Byron Bay is home to some of the best surfing in Australia, beautiful seafront walks, and endless afternoons relaxing in the soft sand and paddling in the sea. All encapsulated into the laid-back vibe of a small town, it’s no wonder that so many people pitch up here year-round!
Byron is quite small but there’s still a lot of choice when it comes to places to stay – and it can be tricky to decide where your best option is. It’s a bit pricey too, so hostels are an excellent choice for your stay.
To help you out as much as possible, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Byron Bay, picking out some that we think will suit your budget and itinerary.
Thankfully, there’s lots of choice – a couple of chain hostels are in there, and some independent ones too. There are even a few quirky and unusual choice on our list! So, let’s get to it and dive into the best hostels in Byron Bay!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Byron Bay
#1 Best overall hostel in Byron Bay: Wake up! Byron Bay
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Byron Bay: Byron Bay Beach Hostel
#3 Best party hostel in Byron Bay: Backpackers Holiday Village
#4 Best hostel near Byron Beach: Backpackers Inn at the Beach
#5 Best hostel near Cape Byron Walking Track: Cape Byron YHA
#6 Best hostel near Byron Beach Station: Aquarius Backpackers Byron Bay
#7 Best hostel near Jonson Street Bus Terminal: Nomads Byron Bay
#8 Best high-end hostel in Byron Bay: The Nest Byron Bay
#9 Best budget hostel in Byron Bay: Byron Bay YHA
#10 Best hostel with private rooms in Byron Bay: Arts Factory Lodge
#1 – Wake up! Byron Bay
Best overall hostel in Byron Bay
Wake up! Byron Bay is the best overall hostel in Byron Bay
Wake up! Byron Bay is the best overall hostel in Byron Bay
Wake up! Byron Bay is the best overall hostel in Byron Bay- Cost – $$
- Location – 25 Childe Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Wake up! Byron Bay…
Don’t just take our word for it – Wake Up! Byron Bay is a traveller favourite on Hostelworld. This friendly, bright, and colourful hostel is located on Belongil Sands, just minutes from the beach! We love all the free stuff on offer, including paddleboard, surfboard, and bike rental, yoga classes, and even personal trainer sessions! Perfect for working off the Sunday pancake breakfast – also free!
Wake up! Byron Bay is perfect for…
There are few travellers who won’t find that Wake Up! Byron Bay is the best place for them to stay – if you’re looking for a laid-back, relaxed holiday right on the beach front, meeting other like-minded travellers, then you can’t ask for more than here. The only downside is it’s a bit out of the town centre – but free bike rental or shuttles into town quickly help you forget that!
Have your dates picked? Read up on hostels in Australia before you book!
#2 – Byron Bay Beach Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers in Byron Bay
Byron Bay Beach Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Byron Bay
Byron Bay Beach Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Byron Bay
Byron Bay Beach Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Byron Bay- Cost – $$
- Location – 23 Lawson St
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Byron Bay Beach Hostel…
An unbeatable location just 50m away from Byron’s Main Beach, this sociable hostel is the perfect place for solo travellers! When you’re not sunbathing or having a paddle at the beach, you can get to know your fellow travellers in a number of places – why not try the rooftop bar and terrace, the cosy tiered TV lounge, or the huge kitchen?
Byron Bay Beach Hostel is perfect for…
Solo travellers who want to make friends with the least awkwardness possible will love Byron Bay Beach Hostel. The many chillout spaces mean that conversations come naturally and freely, and you’ll be soon heading to the beach with your new friends or out on the town!
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#3 – Backpackers Holiday Village
Best party hostel in Byron Bay
Backpackers Holiday Village is the best party hostel in Byron Bay
Backpackers Holiday Village is the best party hostel in Byron Bay
Backpackers Holiday Village is the best party hostel in Byron Bay- Cost – $$
- Location – 116 Jonson St, Byron Bay
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Backpackers Holiday Village…
This centrally located hostel is just a short walk to many of the town’s beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to party in Byron Bay, with social spaces that encourage people to get chatting before heading to Cheeky Monkeys, one of the town’s most renowned bars, just over the road!
