Australia is an amazing country that is certainly the first choice of many travellers. Although many people first think of kangaroos and animals that want to kill you, Australia is much more than that. It is diverse, full of natural and cultural attractions, and has a history of Indigenous communities that goes back thousands of years. Exploring it is a real pleasure, though it does take a bit of planning.
One of the first things to think about when planning a trip is where to stay. That is why this article will be all about YHA Australia, an organisation that has been providing safe and comfortable hostels in the Land Down Under for decades.
Let's look at how YHA Australia began and why their hostels are the best choice for travellers who like to travel smart, sustainably, and on a budget.
You may have encountered the abbreviations HI and YHA several times while searching for a place to stay. But what do they mean?
Hostelling International is a global non-profit network that connects safe, quality hostels and promotes responsible, affordable travel. It is a community that cares about sustainability, cultural exchange and the positive side of travel. Around 60 member organisations worldwide run more than 2,600 hostels.
YHA is a local non-profit organisation that is part of the global Hostelling International network. It runs hostels and related services in certain countries or regions, following HI’s mission to make travel affordable, safe and sustainable.
YHA Australia is a non-profit membership organisation that has been offering curious travellers affordable and quality short-term stays across Australia for over 85 years.
The first hostel in Australia opened its doors in Warrandyte in 1939. The hostel was set up to give young people a chance to meet other travellers and explore nature at affordable prices. Over the years, the hostels spread into cities and natural spots, eventually becoming the biggest and most popular choice for independent travellers in Australia.
Today, YHA Australia offers different types of accommodation for students, digital nomads, families, and anyone looking for adventure. Each hostel is designed as a safe and welcoming space, with private or shared rooms for guests. Most hostels also have private bathrooms, modern kitchens and communal areas for guests to hang out. Some hostels even have pools, shared workspaces for remote workers and terraces with great views.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, gender, nationality, religion or sexual orientation. Hostel staff are there as hosts, local guides and friends, helping guests get to know the area and feel part of the community.
If you enjoy travelling and care about the environment, hostels are the perfect choice for you. Shared accommodation and cleverly designed spaces use less energy and water than regular hotels, while encouraging socialising with other travellers for a more authentic experience. Here are the ways YHA Australia takes care of sustainability during your stay:
Hostels use LED lights, solar systems, and sensors to control lighting and air conditioning. Guests are encouraged to use bicycles and sustainable transportation. Some hostels collect rainwater and recycle grey water.
Hostels separate paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal for recycling. Some also collect reusable batteries and clothing. Communal areas allow guests to exchange items and food. Some places have compost bins and take care of organic waste.
Since 2014 hostels have stopped selling bottled water and provide drinking stations with quality reusable bottles. Every year this keeps about 40,000 plastic bottles out of circulation, cutting the carbon footprint and encouraging guests to be more eco-friendly.
YHA hostels are located all over Australia, from the west to the east coast, in the regions of Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, as well as on the island of Tasmania.
Here are a few of the most interesting and popular hostels, ideal for anyone looking for a quality, affordable and social place to stay.
YHA Sydney Harbour is the best hostel in the city and the perfect base for all of Sydney’s main attractions. You can choose between private rooms with bathrooms or shared rooms, all with free internet, air conditioning, bedding and access to the kitchen and terrace. One of the hostel’s highlights is the rooftop bar, which also has a restaurant serving local food and drinks. There are also group activities like yoga and cooking nights, which help create a friendly, social atmosphere.
Head up to North Queensland and you will find a true tropical vibe, with rainforest on one side and the coral reef on the other. The perfect base for exploring this tropical paradise is YHA Cairns Central. The hostel is right in the heart of Cairns, just a short walk from the main shops and train station, with comfortable shared and private rooms, fast internet, air conditioning and plenty of communal space. There you will also find a swimming pool and a barbecue area, giving you a relaxed, social and safe start to your tropical adventures.
For anyone interested in Melbourne, the perfect choice is YHA Melbourne Central, a trendy hostel right in the heart of the city. It is close to the main tourist spots and surrounded by streets full of coffee shops, bars and colourful street art. Guests especially appreciate the social atmosphere, the roof terrace with a view of the city and the café. The hostel regularly hosts events such as pub quizzes, table tennis competitions and guided walks around the city. These are all great opportunities to meet other travellers and make friends.
Next up is Tasmania, an island with exceptionally clean air, a rich history, and wild nature. Thick rainforests, mighty mountains, endless hiking trails, unique wildlife, and picturesque islands await you there. The ideal starting point for exploring the island is Hobart, where YHA Hobart Central in the city centre offers comfortable private and shared rooms and a kitchen. Travellers appreciate the friendly staff, social atmosphere and convenient location, which makes it easy to explore the city and all of Tasmania.
The last hostel in this post is YHA Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. It is a former prison from the 1850s, which has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can stay in actual prison cells or opt for modern private rooms with their own bathrooms. The hostel combines a historic experience with all the modern comfort, including free internet, a shared kitchen and social spaces.
These are just a few of YHA Australia's hostels. Find out more about the offer on their website.
Since it is a very popular travel destination, you can find endless information about Australia online. Over the years, Globetrotter magazine has gathered lots of advice and travelogues from our journalists who have already explored Australia. Read some articles about Australia and get first-hand information!
Interested in exploring North Queensland? In the article, journalist Tina described all the highlights of the tropical paradise, including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and the Whitsunday Islands. She covered the main natural attractions and activities, from diving and whale and crocodile watching to hiking through the tropical forests. She also described the cities of Cairns and Townsville as great bases for exploring the surrounding area and joining organised trips. This article provides practical information for anyone interested in an Australian tropical wilderness experience!
If you are a fan of urban exploration, then read the article on Sydney, which Erik describes as an ideal destination for travellers with a rich culture and a variety of activities. The article includes tips for exploring beaches, parks, restaurants, bars, nightlife, shopping and places to relax. It brings together travel planning tips, a list of attractions and practical advice for experiencing Sydney first-hand.
We also have an interesting article that describes a trip around Tasmania and its main attractions by region. It covers Hobart, Salamanca Market, the MONA museum, national parks and waterfalls. In the northeast, it points out the beaches, Coles Bay and the Freycinet Islands. In the northwest and west, it talks about Cradle Mountain National Park, the village of Strahan, hiking, kayaking, cruises and rides on the West Coast Wilderness Railway. If you are heading to Tasmania, it is a great article for planning the main destinations, offering practical information and ideas for must-do activities.
Did you know there is a working holiday agreement between Slovenia and Australia that lets young people under 30 get a visa for a year’s stay? It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to live, work, study and gain valuable life experience in Australia. You can also take the chance to live and work in YHA hostels while you are there.
But if you are heading to Australia just as a tourist, remember that as a member of the Hostelling International network, you can get a discount on every stay at HI and YHA hostels. For the best deals, we recommend booking a room right on their website.
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