The Backpacker’s Guide To Byron Bay Hostels

Backpacking in Byron is a breeze with these hostels.

The best Byron Bay hostels are those with convivial communal areas, clean and tidy surrounds and proximity to the region’s sparkling beaches. While some travellers consider a hostel a place to party and make friends, others might see their accommodation as simply a crash pad while they tick off all the best things to do in Byron.

The northern NSW’s town is located about nine hours’ drive from Sydney and getting here makes for an adventurous road trip. Whether you’re in Byron to surf, hike the hinterland or are partial to a post-BluesFest bar crawl, you’ll find something to suit in our list of Byron Bay hostels. The hostels are on the lands of the Arakwal people, Minjungbal people and Widjabul people of Bundjalung Country.

1. Aquarius Backpackers

It’s not the age of Aquarius. But that doesn’t stop backpackers in Byron trying to expand their consciousness through meditation, yoga, fire twirling and bongo drums. Aquarius Backpackers is one of the best hostels in town, just one block back from Main Beach.

It’s a place to slow down and chill out, with a rooftop bar, sparkling pool, onsite cafe, laundry facilities and pool table. The hostel has en suite motel rooms as well as dorm rooms for those who want to socialise and are okay with a shared space.

the property exterior of Aquarius Backpackers — Stay for the night at Aquarius Backpackers.

2. The Arts Factory Lodge

The Arts Factory Lodge , as the name suggests, is a popular Byron Bay hostel historically aimed at creative types who enjoy live music. You’ll find backpackers from around the world at this hip hostel, many with a penchant for high-waisted corduroy jeans and bowl cuts, as long as they’re ironic.

a didge pit at The Arts Factory Lodge — Make your own Didgeridoo at The Arts Factory Lodge.

Although quite a bit has changed at the hippie-friendly hostel that has been around since the 70s, it remains a place aimed at those wanting to support the local arts scene. Join the push of bodies bopping at live performances, hang out by the pool, keep up your yoga practice and bunker down in a range of spaces, from private tipis to dorms and shared bungalows.

the pool at The Arts Factory Lodge, Byron Bay — Swim a few laps in the expansive pool.

3. Wake Up Byron Bay

This happening hostel is a popular hub for travellers to this seaside suburb. Wake Up Byron Bay offers a range of accommodation, from private rooms to stylish shared spaces, all of which have undergone a stunning renovation in the past few years.

the property exterior at Wake Up Byron Bay — Wake Up Byron Bay is an ideal choice for solo or group backpackers.

The hostel is conveniently located near the beach, so you can return liquid-limbed after a day paddling for waves. Wake Up reads more like a resort than a backpacker’s hostel, with air-conditioned rooms, bright and breezy communal spaces, a buzzy restaurant and bar. There’s also daily yoga classes on offer.

lush greenery surrounding Wake Up Byron Bay — Stay in a tropical oasis at the heart of Byron Bay.

4. The Surf House

The Surf House could very easily rest on its laurels given its locale just a few blocks back from the beach. Instead, the renovated backpacker’s hostel continues to operate on the premise that it seems to truly care about its guests.

the living space interior at The Surf House — Stop by The Surf House before exploring Byron Bay.

Formerly named the Byron Bay Beach Hostel, it has housed thousands of would-be surfers over the years and its new look makes it one of the best places to stay in Byron Bay. Borrow a board for free and join the crew of local soul surfers to chase waves at The Pass, Tallows and Belongil, three of the best places to catch waves in Byron. There are both shared and private rooms, as well as a stunning open-air rooftop bar.

The Surf House in Byron Bay — The Surf House is a backpacker favourite.

5. YHA Byron Bay

Looking for an affordable holiday with the family? Or a wallet-friendly weekend away with mates? Look no further than the YHA Byron Bay, a great spot to stay and play in Byron Bay. Close to the seaside village’s best cafes, restaurants and beaches, it’s also perfectly located.

a top view of the pool at Byron YHA — Sunbathe by the pool in Byron YHA.

Sure, there’s a range of luxe holiday homes where you can stay in style and comfort. But if you want to snip away at your mortgage or save some cash to splash on your travels, then this is the hostel of your dreams. It’s comfortable, clean and in prime position to zigzag from the beach to the main strip of shops and back.

people enjoying at the pool in Byron YHA — Spend laid-back afternoons on the sun loungers at Byron YHA.

6. Backpackers Inn on the Beach

Backpackers Inn does what it says on the tin. The Inn is also one of the ‘in’ place to stay in Byron Bay, especially if you enjoy interaction with other travellers. Spend your days curled up in one of the many hammocks overlooking the tropical grounds. Or walk the 500 metres into the centre of town to check out what’s on.

The hostel is perfectly positioned near the beach and has secure dorm accommodation as well as private rooms where you can station yourself over summer. There’s a barbecue, outdoor dining, a communal area and fully equipped kitchen where you can cook up a fresh feed from ingredients procured at the local farmers’ market.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

The backpacker’s guide to Byron Bay hostels