Backpackers Holiday Village is perfect for…
If you want to meet other travellers and have a few tinnies with them, then Backpackers Holiday Village is the perfect place to do that. After you’ve slept off your hangover, the hostel makes it really easy to explore as well, offering free bike, surfboard, and bodyboard rental. If you’re feeling really active try out some sports on the volleyball or basketball courts!
Editors Note: Thinking of Camping at Byron Bay instead? Check out the very best Byron Bay camping spots.
#4 – Backpackers Inn on the Beach
Best hostel near Byron Beach
- Cost – $$
- Location – 29 Shirley Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Backpackers Inn on the Beach…
As you might have guessed from the name, this beachfront hostel is the best place to stay if you want to be right by Byron Beach. There’s even a path from the hostel that leads straight out onto the sand! If you can drag yourself away from the beach, the hostel has a pool and some hammocks where you can lounge around in complete comfort.
Backpackers Inn on the Beach is perfect for…
This is the perfect hostel for a beach bum. You can almost literally roll out of bed onto the sand. Surfers will love it too, as on the doorstep there’s one of the best surfing breaks in the whole of Oz – “the Wreck”. Solo travellers will be delighted that there are plenty of spaces to hang out and make conversations with fellow guests!
Looking for the Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best party hostels in Australia!
#5 – Cape Byron YHA
Best hostel near Cape Byron Walking Track
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cnr Byron & Middleton Sts, Byron Bay
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Cape Byron YHA…
When leaving Cape Byron YHA, it’s just a short stroll to the Cape Byron Walking Track, one of the most popular hiking baths on the bay, leading to the famous Cape Byron lighthouse. We love that this hostel offers weekly Aussie BBQs, and for those who are looking for something a little more highbrow, there’s even a cheese and wine night. Fancy!
Cape Byron YHA is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the Cape Byron Walking Track, then there really is no better option than this place! You’re minutes away, and it’s probable that you’ll meet like-minded travellers who you might end up seeing the sights with – especially great if you’re travelling solo. However, you might just want to relax in the heated pool. No one would blame you!
Editor’s note – If you are going to stay in Sydney, you should check out our article about the most awesome hostels in Sydney.
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#6 – Aquarius Backpackers Byron Bay
Best hostel near Byron Beach Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – 16 Lawson St , Byron Bay
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Aquarius Backpackers Byron Bay…
Just around the corner from Byron Bay’s railway station, Aquarius Backpackers Byron Bay is the place to be if you want to be perfectly located for your onward train journey. There’s a lot more to love than just that though – free BBQs, boogie board rental, a heated pool flanked by comfy hammocks are just the start!
Aquarius Backpackers Byron Bay is perfect for…
Due to its proximity to the train station, travellers will find this hostel a great option, especially if they are leaving on an early morning train or arriving late at night. There’s a restaurant and bar on site, perfect if you want to quench your thirst or hunger but are too tired to head out into town.
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#7 – Nomads Byron Bay
Best hostel near Jonson Street Bus Terminal
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1 L Lateen Lane
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Nomads Byron Bay…
If you need to be close to Jonson Street Bus Terminal, then Nomads Byron Bay is the best place you can stay. After a long bus journey, you’re sure to be cramped up and sore, so why not unwind your tired legs in one of two twelve-seater jacuzzis?! We love the views of the beach from the balcony, and that the courtyard is a BYOB area.
Nomads Byron Bay is perfect for…
Nomads Byron Bay’s proximity to Jonson Street Bus Terminal takes as much of the stress of getting there away as possible. Yes, Byron Bay is a small town, but you may as well be as close as possible! It’s great for sociable or solo travellers too, as Nomads offers free open-mic nights and group walks to the lighthouse!
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Editor’s note – Heading to Cairns next? Check out our post about the best hostels Cairns!
#8 – The Nest Byron Bay
Best high-end hostel in Byron Bay
- Cost – $$
- Location – 5-37 Broken Head Road, 2481
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like The Nest Byron Bay…
If you’re looking for something a little different when staying at Byron Bay, then maybe consider staying at The Nest. It’s actually a campsite rather than a hostel, but you’ll be close to other travellers when you stay in one of the luxury tents, teepees, or camper vans! There’s a free continental breakfast, and the tented area offers a BBQ.
