3 Best Hostels in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast – From Surfing to Ripley’s “Believe It or Not – Museum”

It is no surprise that you are looking for the best hostels in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, as this is one of the most iconic destinations for any traveller! In addition, it is a dream for every surfer enthusiast!

Surfers Paradise is an astounding seaside resort nestled in the heart of Queensland’s Gold Coast in eastern Australia. People from all around the world come here for fun, amusement, and relaxation.

This destination spot is famous for many tourist attractions, including; the Sky Point Observation Deck, breathtaking views of the Gold Coast, amazing skylines, and a sandy coastline.

If you want to explore and check out more guides, you can have a look at the best hostels in Australia.

Our favorite hostels in Surfers Paradise are:

1. Budds in Surfers - best for party animals
2. Bunk Surfers Paradise - best for solo travellers
3. Tequila Sunrise Hostel - best for backpackers

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

1. Budds in Surfers

2. Bunk Surfers Paradise

3. Tequila Sunrise Hostel

Visiting this fun place should be on your bucket list! It is a post-card-perfect attraction that boasts the world’s most famously pristine beaches. This action-packed resort is famous for its epic nightlife too!

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

The three-kilometre strip of golden sand known as the Main Beach makes this fantastic place a popular destination spot among tourists.

Here is a fun fact for you; Coolangatta is a 30-minutes drive away from Surfer Paradise. The best part is that it is super safe and you can easily travel between the two cities via taxi or bus!

What we cover in this article?

• Introduction
• 3 best hostels in detail
  • #1 Budds in Surfers
  • #2 Bunk Surfers Paradise
  • #3 Tequila Sunrise Hostel

You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

Quick Introduction to Surfers Paradise

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Surfers Paradise cost 14€ – 39€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 65€ up to 149€ 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.

Safety in Surfers Paradise: The crime rate of Surfers Paradise is far lower compared to that of Sydney, Brisbane, and even Byron Bay. It’s a nice spot to hang out, and it’s also a good place to live and visit. The majority of police responses are made because of minor incidents. There are fewer violent crimes here than in other Australian party cities, making it an ideal vacation spot. You can take a look at our other guide for more Travel Safety Tips.

Transportation in Surfers Paradise: There are plenty of ways to get around Surfers Paradise like bus, car hire, bike hire, shuttles, and taxis. You can also purchase a go card that you can use for Translink buses, trains, and the G:link tram. 

🎁 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 Surfers Paradise are …

Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Surfers Paradise.

1. Budds in Surfers – best for party animals
2. Bunk Surfers Paradise – best for solo travellers
3. Tequila Sunrise Hostel – best for backpackers

These are our favorite hostels in Surfers Paradise. 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. Budds in Surfers

2. Bunk Surfers Paradise

3. Tequila Sunrise Hostel

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

1. Budds in Surfers

Budds in Surfers  is an amazing Gold Coast hostel that offers awe-inspiring views of the sandy beaches.

The dormitory is also a 5-minute walk away from the city centre, making it easily accessible to tourists. Budds in Surfers is present 20.9 km away from the Gold Coast Airport, and the journey lasts for about 40 minutes by taxi.

The rooms in this hostel are clean and super comfortable. They also have air-conditioning facilities. Mixed and female-only dormitories are also available to suit your needs. All the rooms, lounges, kitchen, and toilets are kept very clean.

There is an on-site bar that offers unlimited entertainment. In essence, you can also surf in Budds, Narrowneck, or Surfers Paradise Beaches. All of them are situated nearby! If you are a beach lover, staying in this dormitory is the perfect choice for you!

There is an amazing outdoor swimming pool where you can relax and rejuvenate during your stay in the hostel.

Budds in Surfers is amongst the best hostels in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. Why? Because this auberge is nestled in the heart of the city that makes it super easy to walk from there or just roam around to explore the city.

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Budds In Surfers Outdoor Pool

The staff organises a happy hour every day that offers many adventurous activities jam-packed with fun and amusement. There is an amazingly famous Gold Coast Backpackers Big Night Out every Wednesday and Saturday!

You can also play table tennis or surf on the beach to have a memorable time of your life. Budds in Surfers has something to offer everyone. It is 5-minutes away from the City Centre, and public transport facilities are available throughout the day.

