Melbourne has retained its place as one of the ”World’s Most Liveable Cities” for many years in a row, while other Australian metros have fallen out of the global top ten. Although it’s an expensive city to live in, Melbourne has many great budget accommodation options. So I’m taking it upon myself to explore some of the best hostels in Melbourne.
Hostelworld is the world’s leading online booking platform for cheap accommodation, with a focus on showcasing the best hostels across the globe. The range of Melbourne hostels is second to none, and you’ll no doubt find the accommodation experience you are searching for when visiting the Aussie city.
My shortlist of the 17 best hostels in Melbourne is designed to help you book the digs that are perfect for you. Be it by the beach or in the city center, a party hostel, or relaxing retreat, all the bells and whistles or the bare essentials – are all there.
Also, be sure to check out this ultimate Melbourne itinerary and the best Melbourne music festivals to further help you plan your visit to the cultural capital of Australia.
17 Best Hostels in Melbourne, Australia
Looking for a place to lay your head while exploring this beautiful city? Each of the following Melbourne hostels is great for backpackers and budget travelers. You can book a private room or space for one in the dorm rooms at affordable prices.
Here’s a rundown of 17 of the best accommodation and cheap hostels in Melbourne.
1) Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda
BEST PARTY HOSTEL BY THE BEACH
Location: 17 Carlisle St, St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $82 AUD
Room types: Twin & Double Private Rooms / 4- 6- 8- 10-bed Female, Male, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/6651/nomads-formerly-base-st-kilda
Located in the seaside suburb of St Kilda, Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda has a solid reputation as arguably the best party hostel in Melbourne. And if you like a good party – this hostel is for you.
Base St Kilda is just a five-minute walk from the beach and walking distance to the bustling cafes and bars on Acland street. This Melbourne hostel is also 10 minutes away from Fitzroy Street, St Kilda’s nightlife district.
Base St Kilda has tons of free activities and an on-site bar that serves up affordable meals. There’s even a Job Search Desk manned by experts in helping people like you find a job in your new home.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “I really don’t know why people are saying this is a party hostel. I was worried after reading reviews about noise and late partying. Then my plane landed late, so I ended up coming into my dorm at 11:30 pm, and everyone was sleeping quietly.
Truly a great environment, lovely staff, and prime location. I was there for FREE steak night, which was awesome. Everyone in my room was so clean. I know it’s subjective to who you room with, but it’s the first hostel I’ve stayed at where everyone immaculately made their beds daily.”
2) Victoria Hotel Backpackers
BEST MELBOURNE HOSTEL FOR LONG-TERM STAYS
Location: 380 Victoria Street, Brunswick, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $45 AUD
Room types: Private Twin Rooms / 4-bed Female, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/67544/victoria-hotel-backpackers
Another Brunswick hostel that’s super popular with backpackers in Melbourne, Victoria Hotel Backpackers, is the best Melbourne hostel for long-term stays. It boasts spacious private rooms in a range of sizes. It has an excellent staff and lots of free activities to get you accustomed to your new surroundings.
The kitchen also has free tea and coffee to keep you going. This backpacker hostel in Melbourne also offers a communal Apple iMac computer, free Wi-Fi, and a library, making it a great place for coworking and coliving.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “I spent around two months at the backpacker hostel, and after shopping around, this definitely was the best. It has great staff and a bar downstairs with cheap food and drinks.
Perfect location to explore Brunswick (definitely one of the coolest Victoria suburbs) and has great facilities. Lots of room to store your things. Most importantly, the people at the hostel are great. Lovely family vibe and always people around to chat with – when I was there, it had more long-term stayers, many of whom are working, but doesn’t detract at all.”