The Nest Byron Bay is perfect for…
If you don’t mind splashing out a little for a unique experience, but still want the sociable side of being in a hostel, then the Nest is a good place to look. It’s also a little out of Byron Bay – situated in Arakwal National Park, so if you want to wake up to the sounds of birds and fall asleep to crickets chirruping, then this is a great option!
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#9 – Byron Bay YHA
Best budget hostel in Byron Bay
- Cost – $$
- Location – 7 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Byron Bay YHA…
Travellers on a budget will love Byron Bay YHA as it’s reasonably priced, but you don’t have to compromise on quality and comfort! Although it’s among the least pricey hostels in the town, you’ll still have access to a pool, a large kitchen for cooking your own meals, and best of all – a pool!
Byron Bay YHA is perfect for…
Travellers who have one eye on their wallet but don’t want to miss out on having a fun and sociable experience will have a load taken off their mind when they book Byron Bay YHA. You can even enjoy a weekly movie and popcorn night without spending a penny! The pool area and indoor lounges are great places to meet other travellers and swap stories too.
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#10 – Arts Factory Lodge
Best hostel with private rooms in Byron Bay
- Cost – $$
- Location – Skinners Shoot Rd
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Arts Factory Lodge…
This artistic and friendly hostel is a little out of Byron Bay – great if you want to get a good night’s sleep away from the music and lights of the centre of town! There’s a range of double and twin private rooms here, meaning it’s a great place to stay if you need a break from noisy dorm rooms!
Arts Factory Lodge is perfect for…
If you’ve been travelling for a long time, you’re a couple, or you just need your own space for a night or two, then you can do a lot worse than the private rooms at Arts Factory lodge! Creative travellers will love it here – there are digeridoo making classes that will provide you with an unforgettable memento of your trip!
Check this out! Our complete guide to the most awesome hostels near Sydney Airport!
Other best place to stay in Byron Bay
#11 – Byron Holiday Park
- Cost – $$
- Location – 5-37 Broken Head Road, 2481 Byron Bay
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Byron Holiday Park…
Although not a hostel, you’ll still have the chance to meet other travellers at this adventurous holiday park, right next to Tallow Beach. We love the atmosphere around the swimming pool, and the free parking is a bonus if you’re doing a road trip on Australia’s east coast!
Byron Holiday Park is perfect for…
Families travelling with the kids will love Byron Holiday Park, as there are a lot of fun activities for everyone to get involved with! Solo travellers will be pleased to know too that there’s a communal cooking and dining area – great if you want a hybrid site somewhere between a hostel and a campsite!
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#12 – Birdcage @ Byron
- Cost – $$
- Location – Corner of Bangalow Road and Broken Head Road, 2481
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Birdcage @ Byron…
Birdcage is another property close to Byron Bay that isn’t a hostel, but you’ll be able to meet people here as it has a sociable side! Birdcage @ Byron is a fantastic place to stay if you want to be close to Arakwal National Park, as it’s less than 3km away.
Birdcage @ Byron is perfect for…
Groups of travellers and families will love Birdcage @ Byron as it offers the sociable side of a hostel, and the comforts of home like a flat screen TV and DVD player, but at an affordable price. If you’re travelling with the kids, they’ll love the adventure of sleeping in a caravan!
Will you be in Sydney a while? Here’s your guide to the top day trips from Sydney for exploring the area!
#13 – Discovery Parks Byron Bay
- Cost – $$
- Location – 399 Ewingsdale Road, 2481
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Discovery Parks Byron Bay…
There’s so much to like about Discovery Parks Byron Bay. You’ll be able to meet people at any of the on-site facilities (and there are several), including the outdoor swimming pools, waterpark with a jumping pillow, or the communal BBQs and camp kitchen!
Discovery Parks Byron Bay is perfect for…
Travellers who want to let go of the serious side for a few days will love Discovery Parks Byron Bay. There are so many fun activities on offer on site, that you might not even make it to the beach and into town! Cabins are self-contained too, meaning that you won’t be kept awake by strangers’ snoring. Family members are a different matter though!
