Going on a backpacking adventure in Australia always seems like a good idea.
Today we are helping you create an adventure of your own – by introducing you to some of the best backpacker hostels in Melbourne and giving you tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
Good to know: If you’re hopping around Australia quite a bit, we have other guides that could come in useful, like our best hostels in Australia guide or the one on the best hostels in Cairns. This guide is also an extension of our initial guide on the best hostels in Melbourne.
Here’s your shortcut to the 7 COOLEST Backpacker Hostels in Melbourne:
- Flinders Backpackers
- Melbourne Central YHA
- Europa Melbourne
- Summer House Backpackers Melbourne
- Melbourne City Backpackers
- The Nunnery
- Queen Victoria Hostel
Money-saving tip: Hostelz.com is a hostel price comparison site. You can save money with every comparison!
- Introduction
- Best Backpacker hostels in detail
- Fun Tips: Things to do in Melbourne
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- All hostel and sights on a map
- FAQ
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Melbourne
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Melbourne cost $24 – $36 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $98 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
Top 7 Backpacker Hostels – Melbourne
Backpacking in Australia requires a bigger budget than in other parts of the world, so it’s important to know where to stay and how best to get around to make your budget last.
We’ve ranked our top seven backpacker hostels in Melbourne based on location, prices, safety, and good vibes. Follow this guide and you’ll be guaranteed a great trip to Melbourne. Take a look at the best hostels Melbourne has to offer!
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 📍 Top Location: | Flinders Backpackers |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Europa Melbourne |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Summer House Backpackers Melbourne |
| ✨Unique Environment: | The Nunnery |
| 🤑 Budget-friendly: | Europa Melbourne |
Flinders Backpackers
Once you find yourself backpacking through Melbourne, Flinders Backpackers is likely the first hostel that will show up on your radar.
This is due to its friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for backpackers worldwide.
We love that it is right in the city center, making up for easy access to all the sites any traveler would want to see.
You can find bedside lamps, a shelf, and a USB power plug in each bed.
A common kitchen is also available, where people gather to make nice meals for themselves, and there are even shelves to store your ingredients.
You can enjoy your free time in the movie area, which features a large screen and comfortable bean bag chairs.
Last but not least, the reception desk is available 24/7, with staff that can help you to guide you around the city and will give you tips on how to make the most of your stay.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Melbourne Central YHA
There is always something to see and do in the city center, and the best way to experience this is by staying in one of the best backpacker hostels in Melbourne: Melbourne Central YHA!
Other than the fantastic facilities this hostel can provide, the ones that take the cake by a landslide is the rooftop, equipped with barbeque facilities you can use, which offers a beautiful view of the city.
You can choose between a dormitory room, a double room, or an exclusive rooftop private room.
The staff there is incredibly helpful and can accommodate all of your needs. The only thing you need to remember about this hostel is that it doesn’t accommodate guests under 18.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Europa Melbourne
Europa Melbourne is one of the best backpacker hostels in Melbourne that can make you forget all about the outside and completely give in to the wonderfulness within!
For all those who are traveling on a budget, Europa Melbourne can easily fit your budget and accommodate your needs.
It is the first hostel in Melbourne that offers bunk beds with curtains, giving you the privacy you need after a long day of exploring the city. There is plenty of space for your luggage and a personal reading light if you have trouble falling asleep at night.
The 24-hour reception desk can help you if you have any questions or need guidance to explore the city more conveniently.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Summer House Backpackers Melbourne
Summer House Backpackers Melbourne is the perfect place to stay for anyone who wants to enjoy their vacation but does not want to leave their laptop behind. Depending on what kind of atmosphere you prefer while working, you can choose between a dormitory room or a private room.
The staff here prides itself on achieving a balance between work and private life since most guests are digital nomads. And during your free time, the ideal location will allow you to explore the most remarkable landmarks in the city.
Apart from the convenient work atmosphere, the property also offers several entertainment options. You can enjoy a trivia night, live music, and plenty of food and drinks.
The rooftop space even hosts live music and DJs during the summer. If you are looking for some entertainment, all you need to do is ask the front desk about it.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Melbourne City Backpackers
Regarding backpacker hostels in Melbourne, Melbourne City Backpackers is yet another affordable accommodation that is quite conveniently located in the city’s center. Because it is near the main attractions, you can easily plan a few days without worrying about transportation or rushing through everything worth your visit.
The hostel is excellent, and some amenities include a towel hire, free luggage space, laundry services, kitchen facilities, a free continental breakfast, and so much more.