3) United Backpackers (Selina Central Melbourne)
BEST HOSTEL IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Location: 250 Flinders St, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $59 AUD
Room types: Double, Twin, Family Rooms / 4- 6- 8- 10-bed Female, Mixed Dorms
https://unitedbackpackers.hotels-melbourne.net/en/
Nestled right on thoroughfare Flinders Street, United Backpackers has the entire city of Melbourne on its doorstep. Its location directly opposite Flinders Street Station makes it ideal for exploring the local laneways the city is known for before returning to a comfortable, secure, and fun hostel environment.
Visitor review: “I am really pleased with my four-night stay at United Backpackers. It’s definitely the best hostel I’ve stayed in while traveling Australia. The staff was awesome, and the hostel had a brilliant vibe with great facilities.
It’s situated in the perfect place, although there are free trams around, everything touristy is within walking distance. I’d definitely recommend all travelers to stay at United Backpackers while visiting Melbourne.”
4) Summer House Backpackers
BEST HOSTEL FOR ROOFTOP CHILLS
Location: 109 Barkly Street, St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $60 AUD
Room types: Twin Private Rooms / 4- 6- 8-bed Female, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/18423/summer-house-backpackers-melbourne
Picture yourself in the peak of a Melbourne summer, chilling out on the rooftop terrace of Summer House Backpackers with newfound friends before a night out in buzzing St Kilda. Or down to the beach for a dip.
That’s what you can expect at this fantastic Melbourne hostel. It hosts fun weekly Sunday Sessions with DJs, live music, and drinks on its awesome rooftop terrace – that rivals many of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “Summer House St Kilda is one of my favourite hostels in Australia. Perfect location in St Kilda, super close to the beach, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants to go to. Loads of other backpackers around, so it’s easy to make friends.
The hostel hosts trivia, live music, and food and drinks specials throughout the week. The rooftop view is pretty. Lovely staff and the rooms are decent too. Would for sure stay here again.”
5) Landing Pads Brunswick
BEST WORKING HOLIDAY VISA HOSTEL
Location: 13 Blyth Street, Brunswick, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $48 AUD
Room types: 5- 7- 8-bed Male, Female, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Landing-Pads-Brunswick/Melbourne/74370
There’s little doubt why Landing Pads Brunswick has the highest user rating of any hostel in Melbourne. Located in the hip inner-city neighborhood of Brunswick, the hostel had all the mod cons to make your stay amazing.
Landing Pads Brunswick has a lounge room, an outdoor patio, clean rooms, and epic staff that are eager to help you get settled right in. While staying at Landing Pads Brunswick, you’ll enjoy unlimited free Wi-Fi, events in-house and around Melbourne, and a great social setting ideal for making friends.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “Great stay at Landing Pads Brunswick. More of a house share than a hostel – very homely. I love that there is a kitchen and you can cook as this saves so much money compared to other hostels with no cooking facilities.
Ashley was very welcoming and a great trivia host. Have to say thank you to everyone there – especially Jess, who helped me so much with my CV (resume) and job advice. Would definitely recommend staying here if on a holiday working visa looking to make friends.”
6) Melbourne City Backpackers
BEST HOME AWAY FROM HOME VIBE
Location: 197-199 King Street, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $42 AUD
Room types: Single, Double, 3-bed Private / 4- 6- 16-bed Female, Mixed Dorm Rooms
https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Melbourne-City-Backpackers/Melbourne/284253
Located on bustling King Street, Melbourne City Backpackers is a stone’s throw away from Southern Cross Station and many top Australian landmarks in Melbourne. You’ll enjoy great rooms with air conditioning, free Wifi, and (guess what) free breakfast.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “I had a great stay at the hostel. It‘s location was really good, there‘s a lot to do around it. The staff was friendly and the community area was well located. Unfortunately the kitchen opens only at 8 am, which is pretty late when you have to leave early. I had to store my food in my room overnight, because they wouldn‘t open it earlier. Nevertheless I can really recommend this hostel. One of the cleanest I‘ve ever been.”
