The Best Hostels in Byron Bay for Backpackers and Holidayers

  1. If you know me in person, or have been following my blog for the last year and a half, you’ll know that I kind of got obsessed with the beautiful town of Byron Bay in northern New South Wales, Australia. I lived in this whacky and wonderful town for five months, and it’s somewhere I hold very close to my heart.

One of the best things to do in Byron Bay is just to be in Byron, and I’d always recommend people spend longer than a few days there, to really engage in the community, experience all of Byron’s amazing events and of course, stroll along the golden sands, climb up to the lighthouse and travel out into the spectacular hinterland. Here’s a list I complied of 39 unique things to do in Byron Bay, some reasons why Byron Bay changed my life and – if you do want to stay in the town for a little longer – a guide to getting a job in Byron Bay.

But if you only have a short amount of time to spend in the paradise of Byron Bay, don’t miss it; you can still feel the peaceful and upbeat spirit of the town in just a few days. Because it is such a popular backpacker town, there are heaps of hostels in Byron Bay with fantastic social events, great facilities and an awesome atmosphere.

Byron Bay is home to all sorts of hostels – from luxury style abodes in the centre of town, to beachfront accomodations, to hostels set in the subtropical jungle. If you’re wondering where to stay in the hippy town, here’s a list of the best hostels in Byron Bay to help you decide. And once you’ve tired of hostel life, you can check out some of the best Airbnbs in Australia for a more bespoke/ luxury experience too!

The Arts Factory

I lived (and worked!) in the Arts Factory for the entire time I lived in Byron Bay, so of course it’s going to be right at the top! It’s definitely one of the more unique Byron Bay hostels – infact, the Arts Factory is more of an experience. Various workshops such as yoga, didjeridoo and steel drum lessons all take place in the hostel’s gorgeous grounds, every room opens onto the outdoors and it hosts a weekly talent show and quiz night. There’s an on-site café, lots of communal areas and a swimming pool for you to relax in.

If you’re staying in Byron Bay for longer, the Arts Factory has an adjoining campsite where many long termers live. Living in a tent here was one of the happiest times of my life and I’d recommend it to anyone. But even if you don’t want to commit to a fabric roof for an extended period of time, staying in a tent for a short while during your stay in Byron makes the Arts Factory option one of the most cheap hostels in Byron Bay. If you are traveling in a campervan, there is also the choice to stay in the car park.

Have I enticed you? Check rates and book The Arts Factory by using this link.

(Note: campsites are booked on a first come, first served basis. If you’re travelling during the summer, I’d recommend booking your first night in a dorm and then moving to the campsite afterwards).

Backpackers Inn on the Beach

Image credit: Backpackers Inn on the Beach

If you want to stay close to town, but not right in the middle of things, Backpackers Inn on the Beach is a fantastic option. As the name suggests, it’s located right on the beach – perfect if you’re wanting to catch a morning surf.

The hostel has a fantastic nightlife scene, with communal areas and an outdoor cinema, as well as spotless bathroom and kitchen facilities; it constantly wins fantastic reviews for being spotlessly clean.

The hostel also offers free parking, a big screen TV, wi-fi and surfbord/ SUP hire. It’s one of the most well facilitated hostels in Byron Bay and is definitely set in one of the most picturesque locations!

If you’re keen to check out Byron Bay’s only beachfront hostel, click here for rates and to book.

Backpackers Holiday Village

Image credit Backpackers Holiday Village

Only a stone’s throw from Byron’s Main Beach, but still at the ‘quieter’ end of town, Backpackers Holiday Village is a fantastic retreat style accommodation. They offer a traditional Australian BBQ twice a week.

You can enjoy an outdoor pool and a spa pool, and be just five minutes from Arakwal National Park and an eight minute walk from the beach when you are staying at the holiday village. The dormitories are clean and well facilitated and the hostel is ever popular with backpackers and holidayers alike.

If you’re keen to experience this holiday retreat, check out rates and book Backpackers Holiday Village here.

Nomads Byron Bay

Image credit Nomads Byron Bay

One of two Nomads hostels in Byron Bay (the Arts Factory is the second), Nomads Byron Bay is in prime location, right in the town centre. The hostel lobby has a fresh and fun feel, with friendly staff and a Mad Travel desk immediately welcoming you to Byron. Upstairs, the dorm rooms are clean and spacious, many with en-suite bathrooms.

There’s a huge communal area with on-deck hot tubs and plenty of space for socializing, and the hostel puts on nightly activities – sometimes involving drinking and going out, but other times offering chilled out movie nights. And because it’s the reliable Nomads chain, you can expect it to be a similar atmosphere to many of the other Nomads and Base hostels on the East Coast.

Wanting to stay in the centre of town and enjoy Nomads’ many facilties? Check out rates and book here.

Cape Byron Hostel YHA

Image credit YHA Australia

YHA offers hostels all over Australia, and Cape Byron is one of its best. The hostel is super close to the main beach and is in walking distance to all of Byron Bay’s attractions – so it’s easy to see all that the town has to offer at any time of day.

The hostel itself offers a heated pool, BBQ facilities and large common areas, which are overlooked by its dorm and private rooms. If scuba diving is on your Australian bucket list, you’re in luck – the hostel is right next to the town’s dive centre.

If you want to stay at one of YHA’s best hostels, click here for rates and to book.

When you’re booking one of the best hostels in Byron Bay, I’d really recommend you use booking.com. They have lots of great features, including free cancellation on many of their properties – and if you use this link you can get £20 off your first booking.

Disclaimer: some of the links in these posts are affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is one of the ways I keep this blog running free of charge – so please consider using these affiliate links when you’re booking these Byron Bay hostels!

Searching for a one of the best hostels in Byron Bay, one of New South Wales in Australia's favourite towns? From jungle style properties to town centre accomodations, look no further than this helpful guide which will help you book the best Byron Bay hostel for you.

One thought on “The Best Hostels in Byron Bay for Backpackers and Holidayers

  1. Matt says:

    Hi Claire,

    that is such a cool post! We are planning to go to Byron Bay soon, this is so helpful, especially your best things to do guide! Just wanted to say cheers and thank you 🙂
    Matt

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