Australia is a country that offers different types and places for adventures, which spread from the coast of Queensland to the streets of Melbourne.
And one of its most beautiful and picturesque places is Darwin, where you can kick back, relax and enjoy the warm weather alone or with fellow travellers.
Being the capital of the Northern Territory, it’s an ideal place to visit if you love to explore museums, beaches, art galleries and nature.
It’s a fun place and is famous for its multicultural food, waterside attractions, outdoor markets and warm holiday vibe year-round.
Our main purpose with this article is to help you learn more about this place and provide you with a list of recommendations for the best hostels in Darwin.
Our favorite hostels in Darwin are:
- Youth Shack Backpackers - best for Party Lovers
- Mom Darwin - best for Backpackers
- Darwin Hostel - best for Solo Traveler
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Youth Shack Backpackers
2. Mom Darwin
3. Darwin Hostel
Darwin is five times the size of Sydney and the Northern Territory’s tropical capital.
It gives a relaxed, small-town vibe in a picturesque setting. The place truly offers everything: from Asian food markets to open-air movies, sunset cruises and more.
It’s the closest city to Asia which also means you will sense the strong Asian influence, especially in the buzzing night markets and the energetic food scenes.
You will also become familiar with the rich Aboriginal culture evident through the vibrant Aboriginal art that fills the streets, museums and city galleries.
Australia is known to be quite expensive, but luckily, there are a few of the best hostels in Darwin that allow you to stay on a budget and meet other backpackers.
While it’s not a big backpacker hub like Sydney and Melbourne, there are still a few good hostel accommodations.
Read: full guide to the absolute best hostels in Australia – which is your favourite hostel in Australia?
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
With plenty of things to explore and enjoy, we are sure you would love to have Darwin as your next travelling destination. The city is as easygoing as it is exciting, thus making your travel plans easier.
Read our best hostels in Sydney and best hostels in Cairns guides!
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Darwin
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Darwin cost 17€ – 20€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 34€ up to 61€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). 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.
Backpacking Tips For Darwin: We have compiled a list of essential backpacking tips for travelling to this hidden paradise.
- Spend a day at Mindil beach and visit the sunset markets held on Thursday and Sunday nights from April till October. You will be amazed to learn that the beach sunset market offers you to eat food from 60 food stalls.
- Have a fantastic day trip from Darwin to an emerald green spring that beautifully blends into the trees around with a picnic and BBQ nearby.
- If you are interested in learning about crocodiles, then make sure to visit Crocosaurus Cove and see live saltwater crocodiles.
- One of the most beautiful and finest waterfront communities is located in the heart of Darwin. It’s just a five-minute walk from the city. Enjoy the famous wave pool, swim in the saltwater lagoon, and recharge in cafes and colourful eateries. Then you may also visit nearby Stokes Hill Wharf, which provides fabulous views over Darwin Harbour.
- Exploring Litchfield National park is a must-do activity when in Darwin. It’s an easy 1.5-hour drive from the city, where you can spot the colourful birds and wildlife on bushwalks as you walk across the monsoonal rainforest. You can also swim in the crystal clear swimming holes and under the waterfalls and have a great picnic time.
- Get onto the jumping crocodile cruise, which is an hour away from Darwin. It is on the scenic Arnhem highway towards Kakadu on the Adelaide river. Watch the saltwater crocodiles and then try another must-do activity in the area- the birds and wildlife display at the free Windsor on the wetlands centre. You can also go on another two-hour Pudakul Aboriginal cultural tour to try basket weaning, bag making and playing the didgeridoo.
- Travel on a luxury yacht and catch the famous Darwin sunset. There are several tours to choose from where you can enjoy a three-course dinner, canapes, sparkling wine and a seafood buffet. Having an exquisite tropical sunset as a backdrop will make the whole experience even better.
- Discover the hidden art galleries offering contemporary work and featuring paintings from highly collectable Aboriginal artists. We also advise you to explore the sprawling cultural complex of the NT Museum and Art Gallery.
🎁 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
The 3 Best Hostels in Darwin are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Darwin.
- Youth Shack Backpackers – best for Party Lovers
- Mom Darwin – best for Backpackers
- Darwin Hostel – best for Solo Traveler
These are our favorite hostels in Darwin. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Youth Shack Backpackers
2. Mom Darwin
3. Darwin Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Darwin Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Mom Darwin |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Youth Shack Backpackers |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Darwin Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Youth Shack Backpackers |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Youth Shack Backpackers |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Mom Darwin |
1. Youth Shack Backpackers
As the name suggests, Youth Shack Backpackers Darwin offers you cool, youthful vibes. It is conveniently located in the central town, just a short stroll away from the Darwin entertainment centre. It’s ideally positioned for guests who would love to visit the city centre. The hostel provides excellent accommodation facilities. There are private rooms, dorms with basic amenities, facilities for laundry, shared kitchen, and common room with TV, wifi etc. The rooms are air-conditioned with USB connectivity, funky styling and a typical laid-back atmosphere. A large pool and an outdoor bar area are often turned into a DJ-hosted dance party by night, which makes this hostel a perfect place for nightlife activities.
