Known as one of the most breathtaking beaches on the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is an Australian suburb that attracts tourists from around the world. Along the sand, you’ll find some of the best spots to soak up the sun. But on top of the beachside attractions, Coolangatta will show you how to party like a true Aussie!
With a lively nightlife and one of a kind beach culture, Coolangatta has something for every kind of traveler!
Planning which beaches to hit first is the easy part, but finding that perfect hostel in Coolangatta is a tad trickier. Although the Gold Coast is known for its surf and backpacker culture, you’ll only find a handful of youth hostels that fit the budget of the average traveler. Does this mean backpackers should skip Coolangatta and head to a city where they can stretch that Aussie dollar?
Don’t unpack your bags just yet; we’ve gathered all the best hostels in Coolangatta into one place so you can find the perfect stay in a matter of minutes. With everything from party hostels to budget resorts, there are so many different ways to explore Australia!
So, slip on your thongs (flip-flops) and get ready to walk down the beaches; your Coolangatta adventure starts here!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Coolangatta
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The Best Hostels in Coolangatta
We know you can’t want to hit the waves and the dance floors of Coolangatta, but first, let’s find that perfect hostel that fits how you like to travel. Knowing where to stay in the Gold Coast will make your booking process a lot easier, so do your research!
With each stay a little different from the next, be sure to keep your eyes open for the hostel that will make the perfect home away from home! You want to look out for facilities, awesome location close to the best places in the Gold Coast and – of course – a comfy bed!
Coolangatta YHA
If you have been backpacking your way through Australia for a while, eventually you’ll want to find a youth hostel where you can hang out for a few days and meet up with fellow travelers! This Gold Coast hostel is your go-to destination for kicking back and swapping stories with other backpackers.
From the lounge to the terrace, there are so many different areas to play games and chat with your fellow guests. With an onsite swimming pool and movie nights, Coolangatta is practically a backpacker’s resort! Located just a few minutes away from the town center and Bilinga Beach, you’ll be staying in the beating heart of Coolangatta!
Coolangatta Sands Hotel
Australia isn’t exactly the cheapest country to travel through, especially for backpackers coming from Southeast Asia. When in Coolangatta, there are a few hostels where you can save money and still enjoy that laid back Aussie lifestyle. Coolangatta Sands Hotel not only puts you up in some of the cheapest dorm rooms on the Gold Coast, but they also show you a party unlike any other!
This youth hostel will have you staying just minutes away from the soft sands of Coolangatta Beach, but it’s at Coolangatta Sands Hotel where the party’s really at. With an onsite bar and restaurant, guests will find the best place to eat, drink, and party is actually at the hostel! With a great location and a one of a kind atmosphere, don’t be surprised if you find yourself extending your stay night after night!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Coolangatta
Haven’t found the right place for you yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got more coming your way! There are so many epic hostels in the Gold Coast that it can hard to choose…
Greenmount Beach House
If you’ve been spending some time on the road, you know how important it is to find the right place to call home for a few days to get some work done. After weeks of spending your nights in youth hostels, you can get all your editing and writing done in peace and quiet at Greenmount Beach House. Although this resort is a bit of a step up from your average dorm room, all the perks and comfort make up for the slightly higher price.
With an outdoor terrace and a lounge, you’ll find this budget hotel has ample room to spread out in to get your work done. If you manage to find time to have a break, Greenmount Beach House is located right by the water and even has a swimming pool on the property! Complete with its very own restaurant, writers will never have to leave their laptop too far behind because Greenmount Beach House has everything you could ever need right at your fingertips!
Cute Studio Flat
This might not be a hostel, but at this price, it may as well be. A studio flat that’s a backpacker’s dream—cheap, private, and even comes with a little kitchenette to dodge those overpriced restaurant meals. It’s basic, sure, but with a microwave, toaster, sandwich press, kettle, and tea and coffee, any seasoned traveller will know how to make it work.
The location couldn’t be better—just a four-minute drive from everything that matters. Quiet, comfortable, and run by absolute legends, with thoughtful little extras like quality tea, coffee, and some seriously good biscuits to keep things sweet.
