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Unique and sustainable accommodation across Australia.
Brisbane on budget
No matter if you're spending $0, $50 or $100, we've got a jam-packed itinerary for you.
Melbourne on a budget
Priced at $0, $50 and $100, our three itineraries make it easy to see plenty without spending much.
Adelaide on a budget
Read our guides for $0, $50 and $100, to explore Adelaide without breaking the bank.
Browse properties by state
New South Wales
From Sydney Harbour to the Outback – no other state combines surf beaches, rainforest, rugged bushland, snow-capped mountains, big rivers and the colours of the outback like New South Wales.
Queensland
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.
Victoria
Temperate and green, Victoria's Great Ocean Road, lofty mountains, lush valleys, great wineries and historic towns are complimented by the bustling global metropolis of Melbourne – an international cultural heavyweight known for its art, music and food.
South Australia
Combining rugged landscapes with gourmet sensibilities, SA is one of the country's most underrated destinations. Experience the culture and flavours of Adelaide, wander world-class wine country, explore windswept coastlines or relax on the banks of the Murray River – there's so much to discover in South Australia.
Tasmania
Somewhere on a tiny island at the bottom of the world, awaits a wonderland of untamed wilderness, craggy peaks, ancient forests, deserted beaches, mouthwatering food and loveable locals. Tasmania is its name, and there's nowhere on the planet quite like it. Image: Krista Eppelstun
Western Australia
Australia's largest state, WA is blessed with astounding natural beauty and diversity. From vibrant Fremantle and the stunning white beaches and forests of the South West, to the bright orange hues of Broome and the rugged allure of the outback, you could spend a lifetime exploring this vast place and never hope to see it all.
Northern Territory
Stretching from the spiritual and literal heart of Australia – the red earth of the Central Australian desert – across arid plains, canyons and rivers to the tropical Top End (where Darwin and Kakadu reside), the Northern Territory is a diverse place with a rich Aboriginal heritage.
Always exploring
At YHA Australia, we believe that travel can create a more open an accommodating world. Our mission is to support community in diverse spaces and create connections to people, places and experiences in a sustainable way. It's what we've been doing for more than 80 years.
Explore our properties
Find an experience
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.
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.
5 Day Tasmania Adventure Tour
The original Tasmania backpacker tour and the perfect way to see the best of this amazing island over 5 epic days.
Byron Bay Dolphin Kayaking
Take a guided kayaking tour in the stunning Byron Bay Marine Park. Come face to face with dolphins and other marine life as you paddle around the most easterly point of Australia.
7 Day Tasmania Adventure
Enjoy 7 days of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, wildlife and stunning scenery on this action packed loop of Tassie.
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.
3 Day 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island 4WD Adventure Tour
See the magical Lake McKenzie, marvel at the towering rainforest and cruise along endless golden beaches as you learn how to 4WD and share the best of this world heritage wonder!
Plan your trip
Australia’s best beach activities (and where to do them)
Home to more than 10,000 beaches, heading to the coast for a swim or surf is etched into Australia’s national identity. Beyond taking a dip, here are some of the other experiences and activities to enjoy at the beach.
Australia's best food and drink festivals
Ready for a gourmet getaway? Sample scrumptious homegrown treats and feast on fresh flavours from around the globe at Australia's best food and drink festivals. From succulent seafood and Indigenous bush tucker, to craft brews and award-winning Aussie wines – these culinary celebrations are sure to get your taste buds tingling.
The best walks and hikes around Thredbo
If you’re on the hunt for a destination to break in your new hiking boots this summer, the fresh mountain air and epic walking trails of Thredbo await.
Best places to learn to surf in Australia
There are tons of great places in Oz where anyone can learn the fundamentals and get started on their surfing journey. With so many fantastic beaches and breaks for beginner surfers, it can be difficult to pick just one!
The best day trips from Melbourne
Sun-splashed beaches, foodie hotspots, heritage towns and adorable Aussie animals are are waiting for you in Melbourne's surrounds. Ready to explore? Buckle up, and let’s hit the road – here are our picks for the top day trip destinations near Victoria's bustling capital.
Why you should visit Australia's Everglades
Stretching between sun-drenched beaches and lush hinterland, the Noosa Everglades are the ideal destination for a serene getaway beyond the Sunshine Coast. Renowned for abundant wildlife and attractive scenery, this vast flooded grassland is just one of two everglade systems in the world. While the Florida Everglades capture international headlines, the Noosa biosphere is just as impressive. Plus, you won’t accidentally stumble upon hungry alligators.
