Australia’s ‘best city’ has a TON to offer to travellers, making it one of the coolest backpacking destinations of 2023.
But saving money while traveling through Australia can be tough. With dozens of hostels to pick from, it can be overwhelming to know which one to book.
Boom. Welcome to the 5 Best Hostels in Melbourne, Australia.
I’ve written this guide with one goal in mind – to help you book your Melbourne hostel as quickly, and easily as possible.
With the help of this ultimate guide to the best hostels in Melbourne, you’ll be able to save money while traveling to Australia, AND be able to pick a hostel that best suits your travel-style.
To do this, I’ve determined what’s important to backpackers, and organised all the amazing hostels into categories. So whether you’re traveling solo or as a couple, looking to party-up or wind-down, this guide to the best hostels in Melbourne has got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s look into the best hostels the wonderful city of Melbourne has to offer!
Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??
Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.
What to Expect from Hostels in Melbourne
Hostels are generally known to be one of the cheapest forms of accommodation on the market. That doesn’t just go for Melbourne too. If you’re backpacking Australia on a budget, or anywhere in the world really, staying at hostels will stretch your budget further than you think. However, that’s not the only good reason for staying at a hostel.
The unique vibe and social aspect are what make hostels TRULY special. Head down to the common room, make new friends, share travel stories and tips, or just have a great time with like-minded travellers from all over the world – you won’t get that opportunity in any other accommodation.
The hostel scene in Melbourne is pretty large. No matter where you are in the city, there’ll be a hostel near. While most hostels only accommodate international travellers over 18, there are a couple of great youth hostels too. When booking your place, always make sure to check the reviews first. Almost all hostels in Melbourne offer great value for their nightly prices, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Make sure to check for air-conditioned rooms and free wifi when looking for a place to stay. Melbourne can get incredibly hot during summer and quite chilly during winter. Choosing a place that is properly prepared for those extreme seasons is a no-brainer.
When it comes to rooms, you normally get three options: dorms, pods, and private rooms. Some hostels even offer large private rooms for friend groups. The general rule here is the more beds in a room, the cheaper the price. Obviously, you won’t have to pay as much for an 8-bed dorm as you would for a single-bed private bedroom. To give you a rough overview of the hostel prices in Melbourne, we’ve listed the average range below:
- Dorm room (mixed or female-only): $18-30 USD/night
- Private room: $49-57 USD/night
When looking for hostels, you’ll find the best options on HOSTELWORLD. This platform offers you a super safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs and find the perfect place for you.
If you want to head out and explore Melbourne, you should choose the hostel location accordingly. While you can find plenty of hostels on the outskirts of the city, there are a few cool options closer to the CBD district as well. If you’re wondering where to stay in Melbourne, check out our favourite neighbourhoods:
- Melbourne CBD – the central business district is packed with cafes, shops, trendy hostels, and loads of epic attractions. It’s the perfect base for first-time visitors
- South Melbourne – this is the budget neighbourhood. You can find plenty of affordable hostels here that will save your wallet
- St Kilda – St Kilda is a historic suburb located in south-eastern Melbourne. It offers excellent access to beaches and the city
We won’t make you wait any longer, let’s have a look at the best hostels Melbourne has to offer!
The 5 Best Hostels in Melbourne
Simply put – this guide is designed to help you find an awesome hostel while backpacking in Melbourne.
Combining work and travel? My recommendation for the best hostel for digital nomads in Melbourne will get you situated.
From romantic hostels for couples to the best hostels for solo travellers and lively digs where you can party all night, I’ve done the research. I have helpfully split Melbourne’s best hostels into different categories so you can book with confidence.
1. Overall Best Hostel in Melbourne – Nomads (Base) St. Kilda
- $
- Free Breakfast
- On-site Bar
- Jobs Board
Situated close to the beach at St Kilda and within easy reach of a tram station to get into the heart of Melbourne, Nomads (formally Base) St Kilda is my pick for the hostel in Melbourne. Broke backpackers can hunt for paid opportunities on the jobs board and start each day on the right note with a free continental breakfast. Look out for cheap deals during happy hour in the bar too.
Save on food costs by preparing your own grub in the kitchen, and chill for free in the lounge or on the terrace. There’s free WiFi and the hostel has laundry facilities, luggage storage, a tour desk, and a book exchange.
The pod-style beds, complete with a curtain, provide privacy for a good night’s sleep. This makes Nomads St Kilda one of the top Melbourne hostels for sure.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Ensuite Rooms
- Incredible location
- Multiple room options
Nomads St. Kilda offers the perfect room for every type of traveller. Budget backpackers will love the dorm rooms, while digital nomads and groups of friends can opt for a deluxe balcony private room. There are even some family rooms available.
