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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

The backpacker’s guide to Byron Bay hostels