A brief guide to responsible wildlife encounters
From koalas to kangaroos, crocs to cockatoos, Australia’s wildlife is legendary. That's why YHA has teamed with World Animal Protection to craft set of guidelines for choosing the most wildlife-friendly options across the country – helping protect animals from harm, while help connect you with more authentic wildlife experiences. Here are seven tips for your next wildlife excursion Down Under...
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.
Why hostel-style accommodation is better for the planet
Want to make your next trip as sustainable as possible? Where you choose to stay could have a bigger impact than you realise – With research indicating hostel-style accommodation is leading the pack when it comes to sustainability.
Making tracks: Australia’s greatest train journeys
There's something special about travelling by rail. These incredible train journeys carve through some of Australia’s most stunning regions, complementing remarkable landscapes with history, culture and cuisine. Hop aboard and get ready to make some core memories...
12 curious facts about koalas
One of Australia's most iconic creatures, the tree-dwelling koala is a weird and wonderful creature with some pretty unique characteristics. We've put together 12 curious facts about these fuzzy tree huggers which might leave you looking at them a little differently...
How to visit Australia's Torres Strait Islands
Stretching from the tip of Queensland to the southern shores of Papua New Guinea, the remote Torres Strait Islands are Australia’s northern frontier – the gateway to a rich and diverse, yet little-known culture, dating back at least 2,500 years. Read on to learn how to experience Australia’s 'other' Indigenous culture in its birthplace.
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.
Chasing the sun: The best sunrise spots on Australia's East Coast
When it comes to the ultimate spots to catch a sunrise, the choice isn't easy. But we've managed to narrow it down to our top spots on the East Coast of Australia – just for you.
Where to see Aussie animals in the wild
Australia hosts some of the planet’s most amazing wildlife. No matter where you travel in this incredible continent, you're never far away from seeing diverse Aussie animals in their natural habitats. Here's our top tips for the best places to see Australia's most iconic critters in the wild!
How to make a positive impact on local communities while you travel
Being mindful of our footprint on local communities when travelling has never been more important. If you're keen to leave a positive impact on your next getaway, use these tips to craft a memorable itinerary bound to benefit the local legends you meet along the way.
11 awesome adrenaline rushes around Australia
From white-knuckle bungy jumps to swimming with whale sharks, exhilarating adventures can be found all over Australia. Here are eleven of the best!
Where to find amazing First Nations experiences in Australia
Imagine the tales you could tell if you had at least 65,000 years of ancestral knowledge to draw from. No matter how well you think you know Australia, you're guaranteed to learn something new with these First-Nations-led experiences.
The most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in Australia
Australia has some of the most safe and inclusive cities for queer travellers to discover and explore - here are our top picks.
Unusual Aussie animals and where to find them
Animal lovers, take note: Kangaroos and koalas aren't the only quirky creatures Down Under. Australia is home to a whole menagerie of weird and wonderful critters you may never have even heard of. From a carnivorous marsupial to an underwater dragon, here are some of the most unusual Aussie animals and where you can find them in the wild.
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.
The top arts and culture festivals in Australia
Whether you want to laugh yourself silly, dance the night away, or indulge your passion for words, wine or creativity, we’ve rounded up the very best arts and culture festivals across the country.
7 tips for ethical travel photography
It's never been easier to capture and share photos and videos of our adventures around the globe – but do you ever stop to consider the ethical implications of your holiday snaps?
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.
The no-stress guide to feeling great while travelling
Travel is already awesome but it’s even better when you’re happy and healthy during your time away. Follow these tips to stay in top physical and mental shape, from the time you leave home to the day you walk back in through the door.
The best places for digital nomads in Australia
With more and more Australians moving away from traditional office environments to take their career on the road, we've put together our picks for the best places in the country to go for your next workcation!
10 food experiences you can’t miss in Australia
Travelling around Australia? Make sure to bring your appetite! From barbequed kangaroo loin and witchety grubs to world-class seafood washed down with a local brew – here are the Down Under food experiences you’ll remember long after their taste is gone from your mouth...
The solo traveller's guide to Australia
Solo travel in Australia offers freedom, flexibility, and self-discovery. This guide shares practical tips to help you explore at your own pace, stay safe, and make the most of your journey across Australia’s cities and landscapes.
YHA Australia is a proud member of Hostelling International - a network of more than 2,500+ hostels across 57 destinations that share the mission of making travel more sustainable & accessible.
