Come check in at a backpacker hostel accommodation in Australia

 

One Australian accommodation option to stay in while travelling or living and working in Australia is in a hostel. Backpacker hostel accommodation in Australia are a great option for anyone travelling in Australia on a budget. Australia has many hostels with most of them being in convenient and highly sought after locations. Hostels are not only in great locations but are good value, affordable and a great way to meet like-minded travellers. So why choose backpacker hostel accommodation in Australia? Here’s why explained in my hostel living – ultimate guide to backpacker hostel accommodation in Australia + hostel etiquette post.

 

Why Choose Backpacker Hostel Accommodation in Australia?

 

There are many accommodation options in Australia. So why choose backpacker hostel accommodation? Well, there are a number of reasons to choose hostel accommodation in Australia. Here are the pros and cons to staying in a backpacker hostel in Australia.

 

Pros of Staying in a Hostel

 

• Central Location

 

Most hostels in Australia are located in very convenient and sometimes sought after locations. You will find hostels EVERYWHERE. In the cities and towns, in strategic places such as famous beaches, in the outback, on tropical islands and in the ski fields. Many are in unique or purpose-built buildings. 

 

• Good Facilities

 

There is a lot of competition by Australian hostels to get your hard earned cash so they offer good facilities. There will be communal bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and a lounge area for you to share with all the other hostel guests. Some may have a cafe where you can get a cheap meal. Most provide free wifi in the common areas and some even have co-working spaces for digital nomads living and working around Australia. In Australia many hostels offer air conditioning for those scorching hot days, heating for the cold ones and some have pools.

 

• Choice of Accommodation Options

 

Yep, gone are the days of only getting a bed in a 20 bed dormitory (dorm) – though they still exist. You can now book a single, twin or double and family rooms. The cost to stay in a hostel in Australia will depend on how many you are sharing a bedroom with. Most dorm rooms have 4, 6, 8 or 12 people in the one room in bunk beds.

 

• Security in a Hostel – Are you safe staying in an Aussie Hostel?

 

Security is pretty good in a hostel. Many lock their doors at a particular time and you can only access the hostel with a key. And many now have a 24 hour receptionist. So you do feel secure in your home away from home. Sometimes, it is your fellow traveller you need to be wary of! I say this, as there are a lot of ‘cheap’ travellers out there and sometimes they ‘steal’ things like toiletries so they don’t have to buy any.

 

• Good Value for Money

 

The biggest advantage to staying in a hostel in Australia is they are good value for money. They are cheaper because you share your room and the facilities. 

 

• Excellent Way to Meet Like-minded Travellers

 

Hostels in Australia have people coming and going on a daily basis and they are from all around the world. They are a great way to meet other like-minded travellers. Travellers that could become a friend or provide valuable information.

 

Cons to Staying in a Hostel

 

As with everything, there are negatives to backpacker hostel living in Australia. Here are some of the cons to staying in a hostel:

• I’m not trying to put you off from choosing hostels but in some hostels, facilities may not be up to scratch and can be old, unkept and dirty – yep, they still exist. 

• Room mates may not be your cup of tea. There can be snorers, night owls and just seriously inconsiderate people. You health could suffer and you may need to look at other types of accommodation. There is hostel etiquette to be aware of to help you have a great stay in a hostel. 

 

Who Stays in a Backpacker Hostel in Australia?

Everyone person and their dog stays in backpacker hostel accommodation in Australia. Mostly overseas backpackers on a working holiday to Australia but also Aussies travelling their own country. Like Forest Gump with his box of chocolates, you never know truly what the hostel is going to be like or who you are going to get in your dorm room. This is why hostel etiquette is a must. Unfortunately, most of the rules are unwritten, they are common knowledge and only learnt when you stay in hostels regularly. Here are some of the golden rules of staying in Aussie hostels.

 

Tips for Choosing a Good Aussie Hostel

 

When you are choosing a hostel to stay in, consider how long your stay will be as this can influence what features you’d like your hostel to have. If staying for one or two nights you may just want a bed to sleep in. Any longer than a stay of 2 nights and you will want a hostel that provides you with all the facilities you need to enjoy your stay.

