The backpacker’s guide to Byron Bay hostels

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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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.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Byron’s newest boutique stay is here – and with rates from $70, it won’t break the bank

    Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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    The coastal stay redefining affordable accommodation.

    After successfully launching seven smaller stays along the east coast, boutique brand Drifter has opened its first full accommodation experience in Australia. And while the elevated offering is remarkable in its own right, its location really seals the deal.

    The location

    Originally launched last year in Christchurch, New Zealand, Drifter has skyrocketed in popularity among travellers seeking a boutique stay on a budget. Due to this success, the company quickly crossed the ditch to open seven Little Drifter properties – four in Sydney, two in Melbourne and one each in Canberra and Cairns.

    Drifter hotel in Byron Bay, NSW
    The boutique Drifter brand has finally landed in Byron Bay.

    Now, its first full-scale operation has opened its doors in one of Australia’s trendiest beach towns – Byron Bay. Situated a 200-metre walk from Main Beach and just around the corner from the bustling town centre, the property has managed to claim prime real estate.

    Guests have the entire beachside locale at their fingertips. Spend your morning by the sea before grabbing some top-quality coffee and wandering between boutique shops touting handmade wares. Or enjoy a sleep-in and relax throughout the day before an early dinner at one of Byron’s best restaurants, then head back to Drifter for a good night’s sleep.

    The accommodation

    With neighbours like Basq House , Hotel Marvell and Crystalbrook Byron , Drifter joins an impressive line-up that makes picking a place to rest your head way more difficult than it needs to be. So what makes it stand out? The answer is actually pretty simple: good looks, good vibes and seriously good value.

    Drifter takes a hotel-meets-hostel approach, where community, connection and affordability meet sleek design, modern facilities and most importantly, privacy. Don’t let the ‘hostel’ label fool you – this is a truly boutique hotel with all the mod-cons to match, just paired with the lively and social spirit often associated with cheaper stays.

    “From the beginning, Drifter was about redefining the idea of accommodation so that it’s as memorable as the destination itself. To do this, Drifter properties elevate the accommodation experience into something design-led and experience-rich to facilitate connection with others,” says Drifter co-founder, Hugh Stephenson.

    “We’re not trying to be just another hotel or hostel; we’re creating a better version of both, and Byron Bay is the perfect place for that idea to thrive. It’s a destination already known for culture, music, surfing and wellness, and we’ve built a property in Drifter Byron Bay that mirrors that energy.”

    Drifter hotel in Byron Bay, NSW
    Those seeking peace and privacy can book the king penthouse suite.

    Those staying at the 52-room, 260-bed hotel have complete control over what their holiday looks like. Social butterflies will love Drifter’s blended share rooms – but that doesn’t mean bunking with strangers is your only option.

    Choose from twin shares for two, lively 10-bed set-ups, or something in between. Whether you’re travelling with mates or flying solo, there’s a fit for every style. If a quiet retreat is more your speed, you’re covered for private rooms too, from a cosy double-bed suite to the indulgent king penthouse.

    Drifter’s stunning rooftop area acts as the beating heart of the hotel. Offering views across one of Byron’s best beaches, you’ll find a seven-metre pool complete with expansive sun deck, DJ booth and the Revel Room, a communal space for games and movie screenings. The property also features a fully equipped guest kitchen, individual fridge storage, an open reception with lounges and workspaces for business on the go.

    The details

    Drifter is located at 1 Lateen Lane in Byron Bay on NSW’s North Coast. The hotel is now taking reservations, with opening rates starting at $70 per night for a bed in a shared suite or $220 per night for a private room. Guests with accessibility needs should contact Drifter ahead of booking to confirm room availability.

    While there’s no on-site car park, nearby Middleton and Lawson streets have free on-street parking. The local council has also put together a handy guide to both free and paid parking sites across town.