Explore Queensland with YHA

Home to immaculate beaches, lush rainforests and the ever-dazzling Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is Australia's very own paradise on Earth. From the glamorous Gold Coast to the tropical tip of the Far North, the Sunshine State has countless opportunities for adventures in stunning surroundings.

YHA accommodation in Queensland

 

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YHA Brisbane City

Brisbane | Turrbal/Jagera Country

Nestled in Brisbane's traveller precinct and within walking distance of Suncorp Stadium, this buzzing, diverse inner-city YHA boasts a rooftop pool and bar.

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YHA Cairns Central

Cairns | Yidinji Country

Centrally located in Cairns, this relaxed YHA offers a warm community feel, great outdoor living spaces and lush tropical surrounds.

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YHA Coolangatta (Gold Coast)

Gold Coast | Bundjalung Country

Barely a stone's throw from the airport, this charming, beach-adjacent YHA is an excellent choice for surf-lovers visiting Queensland's Gold Coast.

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YHA Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay | Butchulla Country

This multi-award winning hostel in the seaside town of Hervey Bay is conveniently located within an easy walk of nearby beaches.

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YHA Stradbroke Island | Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre tile image

YHA Stradbroke Island | Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre

Point Lookout | Quandamooka Country

YHA Stradbroke Island is a hostel and scuba dive centre providing beachfront traveller accommodation with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

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YHA 1770

Agnes Water | Gureng Gureng Country

1770 is a clean and inviting YHA with a variety of room types. The Agnes Water Beach is only a short 200 meter walk through an environmental park.

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YHA Noosa Everglades | Kangarooms

Como | Kabi Kabi Country

YHA Noosa Everglades | Kangarooms is 25 minutes north of Noosa's beaches and shopping precinct and uniquely located in the Cooloola National Park, between two Biospheres and is the gateway to Australia’s only Everglades.

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Rockhampton Backpackers

Rockhampton | Darumbal Country

Rockhampton Backpackers is located a short walk from the Fitzroy River & CBD. It offers co-living & double/twin rooms (some with ensuites).

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Queensland: Trip inspiration & tips

  • A budget guide to the Gold Coast

    Calling all frugal fun-seekers! The Gold Coast is your hot spot for sun-soaked beaches, happening nightlife and heart-pumping adventures — and you definitely don't need to blow your budget to have an amazing time. Read on for our best budget-saving tips.
  • Due north: Your guide to an epic Brisbane to Cairns road trip

    Home to deserted beaches, sleepy beachside towns, lush tropical rainforests and the largest reef system on the planet, this almost-1700km stretch of Queensland’s coast has memorable road trip written all over it.
  • The most beautiful places in Queensland

    Queensland is Australia's very own tropical paradise. Home to stunning beaches, dense rainforests, and a staggering quotient of biodiversity, QLD is an impressive testament to our country's natural beauty. Here's our picks for the stunning pieces of nature across the Sunshine State.
  • A budget guide to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

    A trip to Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve got the best budget-saving tips for all your Sunny Coast adventures!
  • 11 awesome canoeing and kayaking adventures in Australia

    Love doing your exploring with a paddle in hand? Us too. From sleepy canoe trips down wide, still rivers, to epic multi-day kayak trips to the country's wildest waterways, adventure's never far away when there's paddling involved. And the free upper body work out doesn't hurt either! Read on for a selection of the finest canoeing and kayaking adventures in Australia.
  • 21 free things to do in Cairns

    Exploring one of Queensland’s top holiday hot spots doesn’t have to be expensive. From rainforests and waterfalls to pyramids and caves, here’s our comprehensive guide for the top free things to do in Cairns. 
  • Why you should visit North Stradbroke Island

    Located just off Brisbane and a mere 50-minutes by ferry from the mainland, Queensland’s North Stradbroke Island ticks all the boxes for a rejuvenating island break.
  • Best mountain biking trails in Queensland

    Though still an emerging destination for mountain biking, this massive state harbours plenty of great tracks and trails both up the coast and in various pockets inland. We just hope you don't mind a bit of sweat trickling out from under your helmet, because biking in Queensland can get HOT.
  • First Nations food experiences in Queensland

    Queensland is a hotspot of unique and fascinating bush foods that its Traditional Custodians have known about for tens of thousands of years. Here are our picks for the most unforgettable bush tucker experiences in the Sunshine State!
  • National parks near Aussie cities

    In Australia, you can have your big-city fix and a dose of nature, too. Beyond the city buzz, you’ll find a peaceful pocket of wilderness and wildlife just a short hop away at nearby national parks, from rainforests and waterfalls to wild beaches and coral reefs. You might even see a kangaroo or two! So pack some snacks and sunscreen and hit the trails at these must-see national parks near major Aussie cities.
  • Top LGBTQIA+ festivals and events around Australia

    LGBTQIA+ festivals and events are back, and there's something for everyone! From quiet reflections at multi-artform exhibitions to dancing and partying in step with a parade, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate queer identities and experiences with these festivities around the country!
  • Australia's best coastal walks

    If you’re a lover of long walks over dunes, along windswept cliffs or with the tide lapping at your ankles, you may have come to the right place. In this article, we've dug up some of the best coastal and beach walks across Australia.
  • The top whale watching spots in Australia

    As the majestic mammals set off on their epic mid-year migration, let YHA help you to discover the best places to spot them.
  • 20 must-do backpacker experiences in Australia

