The problem with staying in the CBD’s of Australia’s big cities is that they can be a bit too busy. You might feel like you can’t fully relax and are always a bit on edge. If you’re travelling to Perth, cast your net a little further afield and consider staying in the nearby port city of Fremantle.
Not only does it boast an awesome beach, but it’s packed with bars where you can sip craft beer while listening to live music, leaf through the treasures of indie bookshops, and of course, enjoy delicious street food.
We won’t blame you if you’ve cancelled all your Perth plans and taken them slightly southwest to Fremantle. But hold on a second! First, you’re going to need somewhere to stay – and that’s where things could become a bit of an issue.
While Fremantle has a cool, boho vibe, there are more boutique hotels and resorts than hostels – but there are still some accommodation gems. In this vibrant city, it’s more about quality than quantity.
To make life easier, we thought we’d give you a hand. We’ve scoured the streets of Fremantle to bring you the best hostels in town. They cater to a wide range of tastes, personalities, and budgets – including yours! Let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Fremantle
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Fremantle – Fremantle Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Fremantle – Spinner’s Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Couples in Fremantle – Old Fire Station Backpackers
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Fremantle – Gallery Hotel
Best Hostels in Fremantle
Before you just bulldoze in and go with our favourite hostel in Fremantle (though you can’t go far wrong with that), take a second to think about what type of traveller you are. Are you backpacking Perth for a quite and relaxing time or to get wild at parties and explore the nightlife? Travelling with family or all by yourself? Once this is clear, we can look for the perfect hostel for you.
Fremantle Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Fremantle
This boutique hostel is the perfect place to base yourself in Fremantle – especially if you’re travelling solo. It’s right in the centre of the city, with a whole load of attractions on your doorstep, such as the markets, Maritime Museum, and historic prison. If you’re planning to see them, you’ll need some fuel – and that comes in the form of a free buffet breakfast. Chow down with the friends you made the night before at the pool table or on the foosball table!
Spinner’s Backpackers – Best Cheap Hostel in Fremantle
Okay, we’ll be honest; we cheated with this one. Spinner’s Backpackers is 16km away in one of Perth’s neighbourhoods (close to the center actually). But hear us out! If you’re planning on a day trip to Fremantle, this is an awesome place to stay. Consistently voted as one of the best hostels in Perth, all beds have personalised charging stations and super fast free internet. There are loads of places to be sociable, too, including the alfresco garden (where you might be invited to a BBQ) or on the couch in the shared lounge. Just don’t talk over the movie!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIOld Fire Station Backpackers – Best Hostel for Couples in Fremantle
And it’s back to Fremantle for this romantic option. We didn’t think you’d fancy travelling with your other half and spending the night in a sweaty and noisy dorm – so we’ve got you covered. The Old Fire Station offers a comfortable double room amid all the colourful artwork of this cool hostel. This place isn’t just for loved up couples, though; it’s a pretty legendary party hostel, with regular BBQs and open mic nights around the bar. Give those a miss if you want to enjoy the morning yoga on offer!
Gallery Hotel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Fremantle
Okay, you got us! Our last entry is actually a budget hotel. However, it boasts hostel prices, and there’s a cafe on site. While it doesn’t offer the hostel atmosphere, this is a good option for those looking to get maximum value on twin, double, and triple rooms. It’s also got free parking – a plus if you’ve rented a car or are travelling with your own transport.
The Pirate Backpackers Fremantle – Overall Best Hostel in Fremantle
This top-recommended backpacker hostel in Fremantle is terrific if you’re travelling solo. You’ll hardly be through the door before you’ve booked a 4 x 4 tour or a stand-up paddleboarding trip with a group of new friends. The intimate atmosphere works to its (and your) advantage, too – anyone you don’t meet on a group activity you’re sure to bump into in the courtyard. If all of this hasn’t already convinced you, let us remind you that there’s a free breakfast – perfect fuel for whatever Perth adventures you’re planning!
Sundancer Backpackers Resort – Best Party Hostel in Fremantle
One of the cheapest hostels in Fremantle, you’ll enjoy low prices and high energy at Sundancer Backpackers Resort. Kick the day off with a free breakfast – you’ll need it to soak up what you drank the night before in the bar! As well as the cheapest drinks in town, the hostel boasts a swimming pool, four separate kitchens, and a load of pool tables. It’s not for the shy and retiring type, but if you’re looking to make friends and have a great time, this is the place for you!
South Beach Bed & Breakfast – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Fremantle
Most of the hostels in Fremantle are pretty high energy. While a night at the bar is great, too many hangovers and late nights could see your work start to suffer. It’s better to base yourself somewhere easier to say no to all the partying! If you’re earning money on the road, it’s not too much of a problem to splash out extra for some home comforts. This pleasant bed and breakfast is right by the beach, and rooms have laptop-friendly workspaces. When it’s time for a break, enjoy a free tea or coffee in your room or sit out on the patio.
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!What to Pack for your Fremantle Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward 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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why You Should Travel to Fremantle
Fremantle is one of the coolest neighbourhoods not only in Perth, but the whole of Australia. Make sure to wander around and fully immerse yourself in the vibe emanating from shops, bars, and restaurants hidden away in the Victorian and Edwardian architecture (don’t worry if you don’t know the difference, we’re not quite sure either…).
We said earlier to carefully think about what kind of traveller you are before picking your hostel. However, if you’re still trying to choose between two, three, or four of our choices, then it’s best to play it safe. You won’t go wrong with our top recommended hostel in Fremantle – Pirate Backpackers. The location is fantastic, and it offers excellent value for money.
FAQ about Hostels in Fremantle
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Fremantle.
How much do hostels in Fremantle cost?
Hostels in Fremantle are often booked ahead of time, since there aren’t many selections, expect the average starting price of $22 – $31.
What are the best hostels in Fremantle for couples?
YHA Fremantle Prison is an ideal hostel for couples in Fremantle. Its location is great, and the private rooms have private bathrooms.
What is the best hostel in Fremantle near the airport?
Spinner’s Backpackers is a 15-minute drive from Perth Airport. It also offers a paid airport transfer.
Travel Safety Tips for Fremantle
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.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Fremantle
Immerse yourself in coffee culture on the Cappuccino Strip, take a historic tram ride, or enjoy freshly caught fish and chips at the harbour – it’s all there in Fremantle. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned the awesome Bathers’ Beach! Fremantle has a bit of everything, with world-class museums and a historic prison to check out, too.
If you’re trying to pack everything in, you’ll want as little fuss as possible when it comes to finding somewhere to stay. A rough Perth itinerary also helps! We really can’t stress enough that the hostel you choose will set the tone of your trip. So, make sure you know what you want: cool backpacker pad or sophisticated B&B? With the help of our list, we’re sure you’ll find the right place.
If you’ve already been to Fremantle, why not let us know your favourite places to stay in the comments below? And perhaps share your travel tips to help with future visits!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Australia for a wealth of info!
- 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.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
