Australian Hostels and Backpackers

If you are planning a trip around Australia and you want quality, fun and budget accommodation then you will love YHA. We have the best standards, cleanest and most convenient hostels in the country.

Journey times in hours

Route Air Bus Rail
Sydney to Adelaide 1.40 24 26
Sydney to Canberra 0.35 3.15 4.17
Sydney to Melbourne 1.10 14.30 13
Canberra to Melbourne 0.55 9.30 9.15
Melbourne to Adelaide 1.05 9.30 10.15
Melbourne to Broken Hill 1.50 9.00 12.45
Adelaide to Alice Springs 2 20 21.10
Adelaide to Perth 3 35 38
Adelaide to Brisbane 2.15 33.30 36.45
Darwin - Alice Springs 1.50 19.00 23.00
Darwin - Kakadu 0 4.30 0
Alice Springs - Ayers Rock 0.45 6.00 0
Cairns - Brisbane 2.05 25.00 25.00
Brisbane - Sydney 1.15 17.00 16.00
Brisbane - Melbourne 1.55 25.00 26.55
Melbourne - Hobart 1.55 0 0
Melbourne - Devonport 1.05 0 0

NSW & ACT

Order by:
91%
$35
per person
Sydney, NSW

Our heritage-listed building, opposite Central Station, in the hub of the backpacker precinct, offers backpacker accommodation at its finest.

94%
$39
per person
The Rocks, Sydney, NSW

Stay at Sydney's only backpacker hostel in the city's historic harbourside precinct - The Rocks - and enjoy stunning views.

93%
$35
per person
Sydney, NSW

Sydney's most laid back hostel, Railway Square YHA adjoins Central Station and offers railway carriage rooms in the heart of the city.

83%
$29
per person
Glebe, NSW

Glebe YHA is a relaxed hostel located in Sydney's bohemian leafy inner city area. A great hostel for the working holiday maker or for those wanting to take their time in Sydney.

80%
$27
per person
Bondi Beach, NSW

Bondi Beachouse YHA is located right near Australia's famous Bondi Beach and is a backpacker favourite.

79%
$28
per person
Collaroy, NSW

Sydney's northern beaches YHA hostel is a high quality traveller's resort only 50 metres from one of Sydney's best surf beaches.

95%
$31
per person
Pittwater, NSW

An easy escape from the busy city of Sydney, Pittwater YHA hostel is nestled in Morning Bay, Ku-ring-gai National Park.

93%
$29.50
per person
Hawkesbury Heights, NSW

Purpose-built YHA hostel accommodation with great city skyline views in a bush setting. Eco-friendly, with solar electricity.

95%
$25
per person
Katoomba, NSW

In the adventure capital of NSW, stay at this award-winning YHA hostel and enjoy the log fire and cosy warm rooms.

89%
$27
per person
Byron Bay, NSW

Byron Bay YHA Backpackers Hostel is just a short walk to the city centre. Large comfortable common areas, swimming pool and BBQ make it the perfect spot to relax.

86%
$28
per person
Byron Bay, NSW

Cape Byron YHA is a purpose-built YHA hostel in the centre of town, just 200m to the beach and main bus stop.

94%
$30
per person
Murwillumbah, NSW

Murwillumbah YHA is a homely hostel with stunning views, riverside gardens, and quirky decor in a 1911 captain's cottage.

88%
$23
per person
Nimbin, NSW

Nimbin Rox YHA hostel is an island of tranquility nestled in lush tropical gardens amidst 25 acres of the magical Nimbin Valley. Enjoy amazing views of the nearby national parkland and keep a look out of friendly native wildlife.

92%
$28.50
per person
Yamba, NSW

Yamba YHA hostel resides on the NSW mid-north coast, making it a great stop off between Sydney and Brisbane. This seaside town has fantastic beaches and the most famous surf breaks.

87%
$33.50
per person
Canberra, ACT

Canberra City YHA is right in the heart of the nation's capital, 5 minutes from the interstate bus terminal.