The guests can enjoy the property’s gardens, and comprehensive dining options are also available. Youth Shack Staff is available 24×7 to assist with the requirements of travellers and help with booking tours and tickets.
The hostel has everything you require to make your stay in Darwin comfortable. You can comfortably soak in the pool, relax on the sunbeds and enjoy a few cool drinks in the bar while hanging out with fellow travellers.
Youth Shack truly feels like a home away from home, providing you with the best of everything. If you are looking for homely vibes and a comfortable stay, this place is excellent choice for you.
Location: Youth Shack is perfectly positioned in the Mitchell Street entertainment district, only 1 minute’s walk from shops, bars and restaurants. The famous Mindil Beach Markets are a 10-minute walk away.
The best choice in Darwin for
- Party Lovers
- Family
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Mom Darwin
Mom Darwin is one of the best hostels in Darwin, offering modern coliving and private accommodations in the city’s heart. Located on the famous Mitchell St., Mom Darwin is only a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best bars, clubs, botanical gardens, waterfront and other attractions. The hostel provides guests with the best and most comfortable experience. There is a vast sun deck with two massive pools, a pool deck bar and several places to chill or party. The amazing hostel is very close to Croc Cove, so if you wish to enjoy the Territories’ famous wildlife, this is the best place that allows that.
Mom Darwin is 15 minutes from the airport, and taxis and buses are available for easy travel. It has a range of private accommodations with air conditioning, USB and PowerPoint facilities in every room. There are newly created co-working spaces for travellers who love to work while on the go. They also host many licensed events throughout the season from May to November, making it an excellent place for those looking for a pleasant and upbeat vibe.
Location: This hostel is located in the heart of Darwin CBD. Popular points of interest near MOM Darwin include Mindil Beach, Crocosaurus Cove and Darwin Entertainment Centre. The nearest airport is Darwin International Airport, 7 km from the accommodation.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
- Female Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Darwin Hostel
Darwin Hostel is a fantastic, clean, safe property offering a fun environment for international travellers. It’s one of the best hostels in Darwin, giving the guest the ultimate youthful vibes. The facilities offered are designed keeping in mind the needs of the backpackers. Private rooms and dorms are available in different sizes and have air conditioning facilities and bathrooms for convenience. The 60-bed hostel has shared female and mixed rooms for 18-35’s only and private rooms aimed at all young international travellers who love to party and socialise. All guests can use the variety of facilities offered by the hostel. With a common kitchen and a vending machine with drinks, you can prepare and enjoy your meals from the convenience of the hostel.
Darwin hostel offers a swimming pool and common areas that are wonderful and relaxing. Here you can meet and interact with other guests as well. It also features a shared kitchen, barbeque, and bathroom facilities. The staff at the hostel is accommodating and assists with the day’s planning activities.
Location: This hostel is located in Darwin, 1.7 km from Mindil Beach. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Darwin Entertainment Centre, Mindil Beach Casino & Resort and Darwin Convention Centre. The nearest airport is Darwin International Airport, 6 km from Darwin Hostel.
This is one of the best hostels in Darwin for
- Solo Traveler
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Darwin for Solo Travelers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Darwin for solo-travelers?
The best hostel in Darwin for solo-travelers is Darwin Hostel . They have an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Featuring water sports facilities, the 4-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation features evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Darwin – Youth Shack Backpackers
Located in the heart of Darwin’s city centre, Youth Shack Backpackers features an outdoor swimming pool, a bar and a sun terrace. The hostel has everything you require to make your stay in Darwin comfortable. You can comfortably soak in the pool, relax on the sunbeds and enjoy a few cool drinks in the bar while hanging out with fellow travellers.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The three listed hostels are our top choices as the best hostels in Darwin for an enjoyable stay. All these accommodations are in close vicinity to everyday conveniences and significant attractions. The hostels ensure to meet the everyday requirements of the traveller while also making them feel at home.
We hope our top choices for the best hostels in Darwin will help you plan your travel more easily and conveniently. Before you schedule your trip, carefully consider your choices and choose the hostel that best fits your travel needs. We wish you a memorable and enjoyable stay in Darwin!
What about the cheapest hostels in Darwin?
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 Darwin.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Darwin
- 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 Darwin 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!
Need an eSIM Card for Darwin?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Darwin put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Darwin hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Darwin we absolutely enjoyed:
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Darwin Waterfront Precinct
- Crocosaurus Cove
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Darwin Military Museum
- Darwin Aviation Museum
- RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
- Stokes Hill Wharf
- Darwin Wave Pool
Any questions about hostels in Darwin? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Darwin?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Darwin?
Pass through the doors of Darwin Intl. Airport and your Darwin trip will have begun! The city’s main airport, it’s located 5 mi from the downtown area. A large number of flights to Darwin take off from Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide airports.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Darwin, Australia.
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 Noosa
- best hostels in Bondi Beach
- best hostels in Surfers Paradise
- best hostels in Hobart
Party hostels:
Backpacker hostels:
- backpacker hostels in Sydney
- backpacker hostels in Melbourne
- backpacker hostels in Brisbane
- backpacker hostels in Cairns
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 Darwin 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
