YHA Explorer makes it easier to plan, manage and enjoy your stay, all from your phone.

• Book and save: Book accommodation and access exclusive discounts on stays, food, drinks and laundry.
• Check in and access your room: Complete self check-in before you arrive and use your phone as your digital room key.
• Manage your bookings: View, import, share and manage reservations, including cancelling eligible bookings.
• Stay connected: Chat with our team, automatically connect to YHA Wi-Fi and discover activities and events during your stay.
• Access your membership: Keep your digital YHA membership card handy wherever you go.

We’re always working on new features to make your YHA experience even better!

No, downloading YHA Explorer isn’t mandatory to stay with us.

We recommend Explorer for exclusive discounts, self check-in before you arrive and using your phone as your room key. If you prefer not to use the app, our reception team can help you check in and access your room.

No, you don’t need to be a member to browse the app or explore its features. However, you’ll need to sign up or log in to book stays. Exclusive benefits - like app-only discounts, your digital membership card, digital room key - are unlocked once you are a YHA member, either by staying with us or if you’re already a member.

• If you already have a YHA login: Use the same email address you previously used for yha.com.au or modebyyha.com.au to sign into the app. You can continue to sign in using your password and existing authentication method, or set up a passkey for quicker sign-ins in future.

• If you need to create a login: Simply follow the sign-up steps in the app. After entering your email address, you'll be given the option to create a passkey. You can also choose to continue with the standard password and authentication process.

All users will need to verify their email address when prompted. If you try to reset your password and don't receive an email, this might mean we don't have a login registered for your email address. In this case, create a new account to get started.

A passkey is a simple and secure way to sign in using the security already built into your device, such as Face ID, fingerprint or your device PIN/passcode. Once your passkey is set up, future sign-ins are much quicker, with no need to enter an SMS or Authenticator App code as part of your normal passkey sign-in.

How do I set one up? When creating a new YHA login or signing in with an existing account, you'll be given the option to set up a passkey. Simply follow the prompts on your device.

If you already have a YHA login, you may be asked to complete your existing authentication, such as entering an SMS or Authenticator App code, before setting up your passkey. This confirms it's really you before the passkey is added to your account.

Don't want to use a passkey? That's OK! You can continue to use your password and the available multi-factor authentication (MFA) options, such as SMS or an Authenticator App.

YHA Explorer gives members access to exclusive savings and benefits throughout their stay, including:

• Accommodation: Save 10% on your first eligible app booking, with your discount increasing up to 15% as you stay more.
• Food and drinks: Enjoy 10% off at participating YHA cafés, bars and kiosks.
• Laundry: Save 10% when using laundry facilities through Explorer at participating properties.

When you book directly through YHA Explorer, you’ll receive 10% off your first eligible booking at participating YHA properties.

Your discount increases by 1% with each eligible stay, up to a maximum of 15%. The increase is activated at check-in.

Good to know:

• Discounts apply to eligible bookings made directly through Explorer.
• Bookings made through yha.com.au, third-party booking websites, travel agents or our reservations team don’t qualify.
• If your membership expires, your discount is temporarily paused. Complete another stay to reactivate it.

Your accommodation discount increases when you check in for an eligible stay booked through YHA Explorer.

If your most recent booking wasn’t made through Explorer, or you haven’t checked in for that stay yet, your discount will remain the same. The maximum discount is 15%.

You can view your past, current and upcoming bookings in YHA Explorer, provided the email address on your booking matches your Explorer login. You can also cancel eligible bookings in accordance with their cancellation terms.

Booked through Booking.com, Hostelworld or another booking website? You can still use Explorer. Import your reservation into the app to access available features during your stay.

If your booking isn’t showing, check that you’re using the correct email address or contact our team through the app for assistance.

Yes! You can add companions to your reservation and share booking details through Explorer.

Companions who want to use Explorer themselves should sign in with their own account and have their booking linked to their profile. Available features, including digital keys, depend on the reservation and property.