86%
$31.50
per person
Lavington, NSW

Albury Motor Village YHA backpackers hostel is a quiet YHA where you can relax and unwind. Great location for a stopover between Sydney and Melbourne.

85%
$27
per person
Tamworth, NSW

The YHA hostel has a relaxing atmosphere in a quiet, friendly, clean and safe environment, located in the centre of this country town. The hostel provides backpackers with the best connection to Jackaroo and Jillaroo schools and farmstays.

94%
$27
per person
Bellingen, NSW

Bellingen YHA is one of Australia's most laidback backpacker hostels. It's a beautiful and homely YHA set amongst beautiful country!

87%
$25
per person
Coffs Harbour, NSW

Mid way between Sydney and Brisbane, the purpose-built Coffs Harbour YHA hostel makes a great stopover for backpackers travelling the east coast.

92%
$26
per person
Port Macquarie, NSW

Located halfway between Sydney & Byron Bay, Ozzie Pozzie backpackers is more like a resort than a hostel.

96%
$31.50
per person
Nulkaba, NSW

Escape the city and head to the heart of the wine country for your next group trip or family get-together.

94%
$34
per person
Newcastle, NSW

Opposite Newcastle Beach, and right in the centre of town, this friendly YHA is perfect for backpackers looking for affordable accommodation.

91%
$30
per person
Anna Bay, NSW

Gorgeous beaches, lush bushland, stunning bay and sea views and a great chill-out spot - that's Port Stephens and its award-winning YHA.

99%
$33
per person
Norfolk Island, NSW

Norfolk Island’s only backpackers! Come and visit our World Heritage island, explore the beautiful beaches and stunning forests. Norfolk Island is an adventure for backpackers of all ages!

97%
$63
per person
Thredbo, NSW

Thredbo YHA is situated in the heart of Snowy Mountains, a short walk from Thredbo Ski Resort. The award-winning hostel is a purpose built lodge with stunning mountain views.

79%
$25
per person
Batemans Bay, NSW

Batemans Bay is one of the most popular seaside towns on the NSW South Coast. The YHA hostel is situated in a camping/caravan park surrounded by trees and gardens and an easy stroll to town and beaches for backpackers.

82%
$31
per person
Wollongong, NSW

A friendly YHA hostel located right in the centre of Wollongong and great for backpackers. Close to the shops, cafes, restaurants, entertainment and beaches.

Northern Territory

Order by:
91%
$24.50
per person
Alice Springs, NT

Alice Springs YHA is built within the grounds of an historic outdoor movie theatre, in a great location in the centre of this atmospheric outback town.

86%
$34.20
per person
Ayers Rock, NT

Located in the heart of Yulara township, the Voyages Outback Pioneer Lodge has air-conditioning, a pool, restaurant, kiosk, internet, laundry facilities, foreign currency exchange and car rental company on site. 

Special booking and cancellation conditions apply to this hostel.

81%
$42.30
per person
Kings Canyon , NT

Kings Canyon Resort is designed to blend in with the environment and complement the beauty of this unique area. The 36 hostel lodge include a mix of double and 4-share rooms. 

Special booking and cancellation conditions apply to this hostel.

77%
$27
per person
Darwin , NT

We have moved to 52 Mitchell St. Darwin YHA – Melaleuca on Mitchell is located in the heart of the action and has all the facilities to keep you cool in the heat. Grab a drink at the bar, laze by one of two pools or chill out under the waterfall spa.

Queensland

Order by:
92%
$25
per person
Brisbane , QLD

Brisbane City YHA is an award winning backpackers hostel. This Brisbane hostel is located in a cool area close to Suncorp Stadium and Roma Street Transit Centre.

90%
$30.50
per person
Point Lookout, QLD

Manta Lodge YHA backpackers hostel provides beachfront backpacker accommodation with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere on Stradbroke Island.

93%
$25
per person
Cairns , QLD

Winner of the 2014 Best Backpacker Awards in the Queensland Tourism Awards, Cairns Central YHA has all a backpacker needs for a comfortable stay.

