Airlie Beach is the gateway for visiting Australia’s natural paradise of the Whitsunday Islands, where you’ll find one of the top 10 beaches in the world! It’s also a vibrant and enjoyable hub for great adventures. To cap it all off, there are a number of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy some tasty food too.

With everything going on in Airlie Beach, it can be tricky to know where to stay. It’s not exactly a cheap destination, so looking at hostels is the best way to save you money. If you’re worried that you’ll be somewhere noisy and dirty – don’t be!

To help you out, we’ve browsed the best hostels, budget hotels, and holiday parks in Airlie Beach to come up with a list that will help you pick the best place for your holiday!

You’ll be pleased to know that there’s plenty to choose from including some well-known chains such as YHA and Nomads, found all over Australia! So, let’s jump straight in and explore the best that Airlie Beach has to offer!

Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Airlie Beach

#1 Best overall hostel in Airlie Beach: Airlie Beach Magnums
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Airlie Beach: Base Airlie Beach Resort
#3 Best hostel near Airlie Beach Lagoon: Nomads Airlie Beach
#4 Best hostel near Whitsunday Coast Airport: A & A Motel
#5 Best hostel near Port of Airlie Bus and Coach Station: Airlie Beach YHA
#6 Best hostel near Airlie Beach Hamilton Island Marina ferry route: Airlie Beach Motor Lodge
#7 Best high-end hostel in Airlie Beach: Whitsunday on the Beach
#8 Best budget hostel in Airlie Beach: Airlie Beach Backpackers by the Bay
#9 Best hostel with private rooms in Airlie Beach: Kipara Tropical Rainforest Resort
#10 Best holiday park in Airlie Beach: Island Gateway Holiday Park
#11 Best holiday cabins in Airlie Beach: Bush Village Budget Cabins

#1 – Airlie Beach Magnums

Best overall hostel in Airlie Beach

• Cost – $$
• Location – 370 Shute Harbour Rd., Whitsunday Village Complex
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Airlie Beach Magnums…
This tropical paradise of a hostel is situated right in the thick of the action – just minutes away from Airlie Beach Lagoon, and the town’s restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. So obviously, it’s the best hostel in Airlie Beach! We love that there are several places to hang out including a recreation room and a volleyball court if you’re looking for something a little more active!

Airlie Beach Magnums is perfect for…
If you want to be right in the centre of all the action at Airlie Beach in a hostel that has seen many travellers have great experiences so far, then this is the perfect place for you. If you’re looking to do activities like night time sailing and boat trips on your trip, the friendly tour desk will be able to help you book the best tours and the lowest prices!

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Looking to make friends in Australia? One of these cool party hostels might be for you!

#2 – Base Airlie Beach Resort

Best hostel for solo travellers in Airlie Beach

• Cost – $$
• Location – 336 Shute Harbour Road 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Base Airlie Beach Resort…
This resort style hostel offers everything you’d expect from a resort but at a reasonable hostel price – it’s also the best place to stay for solo travellers in Airlie Beach! It’s easy to eat people in this 6-acre property, whether you get chatting to fellow travellers around the swimming pool or at the on-site bar!

Base Airlie Beach Resort is perfect for…
Travellers who are by themselves will not feel this way for long at Base Airlie Beach resort. The on-site restaurant and bar, Boaty’s, is a great place to go out too for backpackers all around Airlie Beach, so you’ll have a chance to meet people from the other cool hostels in the area!

Check for Best Price

 

Editor’s Note – If you are going to stay in Sydney, you should check out our article about the coolest hostels in Sydney.

#3 – Nomads Airlie Beach

Best hostel near Airlie Beach Lagoon

• Cost – $$
• Location – 354 Shute Harbour Road
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Nomads Airlie Beach…
This cool and chilled out hostel is literally opposite Airlie Beach Lagoon, so it’s the best place to stay if you want to cool off in the lagoon’s cool and refreshing waters. Of course, you might not actually make it that far as there’s a pretty nice pool in the hostel!

Nomads Airlie Beach is perfect for…
For travellers who have Airlie Beach Lagoon at the top of their itinerary, then Nomads is the perfect place to stay. Not only is it close to the lagoon, but it’s also within a stone’s throw of the town’s cool bars and cafes, and the tour desk in the hostel can help you organise trips to the Whitsunday Islands!

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Arriving late? Find the best hostels near Central Station Sydney for a worry-free arrival!