Before I book into a hostel, I like to do the following first:

• Read reviews of backpacker hostel accommodation in Australia on websites like Booking.com and HostelWorld. People are usually very honest with their reviews and this can influence your choice. I also look at the photos that are included on the website. The photos can give you a good feel about the place. Does the hostel look clean?
• One of the first things I check is the distance the hostel is to the centre of town. You may not be travelling Australia with your own vehicle so you will want your hostel to be close to all the town amenities. Believe me when I say, if you’ve been to the pub for a meal and a drink or two, the walk home will seem a long one!
• I check out the list of facilities the hostel offers. – Kitchen, shared bathroom, lounge room, free wifi, lockers in rooms, a pool (yep, in Darwin it was wonderful to jump in the pool after a long hard day sightseeing). Air conditioning – a definite must have if travelling in the summer months – nothing worse than being hot, sweaty and smelly in a bunk bed! Are there lights for each bed – they come in really useful.
• Does the hostel have a 24 hour receptionist – it is nice to see a welcoming face at the front counter!
• I decide on what atmosphere I’d prefer. From the description you can usually tell if the hostel is a party hostel or a quiet one. When words such as ‘homely’ and ‘noise curfew’ are used I presume it will be a quieter hostel. When I see words such as ‘weekly BBQ’ I presume it is a party hostel. Booking into the wrong type of hostel can be a negative experience.
• Does the hostel allow long-term stays? If you are working and living in a hostel you would hope you could stay long-term and at a discounted rate.
• Lastly, I confirm if the hostel allows Australian citizens stay. Unfortunately, there are some properties around the country that only take guests who have foreign passports. And I’m not sure why this is. Also, confirm if there is an age limit. Yep, some hostels only allow 18-35 year olds and some are adults-only properties and don’t allow kids.

 

Is Staying in Australian Hostels Safe?

 

I would say staying in backpacker hostel accommodation in Australia is safe. I have never had any safety concerns myself. However, be careful with your valuables and use your common sense. I like to travel with a lock and key so I can lock my stuff in the lockers.

 

Best Hostels in Australia

 

I have stayed in many hostels in Australia, both YHA (Youth Hostels Association) and non-YHA. Here are some of the best ones I’ve stayed in. As I haven’t stayed in every hostel in Australia I have included recommendations from friends on my list.

 

The Best Hostels in New South Wales

You just can’t beat this view from the top of Sydney Harbour YHA

 

Sydney Harbour YHA, Sydney – (you cannot beat the view from the balcony)
Noah’s Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach
Katoomba YHA (Blue Mountains)
Arts Factory Lodge, Byron Bay
Newcastle Beach YHA, Newcastle

 

The Best Hostels in Queensland

 

Brisbane City YHA, Brisbane
Bunk Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Noosa Heads YHA, Sunshine Coast
Gilligans Backpackers, Cairns
Bungalow Bay Koala Village, Magnetic Island

 

The Best Hostels in Victoria

 

YHA Melbourne Central, Melbourne
Apollo Bay Eco YHA, Apollo Bay, Great Ocean Road

 

The Best Hostels in South Australia

 

Adelaide Travellers Inn, Adelaide
Radeka Downunder, Coober Pedy

 

The Best Hostels in Western Australia

 

Hostel G, Perth
YHA Fremantle Prison, Fremantle
Busselton Backpackers, Busselton

 

The Best Hostels in the Northern Territory

 

Jump Inn, Alice Springs
Darwin YHA, Darwin
Uluru Backpackers Hostel, Uluru

 

The Best Hostels in Tasmania

 

The Nook Backpackers, Hobart
Launceston Backpackers, Launceston

 

Hostel Etiquette – The Golden Rules of Staying in a Hostel

 

I love staying in backpacker hostels when travelling Australia and I can’t emphasise enough the positives of a hostel stay. However, it only stays a positive experience when hostel etiquette is adhered to. Yep, if you haven’t stayed in a hostel before, you will discover there is a whole bunch of unwritten rules for when staying in a hostel. And you don’t want to become that person that is remembered for bad behaviour! Word can get around.

