Lexi Webster
Australia is a popular destination for backpackers and solo travellers, and with 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites, thousands of beaches, and a diverse range of landscapes, it's not hard to see why. Hostels are a common choice of accommodation for visitors to Australia, offering an affordable and flexible alternative to hotels. With prices ranging from $20 AUD in smaller towns to upwards of $30 AUD per night in big cities, hostels are significantly cheaper than hotels, which can cost $200 AUD per night or more. They also offer a social atmosphere, with many providing bars, cafes, nightclubs, pools, and other amenities that encourage guests to interact. However, some travellers have noted that hostels in big cities can be less social, with a different vibe to those in Europe or Asia, as they tend to attract more long-stay working holidaymakers.
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What You'll Learn
Cost-effectiveness
Hostels are a cost-effective option for travellers visiting Australia. With 199 hostels in 54 cities across the country, there is no shortage of budget-friendly accommodation options for backpackers and solo travellers. The average price of a dorm bed in a hostel in Australia is $26 per night, while the average price of a private room in a hostel is $34 per night. These prices can vary depending on location, type, and amenities offered by the hostel. For example, hostels with a pool in Australia have an average price of $26, while hostels with a kitchen have an average price of $26 to $30 per night.
Staying in a hostel can help travellers save money in a few ways. Firstly, hostels often provide free amenities such as breakfast, swimming pools, and common kitchen areas. This allows travellers to cook their own meals, which is generally cheaper and healthier than eating out for every meal. Additionally, hostels offer flexible booking options and free cancellation, which can save travellers money if their plans change.
Hostels are also a great way to meet other travellers and socialise, which can lead to cost savings. For example, travellers can team up with others staying at the hostel and share transportation costs or split the cost of activities and tours. This social aspect of hostel life can also provide valuable insights and recommendations from fellow travellers, helping individuals save money by avoiding costly mistakes or finding budget-friendly alternatives.
Furthermore, hostels in Australia cater to a range of traveller types, including families and those seeking a working holiday. For families, hostels offer an affordable alternative to traditional accommodation options, especially when travelling for extended periods. With access to kitchen facilities, laundry machines, and sometimes even free breakfast, families can significantly reduce their daily expenses. For those on a working holiday, hostels provide a cost-effective base from which to explore the country, allowing them to save money for other aspects of their trip, such as road trips or longer excursions.
Overall, hostels in Australia offer a cost-effective way to explore the country, meet like-minded people, and experience everything Australia has to offer without breaking the bank. With affordable prices, flexible options, and the ability to cook meals, travellers can extend their budget further and focus on creating memorable experiences.
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Amenities
Hostels in Australia offer a range of amenities to cater to different traveller needs and preferences. Here are some of the common amenities found in Australian hostels:
Kitchen Facilities
Many hostels in Australia provide guests with access to kitchen facilities, allowing them to prepare their own meals. This can be a great way for travellers to save money and maintain a healthy diet while on the road. These kitchens are usually well-equipped, with all the necessary utensils and appliances for basic meal preparation.
Laundry
Hostels often provide laundry facilities, which can be essential for travellers on longer trips. Having access to laundry machines allows guests to wash their clothes conveniently without having to search for external laundromats.
Swimming Pool
Some Australian hostels offer swimming pools, adding a fun and social element to the accommodation. Pools provide a place for guests to relax, socialise, and cool off during hot Australian summers. They can also be a central gathering spot, making it easier for travellers to meet fellow adventurers.
Common Areas
Many hostels feature spacious common areas, including lounges, sundecks, and terraces. These spaces encourage social interaction and provide a comfortable environment for guests to relax, exchange travel stories, and make new friends.
Rooftop Terraces
Some hostels, particularly those in urban areas, boast rooftop terraces or balconies. These spaces offer stunning views of the surrounding cityscape, providing a unique perspective on the local area. Rooftop terraces are often popular spots for guests to socialise, dine, or simply relax and take in the scenery.
Complimentary Activities
Certain hostels in Australia provide complimentary activities and amenities to enhance guests' stays. For example, some hostels offer free surfboards for guests to explore the nearby beaches and learn to surf. Others may provide complimentary breakfast, saving travellers money and offering a convenient start to their day.
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Locations
Australia is a popular destination for backpackers and solo travellers, and there are plenty of youth hostels all over the country. Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are the most popular destinations, but smaller cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, Tasmania and Cairns are also worth checking out.
