An iconic city in Queensland, Australia, the Gold Coast is known for its stunning beaches, surfing spots, hip cafes, glitz and glamour, and friendly locals. The city is also home to some of the best theme parks in the country, including Wet'n'Wild, Sea World, and Dreamworld. Its many attractions draw in millions of visitors from around the world. While here, don’t forget to check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Springbrook National Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, Snapper Rocks, and Cavill Avenue. It also has a subtropical climate, perfect for a summer vacation. With so many places to explore, backpacking is the cheapest and easiest way to travel around. If you’re backpacking throughout the country and end up in this city, scroll down for the best backpacker hostels in the Gold Coast, Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 30, 2025.
1. Surf Inn (from USD 31)
Delicious and well-seasoned breakfast options, affordable in-house food, and good value for money.
Affordable rates for a modern, clean hostel in a prime location.
Conveniently situated near the beach, shopping, and dining options.
Well-maintained pool, gaming room, and comfortable beds. Free breakfast and in-house food options.
Surf Inn hostel is an adult-only property that features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a barbecue, a sun terrace, and a shared lounge, the perfect spots for gathering around and getting to know one another. It also has its own cafe where you can grab a daily breakfast buffet. Free internet and private parking with an additional fee are also available for guests’ convenience. Some of the popular attractions nearby include Infinity Maze, SkyPoint Observation Deck, and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers - FREE BREAKFAST
Address: 26 Peninsular Drive
617 meters (0.4 ft) from SkyPoint Observation Deck
2. Backpackers in Paradise (from USD 17)
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this hostel gives off a hotel-like feeling thanks to all the amenities it offers. Guests staying here can relax in the hot tub, play a game of table tennis, watch a blockbuster in the cinema room, or make some meals in the barbecue area. The hotel also offers an on-site cafe, private parking, a sundeck, and luggage storage facilities. While here, you’ll be situated just a few minutes’ walk away from the beach, clubs, and several tourist attractions.
Backpackers In Paradise 18-35 Hostel
Address: 40 Peninsular Drive
550 meters (0.4 ft) from SkyPoint Observation Deck
3. Coolangatta YHA (from USD 26)
Located just a 10-minute walk away from Gold Coast Airport, this hostel is a great option for those who have an early morning flight. It offers a barbecue area, a lounge area with a TV, a pool table, vending machines, multiple garden areas, and laundry facilities. Guests can even rent bicycles and surfboards from the hostel. Fully equipped with a shared kitchen and an outdoor pool, the hostel offers comfort and convenience. Guests can also book snorkeling trips, whale watching tours, and more, here. It is good to note that the rooms here come with ceiling fans and shared bathroom facilities.
YHA Coolangatta Gold Coast This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 230 Coolangatta Rd
19.03 km (11.9 mi) from SkyPoint Observation Deck
4. Bunk Surfers Paradise (from USD 24)
Well-equipped kitchen, free breakfast, but limited options for dietary restrictions. Some complaints about missing cutlery and kitchen cleanliness.
Reasonable pricing for a central location near the beach and public transport.
Perfectly situated near the Greyhound bus station, 2 minutes from the beach, shops, and public transport lines.
Spacious kitchen, comfortable common areas, private balconies, and individual power and light at each bed. Some areas were undergoing renovations.
This hostel is located less than five minutes away from Surfers Paradise Beach. Plus, it offers convenient access to local public transportation. Bunk Surfers Paradise offers free WiFi all day long, allowing guests to stay online. It also comes with a pool for a refreshing dip and a backyard where everyone can get together and grab a delicious meal. Some of the shared facilities here include a lounge area, a kitchen, and a laundry room. Best of all, most of the rooms boast city, pool, or seaside views. For guests’ convenience, the hostel offers airport shuttle services. Cavill Avenue, Infinity Attraction, and SkyPoint Observation Deck are near the property.
Bunk Surfers Paradise International Backpacker Hostel
Address: 6 Beach Road
385 meters (0.3 ft) from SkyPoint Observation Deck
5. Maxmee Resort (from USD 20)
Just five minutes away from Surfers Paradise Beach, Maxmee Resort boasts a great location as it is only a short walk away from popular restaurants and cafes. This property provides access to a table tennis court, volleyball courts, and bodyboards for guests’ entertainment. Laundry facilities are available for convenience. If you want to explore some of the best attractions, all you need to do is go to the front desk and find out about the sightseeing opportunities and tours that are offered here. Guests can choose between two-bedroom apartments and dormitory rooms.
Maxmee Backpackers Resort
Address: 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
1.14 km (0.8 mi) from SkyPoint Observation Deck
6. Down Under Hostels
When you’re visiting the Land Down Under, it’s only fair to stay at Down Under Hostels. Situated in the center of Surfers Paradise, this hostel features common areas for guests to get to know one another and a communal kitchen where everyone can cook their favorite meals. It also offers laundry facilities, a pool table, a flat-screen TV, and a play station. Free breakfast is also offered daily. Those staying here can explore easily attractions, such as Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, Home of the Arts, and Gold Coast Wax Museum.
Down Under Hostels
Address: 76 Appel Street, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia, 4217
287 meters (0.2 ft) from SkyPoint Observation Deck
7. Budds in Surfers Backpackers (from USD 16)
Free food events, breakfast included, cheap drinks at the bar, but limited breakfast options.
Reasonable pricing for the area, free breakfast, and complimentary surfboard and bike rentals.
Conveniently located near Surfers Paradise beach, close to tram stop and main attractions.
Clean rooms and bathrooms, daily events, pool, free surfboards and bikes, well-equipped kitchen.
Budds in Surfers Backpackers offers twin rooms, double rooms, and dormitory-style rooms to accommodate different kinds of travelers. Aside from free internet access throughout the property, the hostel offers an on-site bar, free breakfast, and an outdoor swimming pool. All the rooms here are air-conditioned and give access to both private and shared bathroom facilities. There are personal lockers available in the dormitory-style rooms. While staying here, guests can explore nearby attractions, including The Wax Museum, SkyPoint Observation Deck, and The Arts Centre Gold Coast, to name a few.
Budds In Surfers Backpackers
Address: 6 Pine Ave
1.24 km (0.8 mi) from SkyPoint Observation Deck
Budget-friendly hostels in the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers plenty of amazing accommodations for backpackers to stay at. Hostels, in general, are an amazing accommodation that lets you meet new people and explore new places on a budget, whether you are with fellow backpackers or alone. So, make sure to stay at one of these backpacker hostels in the Gold Coast, Australia, during your visit here.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data