#4 – A & A Motel

Best hostel near Whitsunday Coast Airport

• Cost – $$
• Location – 156 Main Street, 4800 Proserpine
• Reviews → Check on Booking.com

Why we like A & A Motel…
This comfortable and recently refurbished motel is the closest budget accommodation you’ll find near to Whitsunday Coast Airport, so it’s the best place to stay if you want to be close by. Although you don’t have the beach on your doorstep, you do still have a swimming pool to cool off in after a day of sightseeing or hiking!

A & A Motel is perfect for…
If you’ve got an early morning flight or a late-night arrival and you are worried about getting from the airport to Airlie Beach, then don’t fret! This place isn’t only close to the airport, it offers a shuttle which can drop you off and pick you up as long as you confirm your flight with the motel in advance. If you’re travelling with your own transport, there’s free parking too!

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P.S. – Save a bit of cash in Byron Bay with our EPIC guide to the best hostels in Byron Bay!

 

 

#5 – Airlie Beach YHA

Best hostel near Port of Airlie Bus and Coach Station

• Cost – $$
• Location – 394 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Airlie Beach YHA…
This reliable and renowned YHA hostel is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Port of Airlie Bus and Coach station, so if you’re arriving in or leaving Airlie Beach by bus, this is the best place to stay close to the station! The rooms are spacious, and like many of the other hostels in the area, there’s a great pool!

Airlie Beach YHA is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the town’s bus and coach station, then Airlie Beach YHA is perfect. As it’s a YHA hostel, its set-up is all about meeting other travellers and creating great memories with them – if you don’t meet people hanging out around the pool, you’re sure to make some friends in the dining room, TV room, or communal kitchen!

Check for Best Price

 

Editor’s Note – You have to check out the coolest hostels in Perth, Australia!

#6 – Airlie Beach Motor Lodge

Best hostel near Airlie Beach Hamilton Island Marina ferry route

• Cost – $$
• Location – 6 Lamond Street 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Airlie Beach Motor Lodge…
This spacious and comfortable place isn’t a hostel, but it’s very close to Airlie Beach ferry to the Whitsunday Islands so it’s the best place to stay if you want to catch your boat just minutes away from your accommodation! We love that although it’s centrally located, it’s still quiet at night – perfect for a good night’s sleep!

Airlie Beach Motor Lodge is perfect for…
If you want to be within a stone’s throw of the ferry to the famous islands dotted around the Airlie Beach coast, then Airlie Beach Motor Lodge is the perfect place to stay. It’s a little more expensive than some of the hostels on this list, but for that, you’ll enjoy large rooms with comfortable double beds and swimming pool access!

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Short on time in Sydney? Doesn’t matter we have trips from Sydney you can do in one day!

#7 – Whitsunday on the Beach

Best high-end hostel in Airlie Beach

• Cost – $$
• Location – 269 Shute Harbour Road
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Whitsunday on the Beach…
This cosy and comfortable place is more hotel than a hostel, but it’s a great spot if you want to pamper yourself and enjoy a private room without breaking the bank! We love that you don’t have to pay any extra here for towels or toiletries and that each unit comes with an en-suite and a kitchenette!

Whitsunday on the Beach is perfect for…
If you’re happy to splash out a little more to feel fully relaxed and get that vacation vibe, then Whitsunday on the Beach should be right near the top of your list! If you’re travelling with your other half, the comfortable double rooms offer a chance to have a break from the hectic dorm lifestyle and spend some quality time together!

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Editor’s Note – Have a look at our guide to the best hostels near Sydney Airport

#8 – Airlie Beach Backpackers by the Bay

Best budget hostel in Airlie Beach

• Cost – $$
• Location – 12 Hermitage Drive, Airlie Beach
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Airlie Beach Backpackers by the Bay…
This clean, friendly, and eco-friendly hostel offers some of the best-priced beds in town, so it’s definitely the best budget hostel in Airlie Beach. We love the great views over the port and the marina! There’s plenty here to keep you entertained – including a pool, hammocks, and even an outdoor exercise station!

Airlie Beach Backpackers by the Bay is perfect for…
Travelling on a budget? Then look no further than Airlie Beach Backpackers by the Bay! There are BBQ sandwiches available every night for just $1.50 and free tea and coffee all day every day, so you’ll be saving money on food and drink as well as accommodation!

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Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out this form to get a quote for your trip to Airlie Beach!