89%
$25
per person
Cape Tribulation , QLD

Cape Trib Beach House YHA Hostel is nestled deep within the 110 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest on seven acres of beachfront.

88%
$27
per person
Cooktown , QLD

Pam's Place YHA backpackers hostel, is located in Cooktown and the hostel provides complimentary tea and coffee to guests. Multi-share, private rooms and self-contained units are available.

91%
$22.50
per person
Wongaling Beach, QLD

Located centrally to 14km’s of golden sands, Mission Beach YHA is the adventure capital for those looking to explore, challenge themselves and unwind in the beautiful, lush, tropical setting of Mission Beach.

93%
$23
per person
Port Douglas, QLD

Winner of the 2014 and 2015 Best YHA in Queensland, YHA Port Douglas is more like a travelers resort. Luxurious private and share rooms and just a 5 minute walk to the beach.

83%
$23
per person
Agnes Water, QLD

1770 is a clean and inviting hostel with a variety of room types, all dorms have their own en-suite and are air-conditioned. The Agnes Water Beach is only a short 200 meter walk through an environmental park.

0%
$26
per person
Apple Tree Creek, QLD

Childers Eco-lodge offers sustainable budget accommodation in a country setting near Childers, Queensland.

86%
$22
per person
Hervey Bay, QLD

This multi-award winning hostel in the seaside town of Hervey Bay is conveniently located within an easy walk of nearby beaches.

98%
$90
per person
Baralaba , QLD

At Baralaba, Myella backpackers hostel you can experience the true outback way of life on this genuine cattle farm, just 125kms from Rockhampton.

87%
$22
per person
Rockhampton, QLD

Rockhampton YHA backpacker hostel is located a short walk from the Fitzroy River and the CBD. The hostel has multi-share and double/twin rooms, some with ensuites, which are suitable for all backpackers.

81%
$28
per person
Bilinga , QLD

Coolangatta YHA hostel is located just 500 meters from the Gold Coast Airport. You can check in & be on the beach within 30 minutes of landing.

86%
$25
per person
Main Beach, QLD

Surfers Paradise YHA Hostel is your ticket to all the thrills on the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise.

0%
$35
per person
Maroon, QLD

Mt Barney Retreat is a wilderness escape located only two hours from Brisbane. Get back to nature and enjoy magnificent views a tranquil location.

86%
$32
per person
Noosa Heads, QLD

This authentic 1880s National Trust and Heritage Listed backpacker hostel is set in the heart of Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast.

83%
$27
per person
Airlie Beach, QLD

Airlie Beach YHA hostel is located in the centre of Airlie Beach close to the swimming lagoon, restaurants, cafes and Airlie's thriving nightlife. All rooms are air-conditioned.

86%
$27
per person
Magnetic Island, QLD

This award-winning YHA hostel has all the facilities of an island resort. Set on beautiful Magnetic Island, this backpackers hostel includes an Asian Wok and Curry House, open air bar, funky night atmosphere and hammocks surrounding the pool.

90%
$23
per person
Townsville, QLD

'Stay + Play' in Townsville's oasis in the city at Rambutan. Main land Australia's first 5 star backpackers located in the heart of Townsville with a short walk to the stunning Great Barrier Reef.
Enjoy a slice of Luxury, without the heavy price tag.

South Australia

Order by:
93%
$22
per person
Adelaide, SA

This is it - the hostel you've been looking for! Located in the heart of Adelaide, this backpackers hostel is considered one of the best YHAs in Australia.

94%
$120
per person
Crafers - within Cleland Conservation Park , SA

Mt Lofty YHA - has recently undergone a floor to ceiling makeover making the attractive stone cottage (built in 1880) the comfortable and affordable getaway for groups and families.

94%
$23
per person
Port Kenny , SA

Coodlie Park is a unique 3000 acre rural property, an ideal base for your Eyre Peninsula experience. Activities include, bushwalki...

98%
$24
per person
Port Lincoln, SA

Port Lincoln YHA is based in an adventure-lover's paradise. Whether it's shark cage diving, swimming with tuna or sea lions or maybe a surf or a swim, this hostel can deliver!