If you need to get some work done on your laptop, head down to the communal space and get going. The super fast free wifi makes working very easy and enjoyable.
Once you’re done, head to the reception to ask the staff for their recommendations on what to do with the rest of your day. They give the best insider knowledge of the city and are known to be incredibly helpful.
Do note that the hostel has an over-18 rule. Exceptions are small children that have a parent or guardian with them.
2. Best Cheap Hostel in Melbourne – Flinders Backpackers
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Bar-Restaurant
- Key Card Access
At first glance, this hostel doesn’t look that cheap. But just wait, I know what I’m doing here. If there was a winner for the best hostel in Melbourne CBD with the best free breakfast it would probably be Flinders Backpackers. Eat as much as you like, with a variety of cereals and bread and as many DIY pancakes as you can manage. The hostel also has regular free dinners, free walking tours each day, and an array of fun free events. Think of all that money saved, now you see huh?
It’s a great Melbourne youth hostel for travellers who love to socialise. There’s an on-site bar, a kitchen with numerous workstations, a movie room, and a chill-out area with a pool table and foosball.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Amazing location
- Massive communal area
- Super helpful staff
Choose from simple but clean dorm rooms or private rooms. Note that you can only check in between 7.00 am and 9.00 pm. The hostel also has an 18 or older rule, which will guarantee a grown-up and more mature traveller crowd.
The location of Flinders Backpackers is ideal as well. You’ll be based in the heart of Melbourne CBD, the perfect place to execute your Melbourne travel itinerary from.
You’ll be living amongst Melbourne’s funky café and shopping district while only being a few minutes walk from Flinders St. Station (it’s called Flinders Backpackers for a reason!), South Bank, Federation Square and The Melbourne Museum.
3. Best Party Hostel in Melbourne – The Nunnery
A top hostel in Melbourne for party-goers, solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends, the charming Nunnery has a wide selection of private and shared sleeping spaces housed in a historic building that’s bursting with character.
This hostel is always busy, a great opportunity to meet new friends to hit the town with. Be warned though, this hostel is known to get very loud and occasionally become a spontaneous party place itself, so may not be the best spot for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Situated in trendy Fitzroy, the hostel goes all out when it comes to fun and free experiences. From the Sunday pancake breakfast and the BBQ nights on Fridays to chilled movie nights and lively pub crawls, there are heaps to suit all tastes.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Busy social scene
- Heated/fanned rooms
- Free bike rental
No matter what budget you’re travelling on, The Nunnery will have the right room type for you. Whether that’s a shared dorm or one of their private rooms, you’ll always get incredible value for a pretty low price. Each room has a fan and a heater (but no aircon), USB ports and charging stations on each bed, and a massive locker that fits even the biggest backpack.
If you want to explore Melbourne, head to the reception and hire a bike – for free! While you’re there, ask the staff for recommendations on what to do in Melbourne. They’ve got great insider tips that will open up a completely new side to Melbourne.
4. Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Melbourne – Melbourne City Backpackers
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Free WiFi
- Café
- Laundry Facilities
- Private rooms
A relative newcomer to Melbourne’s hostel scene, Melbourne City Backpackers is clean, friendly, and centrally located near Southern Cross Station and within the free tram zone. Why pay more (or, anything) for transport when you don’t need to?!
Breakfast and WiFi are free and regular social events help you meet other long- and short-term travellers. There are mixed and female-only dorms in addition to private rooms for one or three. Loaded with top-notch facilities too, this is the best hostel for solo travellers in Melbourne.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super central location in Melbourne CBD
- Activity nights with freebies
- Airconditioned rooms
Let’s talk more about the hostel’s rooms. Everyone knows that Australia’s summer can be brutal. Luckily, all rooms at Melbourne City Backpackers are equipped with an air conditioning unit. During the winter months, you’ll get an extra blanket to keep you warm. No matter if you’re in a dorm or private room, the comfy beds come with reading lights, USB ports, and free linen.
Travelling on your own can feel quite lonely sometimes. Luckily, this hostel offers the best socialising events in the city, perfect for solo travellers. Movie nights, BBQ nights, you name it – the perfect opportunities to link up with like-minded travellers and make new friends. Those nights also come with free booze and popcorn. What else could you wish for?
5. Best Hostel in Melbourne for Digital Nomads – Selina St Kilda
- $$
- On-site Restaurant/Bar
- Free wifi
- Rooftop Terrace
- Co-working area
- Private rooms
Every experienced backpacker in 2023 knows the deal with Selinas. Although not always the cheapest option, there’s always a guarantee of standards when choosing this hostel chain. This hostel is always clean, has SO many facilities and is never a bad choice – a safe bet if you will.
