Accommodation options in Australia can be really overwhelming, so I found the best options for hostels and hotels so that you don't have to!
This guide is all you will need to choose and book your hostels up the East Coast! With honest and real recommendations for different options, check out these hostels to plan your trip!
I travelled Australia's East Coast from south to north, flying into Melbourne and out from Cairns.
Depending on your next destination this is a really good option as it’s possible to find direct flights from Cairns to Singapore!
In this guide, I'll include all the accommodation that I stayed in, with an honest review, and then share some other options that have good recommendations. Check out the information included, and if you're booking then please use the links provided here!
Melbourne
We loved Melbourne, it had a really nice chilled vibe but soooo much to do! The public transport is excellent and cheap, so getting around is really easy.
We stayed with friends in Melbourne, so these hostels all come from real recommendations within the travelling community!
Where to stay
Melbourne CBD is a great place to stay as it is well-connected and close to the action. Here are the best budget options!
With an excellent location, this budget dormitory option is a sociable choice for those looking to meet people! Breakfast is also included, which is a great benefit.
A slightly more expensive option (although still affordable), the perfect location and great set-up of this place makes it well worth the extra dollars. Private rooms are also available here.
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St. Kilda is another good option for areas to stay, with lots of backpackers choosing to base themselves there.
The location for this hostel is unbelievable, with less than 1-minutes walk to the beach! Lots of activities are offered (free and paid) and the kitchen is well-equipped. Dorms and private rooms are available. They also offer free surfboard hire!
This hostel would be my top choice for accommodation if I was to revisit Gold Coast. The location is excellent, the communal spaces are great and the price is also very affordable, especially considering all of the free activities that are included. Mixed dorms and some privates are available.
These apartments are a good option if you are in a group, with flats sleeping 2-4 people. It was great for us to have a bit of space, with a washing machine, kitchen, swimming pool and spa! If you're a solo traveller, I do not recommend.
If you're looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do it. With great facilities and location, if you're wanting to stretch the budget during your stay in Gold Coast, this is the way to go!
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Brisbane
Such a buzzing city, be sure to spend a good few days checking out Brisbane!
This hostel was fine, but if I'm being honest I think it would be easy to find better options. The dorms and bathrooms are big and clean, with enough space, but the kitchen is cramped, and the free breakfast rarely materialises. The rooftop area is excellent for a sunset drink, however!
With it's rooftop pool, large clean kitchen, and wide variety of room types to choose from, this would be my top choice on returning to Brisbane. The value here is incredible!
This apartment was INCREDIBLE but only really viable if you are 3+ people. The value (when sharing cost) is amazing, and the apartment itself was so nice, with a pool, great kitchen, washing machines and generally a good homely feel.
If you're after a hostel, this should be your top choice. With a free breakfast, a pool, free surfboards and a number of other perks, the pros to Flashpackers are endless. Private rooms are also available but the price shoots up a fair bit.
Home to the famous Bingo Night, this lively hostel is a great option for those looking to party. It is slightly cheaper than Flashpackers, but the quality reflects this too. The volleyball court and the attached bar give it a great atmosphere!
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Hervey Bay (Fraser Island)
We stayed for the night here before our Fraser Island trip, as it’s the closest Greyhound bus stop to the start of the island tours.
For a one night stay, this hostel does the job. The owner is slightly eccentric, and the rooms, common area and kitchen are cosy (small). It's the cheapest option so the value is very good.
This is the best place to stay for backpackers when visiting Hervey Bay. With shuttles to the Greyhound bus stop, a tour desk, swimming pool and free social events, if this place is available, then book it!
For a bit of luxury, this hotel is great value considering all that it includes. The attached restaurant as well as the swimming pool make it a great option for those wanting to chill out in the hotel.
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Bundaberg
We stayed in Bundaberg for a couple of nights just to visit the turtle sanctury.
Although not currently taking bookings through booking.com, this motel was a great option if you're planning on visiting the turtles as it is a walking distance from the site. You need to take a taxi from the town centre though.
This is the best motel option for those wanting to stay near the centre, but be aware that for visiting the turtles you will need to arrange transport of some kind. The value is good considering the facilities offered, so it's worth spending the extra money on this place.
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Mackay
For some great nature, go check out Mackay! We saw wallabies on the beach at sunrise, and did some cool hikes.
One of the only hostels in the area, this is definitely top choice for those travelling alone, or wanting to be more social. Location, price and recommendations are all good. Privates are also available.
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Airlie Beach
This is where the Whitsundays boat trips all leave from, but is in itself a nice place to visit. We stayed for a couple of days before our boat.
This is definitely the best accommodation option in Airlie Beach. The price is great, kitchen & social areas are clean and spacious, and the rooms (both private and dorms) are excellent. I would stay here again!
If the YHA is fully booked, or if you want a more upmarket stay, this is the best option. Location is good, and they offer BBQ facilities, and a volleyball court, to trump the YHA.
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Townsville
This is the closest town for visiting Magnetic Island, which can be done in a day or for an overnight trip.
If the Civic is fully booked, this is the next best thing. Decently priced and with a good location, the free pool table could potentially make up for the lack of kitchen, depending on your priorities!
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Magnetic Island
What an amazing place to visit! This was one of the best parts of our east coast trip - 3 days was perfect for us!
The location, price, kitchen and pool table makes this place one of my favourite hostels on this blog. The staff are lovely and you also have access to the pool in the nearby bar. Definitely recommend a stay here!
For a livelier vibe and more events and social activities, this is the place to go! The price is reasonable compared to similar options elsewhere, so if you're looking to party, then this is the best option.
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Cairns
The final stop on our East Coast trip, and a good base for some day trips to the rainforest, give yourself a couple of nights in Cairns.
In an excellent location, the social areas of this hostel are unrivalled, with huge lounge spaces, kitchen and bathrooms. Their capacity is huge and the attached bar is great fun too.
The famous Gilligan's is Cairns' favourite party hostel. It's great fun and very sociable, and has numerous facilities, as well as offering some private rooms.
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Thanks!
I hope you've found this blog useful, and have an excellent trip to Australia! Note that booking ahead is a good idea in Australia, especially if you're going in peak season!
Travel insurance
Going on a trip? Don’t forget to buy your travel insurance; I use SafetyWing which is the best option out there. It’s super flexible as it’s a rolling monthly subscription, so you can cancel or extend whenever! It also covers all manner of activities, so whatever you’re up to, you’re covered! And the best part is that with this link it’s $10 off your first month!!
Travelling the world and living the dream on a budget🎒🌎✨☀️
I'm currently on month 18 of my ‘gap year’…. and no plans (yet) to go home! I’ve been exploring Asia, New Zealand, Australia and South America on this trip, which has been an amazing variety of things to see and do. My main travel style is adventure budget backpacking, and I'd love to help share all my tips with you!!
I love the great outdoors, sunshine, beaches, the sea, not to mention the best part about travel - new food and new people!
