So... which are the best hostels in Melbourne? Obviously 'best' is subjective because it totally depends what you're looking for in a hostel. Do you want to party or just chill? Do you want to spend loads of time on the internet or would you prefer to explore the town?
There are numerous things backpackers prioritise when choosing a place to stay. I've been a solo traveller, travelled as part of a couple, been a 'bit' of a party animal and spent time needing a quiet space to work as a digital nomad. With these types of backpacker in mind my recommendations for the best Melbourne hostels have been categorised below.
Best Hostels in Melbourne
Best Melbourne Hostels for Solo Travellers
Solo travelling can be a bit daunting but as soon as you start to meet other backpackers it gets a lot easier. When you're new to backpacking, and travelling alone, it's a good idea to look for hostels which have great communal areas and which encourage socialising.
Base St Kilda
If you fancy staying in the beautiful Melbourne suburb of St Kilda then Base St Kilda is perfect for solo travellers. It also holds walking tours, this time around St Kilda and visiting the famous Brighton Beach Boxes. Red Eye Bar has loads of stuff going on as well as fantastic meal and drink specials. Base St Kilda also has great communal areas, perfect for making new friends.
- Dorms & Privates
- Wifi (Free in common areas)
- Red Eye Bar
Distance from beach 200m!
Best Melbourne Hostels for Solo Travellers
Best Cheap Hostels in Melbourne
The word cheap sometimes has negative connotations, but really I'm just talking about good value for money. These Melbourne hostels are still of a great standard, they're just a little bit cheaper than most. And those few dollars you save can make a hell of a difference to a backpacker.
All Nations Hostel
Not only is All Nations located very centrally, very close to Southern Cross Station, it has a great bar with nightly activities. Even though it's one of the cheapest hostels to stay at in Melbourne there are loads of freebies included; free walking tours of Melbourne, free pasta and rice and a free pancake breakfast every morning!
- Dorms & Privates
- Wifi
- UBar
Distance from town Southern Cross Station - 300m / Flinders St Staion - 1km
Cheap Hostels in Melbourne
Nomads St Kilda Beach
Nomads St Kilda Beach has a lot of history, it's one of the longest serving hostels in Melbourne (under various names) but still has lots of modern facilities including their amazing pod style beds. There's also a fantastic rooftop space which is great for BBQ's, beer pong contests or just sunbathing! Included in the price is 24 hour free wifi in the common areas and free food on their 'family nights'. So cheap with lots of extras included.
- Dorms & Privates
- Wifi
- Bar (opening soon)
Distance from beach 1km
Cheap Melbourne Hostels
Best Party Hostels in Melbourne
Sometimes we just want to go out every night and have a load of fun with other backpackers. The city of Melbourne has some great nightlife which should definitely be experienced, but if you fancy a few drinks before going into town or just can't be bothered to venture into town one night then it's time to visit the bar at your hostel.
Backpacker bars are slightly different to your usual bar as they're geared up to help you meet other travellers through silly games, competitions or pumping nights with a DJ or live band. They often give you the opportunity to win some travel prizes or bar tabs as well, which is always welcome.
Base St Kilda
Red Eye Bar always has loads going on. From Boozy Bingo, Live DJ's, ladies nights, beer pong competitions... the list goes on. They also have some great meal and drink deals too. On Monday night why not try your chance at winning a $1000 cash jackpot?! Yes, really!
- Dorms & Privates
- Wifi (Free in common areas)
- Red Eye Bar - Party Central!
Distance from beach 200m!
Best Party Hostels in Melbourne
Best Hostels in Melbourne for Digital Nomads
Are you a vlogger or blogger? If so then you'll need to stay somewhere with good internet access and probably somewhere that doesn't have a heap of distractions. These Melbourne hostels are great for those of us who are Digital Nomads.
Barkly Backpackers
There are pros and cons to staying here if you're a digital nomad. They have computers you can use if your laptop dies and unlimited free wifi, but they don't have a huge amount of communal space as it's a very small hostel. So you may have to work with your headphones on in your dorm room (there are no private rooms).
- Dorms
- Wifi
- No Bar
Distance from town Southern Cross Station - 6km / Flinders St Station - 5.5km
Best Melbourne Hostels for 'older' backpackers
As we get a little older, no matter how much we want to party every night, our bodies might not agree with us. Sometimes you just want a bit of peace and quiet rather than a night of Wet T Shirt contests and Jager trains.
Melbourne Metro YHA
No bar and out of the central city means that Melbourne Metro YHA is perfect for older backpackers wanting a good nights sleep with fewer backpackers crawling into their room a bit tipsy late at night.
- Dorms & Privates
- Wifi
- No Bar
Distance from town Southern Cross Station - 2.1km / Flinders St Station - 2.7km
City Centre Budget Hotel
Not a hostel as such but a small family run hotel which is great for those on a budget who want to get away from young backpackers for a little while but still have some backpacker facilities such as laundry facilities and a shared kitchen.
- Privates / Singles
- Wifi
- No Bar
Distance from town Southern Cross Station - 1.8km / Flinders St Station - 1km
The conclusion.... There's a hostel for every type of traveller in Melbourne!