This hostel has many different room types available for any traveller type. Facilities include a coworking area and super reliable fast WiFi – great for digital nomads. There is also an on-site restaurant/bar, a wellness deck and a rooftop terrace. You can choose any of these locations as your office for the day.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Co-working area
- Many room types are available
- Great Location
Additionally, this hostel has a cinema room, comfy dorm beds with USB sockets, and a 24-hour reception with a tour and travel desk. Although Selina tours aren’t the best for budget backpackers, they are great for nomads who want to be whisked away for the day and entertained without having to waste time on planning too much. Ideal for backpackers only in Melbourne for the weekend, or a short stay. There is always a guarantee that you will make friends with people from all over the world on these things. Trust me, I’ve done plenty.
In the evenings, why not head up to the rooftop bar and sip on some cocktails with your new friends from the tour? Selina bars are known to get quite lively sometimes, and this hostel is no exception. Perfect for switching up the vibe after a day typing away on your laptop and rewarding yourself for all that hard work.
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 REIMore Epic Hostels in Melbourne
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Melbourne below.
The Village Melbourne
- $
- Newly re-done
- Free pool, table tennis, and board games
- Underground Nightclub
The Village Melbourne has really crafted a stellar space – one of the best atmospheres in the city. This hostel is complete with mixed or female-only dorms, comfy AF couches in the chill-out areas, an activity centre, an on-site bar, and a nightclub! There is not much else you could want from a hostel.
If you’re looking for the best parties in Melbourne, you won’t even need to leave the building. Simply head down to the hostel’s private underground nightclub – yup, you heard right. Get your hands on some tasty (and affordable) drinks, dance until your feet are sore, and then head back up to enjoy a peaceful sleep. I have really never seen party hostels like this before – you HAVE to check it out.
It’s one of the biggest hostels in the city but comes with incredible features. There are hang-out areas on every level, multiple laundries, and even a super modern gallery kitchen.
Summer House Backpackers
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant-Bar
- Tour Desk
Part of a larger hotel, Summer House Backpackers is one of the best cheap hostels in Melbourne. This hostel is perfect for you budget backpackers.
The rooftop on-site bar ramps up the volume and life at the weekends, with regular live music, comedy acts, and drinks promotions. Particularly popular with people on working holiday visas, it also welcomes backpackers and holiday-makers with open arms.
There are mixed and female-only dorms and access is by key card. Additional services include 24-hour reception, housekeeping, a tour desk, and luggage storage, and you’ll find basic self-catering facilities here in this modern hostel too.
Barkly Backpackers
- $
- Laundry Facilities
- Jobs Board
- Luggage Storage
A budget backpacker hostel in Melbourne’s suburb of St Kilda, Barkly Backpackers is a terrific option for people who need to combine work and leisure; it’s our recommendation for one of the best hostels for digital nomads in Melbourne.
There are computers in the common room that are free to use, as well as free Wi-Fi. You’ll also find enough quiet spots, including in the lounge, to sit in peace and get your head into work mode.
There’s a kitchen, making grabbing a bite to eat quick and easy without needing to head out, and there’s even a free pasta night once a week. Tea and coffee are free too, ideal for break times.
Dorms are spacious and bright, with mixed and female-only rooms available. It’s a great modern hostel located near to the beach which offers a good balance of a great working environment with that classic fun hostel environment.
Landing Pads Brunswick
- $$
- Laundry Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- Jobs Board
A small and intimate youth hostel in Melbourne, Landing Pads Brunswick is geared towards travellers looking for jobs in Australia, particularly travellers who have a working holiday visa. As well as a jobs board and super fast free Wi-Fi, the hostel gives handy tips and tutorials to get people into work quicker.
The sociable vibe is strong here at Landing Pads Brunswick, helping you to meet new pals for your time in Oz. There are regular social activities and guests tend to stay for at least a few weeks, helping to build a friendly sense of community.
Boasting an incredible 9.6 rating on Hostelworld (as of June 2023), trust your fellow travellers and check this place out.
Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…
Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.
FAQ about Hostels in Melbourne
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Melbourne’s hostel scene.
Travel Safety Tips for Melbourne
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.
More Epic Youth Hostels in Australia
Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Melbourne.
Planning an epic trip all across Australia? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!
For more epic youth hostels around Australia, check out:
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Melbourne
By now I hope this epic guide to the best Melbourne’s best backpacker hostels has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments and tell us what you think is the best Melbourne hostel!
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!