    From wildlife to wilderness, Australia has no shortage of magnificent sights and epic experiences to discover. To help you make the most of your time Down Under we’ve rounded up 20 iconic things you have to tick off your Aussie bucket list.
  • 7 oddball Aussie sporting events worth checking out

    From a sailing regatta held on dry land to a sporting celebration in honour of the humble watermelon, these offbeat events prove that Australians will turn almost anything into a sport.
  • 6 great mountains to hike in Australia

    Australia might not be home to the world’s highest peaks, but we sure have an incredible variety of mountains worth hiking. Here are just six spectacular summits to bag across the country and make it back to ground level in time for dinner.
  • 5 Best YHA Rooftops in Australia

    Home of yoga, movie nights, and accidental-on-purpose naps in the sunshine, YHA rooftops are the place to be. Here are 5 of the very best to tick off...
  • Weird and wonderful natural phenomena in Australia

    Meteorite craters, coral spawnings and eye-popping pink lakes — Australia hosts some of the planet’s most mind-blowing natural phenomena. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a thrill seeker or you just love nature, add these awe-inspiring spectacles to your Aussie itinerary.
  • 9 thrilling white water rafting spots in Australia

    Love the adrenaline rush that comes with staring down some roaring rapids? From fun day trips to epic, off-grid river odysseys, Australia has plenty of spots to get stuck into a froth-filled white water rafting adventure.
  • Queensland: Tours & experiences

  • Moreton Island Day Cruise

    Choose the pace of your day; chill or adventure. Snorkel around the Tangalooma Wrecks, spot incredible marine life, spend time exploring pristine beaches or kick back on the boat tapping into the licensed bar.
  • 2 Hour Surf Lesson- Surfers Paradise

    This fun and easy 2 hour surf lesson is the perfect way to learn to surf. With qualified coaches and small group numbers, we guarantee that you will stand up on your first lesson.
  • Dreamtime Gorge Walk

    Don’t miss out on the Dreamtime Gorge Walk when you visit the Mossman Gorge! This must do activity takes visitors on a journey through the rainforest to gain access to sacred Indigenous land.
  • Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight and Cruise

    The ULTIMATE reef experience! Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef from above, and then get up close and personal with this truly epic reef onboard a luxury boat.
  • Cairns Bungy Jump

    Push your limits and jump off Australia's only Bungy Tower, or swoop through the world heritage rainforest at 120km/h on a giant jungle swing.
  • Whitsundays 60 Minute Scenic Flight

    Epic 60 minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet! BUCKET LIST ITEM!
  • Skydive Cairns

    Get the ultimate rush of adrenaline as you skydive 14,000ft above the lush tropical rainforests and stunning coastline of Cairns. 60 Second Freefall!
  • Tully River Full Day White Water Rafting Adventure

    Experience World Heritage Rainforest whilst paddling the rapids with a highly trained guide who will teach you techniques & share the wonders of this magnificent untouched landscape.
  • Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast

    Enjoy the impressive show of balloons being inflated at dawn before taking flight to epic views of rolling hills, open fields and the mind blowing rising sun. Finish your morning with a delicious champagne breakfast.
  • Premium Great Barrier Reef Cruise to 3 Reef Locations

    Travel on a high speed catamaran to experience 3 epic reef sites full of spectacular coral formations and vibrant marine life.
  • Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Day Tour

    A must- do tour through the stunning Whitsundays. Visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel pristine reef sites, and enjoy a gorgeous bushwalk to insta- famous Hill Inlet lookout.
  • 1 Day Daintree Rainforest Tour

    Discover Tropical North Queensland's world heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on this full day tour to Cape Tribulation departing from Cairns.
  • 60 Minute Whitsunday Flight and Rafting Package

    Experience the best of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one day with this epic value scenic flight and Ocean Rafting adventure.
  • Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise

    Travel on a local eco- certified tour to experience a unique reef adventure with friendly crew exploring two pristine Great Barrier Reef locations.
  • Green Island Full Day Eco Adventure

    Spend the day relaxing on the beach, snorkelling in crystal clear waters or exploring rainforest on a 6000 year old coral cay located on Great Barrier Reef!
  • Hands On Country Eco Tour

    Connect with the Mandingalbay Yidinji people, the traditional owners of the land for an unforgettable Indigenous cultural experience right at the door stop of Cairns. .
  • Great Barrier Reef Dreamtime Cruise With Indigenous Sea Rangers

    Experience 5 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef visiting 2 coral reef locations on the only Cairns' reef tour that includes a cultural experience, hosted by local indigenous sea rangers.
  • Top things to do in Queensland

    1. See an exhibition at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art, just a short walk from the hostel.
    2. Join a free yoga, pilates or fitness class along the Cairns Esplanade
    3. Spot koalas in Noosa’s National Park
    4. Surf some of the world’s best wave breaks at Coolangatta
    5. Find a waterfall while bushwalking through the Gold Coast hinterland
    6. Soak up the sun at Brisbane’s inner city beach and wander through the markets at South Bank
    7. Take a dip in Fraser Island’s freshwater lakes off the coast of Hervey Bay
    8. Discover a secluded beach in the Whitsunday Islands.
    9. Head north to experience Aboriginal and Colonial history in Cooktown
    10. Spy dolphins and manta rays from the Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island

    YHA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to the elders, past and present, and the extended Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We recognise their custodianship of the land, sea, & water for over 60,000 years.

    YHA Australia is a proud member of Hostelling International - a network of more than 3,000 hostels across 59 countries that share the mission of making travel more sustainable & accessible.