Short on time in Sydney? Doesn’t matter we have trips from Sydney you can do in one day!
#14 – The Lord Byron
- Cost – $$
- Location – 120 Jonson Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Lord Byron…
Travellers who don’t mind splashing out a bit extra for some real luxury will be pretty happy living it up at the Lord Byron! The tropical bush hut setting means you’re sure to get a good night’s sleep to be prepared to hit the local attractions the next day or to make the most of the onsite tennis courts!
The Lord Byron is perfect for…
This is a hotel over a hostel, so travellers looking to meet others would be better off looking somewhere higher up on this list. Couples looking for a romantic break, or families that want a true pampering experience will like the Lord Byron, and will probably spend hours lounging about in the outdoor pool!
P.S. – Save a bit of cash in Melbourne with our EPIC guide to the coolest hostels in Melbourne!
#15 – Glen Villa Resort
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 80-86 Butler Street, 2481
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Glen Villa Resort…
If you don’t want to stay in a hostel, but you do want somewhere sociable, and you want to be just a 2-minute walk from Byron Bay centre, you’d be asking too much if it weren’t for Glen Villa Resort! If you’re feeling really flash, treat yourself to a luxurious cabin complete with its own private spa bath!
Glen Villa Resort is perfect for…
Groups of friends or families on a road trip will love Glen Villa Resort as it’s close to everything that’s going on in the city, but they’ll be able to park for free and enjoy all the facilities on site too! Although there’s so much natural beauty in the area, sometimes you might just want to stay in your cabin and unwind in front of the flat screen TV.
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Byron Bay?
Expect to pay about $25 a night for a dorm room in Byron Bay. Private rooms are more expensive, beginning around $60, but often up to $100 per night. Byron Bay is a popular tourist spot, so expect prices to match!
What are Hostels in Byron Bay Like?
Byron Bay is famous for its beaches, and the hostels match the vibe! Many come with pools and some will arrange activities like whale watching and diving. There are plenty of hostels in the city center and with great beach access.
How Safe are Hostels in Byron Bay?
In general, hostels in Byron Bay are very safe places to stay! Since it is a big city, some crime is reported, so you'll want to take standard precautions and make sure you check that the hostel has security measures like lockers and CCTV cameras.
How to Find Hostels in Byron Bay?
Using online search platforms like HostelWorld is the best way to go. If you're planning on being in Australia for a while, you can ask other travelers or at your hostel or hotel in Sydney or other cities if they have any recommendations for the best spots!
Further reading – Check out the top party hostels in Melbourne, Australia!
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BEST OVERALL HOSTEL IN BYRON BAY
Wake up! Byron Bay
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BEST PARTY HOSTEL IN BYRON BAY
Backpackers Holiday Village
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BEST HOSTEL FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS IN BYRON BAY
Byron Bay Beach Hostel
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BEST HOSTEL NEAR BYRON BEACH
Backpackers Inn on the Beach
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BEST HOSTEL NEAR CAPE BYRON WALKING TRACK
Cape Byron YHA
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BEST HOSTEL NEAR BYRON BEACH STATION
Aquarius Backpackers Byron Bay
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BEST HOSTEL NEAR JONSON STREET BUS TERMINAL
Nomads Byron Bay
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BEST HIGH-END HOSTEL IN BYRON BAY
The Nest Byron Bay
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BEST BUDGET HOSTEL IN BYRON BAY
Byron Bay YHA
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BEST HOSTEL WITH PRIVATE ROOMS IN BYRON BAY
Arts Factory Lodge
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Conclusion
So, there we have it. We’ve taken a detailed look at the best that Byron Bay has to offer in terms of hostels (and a couple of other types of accommodation too)! We’re pretty confident that there’ll be at least a couple that suits your travel style, itinerary, and most importantly – your budget!
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on one of Australia’s most sought-after beaches!
Hostels are a great way to travel, especially in destinations like Byron Bay that may stretch the finances of a lot of backpackers. But, after consulting our list you should have some cash left over for a surf lesson at least!
And don’t forget our top choice in Byron Bay – Wake Up! Byron Bay. But whichever hostel you choose, we hope that you have a cracking holiday!
***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 :)
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