’s more!
• Free Internet
• Air-conditioning (aka your best mate during Australian summer!)
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