0%
$28
per person
McLaren Vale, SA

McLaren Vale is a friendly backpacker hostel located in the heart of wine country, surrounded by gentle rolling hills covered in vine yards and dotted with charming cellar doors. 

98%
$27
per person
Port Elliot, SA

Great Port Elliot Beach Accommodation! Port Elliot Beach House YHA, on South Australia's spectacular Fleurieu Peninsula, is in a breezy, historic building.

94%
$40
per person
Wilpena, SA

Rawnsley Park Station is a multi-award winning property that adjoins the Flinders Ranges National Park and overlooks Wilpena Pound.

Tasmania

Order by:
90%
$27.50
per person
Hobart , TAS

Hobart Central YHA is the most centrally located Hobart backpacker accommodation, only a a block from the city's waterfront.

91%
$25
per person
Bridport , TAS

Bridport is a small seaside village in Tasmania's sunny north coast, on the shores of Anderson's Bay nestled in a picturesque setting of natural bush with beautiful sheltered beaches.

87%
$27
per person
Coles Bay , TAS

Situated in the Coles Bay Township, 1km from the Freycinet National Park, the Iluka Backpackers YHA is over the road from Muirs Beach. On-site backpackers facilities at the hostel include tavern/bistro and bakery. There is also a playground for children.

83%
$25
per person
Strahan , TAS

Located in a parkland setting, Strahan YHA provides clean and basic facilities with a friendly atmosphere and all within an easy walking distance to the village centre.

Victoria

Order by:
90%
$32
per person
Apollo Bay, VIC

Midway along the famous Great Ocean Road, relax by the wood fire heater, and enjoy ocean views from the rooftop  at Apollo Bay Eco YHA.

85%
$25
per person
Port Fairy , VIC

Port Fairy YHA is a heritage listed cottage situated in charming and historic Port Fairy at the end of the Great Ocean Road. Relax by the open fireplace after a day of exploring a piece of Victoria's history.

90%
$65
per person
Foster , VIC

Cosy and peaceful Prom Coast Backpackers YHA hostel is centrally located in the township of Foster, gateway to stunning Wilsons Promontory National  Park.

89%
$27
per person
Newhaven, Phillip Island, VIC

Award-winning Phillip Island YHA is your gateway to one of Australia’s most famous islands. This hostel offers comfortable lounges, a gourmet-style kitchen area and a rooftop deck.

89%
$30.50
per person
Melbourne , VIC

Stay in the heart of the city at vibrant Melbourne Central YHA! This hostel features a newly renovated ground floor with a cafe/bar, funky communal areas, 24 hour reception and rooftop social space.

88%
$28
per person
North Melbourne, VIC

Friendly and relaxed Melbourne Metro YHA has everything you need for a great stay in cultural Melbourne. The hostel is ideally located only minutes from the famous Queen Victoria Markets and new free CBD tram zone!

83%
$45
per person
Ballarat , VIC

Sovereign Hill Lodge YHA has all you need for a cosy stay in historic Ballarat. The hostel is centrally located next to Ballarat's best attraction, the Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum.

88%
$27.50
per person
Halls Gap , VIC

Grampians Eco YHA is a stylish eco-certified hostel. Watch wild kangaroos relaxing on the lawn and explore the stunning Grampians National Park.

Western Australia

Order by:
79%
$21
per person
Broome , WA

Kimberley Klub YHA is a 5 star backpackers resort located within walking distance to both the airport and Chinatown. The hostel is surrounded by tropical gardens and African Gazebos overlooking the swimming pool.

86%
$25
per person
Kununurra , WA

Kimberley Croc YHA is a multi-award winning hostel that offers value accommodation in the heart of Kununurra. At the hostel, backpackers have access to shops, bars, restaurants, art galleries and the many unique local attractions that are in and around Kununurra.