Here is my list of tips to help you meet hostel etiquette during your Aussie hostel stays. As I just mentioned, most of these rules are unwritten rules so not all people adhere to them. Here’s a quick overview of the do’s and don’ts of hostel living in Australia to ensure you know your hostel etiquette. I have divided the etiquette suggestions into the different areas of the hostel – bedrooms and communal areas.

 

Bedroom Hostel Etiquette

 

Be Quiet in the Bedroom

Being quiet should be high on your backpacker hostel etiquette. Bedrooms are the quiet areas of a hostel. Bedrooms or dormitories have varying number of beds in them. From 2, 4, 6, 8 or more. You don’t have to tip toe around during the day. It is alright to talk to people in the dorm room however, keep it quiet, particularly if it is after 10pm at night. And particularly when you are in a large dorm room. This is because in many cases, lights will already be off and some people will be sleeping as they may be leaving early the next day either to sightsee for the day or possibly to work. So be mindful if you have been out drinking to be as quiet as you can. If you are the one sleeping it ain’t fun being woken up by someone making a loud commotion. If you want to chat loudly, go to the common areas.

Ways to be Quiet

• Use earphones to listen to music
• Whisper when talking
• Pack the night before so you aren’t searching for items in the morning
• Don’t let your alarm continuously ring in the morning
• Don’t be drunk and loud
• Stay out of other people’s room unless specifically invited in

 

No Bonking

Yes, I’ve put bonking in the bedroom separate to being quiet in the bedroom, although they do go together. But I felt this topic, needs its own section. Why? Well, I think it is pretty obvious. It is just downright rude to have sex in front of everyone you are sharing the room with. No-one has paid to be put into this situation. You should go find a quiet and private spot if you want to have sex with someone.

 

Keep all Your Things Together

 

There is limited space in hostel bedrooms which means you cannot spread your things out. Australian hostels usually have lockers in the rooms – I always try to book a hostel with lockers. You should have your own locker space to keep your stuff in. Don’t spread it out over the floor because you will annoy your roommates. If you are needing to dry clothes or towels, do them in a laundry dryer. However, if you cannot find one, ask your bunkmate if they don’t mind you hanging them up from the bed rails.

 

Pack the Night Before You Leave

 

If you are leaving the hostel the next day ensure you pack the night before. One of the biggest annoyances from other travellers is when they don’t pack their bags the night before but wait till the morning. And you have to put up with zippers zipping, plastic bags rustling and growns as gear is forced into luggage because it doesn’t quite fit. Just pack the night before so you aren’t told to ‘shut-up’ and ‘f…. Off’ out of the room. And don’t turn the light on if you cannot see.

 

Charging Your Tech Gear

 

Most of us travel with tech gear – a phone, lap top, powerbank, camera etc. If you need to charge you tech gear, charge them, and remove your items from the charging ports. Don’t hog them as other people will need to charge their tech gear too. And don’t take up all the charging points. Plugging in all your devices at once so no one else can charge theirs is a big no, no. Don’t be a jerk – you are sharing the space, so share.

 

TIP: Travel with a power board so you only take up one power point.

 

Keep the Lights Off

 

Most Aussie hostels provide a personal light or lamp with each bed. This is great for when the main bedroom light is turned off. Yep, some hostels have a main light curfew which can be around 10pm! This is the time for sleep, however, if you need a bit of light, you use your lamp. And don’t try to move it to shine it at other people – that is annoying!

 

TIP: Travel with a headlamp, that way you can see in the dark.

 

Hostel Etiquette in the Hostel Common Rooms

 

There are three main hostel common areas – the kitchen, the bathroom and the lounge area.