Simply click the card icon (logo with two white lines) at the top right of the app to view your membership card, or click here.

If self check-in is available for your stay, the option may appear in YHA Explorer up to four days before your arrival. For eligible same-day bookings, it may be available straight away.

Simply follow the prompts to:

1. Complete your booking profile.
2. Verify your identity.
3. Add any guests staying with you, if applicable.
4. Pay any outstanding balance, if required.
5. Complete your self check-in.

You must be 18 or over to use self check-in.

Once completed, we’ll notify you when your room or bed is ready. Your room details will appear in Explorer, and your digital key will activate once check-in has been processed.

Self check-in isn’t available for every stay or at every YHA property. If it’s unavailable, you can check in at reception instead.

Absolutely! Self check-in through YHA Explorer is optional.

If you’d prefer to check in with our team, or self check-in isn’t available for your booking, simply visit reception when you arrive. Our team will be happy to help.

Self check-in isn't available for every stay. If it's available for your booking, the option will appear automatically in YHA Explorer.

If you don't see the option, or Explorer asks you to visit reception, simply come and see our team when you arrive and they'll be happy to check you in.

To help keep our guests and team members safe, identity verification is required when using self check-in through YHA Explorer.

Simply follow the prompts in the app to provide the required identification and complete the verification steps. Once your identity has been successfully verified, you can continue with your self check-in, provided all other requirements have been met. You'll only need to complete identity verification once.

If you're unable to verify your identity in the app, you can visit reception when you arrive and our team will help you check in.

With YHA Explorer, you can add your digital room key to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and use your phone to access your room and other secure areas of the property.

Getting started:

1. Open your stay in YHA Explorer.
2. Follow the prompts to add your digital key to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
3. Once your check-in has been processed and your room or bed is ready, your key will automatically activate.
4. Tap your phone on the door reader to unlock your room.

If you’re using self check-in, you can add your key before arriving. We’ll notify you when your room or bed is ready. Your device must be compatible and its wallet settings configured correctly.

Having trouble? See our Digital Wallet Key FAQs for troubleshooting tips.

If you're having trouble with your wallet key, our Wallet FAQs can help resolve common issues, such as trouble with device compatibility, key activation, or access to your room and facilities.

Doing your laundry is easy with YHA Explorer! At participating properties, you can enjoy 10% off when using the app.

Simply follow these steps:

1. Open YHA Explorer and select your stay from the Home screen or Stay tab.
2. Tap Do your laundry.
3. Enter your mobile number (if it isn’t already filled in) and tap Continue.
4. Enter the verification code sent to you by SMS.
5. Follow the prompts to access the laundry service and select your machine.
6. Your 10% discount will be applied automatically.

You can find more information under Profile > Laundry Access in the app.

You can check out directly through YHA Explorer without needing to visit reception.

1. Open your current stay in Explorer.
2. Select the Check out option when available.
3. Follow the prompts to complete your check-out.

Self check-out is available from 4am on your departure day, provided there are no outstanding payments on your reservation. Once you check out, your digital room key deactivates immediately.

If you can’t see the option or need assistance, please visit reception.

In-app messaging lets you chat directly with the Reservations team at any time. Once you’ve made a booking, you’ll also be able to message the property where you’re staying - before, during, and for up to 7 days after check-out - so you’re always connected when it matters.

Yes, your payment details are secure. The app uses advanced security measures to protect your payment information. Once submitted, your card number is replaced with a secure token for payment processing (only the first 6 and last 4 digits of your card are visible). Only YHA can apply charges using this token, helping keep your payment information safe.

You can also remove expired or incorrect payment details from the app, as long as they aren't linked to an upcoming reservation.

No, the app requires an internet connection to function. However, all YHA properties offer Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and make the most of the app during your stay.

If you need assistance with the app, you can reach out to our support team here.

For any feedback, suggestions, or improvements, please fill out our feedback form or use the in-app feedback prompt that may appear.

If you’d like to delete your YHA Explorer account, submit a request through our account deletion form.