7) The Nunnery
BEST HOSTEL FOR BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS
Location: 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $42 AUD
Room types: Private Rooms / 4- 6- 8- 12-bed Female, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/940/the-nunnery
The Nunnery is just that – a renovated nunnery that is now home to a revolving door of fun, inspiring travelers passing through the ultra-cool Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. Its design and decor are gorgeous, offering up a cozy atmosphere that’s highly sought-after by weary backpackers.
Every night of the week, there’s a free hostel event to get involved in, like a Soup Night, Pub Crawl, or BBQ Party.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “Location couldn’t be more ideal. The bathrooms and kitchen facilities are sparkling clean. The hostel is absolutely gorgeous and ideal for long term stays. Amazing people and such a wonderful vibe. I will be recommending it to everyone I know traveling to Australia.”
8) Melbourne Central YHA
BEST HOSTEL FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
Location: 562 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $60 AUD
Room types: Twin, Double Rooms / 4- 6- 8-bed Male, Female, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/33891/melbourne-central-yha
The YHA chain has a top global reputation, and its Melbourne Central YHA hostel is no exception. Located right in the city center, Melbourne Central YHA has super fast free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, a cool urban style, and a rooftop for chilling out. You’ll catch some sun rays and take in the stunning Melbourne skyline at night. Melbourne Central YHA even has a BBQ for get-togethers with your new hostel friends.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “Melbourne Central YHA is as convenient as you can get in Melbourne – only a block from the terminal for the Airport Bus and tram stop outside the door. The screech of trains going around the corner and constant loud noises from the street made it very hard for us to sleep on Saturday nights.
However, Sunday nights are a lot quieter. We were in a private room at the front of the building – the dorms are further back from the street, so probably quieter. But the hostel is great. We loved the rooftop.”
9) Back of Chapel Backpackers
BEST CHAPEL ST HOSTEL
Location: 50 Green St, Windsor VIC 3181, Australia
Price: From $26 AUD
Room types: Twin Private Room / Mixed Dorm Room
https://backofchapelhostel.hotels-melbourne.net/en/
Back of Chapel Backpackers is located just behind the well-known Melbourne shopping precinct of Chapel Street. This puts you a hop, skip, and jump from some of the city’s best clubs, bars, cafes, and eateries.
You also get to stay in relaxed, affordable digs in a renovated, iconic Melbourne terrace house that dates all the way back to the 1850s. For an overall great stay, make sure you book an exclusive rooftop private room.
Visitor review: “I had a really great stay, the location is really good, and it has a nice homely atmosphere and is not too big either, so you actually get to know the same people a bit more. I would definitely come here again. Clean as well and yeah.. just a really chill hostel.”
10) Pint on Punt Backpackers
BEST HOSTEL FOR FREEBIES
Location: 42 Punt Rd (above the Windsor Alehouse), Windsor, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $38 AUD
Room types: Twin, Double Rooms / 4- 6-bed Female, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/55/pint-on-punt-backpackers
With dorms and private rooms in various sizes and budgets, and it is located in the thriving Windsor, you’re already getting fantastic value for money at Pint on Punt Backpackers.
But it doesn’t stop there. Breakfast, discounted meals and drinks, unlimited free WiFi, wine and cheese nights, and tea and coffee in the kitchen are all included in your stay. And best of all, this hostel for budget backpackers is located above the must-visit Windsor Alehouse.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “I’ve stayed in this hostel numerous times now and have not been disappointed. The people it attracts are very friendly and inviting. But what makes the hostel is the staff, Kat at reception goes out of her way to make sure you’re comfortable.
Like literally anything I’ve needed, she’s sorted out for me. She makes the hostel feel like a home away from home. The bar staff is great too, like Ciara and Lizzy, that are very accommodating on goon and cheese requests. Would highly recommend this hostel.”
