Surfs up! Get ready for golden beaches, wild bars, and loads of sunshine when you hit Australia’s Gold Coast! Even if you are not planning on grabbing your board and hitting the waves at Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast has over 40km of pristine beaches where you can just hang out and enjoy Australia’s surf culture from the shore!
Other than the beaches you will have the best nightlife in the country, breathtaking national parks, and loads of theme parks all within your grasp!
The Gold Coast is no stranger to backpackers, surfers, and hoards of teenagers just past the drinking age. This means that you have tons of hostels to choose from. With so many hostels stretching over this idyllic coastal spot, which will be the best for you?
Don’t stress dude—that’s where I come in. I’ve created my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Gold Coast so you can spend more time hitting the beach and less worrying about where to stay!
So kick off your thongs, feel the sand between your toes and let’s dive in.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Gold Coast
- Best Overall Hostel in Gold Coast – Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers
- Best Hostel in Gold Coast for Solo Travellers – Coolangatta YHA
- Best Cheap Hostel in Gold Coast – Mumma’s Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Gold Coast – Backpackers in Paradise Resort
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Gold Coast – Tequila Sunrise Hostel Surfers Paradise
The 5 Best Hostels in Gold Coast
When staying in the Gold Coast you won’t be able to save a whole lot of money, but what you will get is access to some of the best hostels in the world in the heart of Australia’s beach culture. The Gold Coast stretches over 40km and has many different beaches and districts. While some areas are purely residential, Surfers Paradise is the most commercial and is by far the beating heart of club culture on the Gold Coast!
Get ready to hit Surfers Paradise Beach or boogie in the clubs on your adventure to Australia’s favourite beaches! This is my ultimate roundup of Gold Coast’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can live your best beach bum life ASAP.
1. Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers – Best Overall Hostel in Gold Coast
- Dorm (mixed): From $32/night
- Address: 26 Peninsular Drive, Surfers Paradise, 4217 Gold Coast
Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers has it all—a prime location, a killer outdoor pool, and vibes for days. The whole spot is spotless, and the staff are absolute GEMS. They make it feel like you’ve walked into a house full of mates, not just another hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Brekky
- Games Room
- Daily Activities Held
Every night brings something to do, so you’ll never feel stuck in your room. They have activities every night, so it’s easy to socialise! The Games Room is a gem, loaded with a free pool table, PS5, and dartboard. Solo travellers, this is where you find your new East Coast Aussie road trip crew.
While there’s no communal kitchen, the on-site commercial kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at super-affordable prices. Plus, they soften the blow with a free daily cooked-to-order breakfast—so you can still save those precious dollars.
After exploring Surfers Paradise, lounge on one of the sun beds by the outdoor pool—an absolute lifesaver in that blazing Aussie heat. Cool off, kick back in the chill-out spaces, or crack open a cold one (thanks to their BYOB policy). With decent Wi-Fi and endless nights out planned, this place ticks all the boxes for an epic backpacker stay.
2. Coolangatta YHA – Best Hostel in Gold Coast for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $34/night
- Private Room: From $60/night
- Address: 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga, 4225 Gold Coast
Coolangatta YHA is the ultimate backpacker launchpad, perfectly wedged between the airport and the beach. Being the closest hostel to the airport is already a win, but throw in free shuttle buses all over the Gold Coast, movie and BBQ nights, and an onsite pool, and you’re seriously living the dream. No wonder it’s one of the best hostels in Coolangatta.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Daily Events Held
- Great Location
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
The communal spaces are a vibe—whether you’re lounging by the pool, smashing a few rounds at the ping pong table, or kicking back in the lounge to map out your Gold Coast itinerary. The dorms are pretty no-frills but get the job done. Just a heads-up, though: no AC, so if you’re visiting in summer and tend to run hot, pack your patience (and maybe a fan).
The vibe is super laid-back, with regular fun events and a crew of friendly staff who make it easy to feel right at home. Plus, you’re only a 3-minute stroll to Bilinga Beach and a 5-minute bus ride to Coolangatta’s town centre, so you’re sorted whether you’re chasing surf or café vibes.