 

#9 – Kipara Tropical Rainforest Resort

Best hostel with private rooms in Airlie Beach

• Cost – $$
• Location – Lot 3 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Kipara Tropical Rainforest Resort…
This quiet hostel offers a range of private rooms and villas, so it’s the best place to stay in Airlie Beach if you want a private room! The single and double rooms are great for solo travellers and couples, while groups of friends and family travelling together will be able to enjoy a villa on a budget without having to share their space with strangers!

Kipara Tropical Rainforest Resort is perfect for…
Long term travellers or couples who need a break from dorm life will find that Kipara Tropical Rainforest resort suits them perfectly. It’s also a good spot if you want to be a little away from the noise of the nightclubs and bars in the centre of town!

Check for Best Price

 

#10 – Island Gateway Holiday Park

Best holiday park in Airlie Beach

• Cost – $$
• Location – Shute Habour Road (cnr Jubilee Pocket), 4802 Airlie Beach
• Reviews → Check on Booking.com

Why we like Island Gateway Holiday Park…
This large holiday park is set in tropical surroundings and offers a variety of different accommodation styles, so it’s definitely the best holiday park in Airlie Beach. The cheapest prices come for unpowered sites and small tents, so it’s better for travellers who are looking to park up with their own transport and beds than regular backpackers!

Island Gateway Holiday Park is perfect for…
As mentioned above, it’s probably not the best spot for solo backpackers, but families or small groups travelling together will find the reasonably priced cabins a perfect option among several in Airlie Beach. They really are like a home from home! There’s free parking available so the holiday park is an excellent option if you’re travelling in a camper van!

Check for Best Price

 

Editor’s Recommendation – You should definitely check out our guide on the coolest hostels in Brisbane, Australia

#11 – Bush Village Budget Cabins

Best holiday cabins in Airlie Beach

• Cost – $$
• Location – 2 St Martins rd, Cannonvale, Queensland
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Bush Village Budget Cabins…
This quiet and relaxing block of holiday cabins are close to the marina and the centre of town and have consistently high reviews on Hostelworld, so they’re the best holiday cabins in Airlie Beach. We love basking in the sun by the pool. If it gets too hot, just move into the shade from the palm trees!

Bush Village Budget Cabins is perfect for…
If you want to stay in holiday cabins over a hostel without breaking the bank on your trip to Airlie Beach, then this is the perfect place for you. The gardens that surround the cabins are bird-friendly too, so if you’ve come here with your binoculars, there’s a good chance you’ll see some unusual birds!

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Will you also visit Gold Coast? Check out where we like to stay in Gold Coast!

 

Other best hostels in Airlie Beach

 #12 – BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort

• Cost – $$
• Location – 2955 Shute Harbour Road, 4802 Airlie Beach
• Reviews → Check on Booking.com

Why we like BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort…
This cool and eco-friendly hostel is right by the stunning Conway National Park so it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking to head into the park for an adventure. The tour desk here is a big bonus – they’ll be able to help you arrange crocodile safaris, Great Barrier reef cruises, and even a Whitsunday helicopter flight!

BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort is perfect for…
Eco-conscious travellers who are looking for a holiday park with plenty of facilities will find that BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort ticks all of their boxes. Booking villas or apartments means that you’ll have access to air-conditioning and a kitchen. If you’re travelling with the kids there’s a playground too which is sure to keep them entertained!

Check for Best Price

#13 – Airlie Guest House

• Cost – $$
• Location – 8 Lamond St, 4802 Airlie Beach
• Reviews → Check on Booking.com

Why we like Airlie Guest House…
This charming and comfortable guest house offers a chance to relax and enjoy beautiful views of Airlie Beach. There’s a garden, communal kitchen, a terrace where you can get chatting to other travellers. One of the most popular nearby activities is hiking, and there’s a continental breakfast included so you won’t go on an empty stomach!

Airlie Guest House is perfect for…
If you don’t mind splashing out a little on your trip to Airlie Beach, then it certainly won’t be money wasted at this comfortable, friendly, and characterful guest house. It has excellent review scores on booking.com – some of the best in the whole of Airlie Beach in fact, so you don’t just have to take our word for it that it’s good!

