8 best hostels in Melbourne

Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria and Australia's second largest, is your ticket to exploring a stunning natural landscape and bustling city centre filled with cultural and historical attractions. Situated on the bank of the Yarra River, tourists visiting the city have an abundance of activities available at their fingertips. Melbourne offers everything from windsurfing to biking making it the optimal destination for adventure seekers, and its rich multicultural setting leaves plenty to do for those who want a more tame vacation.

One thing is for sure, during your trip to Melbourne you won't be spending much time inside which is why we recommend booking a hostel in Melbourne as opposed to an Airbnb property or hotel. Not only are they more budget friendly, but when you return at the end of each day you'll be greeted by a welcoming social atmosphere that is great for solo travelers or those looking to have fun.

Remember that anytime you need to store your bags in Melbourne you can go to the nearest Bounce luggage storage facility. We've even partnered up with a few Melbourne hostels making our services easily accessible and convenient for those visiting the city.

Selina St Kilda Melbourne

This United Backpackers Melbourne hostel has a great location in the heart of St Kilda, a stylish beachside neighborhood that has plenty of trendy boutiques and dining opportunities. The St Kilda Pier and waterfront are easily accessible from here and there is always something happening at the beach, and with nearby attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park, there are plenty of reasons to stay outside. On Sundays, you can browse the lively markets, and the exciting Luna Park is just a short way away.

The hostel features both shared and private rooms plus amenities like free wifi, a shared kitchen, tour desk, and CoWork area. Bounce luggage storage is also offered here and at Selina's other location in central Melbourne.

What makes Selina St Kilda Melbourne unique

Selina St Kilda Melbourne has some extra perks that will make your stay even more special, including a rooftop terrace and bar where live music is often played, a wellness deck, a cinema room and a restaurant on site. They also host mindfulness sessions in the morning to get you prepared for the day ahead.

Selina St Kilda Melbourne pricing

Lodging at Selina St Kilda Melbourne in their 12 bed community room starts at A$51.00 per night, but if you want more luxurious accommodation you can stay in their private suite room for A$187.00.

Melbourne Central YHA

Conveniently situated in the city centre, YHA Central Melbourne is your gateway to everything the town has to offer. Some of the nearby tourist attractions include the Eureka Skydeck, Federation Square, and Melbourne Aquarium. With plenty of colorful alleyways dotted with bars and cafes and decorated with street art, you'll never get bored walking around the area.

Take your pick from private or shared mixed and gendered rooms with linen, towels, reading light and free wifi available in each one. The hostel also features a BBQ and kitchen, and all of the guests can take advantage of Bounce luggage storage to keep their belongings safe.

What makes Melbourne Central YHA unique

This awesome hostel has a TV lounge, rooftop terrace and balcony where you can mingle with other travelers. The bar and cafe will provide you with tasty snacks and drinks, and fun events like trivia night, walking tours, pub crawls, table tennis tournaments and more happen regularly.

Melbourne Central YHA pricing

The average nightly price for a bunk bed in a 4 person shared room is A$66.20, and a private twin room at Melbourne Central YHA starts at A$220.00.

Flinders Backpackers

As hinted at in its name, this hostel in Melbourne is located close to Flinders Street Station which makes it a great choice for those who want to explore the entire city. There are several attractions close by as well, including Federation Square, South Bank and The Melbourne Museum.

Aside from being known as one of the cheapest hostels in Melbourne, Flinders is also one of the most social. It's a party hostel so don't expect many early nights. Comfortable beds, free wifi, a large communal kitchen and friendly staff are available at your disposal. They have a variety of private rooms to choose from as well as small, large and female only dorms.

What makes Flinders Backpackers unique

Everyone who has stayed at Flinders always raves about the incredible free continental breakfast buffet complete with unlimited pancakes and a good selection of cereal and bread. Free dinners happen weekly, as well as free walking tours and social events like movie nights in the large TV common room. On Fridays, enjoy Goon Punch cocktails and there is always something going on at the on site bar and restaurant.

Flinders Backpackers pricing

The cheapest accommodation at Flinders is in their dorm rooms which will cost about A$50.00 per night. You can also stay in a twin or double private room with an ensuite bathroom for just A$150.00.

Melbourne City Backpackers

Solo travelers who are looking for a welcoming and homey place to stay will find this is the best Melbourne hostel for that ambiance, and it's very affordable as well. Located on King Street, you'll be within walking distance of Southern Cross Station and since it's situated inside the free tram zone you can reach lots of cool places for cheap (or free!).

Take your pick between private and shared accommodation with both mixed and women only rooms that are suitable for female solo travellers. The hostel includes free wifi, air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and each dorm bed has its own reading light.