When it comes to the rooms, you can choose between a dormitory and a private room.
The staff is friendly and helpful and is always eager to assist you in making your way through the city. Plus, all major city attractions and several of the best bars and cafes are located just around the corner.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The Nunnery
When history meets the present, all the magic comes to life. Located in a beautiful old building, a ten-minute walk from the city’s center, The Nunnery is one of the most unique hostels you will find.
You can choose between a private or a shared room and enjoy the lounge areas if you want to rest for a bit. The name of this incredible hostel derives from the fact that when this building was finished in 1888, it served as a nunnery for about 60 years.
It offers a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable rooms, and the option for renting sports equipment – all you need to do is leave your ID with them.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Queen Victoria Hostel
Last but not least, we have this incredible hostel that is just across Queen Victoria Market, which is why it bares the same name: Queen Victoria Hostel.
This means it’s in a great area, surrounded by lots of things to see and do. There is an on-site bar where you can get served some cold beer, cocktails, and wine, and it just makes up for an even better experience!
The rooms are spacious, and you can choose between a dormitory, a twin, a double, and a triple room, all of which have an air conditioner and a shared bedroom.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Fun Tips: Things to do in Melbourne
Melbourne is renowned as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant city at the end of Port Phillip Bay is Australia’s second-largest metropolis and exudes an unmistakably European feel.
From grand Victorian buildings that recall the city’s Gold Rush riches to tree-lined promenades and a tangle of hidden laneways, exploring Melbourne is a rewarding experience. So, what are you waiting for? Step out and discover why this cosmopolitan destination is the perfect place to live and work.
Now that we’ve got your accommodation sorted, let’s discuss a couple of our favorite must-see places and things to do in Melbourne.
Places to visit in Melbourne
The city is overwhelmed by places you need to visit, so it might be hard to decide where to start; we recommend beginning your trip by seeing the Royal Botanic Gardens first.
After you have taken in nature, make your way to the National Gallery of Victoria.
If you are interested in exploring local products and want to try something new, go down to Queen Victoria Market.
Not only will your taste buds be thankful, but you’ll also find clothing pieces, handmade art, a large selection of books and music albums, and so much more.
If you are eager to learn about history, then you should definitely go to Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center. This is a place of empowerment, and while you walk through the halls, you will feel the heartbeats of past generations. It is a powerful experience.
Some must-taste concoctions in Melbourne
Try the hot jam doughnuts at Queen Victoria Market – they are an incredible mix of vanilla and strawberry jam.
And for all the sweet tooth lovers out there who would like to taste some of the world’s best croissants, you will find them in Lune Croissanterie. Located in East End Melbourne, it offers golden, crispy, and flavored pastries that we’re sure will caress all of your senses.
Budget tips for Backpacking Melbourne
Drinking: Looking for a way to save a few bucks on your next night out? Check out the afternoon specials at your local bars and cafes. Happy hour usually starts at 4 pm and ends around 6 pm: during that time you’ll find a range of drink and meal specials that offer great value for money.
Transportation: Make the most of the complimentary public transport in Melbourne! With the Free Tram Zone and the City Circle Tram (Route 35), budget travelers can explore the city’s must-see attractions without spending a dime on transport.
What about the cheapest hostels in Melbourne?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Melbourne.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Melbourne
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Melbourne best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
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Our Favorite Hostels in Melbourne put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the 7 best backpacker Melbourne hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
Any questions about hostels in Melbourne? 🤔
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Our Insider Tips
As mentioned in the beginning, this guide is an extension of our guide on the best hostels in Melbourne. In it, we share the absolute best ones:
Your Shortcut:
- Space Hotel – best for solo-travelers
- Landing Pads Brunswick – best for backpackers
- Tram Stop 14 Backpackers – best for groups
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
More handmade Guides for you
Here are some more awesome guides in Australia:
- best hostels in Australia
- best hostels in Sydney
- best hostels in Brisbane
- best hostels in Cairns
- best hostels in Alice Springs
- best hostels in Byron Bay
- best Hostels in Adelaide
- best hostels in Perth
- best hostels in Airlie Beach
- best hostels in Darwin
- best hostels in Noosa
- best hostels in Bondi Beach
- best hostels in Surfers Paradise
- best hostels in Hobart
Party hostels:
Backpacker hostels:
Heading over to Fiji? check out our guide to the best hostels in Fiji.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Melbourne guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
