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, 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 4okm of beach how then can you find the perfect one for you?
We created this guide so you can spend more time hitting the beach and less worrying about where to stay! After reading this article YOU will be able to find your own slice of heaven on the Gold Coast!
So kick off your thongs and feel the sand between your toes when you hit the beaches on the Gold Coast!
So peep our guide to the top hostels in Gold Coast below!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Gold Coast
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Gold Coast – Coolangatta YHA
- Best Cheap Hostel in Gold Coast – Backpackers in Paradise Resort
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Gold Coast – Bunk Surfers Paradise
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The 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 the beaches or boogie in the clubs on your adventure to Australia’s favorite beaches!
Coolangatta YHA – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Gold Coast
Coolangatta YHA puts backpackers smack in between the airport and the beach. If being the hostel closest to the airport wasn’t enough to win you over, you are sure to be wooed with its free shuttle buses taking you all over the Gold Coast, movie/BBQ nights, and even an onsite pool. It’s also considered one of the best hostels in Coolangatta, so you’ll be in for a real treat!
This hostel puts travelers a bit outside of the action of Surfers Paradise, meaning you can relax on the beach without running into those unruly drunks and college kids. Doesn’t matter if you need a good nights sleep before your flight or are looking to hit the beaches, Coolangatta YHA has something for everybody!
Backpackers in Paradise Resort – Best Cheap Hostel in Gold Coast
What could be better than hostel prices with resort standard comfort? You get just that when booking into Backpackers in Paradise Resort!
By just looking at all this hostel has to offer you wouldn’t think this would be the cheapest hostel in all of the Gold Coast. Backpackers will be pampered with an onsite pool, cinema room, jacuzzi, sundeck, table tennis, and so much more!
You are sure to have loads to do and be able to save a chunk of change when staying at Paradise Resort!
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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 REIBunk Surfers Paradise – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Gold Coast
Bunk Surfers Paradise is by far one of the top hostels in all of the Gold Coast as well as the best on the strand for digital nomads! Bloggers, vloggers, and photographers can get their editing done with ease with the hostel’s free 2G internet.
Those looking to work have plenty of places to spread out throughout the hostel with outdoor seating, lounges, and dining rooms, all with outlets close at hand.
Blog away without having to worry about annoyingly slow internet and pestering backpackers at Bunk Surfers Paradise!
Down Under Hostels – Surfers Paradise – Best Overall Hostel in Gold Coast
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 for 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 out of their buck at Down Under Hostels- Surfers Paradise!
Down Under Hostels – By The Beach – Best Party Hostel in Gold Coast
Much like its sister hostel, Down Under Hostels – By the Beach turns up the volume to 11, bringing the party to you from the comfort of the beach! With its organized pub crawls and various other hostel organized events, you are sure to never have a dull moment!
The hostel also allows you to bring your own alcohol, so you can enjoy a cold one by the pool or even take it with you down to the beach with is a mere 50m away!
Aquarius Gold Coast – Best Hostel for Couples in 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 hostel is in the more quiet neighborhood of Southport.
For those still looking for an all-night rager, the party is just a short trams ride away. Aquarius will spoil its guests with its spa, pool, lounge, and even a bar. Single travelers and couples alike are sure to have a trip to remember when staying at Aquarius!
Surfers Paradise Backpacker Resort – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Gold Coast
At Surfers Paradise you can be in the heart of the party while still being able to retreat away into your comfortable private room. This backpackers resort puts you right in the middle of the action with an onsite bar, barbeque, volleyball court, billiards, and even a pool.
When you are done socializing and partying it up outside you can relax in their spacious dorms or private rooms!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels In Gold Coast
There are so many amazing places to visit on the Gold Coast that you might not even be able to fit all in. What you can do though, is look at more epic hostels in the area!
Budds in Surfers Backpackers
Let the hammocks on the beach rock you back and forth while you relax on the beach at Budds Surfers Backpackers. Budds is by far one of the most recommended hostels in all of the Gold Coast for its central location, nearby pool, and even a game room.
Backpackers can grab a drink at the bar and then pull out a cue and rack em up at the billiards table. With budget rooms and tons to do, travelers are sure to have the time of their life!
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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Gold Coast
The Gold Coast attracts tourists from all around the world, from young kids looking to get wasted to backpackers looking to just kick it on the white sand beaches. Most of the hostels are sure to have you enjoying the bar scene and sunny coastline without all the pesky school children.
Out of all the hostels on the Gold Coast Down Under Hostels – Surfers Paradise goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great time at Australia’s best beaches!
Get ready to lay out your towel with your cold beer in hand while enjoying Australia’s Gold Coast!
FAQ about Hostels in Gold Coast
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Gold Coast.
How much does a hostel cost in Gold Coast?
A dorm in Gold Coast, on average, can start for as low as $23 per night. Private rooms vary from different types but 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. It’s clean and located near the center of the town.
What are the best hostels in Gold Coast near the airport?
Coolangatta YHA is just 10 minutes by foot from Gold Coast Airport. It’s also near the beach.
Travel Safety Tips for 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.
More Epic Hostels in Australia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Gold Coast.
Planning an epic trip all across Australia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Australia, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Gold Coast has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you’re planning on travelling further, you can be (almost always) sure that you’ll find a great place to stay wherever you are. There are so many amazing hostels all over Australia, each of them offering a comfy bed, a welcoming vibe, and a chance to meet like-minded travellers – you’ll be well looked after!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- 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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