If you are going to book this dormitory, don’t forget to try their BBQ! It’s super delicious and finger-licking good! This epic Gold Coast hostel also offers complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi facilities.

Location: Located just a few minutes stroll from the beautiful Budds Beach and 200 meters away from the incredible Surfers Paradise beach.

Popular attractions such as; Warner Bros, Movie World, transit centre, and Wet’n’Wild Water World are located at a distance of 20-minute drive away from the Budds in Surfers hostel.

The best choice in Surfers Paradise for

• party animals
• solo travellers
• female solo travellers

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

2. Bunk Surfers Paradise

Let’s take a look at what this backpacker hostel surfers paradise has to offer. Kick-start your trip by booking this amazing surfer hostel in Gold Coast. Bunk Surfers Paradise is hands-down the best hostel on Gold Coast! 

When you check in to the hostel, you experience comfortable vibes that make everyone feel welcomed and relaxed.

The location is best for couples – it offers romantic views of Surfers Paradise Beach! A wonderful stroll by this beach feels nothing less than magical.

You can also relax by the pool with your beloved and have the BEST time of your life.

You can also visit SkyPoint Climb or Infinity attraction to make the most out of your trip. All the rooms are clean and have a private balcony area along with funky, comfortable bunks.

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Location: Located just a 4-minute walk from the golden sands of Surfers Paradise Beach, this dormitory features incredible rooms and entertaining activities.

The location of this Gold Coast hostel provides you with easy access to local attractions and sights. And guess what? The dormitory is situated inside the city centre, just 200 meters away from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

When you visit the Odditorium, you will be stunned to see the genuine artifacts. The excitement, amusement, and fun associated with Ripley’s Believe it or Not are unparalleled.

A great choice for:

• couples
• solo travellers

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

3. Tequila Sunrise Hostel

Tequila Sunrise Hostel is the best place to stay if you’re touring Australia and want to save money without sacrificing comfort.

There are 100 modern capsule beds available at the newly renovated Tequila Sunrise Hostel in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Each bed has its own personal spacious locker, reading lamps, a privacy curtain, and a sufficient number of electrical outlets, all of which are contained inside the capsule that is exclusively yours. 

The hostel has a huge common room for gathering and eating together, as well as a shared kitchen for everybody to use. A new carpet covers the whole floor, making the space more peaceful and cozy.

Remember to open their air conditioning systems to beat the heat this summer. 

Tequila Sunrise Hostel is the best place in the country to meet new people and eat a delicious pancake breakfast.

Location: Tequila Sunrise Hostel Surfers Paradise is a 5-minute walk from Surfers Paradise Beach and 600 m from Budds Beach.

This is one of the best hostels in Surfers Paradise for

• backpackers 
• digital nomads

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

More Hostels worth a mention

Backpackers in Surfers Paradise are you ready for some more hostels that are worth looking at?

You will find the best of the best Surfers Paradise Gold Coast hostels above. But if you are interested for more, check out the following options:

• Maxmee Backpackers Resort Surfers Paradise
• Surf Inn
• Coolangatta YHA Backpackers
• Gold Coast Performance Centre

Maxmee Backpackers Resort Surfers Paradise

When you stay at Maxmee Backpackers Hostel Surfers Paradise, you’ll be within walking distance to the world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach.

This hostel offers an outdoor pool, a tennis court, and WiFi all free to use. One of the coolest backpacker hostels Gold Coast has to offer.

In addition, the hostel provides free use of bodyboards, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, and other sports equipment

Staff is approachable and they can guide you on local attractions and answer questions.

Located within a 20-minute walk or an 8-minute tram ride away from Cavill Avenue, which is home to a variety of choices for eating, shopping, and nightlife. The Gold Coast Airport may be reached by car in half an hour.

Sad to say, there are bad reviews that we have encountered about this hostel, so it is good to check them before booking here. 

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Surf Inn

While you are out exploring the Gold Coast, you can take advantage of Surf Inn’s welcoming atmosphere, which will help you feel right at home.

Within a short distance from the hostel, you’ll find public transportation, stores, the beach, and the bus terminal. They provide modern home arrangements with all of the facilities you may possibly want.