The Coolangatta area itself is beach-town perfection. Think world-famous surf breaks, warm breezes, stunning views, and a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and things to do. Whether you’re here to shred the waves, dive beneath them, skydive above them, or just chill with an ice-cold drink in hand, Cooly’s got your back.
3. Mumma’s Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Gold Coast
- Dorm (mixed): From $30/night
- Private Room: From $71/night
- Address: 18 Peninsular Drive, Surfers’ Paradise, 4217 Gold Coast
Mumma’s Hostel is the go-to spot in Gold Coast for chill vibes, topped off by a team of lovely staff who’ll make you feel right at home. What really sets this place apart are all the freebies: free breakfast, free pizza nights, free tea and coffee, and none of that weird cutlery rental nonsense you get at some other Aussie hostels. As one of the cheapest hostels in the area, it’s an absolute steal.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Chill But Social
- Dorms with Curtains
- Fun Events
It’s super social, thanks to the weekly events, but things always quiet down by 11 pm so you can actually catch some Zs. The dorms are a decent size and come with privacy curtains—an absolute luxury in this price range.
The communal kitchen might be on the smaller side, but it’s clean, functional, and well-equipped for whipping up your backpacker-friendly meals (or to my fellow Brits, beans on toast). Just a heads-up: if you’re in a larger dorm, be ready to hustle for the bathroom during peak times. Early birds catch the shower!
Location-wise, Mumma’s Hostel nails it. You’re just a few minutes’ stroll from Surfers Paradise Beach, shops, restaurants, nightlife, and major public transport connections to explore the best of the Gold Coast and other spots in Australia.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Backpackers in Paradise Resort – Best Party Hostel in Gold Coast
- Dorm (mixed): From $29/night
- Private Room: From $74/night
- Address: 40 Peninsular Drive, Surfers Paradise, 4217 Gold Coast
Backpackers in Paradise strikes the perfect balance between letting loose and kicking back. The on-site bar keeps the drinks flowing with happy hours and cocktails. Plus the party reps keep the energy alive, organising nightly activities and rounding up the crew for a club crawl. It’s a buzzing spot that knows how to get the party started.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Big Party Vibes
- Happy Hours
- Cinema Room
When the morning rolls around, the on-site café is your go-to for hangover TLC, or you can cool off with a dip in the pool. With a cinema room, pool tables, and table tennis, there’s no shortage of ways to pass the time between adventures. If you’re backpacking the East Coast a little more slowly, this hostel has you covered with free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a large shared kitchen to whip up your budget meals.
As with any party hostel, it can get a bit chaotic, and the facilities aren’t sparkling, but if you roll with it and dive into the fun, you’re in for a memorable time.
Since 1986, Backpackers in Paradise has been bringing the retro 80’s vibes to the Gold Coast. As one of the area’s OG hostels, it’s stood the test of time for good reason. Just a 2-minute walk from the heart of Surfers Paradise and Surfers Paradise Beach, it’s in prime position to soak up everything from trendy eats and nightlife thrills to the best adventures in Australia.
5. Tequila Sunrise Hostel Surfers Paradise – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Gold Coast
- Dorm (mixed): From $40/night
- Address: 3298 Surfers Paradise Boulevard 3, Surfers Paradise, 4217 Gold Coast
If privacy and free food are your priorities, Tequila Sunrise Hostel Surfers Paradise should be at the top of your list. It’s social enough to make friends during the day but far from a party hostel, and the long-term crowd creates a solid sense of community—perfect for digital nomads backpacking Australia.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Breakfast
- Free Dinner
- Chill But Social
The perks here are hard to beat. Not only is breakfast free, but they also serve up free dinners every night, making it a breeze to save cash while still enjoying a social vibe. Oh, and they boldly claim to have the best pancake breakfast in Australia. Big words—try it yourself and let me know if it lives up to the hype. Weekly events add a touch of fun to keep things lively without going overboard.
