Considered the gateway to the world’s most famous wonders, the kaleidoscopic Great Barrier Reef and the Queensland outback, Townsville is a vibrant and bustling city. It has it all, ocean breeze, buildings with beautiful architecture, boutique shopping, and plenty of al fresco dining. Fascinating and fantastic, it’s a must-see at least once.
With plenty of attractions, rich culture and history, you’ll never get bored. It’s a place to discover and immerse yourself in nature with a treasure trove of activities waiting for travelers to try. Your senses will be treated to a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t soon forget.
No need to worry if you have a strict budget to adhere to as all types of travelers are welcome in the area. We want to help you have a good time so we have checked out the best Townsville hostels for you. Regardless if you are perfectly fine with the idea of staying in a room with other people or want to have a room for yourself, there is always something for you.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Townsville
- Overall Best Hostel in Townsville – Civic Guest House Backpackers Hostel
- Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Townsville – Adventurers Backpackers
- Great Dorm for Couples in Townsville – Reef Lodge Backpackers
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What to Expect from Hostels in Townsville
A rare city built on the shore, staying in the CBD puts travelers a few kilometers away from palm-fringed pristine beaches and national park reserves. Staying in a hostel in Townsville means saving money but not scrimping on all the fun. They are a life-saver, and as well as the cost, they are also the best places to meet like-minded individuals.
Hostels have both dorms and private rooms. Most of the ones we found in the area are laid-back, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll get bored. The sights and activities are more than enough to wow you! Below are the average prices for hostels in Townsville, so you can roughly estimate how much money you can save when sharing a room with others.
- Mixed or same-sex dorms – $20
- Private rooms – $40
Hostelworld is where you should go when you are searching for the best hostel in Townsville. Read the reviews and check the photos to find out if it will best suit your stay.
Top 3 Hostels in Townsville
By now I’m sure you’re excited to plan your travels, so let’s take a look at some of the coolest places to stay in while in Townsville.
Civic Guest House Backpackers Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Townsville
You can’t go wrong with Civic Guest House Backpackers Hostel. It was awarded a TripAdvisor accolade in 2018. It is the perfect base for people who want to explore Queensland and the nearby attractions. The smoke-free, laid-back, and friendly property welcomes children too! Keep in mind that the dorms have an age limit of 18 to 35. Children are only allowed in private rooms.
The beach is just a few steps away with lots of free activities to enjoy, and the fantastic sights of Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef are just waiting to be admired. You might need to add a couple of extra days to your stay to get everything done!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Near the beach
- New game room
Located in a quiet street, there are different types of rooms to choose from. The hostel has mixed, all-male, and all-female dorms for those looking to save a few dollars on accommodations. There are also private double rooms with en-suite bathrooms that are suitable for those wanting some privacy, or parents traveling with children.
Speaking of children, we all know that it can be difficult to entertain kids when traveling but Civic Guest House has got you covered. The new game room comes with a pool table and plenty of board games. If you’d like to channel your inner Queen’s Gambit, you can always do so with a game of chess.
The spacious lounge room is the ideal place to just relax, and the large communal kitchen allows guests to prepare meals with ease.
Adventurers Backpackers – Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Townsville
If you’re looking for the best hostel in Townsville with private rooms, Adventures Backpackers is your best bet. It is reasonably priced, and the number of freebies they provide is going to make your head spin. You’ll save a lot of money when you stay here – budget travelers rejoice!
They offer free breakfast, free pick-up service to and from the bus or ferry terminal (by request), and they have free short-term luggage storage so you need not worry about lugging your backpack if you want to explore the nearby areas while waiting for your check-in time.
If you’re looking to have plenty of adventures such as snorkeling and diving, you can check with the tour desk, as guests are entitled to a special rate for such activities. Other things you can try are rafting, horse riding, and sailing.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Near city center
- Internet café
- Close to a store and pub
- All rooms have a fridge
The friendly staff is always ready to assist guests and help them find the perfect accommodation, be it a private room or mixed dorm.
The hostel is just a short walk from the city center, as well as located next to a convenience store where you can buy supplies if you’d like to prepare your meals in the huge kitchen. There is a pub nearby that offers dinner, and if you fancy Indian food, the café in the complex serves a mean curry! Yup, you’ll never go hungry here.
Staying in touch with friends and family is made easy with the Internet café on the premises. Enjoy the mini beauty bar to make your nails shine, or spend an afternoon on the Xbox and pool table.
Reef Lodge Backpackers – Great Dorm for Couples in Townsville
This hostel is a favorite among couples backpacking in Townsville. Who can argue with previous guests when the property clearly has a lot of things going for it?! Like most hostels, Reef Lodge Backpackers has a relaxed vibe where people can come as they are, and have a good time.
