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 hippie town is located about nine hours’ drive from Sydney and getting here makes for an adventurous road trip. Whether you’re in Byron to learn to surf, walk or hike the Hinterland or are partial to a post BluesFest bar crawl, you will 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 Bay trying to expand their consciousness through meditation, yoga, fire twirling and bongo drums. Aquarius Backpackers is one of the best Byron Bay hostels, just one block back from Main Beach and with a pool, bar and grill and onsite cafe, too.

It’s a place to slow down, and chill out with a rooftop bar, daily happy hour and free dinner every night you book to stay between September and May. The hostel has ensuite motel rooms as well as dorm rooms for those who want to socialise and are okay with a shared space.

Stay for the night at Aquarius Backpackers.

Best for: Keen surfers who want proximity to the Main Beach.

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 Byron Bay hostel, many with a penchant for high-waisted corduroy jeans and bowl cuts, as long as they’re ironic.

Make your own Didgeridoo at The Arts Factory Lodge.

Although quite a bit has changed at the hippie-friendly hostel that has been in existence since the 1970s, it remains a place aimed at those wanting to support the local arts scene. Join the push of bodies bopping out at live performances, hang out by the pool, keep up your yoga practise and bunker down in a range of stay spaces from private tipis to dorms and shared bungalows.

Swim a few laps in the expansive pool.

Best for: Sitting with your noodly legs dangling in the pool while vibing on Byron’s backpacker scene.

3. Wake Up Byron Bay

This happening hostel is a popular hub for travellers to Byron Bay. It offers a range of accommodation from private rooms to stylish shared spaces, all of which have undergone a recent renovation.  Wake Up Byron Bay has hostels in both Byron Bay and Bondi.

Wake Up Byron Bay is an ideal choice for solo or group backpackers.

Surfing is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay and Wake Up Byron Bay is conveniently located so you can return all liquid-limbed after a day paddling for waves. The hostel 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 free yoga and fitness classes on offer.

Stay in a tropical oasis at the heart of Byron Bay.

Best for: Spending your days in Byron Bay in a giddy, Groundhog Day haze: eat, sleep, surf, repeat.

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 in Byron Bay. Instead, the renovated backpacker’s hostel continues to operate on the premise that it seems to truly care about its guests.

Stop by The Surf House before exploring Byron Bay.

The Surf House, formerly Byron Bay Beach Hostel, 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.

The Surf House is a backpacker favourite.

Join the crew of the local Soul Surf School to chase waves at The Pass, Tallows and Belongil, three of the best places to catch waves in Byron Bay. The Surf House, in the Heritage-listed former Byron Bay Council Chambers, offers a Surf and Stay package that includes daily lessons and a range of modern private and shared rooms.

Lay your head on the soft pillows at The Surf House.

Best for: Enjoying a bit of frivolity at Byron Bay’s only rooftop bar.

5. YHA Byron Bay

Looking for an affordable holiday in Byron Bay with the family? Or a wallet-friendly girls’ weekend away?  The YHA Byron Bay will also be a suitable spot to stay and play.

Sunbathe by the pool in Byron YHA.

This youth hostel is a great place to stay if you’re a backpacker visiting Byron Bay. Close to the seaside village’s best cafes, restaurants and beaches, YHA Byron Bay is perfectly located.

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 down the East Coast then this is the Byron Bay backpacker 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.

Spend laid-back afternoons on the sun loungers at Byron YHA.

Best for: Extending your gap year by choosing budget-friendly backpacker accommodation in Byron Bay.

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 like a comma in one of the many hammocks overlooking the tropical grounds. Or walk the 500 metres into the centre of the surfie town, to check out its many bars and restaurants.

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 BBQ, 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.

Best for: The resident surf camp on offer run by Byron Bay Surf School.