What makes Melbourne City Backpackers unique

This location has lots of extra perks that many cheap hostels don't have. Guests here can enjoy free breakfast, nice lounge areas where you can socialize, and fun events that will help you make friends. They host movie nights, BBQ nights and more, and free popcorn and drinks are often included as well.

Melbourne City Backpackers pricing

This is the perfect place for budget backpackers with dorm rooms starting at A$39.00 and a triple private room costing just A$160.00.

Summer House Backpackers

Summer House is an extension of a hotel and a great way for travelers to take advantage of nice but inexpensive accommodations. It has a great location in St Kilda next to the tram, train and bus so you can get anywhere with ease, and Acland Street, the Esplanade and Luna Park are all found within the area.

Mixed and female only dorms are available as well as private rooms for those who would rather have their own space. Dorms sleep 4, 6 or 8 and each has private bathrooms, and other amenities include double power sockets, storage lockers, laundry facilities, a fully stocked kitchen, free wifi, and a travel desk.

What makes Summer House Backpackers unique

This location dominates the hostel scene when it comes to freebies; guests can enjoy a welcome drink, pancakes every Sunday, and BBQ nights on Monday all at no extra charge. They have a wonderful flat screen TV and games common room with books and DVDs, and a roof terrace where live music and entertainment are put on. You'll also get fabulous discounts on food and refreshments in the on site bars.

Summer House Backpackers pricing

A shared room at this backpacker hostel starts at A$45.00, and private twin or double rooms are priced at about A$108.00 per night.

The Mansion Melbourne Hostel

Located in the trendy and artistic area of Northside Melbourne, you can take advantage of the free tram zone to explore all over the Melbourne CBD if you stay here. Close by is the Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown and Federation Square. Unlike the lively party hostels, this property provides a calm and tame atmosphere so that you can get a good night's rest, but that doesn't mean it isn't a fun place to stay and it has a very friendly staff.

Included amenities are a kitchen, free wifi, fans or air conditioning in summer and cozy heating in the winter. Dorm rooms have thick mattresses, privacy curtains, individual power sockets and reading lights. They have shared dorms as well as a room reserved for women, and small or large private rooms.

What makes The Mansion Melbourne Hostel unique

This hostel is situated in a beautiful heritage listed building that boasts incredible high ceilings and stunning stained glass windows. On site, there is a bar and cafe that works as a great place to meet fellow travelers.

The Mansion Melbourne Hostel pricing

This attractive hostel prices their accommodation at about A$40.00 for a spot in their largest dorm, and you can also stay in comfy twin private rooms for about A$109.00 per night.

Space Hotel

This modern hostel is the perfect mix between upscale and budget accommodation, and despite its name, it's not only a hotel. They offer a range of rooms that suit all kinds of travelers like dorms of different sizes, a female only twin shared room, as well as private ensuites. Cook your own meals in their kitchen or on the BBQ, wash all your clothes in the laundry room and take advantage of the travel desk to plan outings.

Finding something to do isn't difficult with nearby attractions like the Old Melbourne Gaol Museum, the State Library Victoria and the Queen Victoria Market which are easily all accessible from here.

What makes Space Hotel unique

This location has what most hostels don't; a fantastic rooftop spa where you can relax and hang out with other guests after a full day of sightseeing. They also have an on site bar and restaurant, a gym, a cinema room, a games room, and a lounge.

Space Hotel pricing

The average nightly price for staying in a dorm room at Space Hotel is A$52.25. Looking for a bit more space? You can also get a queen or family ensuite for A$227.05 per night.

The Village Melbourne

This recently refurbished location is said to be one of the best party hostels in Melbourne. They have limited free wifi, a large gallery kitchen and dining area that guests can use, several laundry rooms and air conditioning. Their rooms sleep between 2 and 18 guests making it a good option for solo travelers, couples or groups.

There are a few landmarks located nearby including the Queen Victoria Market, and with the Melbourne Central Station a short distance away, there is nowhere in the city that is off limits.

What makes The Village Melbourne unique

The chill out areas are the place to be when you want to have fun and make friends, some of which are equipped with a pool table, board games and table tennis. The hostel also has a bar, its own underground nightclub and an activity centre so you'll always have plenty of things to do.

The Village Melbourne pricing

The cheapest accommodation at this hostel is in the large dorm room which will cost you about A$52.50 per night. Want your own room instead? At The Village Melbourne, their double rooms are priced at A$225.00.

Save money while visiting Melbourne

After seeing all of these great options and their extra amenities, you're probably ready to find a cheap hostel for your next trip to Melbourne. Finding the best hostel for you will be easy once you determine where in the city you want to stay and what kind of things you want to do, but narrowing down your travel itinerary can be difficult.

No need to worry because we've written informative guides to help you learn more about traveling in the city and the different attractions that it has to offer. Read these articles on 3 Days in Melbourne: Everything You Should Know and The Best Time to Visit Melbourne: The Ultimate Guide.