The pod beds are a game changer for privacy, and this place is sparkling clean, easily one of the tidiest hostels in Aus. Even though all the beds are in one massive dorm, everyone seems to respect the quiet hours, so you’ll still get your beauty sleep.
Remote workers are sorted with reliable Wi-Fi and cosy social spaces for knocking out a few hours of work. If you’d rather head out, the location is spot-on, with plenty of nearby cafés and co-working spots to set up your temporary office. Whether you’re here to work, chill, or dig into endless pancakes, Tequila Sunrise delivers.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Gold Coast Hostels
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Gold Coast below.
Bunk Surfers Paradise
- Dorm (mixed): From $37/night
- Address: 6 Beach Road, Surfers’ Paradise, 4217 Gold Coast
Bunk Surfers Paradise puts you so close to Surfers Paradise Beach you can practically feel the sand between your toes—just 100 metres away, to be exact. The dorms here are as stylish as they are functional, with USB ports and combo safes in every locker, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms to keep things comfy. Add free unlimited Wi-Fi, a hot tub, and a sundeck, and you’ve got yourself a solid home base in Surfers.
The location is a winner, right near the main strip with loads of cafés and restaurants to fuel your days. The massive kitchen comes with plenty of storage, and it’s kept impressively clean. The common areas are big enough to chill, mingle, or plan your next adventure, whether you’re by the outdoor swimming pool or soaking up vibes at the rooftop bar next door.
Down Under Hostels – Surfers Paradise
Located in the heart of the party in Surfers Paradise, Down Under unloads both barrels to ensure you have a great time on the Gold Coast! This youth hostel is geared toward a younger crowd, not allowing in one in under 18 or over 35.
This hostel is recommended for those looking to get out and enjoy the true Australian nightlife. Down Under organizes weekly pub crawls as well as movie nights, PS4 tournaments, and so much more! With so many freebies, backpackers are sure to get the most bang for their buck at Down Under Hostels- Surfers Paradise!
Aquarius Gold Coast
At Aquarius Gold Coast you have a choice from comfortable budget dorms to spacious private rooms. Located a bit outside the action from Surfers Paradise, this youth hostel is in the more quiet neighbourhood of Southport.
For those still looking for an all-night rager, the party is just a short tram ride away. Aquarius will spoil its guests with its spa, pool, lounge, and even a bar.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Gold Coast
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Gold Coast.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Gold Coast
Here are some questions backpackers ask about backpacker hostels in Gold Coast.
What to Pack for your Gold Coast Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Gold Coast?
The average price of a dorm in Gold Coast can start for as low as $23 per night. Private rooms vary from different types but the average price can start at $41 per night.
What are the best hostels in Gold Coast for couples?
BUNK Surfers Paradise is an ideal hostel for couples in Gold Coast. You get the perfect balance of social vibes with your own space. Plus, the private rooms are swanky AF.
What are the best hostels in Gold Coast near the airport?
Coolangatta YHA nails it on location—just a 10-minute stroll from Gold Coast Airport and a stone’s throw from the beach. It doesn’t get much more convenient than this! Whether you’re catching a flight or catching waves, this spot puts you right where you need to be.
Final Thoughts on Gold Coast’s Hostels
Known as Australia’s playground, Gold Coast where you can surf world-class waves by day and hit the clubs by night. And you know what, if you know the right spots, you can do it all on a backpacker budget.
Those right spots are the hostels in this guide! Whether you’re here to party, relax, or chase that next great wave, there are a ton of backpackers in Gold Coast doing the exact same thing—and they’ll all be staying in these hostels!
Still not sure where to stay? Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers is always my go-to. The amenities are clean, stylishly designed, and it’s all wrapped up in a super chill but social vibe that just screaaaaams Gold Coast energy.
Happy travels friends! May the sun shine bright, the vibes stay immaculate, and those waves keep rolling your way.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Australia for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Gold Coast covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Australia if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Gold Coast before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate East Coast backpacking guide.
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