The hostel provides free Wi-Fi so that you may check your email and keep in touch with loved ones while you’re a guest there.

You may unwind and leave your worries behind while you lounge by their pool, chat with new people and form new friendships in the common spaces, or kick back with Netflix and watch some movies and series.

They also have a café that starts serving customers at 8:00am to get you up and moving.

Sadly, there are bad reviews about this hostel because of its cleanliness. You can visit Hostelworld to view more reviews about Surf Inn.

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Coolangatta YHA Backpackers

You’ll feel right at home during your stay as a guest of the Coolangatta YHA thanks to their fun and laid-back atmosphere, regular BBQ & movie nights, and friendly staff.

The town of Coolangatta is just 5 minutes away by bus, and Bilinga Beach can be reached on foot in only 3 minutes.

A trip to Coolangatta Gold Coast YHA will satisfy your need for a relaxing beach vacation. The area is known for having some of the most renowned surf breaks in the world, as well as having a warm and balmy temperature, magnificent scenery, and a range of excellent stores and restaurants for guests to enjoy.

Cooly has something for every kind of traveller, whether they want to surf, dive, snorkel, swim, fish, walk, skydive, party, or just relax out.

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Gold Coast Performance Centre

Gold Coast Performance Centre is a 20-minute walk from South Stradbroke Island Beach.

The hostel has non-smoking rooms, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi throughout the property, and a communal lounge.

Guests staying at this hostel have access to a communal kitchen as well as a place to store their belongings.

Everyone staying at the hostel has access to a lounge area, and some of the rooms even have a DVD player. At the Gold Coast Performance Centre, all of the guest rooms provide access to a communal bathroom as well as bed linen.

Breakfast is served each morning, and guests have a choice between a continental breakfast and a buffet breakfast.

The Gold Coast Performance Centre is located 3.7 km from Harbour Town Gold Coast, while Southport Broadwater Parklands is located 7.4 km from the property. It is 18-minute drive to SkyPoint Observation Deck.

The Gold Coast Airport is the closest airport, and it is located 38 km away from the hostel. 

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Top 3 backpacking Tips for Surfers Paradise, Golf Coast

Hostels in the Gold Coast area offer excellent recreational activities, active nightlife, and an abundance of alluring Golf Coast destinations that promise every tourist a dream vacation.

Follow these backpacking tips for the perfect experience:

• Choose the right backpack for your trip and pack only the essential items. Consider the climate and duration of your journey while packing your clothes. Also, ensure you have a comfortable knapsack for a pleasant trip.
• If you are visiting Surfers Paradise during the peak season, you must book your reservations well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
• Carry water bottles with you to keep yourself hydrated.

What about the cheapest hostels in Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise.

1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Surfers Paradise
2. add your dates
3. 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 Surfers Paradise 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.

Download the Hostelworld App here

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

Our Favorite Hostels in Surfers Paradise put on a map + sights

Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise we absolutely enjoyed:

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise
• WhiteWater World
• SkyPoint Climb
• Warner Bros. Movie World
• Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast

We’ve marked them as follows:

• Backpackers Hostels in Australia: Orange
• Best Hostels in Australia: Pink
• 5 Star Hostels: Blue
• Best Hostels in Surfers Paradise: Green

FAQs

Here we share with you the most asked question:

Flights to Surfers Paradise?

There’s no direct flight to Surfers Paradise. The closest airport to Surfers Paradise is Gold Coast (OOL) Airport, which used to be called Coolangatta Airport. It is 19.9 km away from Surfers Paradise.

We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

More handmade Guides for you

Here is a summary of all the individual Australian hostel guides we’ve put together:

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 Hobart

Party hostels:

• coolest party hostels in Sydney
• coolest party hostels in Melbourne

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 Surfers Paradise 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

 – – –
pin it for later

CLOSED: Surfers Paradise YHA

Update: Surfers Paradise YHA has permanently closed its doors.

Our #1 recommendation in the list of best hostels in Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise YHA for solo-female travellers. This immaculate YHA dormitory is located just 2-minutes away from Main Beach. Due to its incredible location, it offers awe-inspiring views of the pristine beaches, Mariners Cone Marina, and natural landscapes. The hostel is nestled just 27.3 km away from the Gold Coast Airport, and you can reach there easily through a taxi or bus.