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
Getting a bit tired of being woken up every morning to the sound of guests rummaging through their bags? Give yourself a break and enjoy your Australian holiday to the fullest by booking your self into Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza! Although this resort is a few steps up from your typical backpacker’s hostel, there’s no shame in treating yourself to a little extra relaxation once in a while.
Oak Gold Coast Calypso Plaza goes above and beyond to pamper its guests with every form of relaxation and comfort you could need. With an onsite spa and a swimming pool, you’ll be ready to get back on the road and rough it as a budget traveler in no time! We almost forgot! This hotel is also right on the beach! Just a few steps away from your door, you’ll find yourself sinking your toes into the soft sands of Coolangatta Beach.
Bombora Resort
Being a backpacker is rewarding, but it ain’t exactly the most romantic lifestyle. If you’re traveling with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you’ll eventually want to ditch the dorm rooms for a few nights and cozy up in your very own private room. Bombora Resort will give you that much-needed upgrade without sending you straight to the bank. With prices not all that much more than you’d pay at your average backpacker’s hostel, Bombora Resort will treat you to a life of luxury while staying within your budget!
Just a few minutes away from the beach, you’ll never be too far from relaxation. With its very own swimming pool, you can even lounge about in the comfort of the hotel! Top it off with a restaurant and an inviting outdoor terrace, and Bombora Resort is sure to show you the time of your life!
Komune Resort and Beach Club
Although Komune Resort and Beach Club are pulling up the rear on our list of the best hostels in Coolangatta, this luxurious stay should not be overlooked. If you’re tired of sharing your living space with a handful of other strangers, this hotel is the perfect place to give yourself a break.
With a price just a few Aussie dollars more than what you’d pay for a private room at a youth hostel, you’ll be getting added comfort for less money! Complete with a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar, don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending most of your time at the hotel! With a location putting you right by Coolangatta Beach, Komune Resort and Beach Club is sure to show you the time of your life.
What to Pack for Your Coolangatta Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Why You Should Travel to Coolangatta
Get ready for beach parties and sunny days; Coolangatta is the place to make your Australian dream holiday a reality! With everything from exciting beach parties to secluded shores off the beaten path, travelers will quickly find many different ways to explore Coolangatta.
If you’re still a bit undecided about where to stay in Coolangatta, let’s help get the ball rolling by giving you our recommendation of the top hostel in Coolangatta. If you’re looking for a cheap stay that will provide you with that classical backpacker’s experience, be sure to book yourself into Rainbow Bay Backpackers, our pick for the best hostel in Coolangatta.
FAQ about Hostels in Coolangatta
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Coolangatta.
How much do hostels in Coolangatta cost?
A dorm in Coolangatta can start for as low as $18 per night. Private rooms vary from different types but can start at $25 per night.
What are the best hostels in Coolangatta for couples?
Unwind and freshen up on the spectacular free-form lagoon pool and landscaped tropical gardens with your partner at the best hostel for couples in Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites.
What is the best hostel in Coolangatta near the airport?
If you need to stay as close as possible to the airport, we recommend staying over at Coolangatta YHA. It’s a pretty good budget hostel, and it’s only 2 minutes away!
Travel Safety Tips for Coolangatta
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Over to you
Will you be spending your holiday in Coolangatta under an umbrella relaxing on the beach or preparing for a night out on the town exploring Australia’s one of a kind nightlife? From coastal walks to lazy beaches, you’ll quickly find that a few days are not enough to experience everything that Coolangatta has to offer. It’s not just the bars and pubs that will keep you hanging out on the Gold Coast; once you step foot on the beach, you’ll never want to leave!
One thing you might overlook when planning your trip to Coolangatta is where you will be basing yourself. But depending on which hostel you call home, your trip can be very different. Will you be hanging out by the pool or exploring the beach? The hostel you choose is sure to set the tone for your Coolangatta holiday!
Have you ever visited Coolangatta? We’d love to hear about your trip! Let us know in the comments below if there are any great hostels we may have missed.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Australia for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the beautiful places to visit in Australia covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Australia if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Australia before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
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