Check for Best Price

 

#14 – Rustica

• Cost – $$
• Location – 165 Shute Harbour Road, 4802 Cannonvale
• Reviews → Check on Booking.com

Why we like Rustica…
This friendly beachfront bed and breakfast is in Cannonvale, the next town along from Airlie Beach, so it’s a great spot if you want to head into town during the day but have somewhere quiet at night for a good night’s sleep. It’s easy to get into town as the B and B offers bike rental!

Rustica is perfect for…
If you want to stay in a private room with lots of creature comforts over a hostel dorm, then this is a great option. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a dining room, and a kitchenette. Perfect for preparing your own meals and keeping your costs down!

Check for Best Price

 

#15 – Yachtsman’s Paradise, Whitsundays

• Cost – $$
• Location – 13 Border Drive House 28, 4802
• Reviews → Check on Booking.com

Why we like Yachtsman’s Paradise, Whitsundays…
This comfortable guest house is also situated out in Cannondale, and the shared lounge, bar, or indoor pool are all places that you can strike up a conversation with other guests. We love that all the rooms here come with a balcony – perfect for views of the surrounding sea and mountains!

Yachtsman’s Paradise, Whitsundays is perfect for…
This guest house is an adults-only accommodation, so if you want to enjoy your space without being disturbed by any children running around and making noise then this is perfect for you. On the flipside, if you’re travelling with the family it’s better to choose somewhere else on our list!

Check for Best Price

FAQ’s

How Much are Hostels in Airlie Beach?

Dorm rooms are usually around $20 for a night, while private rooms begin at about $50 for a budget room. Many private rooms will be up to $100 per night, but feature other amenities.

What are Hostels in Airlie Beach Like?

If you want a beach vibe, Airlie Beach is the place to be! Hostels are a great place to experience the laid back energy of the city, and many feature amenities like a pool and beachfront access to maximize your time on the sand during your stay!

How Safe are Hostels in Airlie Beach?

The nightlife scene in Airlie Beach has been known to get a bit crazy, but generally hostels are a safe place to stay. Check to see if they have security features and whether they have quiet hours if you don't like the party scene.

How to Find Hostels in Airlie Beach?

Search for hostels on HostelWorld in advance to find the best option for you. During peak seasons, hostels can be booked, so make sure you plan ahead to get a spot!

Further Reading – Have a look at the most awesome hostels in Cairns, Australia
 

	Best overall hostel in Airlie Beach Airlie Beach Magnums Free Internet Access, Self-Catering Facilities, Late check-out	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel for solo travellers in Airlie Beach Base Airlie Beach Resort Outdoor Terrace, Self-Catering Facilities, Outdoor Swimming Pool	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Airlie Beach Lagoon Nomads Airlie Beach Key Card Access, Laundry Facilities, Tours/Travel Desk	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Whitsunday Coast Airport A & A Motel Breakfast, Free WiFi, Airconditioning	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Port of Airlie Bus and Coach Station Airlie Beach YHA Free WiFi, Self-Catering Facilities, Swimming Pool	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Airlie Beach Hamilton Island Marina ferry route Airlie Beach Motor Lodge Free WiFi, Towels Included, Outdoor Terrace	Check for Best Price
	Best high-end hostel in Airlie Beach Whitsunday on the Beach Free WiFi, Towels Included, Airport Transfers	Check for Best Price
	Best budget hostel in Airlie Beach Airlie Beach Backpackers by the Bay Free WiFi, Late check-out, Luggage Storage	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel with private rooms in Airlie Beach Kipara Tropical Rainforest Resort Free WiFi, Laundry Facilities, Luggage Storage	Check for Best Price
	Best holiday park in Airlie Beach Island Gateway Holiday Park Airport Shuttle, Free WiFi, Swimming pool	Check for Best Price
	Best holiday cabins in Airlie Beach Bush Village Budget Cabins Free WiFi, Self-Catering Facilities, Laundry Facilities	Check for Best Price

 

Conclusion

So, there we go. We’ve taken a deep and detailed look at the best hostels in Airlie Beach, so we hope you’ve found something to suit your travel style, personality, and above all else – your bank account.

We wouldn’t want you to miss out on one of the best beach towns in the whole of Australia now, would we?

Hostels are a sensible way to travel, especially in Australia where your costs can spiral out of control quite quickly if you’re not careful! Staying in a hostel means saving some cash and hopefully, you’ll be able to explore deeper into Down Under with the cash you save!

Lastly, don’t forget our favourite hostel in Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach Magnums. However, we hope whichever of these cool hostels you settle on that you have a fantastic trip!

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)