 

Hostel Bathroom Etiquette

 

Everyone uses the bathroom and no-one likes walking into a bathroom to find hair in the sink, poop stuck to the toilet bowl or something scummy on the shower floor. And even though hostels are cleaned everyday, It isn’t that hard to clean up after yourself in these situations. Don’t treat it as if you are the only one using it. Ensure to take all your things back to your room as your belongings just might be used by others or worse, stolen. And don’t hog the bathroom as others need to use it too. Be a considerate guest and get in and out of the bathroom as quickly as possible.

 

Hostel Kitchen Etiquette

Who wants to walk into a messy hostel kitchen?

 

Many hostels have a communal kitchen. And it is up to the individuals using the kitchen and its utensils to keep everything clean and tidy. Just like the bathroom, it is not fair to walk in to other hostel guests messes they have left behind. It is just so inconsiderate. Plus, after covid-19 many wonder if everything has been properly cleaned after each use. I would suggest you wash things before you use them. So while you are using the kitchen also ensure you don’t hog all the appliances and utensils. And definitely ensure you clean them and put them all away after use.

 

Hostel Laundry Etiquette

 

Not all hostels offer a laundry where you will have access to a washing machine and / or a dryer. If they do, like the other common areas, be courteous and wait your time to wash or dry your clothes. Don’t steal other people’s washing powder – if you don’t have any, ask for some and offer a couple of dollars for it.

 

Hostel Lounge Room Etiquette

 

All hostels will have a common area for its guests to relax and meet other hostel guests. The area may just have seats for you to relax in and chat with other guests. Or they may have a TV, board games, pack of cards and other things for you to use. Ensure you don’t hog the items and pack them up after use. Just because you might have been first in the lounge room, doesn’t mean you own it.

 

Hostel Etiquette Overall

 

Be Respectful of Other Travellers and the Hostel

 

Being respectful to other travellers, their things and the tiny area that is theirs (their bed), is top of my list. You need to be aware of other people and not take liberties from them. This means, don’t sit on their bed uninvited because you are on the top bunk. Don’t touch other people’s stuff as they may get annoyed. And be respectful to all the things belonging to the hostel – the furniture, the pool, the air conditioning remote, etc. – keep them safe and in good working order for future fellow travellers. We are counting on it.

 

Be Nice to Everyone

 

Being nice to everyone at the hostel creates a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. A good atmosphere helps you have a better stay. It is easier to relax and enjoy your stay when there is peace and calm around you. And being nice doesn’t cost you anything! If you can’t be nice, walk away.

 

Be Respectful to the Staff

 

The hostel staff are an important part of any hostel and it is important to be respectful to them. You would know that if you have had a job in a hostel yourself. You can do this by being friendly towards them and not leaving messes for them to clean up. And if there is no bottom bunk available, don’t blame them – request it when booking, but it cannot always be guaranteed.

 

TIP: Sometimes staying in a hostel can get on my nerves. When it does, I splurge on a night (or two) in a budget hotel. I think it’s OK to spoil yourself sometimes! I turn to Booking dot com when I need time to myself to find accommodation.

 

I will continuously say that hostels are great to stay in but a key to having a good stay is to bide by hostel etiquette rules. The living conditions in each hostel can be different and you need to be flexible with them. The more easy going, adaptable, flexible, reasonable and respectful you are, the better your hostel stay. Keep all my backpacker hostel etiquette tips and tricks in mind for your next stay to be a respectful guest who would be invited to stay anywhere. Have you got any other tips on hostel etiquette? I’d love to hear in the comments following.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel or motel there are many things to consider before finding the perfect room. And if looking for the perfect room check out Booking.com – it not only has hostel listings but plenty of hotel, motel and resort listings as well.

 

Are You Ready for Your Backpacker Hostel Stay in Australia?

 

Not everyone is suited to staying in a hostel no matter its services, fantastic location or how budget friendly it is. However, if you can put up with living in close proximity with other people, staying in backpacker hostel accommodation in Australia is a great accommodation option while travelling Australia. Do you stay in hostels? I’d love to hear in the comments following.