The location is one of the highlights of the hostel, just a stone’s throw away from the Museum of Tropical Queensland and Reef HQ. The distance from the lodge to the airport is only eight kilometers, only a short drive away.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas of the premises so you can keep the people you hold dear updated on your travels and whereabouts. You need not worry about missing your fitness regimen too with the small fitness center onsite.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Fitness center
- Free barbecue facilities
The well-equipped communal kitchen is ideal for those who would like to prepare light meals. There is also laundry facilities so you never have to worry about keeping your small stock of clothes clean.
With plenty of seating areas, you can easily mingle and get to know fellow backpackers, plus you can enjoy a game of darts and billiards. If you’re brave enough to showcase your barbecue skills, you can readily do so on the grill.
Pubs and bars are nearby so you’ll never run short of dining options. A shuttle service is available at an additional charge to take you to the airport or ferry terminal.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!Other Budget Accommodation in Townsville
Aside from hostels, we have found a few other budget accommodations that are worth taking a look at. They cost a few dollars more but the extra money you spend is well worth it.
Condo Unit with Ocean Views and Fantastic Location – Airbnb with Pool in Townsville
Staying in a place with a pool guarantees a relaxing time. Linens and pool towels are provided at this Airbnb so you can have the pampering you deserve. If safety is your main concern, you’ll be happy to know that the building has excellent security with swipe key access and CCTV on all hallways and entrances.
This centrally located condo unit is close to everything, so it’s a winner in our book. It’s within walking distance of excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops, and a bus stop is right in front of the building, too.
The balcony is the perfect place to have a cup of coffee and a light breakfast. You will have stunning ocean views while filling your tummy before a day of adventures.
Private Studio Close to the City – Best Airbnb for Solo Travelers in Townsville
Don’t let the name fool you, this studio may be called a Granny Flat but there’s nothing old about it. Located in a quiet suburb, it’s perfect for travelers who want peace. It’s within walking distance to the new QCB Stadium, and is only a short 10-minute drive from the city. You’re never too far away from restaurants and other popular areas.
Guests are welcome to use the pool, and there is parking available in front of the property for those who would like to bring their vehicles. The kitchen is fully equipped and the nearest supermarket is less than 10 minutes’ walk away. We doubt you’ll have time on your hands to prepare full meals knowing that there’s so much to do and see nearby.
There is a bus stop just a two-minute walk away, and bikes are available upon request for those who would like to cycle their way into the city. Some of the interesting things to see in the area are the Museum of Tropical Queensland, The Strand, Reef HQ Aquarium, and The Ville Casino.
Centrally Located Apartment – Most Affordable Airbnb in Townsville
If you would rather have a whole place to yourself when traveling alone or with your loved one, this centrally located apartment is just what you’re looking for. It is only a three-minute walk from Woolworths and the main transport hubs. You can easily buy groceries to prepare meals in the full kitchen, and enjoy dining in the private garden which boasts an excellent view.
Nearby you will find plenty of restaurants as well as the famous Strand which you should check out. Parking is free on the premises which will delight travelers bringing their own car. Laundry facilities are available and can be used anytime.
With self-check-in and out options, you can choose to have as little or as much to do with your hosts. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with them, they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction of the most amazing Aussie coffee and massage in the area.
What to Pack for your Townsville 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!
Townsville Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Townsville cost?
Hostels in Townsville don’t cost a lot of money. Mixed or same-sex dorms range from $15 to $20 while private rooms range from $30 to $60.
What are the best hostels in Townsville for couples?
My ideal hostel in Townsville for couples is Reef Lodge Backpackers. They are conveniently located near multiple parks, but the hostel itself is a great place if you are looking for chill vibe.
What is the best hostel in Townsville near the airport?
Civic Guest House Backpackers Hostel is nearest to the airport. It is less than seven kilometers away, so a drive of less than 10 minutes will find you at the airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Townsville
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.
Final Thoughts
Located on the North-Eastern coast of Queensland, Townsville is the absolute best destination for those who love the water, as well as Mother Nature. There is an abundance of opportunities for adventure in every direction. Explore the aquamarine waters and find yourself in sun-drenched bays or head south for a taste of the real outback.
But before you pack your bags, it’s important to find suitable accommodations even if you’re on a strict budget. There are plenty of choices available, but don’t let them overwhelm you. We have done the hard work by checking out Townsville hostels, so you will have a smashing good time while on vacation.
Remember, if you’re having a hard time deciding which hostel to pick, you should go with Civic House Backpackers Hostel. Not only do they offer free transfers, but rooms are reasonably priced too.
- 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 beautiful places to in Australia 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 Australia before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
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