11) Nomads Melbourne
BEST HOSTEL LOUNGE & BAR
Location: 196-198 A’Beckett St, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $32 AUD
Room types: Private Room / Female, Mixed Dorms
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Nomads hostels always offer up a memorable stay, and Nomads Melbourne could just be the best of the lot. It’s nestled in the heart of the city next door to the famous QV Markets, Flagstaff Gardens, and a plethora of restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Nomads Melbourne takes it a step further with its newly opened in-house bar, rooftop sun deck, range of free events for guests, and spacious cinema lounge.
Visitor review: “I stayed at this hostel a while ago last year and have come back to see that everything is as great as it was then. AMAZING staff, everyone is so warm, friendly and helpful I wish my stay would be longer this time :) The rooms are all cleaned well and it has PERFECT location – right in the CBD. Looking forward to coming back.”
12) Richmond Hill Hotel
BEST HOSTEL FOR PRIVATE LODGINGS
Location: 353 Church Street, Richmond, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $37 AUD
Room types: Private rooms (with private bathrooms)
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Situated on the hotspot of Church Street in inner-city Richmond, it’s one of the best hostels in Melbourne with a hotel aesthetic. Richmond Hill Hotel offers only private lodgings. It boasts a range of rooms to fit any budget, a great free breakfast, and free on-site parking – a rare gem in busy Melbourne.
Visitor review: “Lovely place, great atmosphere, rooms on the small side but clean, and crisp linens, however en-suite was large. Lovely bar to sit at and have a drink. Breakfast was a delight, great choices of bread, fresh fruit, yogurt, and condiments excellent.”
13) Flinders Backpackers
BEST HOSTEL FREE BREAKFAST
Location: 35 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $36 AUD
Room types: Twin, Double, 3-bed Private Rooms / 3- 4- 6- 8- 10- 12- 16-bed Female, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/26970/flinders-backpackers-melbourne
Flinders Backpackers has won a litany of HostelWorld awards, and a stay here comes highly recommended. What makes Flinders Backpackers so special? Well, a free all-you-can-eat breakfast including – wait for it – unlimited make-your-own free pancake breakfast.
Yep. Add to that comfortable rooms, free WiFi, a tv room, and air conditioning in premium dorm rooms, and you can bet your stay with Flinders Backpackers will be first class all the way.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor review: “Flinders Backpackers was one of the best hostels in Melbourne I’ve recently been at. Not only were all the facilities clean, but also there was hot water in the showers, which is very important during the winter.
The location and atmosphere were fantastic as well, it is really close to everything, and most of the people were young and talkative. And last, but not least, THE BREAKFAST was amazing, as you get all sorts of cereal and jams and you get to make your own pancakes. And the staff were really helpful and cool too.”
14) Space Hotel
BEST HOSTEL FOR ROOFTOP SPA FUN
Location: 380 Russell Street, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $59 AUD
Room types: Single, Twin, Double, Family Rooms / 4- 6- 8-bed Female, Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/1944/space-hotel/
Read Reviews & Check Availability
You’ll come for the rooftop spa, but you’ll stay for the friendly, fun vibe that Space Hotel offers on the cusp of Melbourne CBD and inner-city institution Carlton. The hostel is a cut above the rest, with stylish interiors, spacious dorms with high-quality mattresses, plus private rooms with flat-screen TVs.
In addition, Space Hotel has a bar and restaurant on-site, a gym, lounge, cinema, and even a games room. Space Hotel doesn’t miss a detail, ensuring your stay is incredible from beginning to end.
Visitor review: “I booked three nights at Space Hotel and I ended up staying for six. One of the best hostels I’ve stayed in. Cannot fault it. If you’re going to Melbourne I recommend this place.”