Sydney is known for its nightlife, and its hostels are reasonably priced. Melbourne is described as the "capital of cool", with a thriving, trendy suburb where you can find cool places to eat, drink and shop. If you're looking for somewhere quieter, you might want to try the hostels in Newcastle.
If you're looking for sun, sea and surf, Queensland is known as Australia's paradise on Earth, with its immaculate beaches, lush rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. New South Wales also has surf beaches, rainforests, rugged bushland, snow-capped mountains, big rivers and the colours of the Outback. Victoria offers the Great Ocean Road, mountains, lush valleys, wineries and the metropolis of Melbourne. South Australia combines rugged landscapes with gourmet food and wine.
Hostels in Australia can be expensive, but they are a great way to save money and keep your travel plans flexible. The average price of a hostel with a kitchen in Australia is $26, and the average price of a hostel with a pool is also $26. The average price of the top 25% of hostels in Australia is $30, and the average price of the top 25% of hostels with private rooms is $34.
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Social atmosphere
Australia is a popular destination for backpackers and solo travellers, and there is no shortage of like-minded people to meet in its hostels. The social atmosphere in Australian hostels varies, with some reporting a subdued or antisocial vibe in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, particularly in hostels with long-stay working holiday makers. Others have noted a cliquey atmosphere, with some hostel guests forming exclusive groups.
However, there are plenty of social hostels in Australia, particularly smaller ones, and many opportunities to meet fellow travellers. For example, hostels often organise events like bar crawls, BBQs, and nightly drinks specials, which are great for socialising. Some hostels also have common areas, pools, hot tubs, and sundecks, where guests can hang out and interact.
Hostels with bars or nightclubs are great for meeting other travellers, and some hostels have a party atmosphere, with lively bars open seven nights a week. These are perfect for solo travellers who want to socialise and make friends. Additionally, hostels with kitchens provide an opportunity to connect with others over a shared meal.
The flexibility of hostels also encourages a social atmosphere. Many travellers book a hostel for a few nights, then decide how long they want to stay in a particular city, and team up with others who are heading to the same place next. This transient nature of hostel life makes it easy to meet people and form connections quickly.
Overall, while the social atmosphere in Australian hostels can vary, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and form friendships, especially in smaller hostels and those that organise social events.
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Sustainability
Australia is a popular destination for backpackers and solo travellers, with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, beaches, jungles, and cities. With 199 hostels in 54 cities across the country, Australia has no shortage of budget-friendly accommodation options.
Hostels in Australia are leading the way in sustainability. YHA Australia, for example, has implemented various environmental practices and sustainability initiatives across its vast network of budget accommodations. The association was founded over a hundred years ago by German schoolteacher Richard Schirrmann, who believed in learning by direct observation and would often take his students on nature excursions. This inspiration has continued to guide YHA staff on their sustainability journey.
YHA Australia has water storage tanks installed at its Brisbane City and Cairns Central locations, which are especially important in the drought-prone state of Queensland. Smaller-site locations also incorporate composting initiatives, and power-saving initiatives such as motion sensors, LED fixtures, and timers are in place across various properties. Unclaimed lost property is donated to local charities, and book exchanges are available for guests.
Hostelworld, an online travel agent for hostels, has also demonstrated its commitment to sustainability. The company has made a climate commitment and launched carbon offsets for its customers. It is working towards keeping its emissions below 30 tonnes each year and has been certified as Funding Climate Action by South Pole. Hostelworld has also developed a sustainability framework for hostels to assess, compare, and communicate their sustainability achievements. This framework, called the 'Staircase to Sustainability', aligns with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's criteria.
With sustainable tourism on the rise in Australia, travellers can make a positive impact when planning and booking their trips, whether it's by choosing eco-friendly hostels or offsetting their carbon emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian hostels are modern, clean, and fun, with colourful art and decorations and high-quality facilities. They are conveniently located near tourist hotspots, making them an affordable alternative to hotels. The average price for a hostel dorm room in Australia can be around $30 - $60 AUD per night.
Some travellers have found hostels in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne to be a little antisocial. However, there are smaller, more social hostels, and many hostels have bars, cafes, and common areas where travellers can meet and interact.
Hostels are a great way to save money, especially since Australia is one of the more expensive countries to travel in. Hostels also offer kitchen facilities, allowing travellers to cook their own meals and save money on eating out.
Nomads St. Kilda is recommended for solo travellers who want to meet people, as it has a lively bar that's open 7 nights a week and hosts BBQs and events. BUNK in Surfers Paradise is another recommended hostel, with spacious rooms, a tropical garden, communal kitchen, bar, swimming pool, and even a volleyball court.
