The Backpacker’s Guide To Byron Bay Hostels

Backpacking in Byron is a breeze with these hostels.

The best Byron Bay hostels are those with convivial communal areas, clean and tidy surrounds and proximity to the region’s sparkling beaches. While some travellers consider a hostel a place to party and make friends, others might see their accommodation as simply a crash pad while they tick off all the best things to do in Byron.

The northern NSW’s town is located about nine hours’ drive from Sydney and getting here makes for an adventurous road trip. Whether you’re in Byron to surf, hike the hinterland or are partial to a post-BluesFest bar crawl, you’ll find something to suit in our list of Byron Bay hostels. The hostels are on the lands of the Arakwal people, Minjungbal people and Widjabul people of Bundjalung Country.

1. Aquarius Backpackers

It’s not the age of Aquarius. But that doesn’t stop backpackers in Byron trying to expand their consciousness through meditation, yoga, fire twirling and bongo drums. Aquarius Backpackers is one of the best hostels in town, just one block back from Main Beach.

It’s a place to slow down and chill out, with a rooftop bar, sparkling pool, onsite cafe, laundry facilities and pool table. The hostel has en suite motel rooms as well as dorm rooms for those who want to socialise and are okay with a shared space.

the property exterior of Aquarius Backpackers — Stay for the night at Aquarius Backpackers.

2. The Arts Factory Lodge

The Arts Factory Lodge , as the name suggests, is a popular Byron Bay hostel historically aimed at creative types who enjoy live music. You’ll find backpackers from around the world at this hip hostel, many with a penchant for high-waisted corduroy jeans and bowl cuts, as long as they’re ironic.

a didge pit at The Arts Factory Lodge — Make your own Didgeridoo at The Arts Factory Lodge.

Although quite a bit has changed at the hippie-friendly hostel that has been around since the 70s, it remains a place aimed at those wanting to support the local arts scene. Join the push of bodies bopping at live performances, hang out by the pool, keep up your yoga practice and bunker down in a range of spaces, from private tipis to dorms and shared bungalows.

the pool at The Arts Factory Lodge, Byron Bay — Swim a few laps in the expansive pool.

3. Wake Up Byron Bay

This happening hostel is a popular hub for travellers to this seaside suburb. Wake Up Byron Bay offers a range of accommodation, from private rooms to stylish shared spaces, all of which have undergone a stunning renovation in the past few years.

the property exterior at Wake Up Byron Bay — Wake Up Byron Bay is an ideal choice for solo or group backpackers.

The hostel is conveniently located near the beach, so you can return liquid-limbed after a day paddling for waves. Wake Up reads more like a resort than a backpacker’s hostel, with air-conditioned rooms, bright and breezy communal spaces, a buzzy restaurant and bar. There’s also daily yoga classes on offer.

lush greenery surrounding Wake Up Byron Bay — Stay in a tropical oasis at the heart of Byron Bay.

4. The Surf House

The Surf House could very easily rest on its laurels given its locale just a few blocks back from the beach. Instead, the renovated backpacker’s hostel continues to operate on the premise that it seems to truly care about its guests.

the living space interior at The Surf House — Stop by The Surf House before exploring Byron Bay.

Formerly named the Byron Bay Beach Hostel, it has housed thousands of would-be surfers over the years and its new look makes it one of the best places to stay in Byron Bay. Borrow a board for free and join the crew of local soul surfers to chase waves at The Pass, Tallows and Belongil, three of the best places to catch waves in Byron. There are both shared and private rooms, as well as a stunning open-air rooftop bar.

The Surf House in Byron Bay — The Surf House is a backpacker favourite.

5. YHA Byron Bay

Looking for an affordable holiday with the family? Or a wallet-friendly weekend away with mates? Look no further than the YHA Byron Bay, a great spot to stay and play in Byron Bay. Close to the seaside village’s best cafes, restaurants and beaches, it’s also perfectly located.

a top view of the pool at Byron YHA — Sunbathe by the pool in Byron YHA.

Sure, there’s a range of luxe holiday homes where you can stay in style and comfort. But if you want to snip away at your mortgage or save some cash to splash on your travels, then this is the hostel of your dreams. It’s comfortable, clean and in prime position to zigzag from the beach to the main strip of shops and back.

people enjoying at the pool in Byron YHA — Spend laid-back afternoons on the sun loungers at Byron YHA.

6. Backpackers Inn on the Beach

Backpackers Inn does what it says on the tin. The Inn is also one of the ‘in’ place to stay in Byron Bay, especially if you enjoy interaction with other travellers. Spend your days curled up in one of the many hammocks overlooking the tropical grounds. Or walk the 500 metres into the centre of town to check out what’s on.

The hostel is perfectly positioned near the beach and has secure dorm accommodation as well as private rooms where you can station yourself over summer. There’s a barbecue, outdoor dining, a communal area and fully equipped kitchen where you can cook up a fresh feed from ingredients procured at the local farmers’ market.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

The backpacker’s guide to Byron Bay hostels