96%
$30
per person
Lancelin , WA

Lancelin Lodge YHA is only 1.5 hours drive north of Perth. The hostel is close to windsurf/kitesurf/surf beaches, town attractions and facilities. Friendly, relaxed home atmosphere, free use of bikes and other activity equipment. Log fire in winter and 15 metre swimming pool.

77%
$26
per person
Kalbarri , WA

The Kalbarri Backpackers YHA is centrally located to town and only minutes from the river and beach. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere, tour bookings and information desk. The hostel is a great base for exploring the Kalbarri National Park and Murchison Gorge.

82%
$29
per person
Kalgoorlie , WA

Experience Kalgoorlie, famous for its gold mining history, ghost towns and historic pubs. During your stay at the Kalgoorlie YHA hostel, see the 500m deep super pit, the largest working open-cut gold mine in Australia.

97%
$22
per person
Fremantle, WA

Fremantle Prison YHA is the only hostel in WA with world heritage status - a 19th century prison that’s been converted into modern accommodation for adventurous backpackers.

87%
$26
per person
Perth, WA

The award-winning Perth City YHA offers everything you could want in backpacking accommodation: real heart, great value, safe and secure, central location and attention to detail.

81%
$30
per person
Exmouth , WA

Situated in the heart of Exmouth, located on the grounds of the Potshot Hotel Resort, Excape Backpackers YHA is the perfect place to plan your Ningaloo Reef experience.

87%
$28
per person
Albany , WA

Located in the historical part of Albany, the hostel dates back to the 1800's. Old world charm cheerfully blends with modern amenities to create a relaxed atmosphere. Magnificent views over Princess Royal Harbour from the top story.

85%
$26
per person
Bunbury, WA

You'll feel at home at the friendly Dolphin Retreat YHA hostel. Walk to the city and beaches. Free daily breakfast, fully-equipped kitchen, common room and travel information.

87%
$30
per person
Denmark , WA

For those that like a cosy place with an intimate feel, this is the baby of all WA hostels. A great little YHA in a great little town, where atmosphere and community comes first. The huge table in the dining room is infamous for its stimulating conversations.

88%
$30
per person
Quindalup , WA

Dunsborough Beachouse YHA is the ideal base to enjoy the attractions of the Margaret River. Close to the vineyards, amazing coastline and unspoiled national parks, you'll love it!

79%
$28
per person
Esperance , WA

Esperance YHA hostel is a great base for exploring the Cape Le Grand National Park where kangaroos laze on the pristine beaches, only 15 minute walk to town.

78%
$29
per person
Margaret River , WA

Margaret River is the backpacker capital of Australia’s South West, voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten regional destinations. 

84%
$30
per person
Pemberton , WA

Pemberton YHA, the only hostel in town, is situated in an original mill house cottage, that has been fully refurbished with modern kitchen and bathroom, wood fire, and a gas barbeque.

94%
$28.50
per person
Walpole , WA

A warm homely atmosphere awaits you at Tingle All Over YHA. This Walpole hostel has a spacious kitchen and wood fire in the lounge during winter, as well as heaters in most rooms. 

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This property is not a member of the YHA network however you can still book your accommodation here. Hostels standards may vary and YHA member discounts do not apply.

Accommodation Guide

Pick up a free copy of the YHA Australia 2017 Accommodation Guide at your nearest hostel. It's full of information about hostels, maps, city guides, member discounts and loads of ideas about things to do.

Quality Management

HI-Q, Hostelling International's Quality Management System, takes practice from quality systems around the world and tailors them to the specific needs of hostels. HI-Q enables hostels to consistently improve and deliver high standards to ensure you have a great hostel experience.

Customer Ratings

When you make a booking at YHA you have an opportunity to rate your stay and leave comments and tips for the hostel staff and other travellers. Your rating will be published whether you give us good or bad marks. Each hostel's average rating is calculated from the most resent 50 submissions to keep it as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

Wheelchair Access

YHA is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and an increasing number of our hostels are wheelchair accessible. YHA hostels come in all shapes and sizes, so wheelchair access will vary. To make sure you have an enjoyable stay we recommend you contact the hostel directly to discuss your specific requirements.

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