Living in hostels is an accommodation solution that has many advantages for short or long term travelers in Australia. In this article, discover everything you need to know to make the most of your stay in a hostel, our tips and our favorite hostels in the 4 main cities of Australia: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
What is an inn?
The hostel is the ultimate traveler’s accommodation and the good news is that Australia is full of them. A shared space where we meet after the day’s adventures, this place, often friendly, is the favorite option of backpackers. It is a stopover point to spend the night and take advantage of the common areas to eat, shower and meet other travelers. While we often imagine that it is a less comfortable option than a hotel since we have to share with others, the hostel is in fact the way to live a new travel experience without neglecting its comfort!
Shared rooms can range from 4 to 16 travelers on average and most of the time there are bunk beds in this kind of dormitory. For the newer hostels, many of the beds are sometimes furnished with curtains for more privacy and some hostels even offer private rooms for a higher budget. The bathrooms can also be private or shared depending on the options offered by your hostel. Also note that some establishments offer single-sex dormitories. To find the hostel that suits your needs, pay attention to the options offered: every traveler will find a roof over his head! Quiet inns or themed parties every night, make your choice…
As you can see, living in a hostel is one of the best tips we can share with you, to convince you more, let’s review the many advantages of this type of accommodation!
An economic choice
Cheaper than a traditional hotel, the hostel is an economical option since sleeping in a shared room obviously divides the costs. Ideal to save some money for the rest of your trip, hostels often offer common areas where it is possible to cook, which avoids spending more money by eating outside.
A way to meet other travelers
Backpacking is often far from being lonely, especially when you choose to stay in hostels! The shared spaces allow you to meet new travel companions or simply to share a good time with strangers for an evening. More popular with travellers, this is an opportunity to meet people from all over the world who have the same travel bug as you! The hostel is the hotel with memories!
A stay adapted to your desires
As we mentioned earlier, hostels often have many different options for flexible prices. This ambivalence allows you to book a night’s stay as close as possible to your needs and for a budget that suits you.
Let’s be honest, life in a hostel can also have its share of more or less pleasant surprises. This is the price of living in a community! However, these places remain framed and your worst surprises could simply be your snoring neighbor, the mess of your roommates or the smelly shoes of your neighbors… But that’s what makes the trip so charming, isn’t it?
Now you’re convinced that a hostel will be your next accommodation, so you’re ready to read our top hostels in the following 4 cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Some hostel recommendations
TOP 5 Melbourne
– The Space Hotel
Where: 380 Russell Street, 3000 Melbourne, Australia
Rooftop, equipped gym, private cinema room, the Space Hotel is the modern hostel par excellence. Located in Booking’s favorite neighborhood for travelers, this exceptional location will only make you embrace hostel life!
– Nomads St Kilda
Where: 6 Irwell St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Known for its atmosphere, this hostel offers its guests new activities every week, which adds to the quality of its already numerous services!
– The Mansion Melbourne
Where: 80 Victoria Parade East Melbourne, East Melbourne, 3002 Melbourne, Australia
Previously known as Home at the Mansion, this environmentally conscious inn also promises a great stay. Ideally located, the place is also well served by transportation.
– Queen Victoria Hostel
Where: 312-316 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
This hostel is known for its low prices, but with wifi access and a kitchen to prepare a good meal!
– The Nunnery
Where: 116 Nicholson St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
A former mansion turned inn, this place offers interesting options to suit all travelers. It also has the particularity of being divided into two parts: a part for backpackers and a part Guest house.
TOP 5 Sydney
– Wake Up! Sydney Central
Where: 509 Pitt St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Voted best hostel in Australia in 2020, this hostel seems to be the place to be thanks to a great staff organizing many events for these travelers!
– YHA Sydney Harbour
Where: 110 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
In the heart of historic The Rocks, this hostel has a rooftop with a breathtaking view of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
– Wake Up! Bondi Beach
Where: 110 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
This new hostel offers a panoramic view of the sea thanks to its rooftop and its location on the famous Bondi Beach!
– 790 on George
Where: 790 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Known for its low rates, this hostel is conveniently located on George Street, Sydney’s main street.
– Zen Harmony House
Where: 201 Brougham St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
This hostel is reserved for those who love peace and quiet and who like a Zen/yoga atmosphere. This hostel is alcohol free to guarantee the rest of its users. Original also when we learn that there is also a space reserved for meditation!
TOP 5 Brisbane
– Brisbane City YHA
Where: 392 Upper Roma St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
A YHA hostel available throughout Australia, this hostel also has a rooftop that’s worth a look.
– Breeze Lodge
Where: 635 Main Street Kangaroo Point, Kangaroo Point,
Featuring a coin-operated laundry facility ideal for backpackers, this comfortable establishment is less than 20 kilometers from Brisbane Airport.
– Summer House Backpackers
Where: 350 Upper Roma St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Reserved for foreign travelers from 18 to 35 years old, this hostel is famous for its themed evenings that ensure that guests meet many people.
– Brisbane Quarters
Where: Spring Hill, 413 Upper Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
With an outdoor pool open to travelers, curtains on the beds for privacy, and non-smoking rooms, this conveniently located hostel will convince you to stay!
– City Backpackers HQ
Where: 380 Upper Roma St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Well located, this hostel with bar and rooftop promises festivities with a view on the river that you should not miss!
TOP 5 Perth
– YHA Fremantle Prison
Where: 6A The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160
For an atypical hostel experience, choose this former prison where you can even sleep in the old cells! This building from the 1850s is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
– Spinners Hostel
Where: 342 Newcastle Street Northbridge, 6003 Perth
Great traveler reviews and a great value for money coupled with an ideal location!
– The Shiralee Hostel
Where: 107 Brisbane Street Northbridge, Perth
Located a 10-minute walk from the central train station, this hostel offers free breakfast and free food nights. This place is however reserved for foreigners between 18 and 35 years old to preserve a young and international atmosphere.
– Hostel G
Where: 80 Stirling Street, Perth
This hostel is also close to Northbridge and its many bars and restaurants. The establishment is recommended by Le Petit Futé 2023.
– Billabong Backpackers
Where: 381 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003
With balconies in every room, a large pool and outdoor terrace, and activities organized by the hostel, this establishment is also located in the Perth area with the city’s trendiest cafes.
You now have some good addresses and life in a hostel has no more secrets for you!
You now know where to put your luggage or your backpack when you stop by these 4 great Australian cities! You can now become an expert on renting vans in Australia by letting us guide you and reading our article on the subject right here.