15) Collingwood Accommodation Melbourne / Collingwood Backpackers
BEST HOSTEL FOR MATURE TRAVELERS
Location: 137-139 Johnston Street Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $68 AUD
Room types: Female Dorm / Male Dorm / Mixed Dorm
https://collingwood-backpackers.hotelsinvictoria.net/en/
If you’re looking for one of the best party hostels in Melbourne, this isn’t the hostel for you. But Collingwood Accommodation Melbourne relies on its epic location in energetic Collingwood to win you over – and it does. The vibe of the hostel is chilled out and mature. The hostel put it best when they say:
“Collingwood Backpackers does not cater for the ‘mad fer it’ backpacker but prefers to detach itself from the “let’s get pissed and then puke everywhere” hostel scene, instead opting for a much more relaxed approach.”
Visitor review: “This hostel feels like home. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is full of fun, friendly people. There is a lot of space to hang out: a living room with a flat-screen TV (with access to Netflix and Xbox), a courtyard, and communal balconies.
The kitchen can get quite messy, but that adds to the atmosphere of a shared house. The rooms, bathrooms, and communal areas are usually clean. This Melbourne hostel offers large rooms with loads of storage space. The showers are good too. I highly recommend this hostel for those who love cats and are in town long term.”
16) Exford Hotel
BEST HOSTEL FOR PUBBING DOWNSTAIRS
Location: 199 Russell Street, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $36 AUD
Room types: Double, Twin Rooms / 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 10-bed Mixed Dorms
Read Reviews & Check Availability
How does staying in a heritage building with a pub conveniently downstairs and Melbourne’s Chinatown on your doorstep sound? Great? Well, The Exford Hotel is the destination for you.
They have free Wi-Fi, a TV room with Foxtel, a massive kitchen, and a free daily breakfast to fill you up before you hit the streets for a day of exploring.
Visitor review: A “nice hostel really close to the center. Communal areas are cleaned regularly, the pub has all sorts of activities to provide. Had a good stay.”
17) Home at The Mansion
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY CITY HOSTEL
Location: 66-90 Victoria Parade, Melbourne, Australia
Price: From $52 AUD
Room types: Twin Private Rooms / 4- 6- 7- 12-bed Mixed Dorms
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/41827/the-mansion-melbourne/
Last but certainly not least…Backpacker Bible Lonely Planet has praised Home at The Mansion for its overall service, facilities, and “genuine character”, so you just know a stay here is going to be good.
They welcome guests from all over to their heritage-listed building with beautiful stained glass windows and traditional high ceilings. They have a cafe and bar where you can meet other travelers during your stay, and you will find all the major Melbourne landmarks within walking distance.
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Visitor Review : “Richard is the most genuine and welcoming receptionist. We had a great stay in this hostel. The bar downstairs is one of the best in the area and where locals go. Kitchen is clean and so their room plus the bathroom is huge. Only two stops from the free tram zone. Highly recommended.”
Am I Missing Any Epic Melbourne Hostels…?
This was such a fun list to put together, and I’m sure no matter which hostel you stay in Melbourne, you’ll have an enjoyable experience. It truly is an unforgettable city, and I’m looking forward to spending more time there in the future.
If you think I need to add any specific backpacker hostels or cheap accommodation, please do let me know so I can add them to my list.
Planning a Trip to Melbourne & Australia?
Having lived and worked in Australia, as well as traveled the country quite extensively, my travel blog is filled with helpful articles, itineraries, and destination guides. Check out a few of my favorite posts below, and always feel free to shoot me a message with any questions you have about traveling throughout the country.
- The 20 Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne
- 30 Music Festivals in Australia To Experience Before You
- Top 30 Music Festivals in Melbourne
- 14 Words You’ll Start Saying When You Move to Australia
- The Ultimate Guide For Moving To Sydney on a Working Holiday Visa
- Cairns – Sydney: The Ultimate Greyhound Bus Pass Itinerary
- The 15 Best Music Festivals in Sydney
- The 12 Best Backpacker Hostels in Sydney
love to see such great article, as melbourne hostel life is most charming life ever, there are some common myth about hostel i.e; safety, dirty or dank and drunk environments etc but these are not liable and just myths. yhe thing that matter is just that you choose