This is your safest option if you are a solo traveller who loves to explore new places. And guess what? The YHA hostel hosts the best cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops within close proximity. In essence, the tour desk in the dormitory is an excellent source for getting advice and securing your booking for fun-filled adventurous activities such as fishing, skydiving, parasailing, water sports, rainforest tours, and Gold Coast theme parks.

Surfers Paradise YHA also features incredible nightlife on the Gold Coast that is perfect for bohemians and solo travellers. Free Wi-Fi is available to access is available throughout the property, and the location offers good value for money. Public transport is also available for you to roam around the Gold Coast without any hassle.

You can explore the city by opting for free walking tours. By staying in this place, you get the opportunity to participate in many adventurous activities. The hostel rooms are well-maintained and, of course, super clean. Secure luggage lockers are also available. Surfers Paradise YHA is amongst those Gold Coast hostels that have incredible aesthetics. If you travel in a group, you can also choose a 4 or 6-bed-dormitory room to save money. Sounds fantastic, right?

Some of the worth-visiting attractions are:

• Gold Coast Seaway
• Main Beach Marina
• Marina Mirage Gold Coast
• Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern
• ANZAC Park Memorial Gates
• Sea World
• Marina Mirage Shopping Village

CLOSED: Komune in Coolangatta

Update: Komune in Coolangatta has permanently closed its doors.

Are you searching for the best hostels on Gold Coast? Komune in Coolangatta is the Best Hostel in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. It is our favourite spot that offers an overall wonderful experience for travellers. Overviewing the breathtaking views of the “Superbank” surf break at Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean, this hostel has been named No.01 Ocean Front and Sea Resort.

Backpackers on the Gold Coast love this! It is nestled in the heart of Coolangatta. Shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars are located nearby and are easily accessible. You can also take a bus to explore the beach towns on the Gold Coast. The location puts you close to exciting amusement spots such as; Rainbow Bay Beach, Greenmount Beach, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Also, try kayaking, parasailing and sailing to have the most memorable and adventurous time of your life!

We hope that the above recommendations of the best hostels in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast prove to be helpful for you. Backpackers in Paradise Gold Coast love this hostel.

CLOSED: Sleeping Inn Backpackers Hostel Gold Coast

Update: Sleeping Inn Backpackers has permanently closed its doors.

Sleeping Inn Surfers Paradise Backpackers Hostel is 10 minutes from City of Gold Coast Council. Free self-parking, an outdoor pool, cleaning, tour/ticket help, and live entertainment are available at this hostel. They have female-only and mixed dorm beds.

The house is 10 minutes from Green Bridge in Gold Coast and a 17-minute drive to Burleigh Heads backpackers. The Gold Coast hostel boasts its beachfront position. Salt Meats Cheese pizza is a 5-minute walk. The Arts Centre Gold Coast is near Sleeping Inn Paradise Backpackers Resort. 

Every morning, breakfast is free. An electric kettle, fridge, and oven are in this Gold Coast accommodation’s fully equipped kitchen. Gold Coast airport is 25 kilometres distant.

CLOSED: Down Under Hostels Surfers Paradise

Update: Down Under Hostels has permanently closed its doors.

Staying at this establishment, which provides free Wi-Fi in all of the rooms, is a terrific way to get a vacation off to a good start. You will be able to easily access and be in close proximity to the many local attractions and sites thanks to the hotel’s prime location in Surfers Paradise.

It is imperative that you schedule some time in your schedule to go to Sea World as well as the adjacent Surfers Paradise. This facility has a restaurant that will make your stay more luxurious and memorable, earning it 3.5 stars overall.

The Surfers Paradise Bus Terminal is the rail, subway, or bus station that is the nearest to Down Under Hostels. It is located 130 metres away and an 18-minute drive to Burleigh Heads hostel.

The district that Down Under Hostels is located in is called Surfers Paradise, and it is home to a number of well-known eateries such as Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant, House of Brews, and Sandbar.

There is a parking park conveniently located next to the Down Under Hostels for guests who have their own vehicles and desire to drive themselves.