YHA Organisation

YHA Australia is part of the world's largest backpacker accommodation network, Hostelling International (HI), providing more than 4,000 YHA hostels in over 90 countries. YHA Australia is a membership-based, not for profit association, with all profits going back into the hostels and the experience they provide.

With hostels in every State, YHA is the largest backpacker accommodation provider in Australia. 

When you join YHA in Australia, you become a member of the organisation covering your State of residence. Your Membership allows you to participate in YHA’s governance through Annual General Meetings and Board elections. You can find more information here:

Our Mission

To provide opportunity for all, but especially young people, for education by personal development, fostering friendship and bringing about a better understanding of others and the world around them.

Our Story

• 1909: Richard Schirrmann first has the idea to create a network of jugendherberge (youth hostels)
• 1912: The first permanent youth hostel, Altena Castle, established in Germany
• 1919: The German Youth Hostel Association is founded
• 1939: International Youth Hostel Federation (Hostelling International) founded. The hostelling movement begins in Australia in Victoria and YHA VIC is established
• 1943: YHA NSW is established
• 1947: The first hostel owned and operated by YHA opens in Victoria. The Australian Youth Hostels Association is established 
• 1948: YHA SA is established
• 1950: YHA TAS is established
• 1951: YHA WA is established. There are 1,618 members and 40 YHA hostels in Australia 
• 1962: YHA QLD is established
• 1968: YHA membership costs $3
• 1970: The arrival of the Boeing 747 revolutionises air travel
• 1976: YHA NT established
• 1995: More than 3 million YHA/HI members worldwide. As usage of the internet becomes more widespread, YHA Australia launches yha.com.au 
• 1997: Sydney Central YHA opens  
• 2000: Grampians YHA Eco Hostel opens, designed and developed with sustainability in mind
• 2004: Japanese language version of yha.com.au launched
• 2005: Eco Beach YHA Apollo Bay Hostel opens, designed and developed with sustainability in mind
• 2007: Mandarin language version of yha.com.au launched
• 2008: The arrival of the Airbus A380
• 2009: 100 Years of Hostelling, the opening of Sydney Harbour YHA, Melbourne Central YHA and Brisbane City YHA. Korean language version of yha.com.au to be launched 
• 2014: 75 years of YHA in Australia. More than 1.5 million annual overnights in 85 YHA hostels around Australia
• 2015: Launch of a new-look yha.com.au