Our pick for the best hostel in Melbourne is Nomads St Kilda, one block from Acland Street and a short walk from St Kilda Beach, with trams straight into the city. It is social without being a non-stop party, which makes it a great first base for a working holiday. Below it are 9 more good Melbourne hostels, in no particular order, in the CBD, St Kilda and North Melbourne.
Last checked: 7 November 2026
Our pick: Nomads St Kilda
Where: 17 Carlisle Street, St Kilda.
Nomads St Kilda is where we put our own travellers in Melbourne, and here is why:
- Location. A minute from the cafes and bars on Acland Street, about 5 minutes to the beach and Luna Park, and trams at the door into the CBD.
- Easy to meet people. An on-site bar, a pool table and a weekly events list, including the famous bingo night.
- Comfortable. Air conditioned rooms, a shared kitchen, and dorms plus private rooms if you want your own space.
- Loved by guests. It is one of the highest rated hostels in Melbourne on Hostelworld.
Good to know: it is adults only and St Kilda is about 6 km from the CBD, so allow 25 to 30 minutes on the tram if you work in the city.
Stay at Nomads with a group
Hello Melbourne is our 4 day, 3 night welcome package. You get 3 nights at Nomads St Kilda, a guided tour of the laneways and street art, a day trip, and help getting your bank, TFN, phone and CV sorted, with a group of other working holiday makers.
9 more good hostels in Melbourne
These are all good choices for backpackers and working holiday makers. They are not ranked, just listed by area.
Space Hotel
Area: CBD. Good for: a hostel that feels like a hotel.
A sleek, modern place near Melbourne Central with a rooftop terrace, a gym and a cinema room. Dorms and private rooms.
Flinders Backpackers
Area: CBD, near Flinders Street Station. Good for: a central, social stay.
One of the busiest backpacker hostels in the city, close to Federation Square and Southbank. Known for its rooftop and friendly front desk.
Melbourne Central YHA
Area: CBD, Flinders Street. Good for: reliable and good value.
A big YHA in the city with a rooftop and a good kitchen. A safe choice if you want YHA standards and a central spot.
Europa Melbourne
Area: CBD, near Queen Victoria Market. Good for: a quieter city base.
A smaller hostel a few minutes walk from the Queen Vic Market and Melbourne Central.
Melbourne City Backpackers
Area: CBD. Good for: a homely feel.
A relaxed, affordable hostel with a friendly, small hostel vibe.
Little Drifter North Melbourne
Area: North Melbourne. Good for: a boutique stay.
A small, well reviewed hostel just north of the CBD, close to the Queen Vic Market.
Roamer St Kilda (formerly Selina St Kilda)
Area: St Kilda. Good for: rooftop drinks.
A big St Kilda hostel with a rooftop bar, live music and a cinema room.
Summer House Melbourne
Area: St Kilda. Good for: nights out.
A lively St Kilda hostel with a bar, pool table and a rooftop terrace.
Ritz for Backpackers
Area: St Kilda. Good for: budget beds.
A classic St Kilda backpackers that has had a refit, with new bunks with privacy curtains.
CBD or St Kilda?
| Area | Best for | Getting to work |
|---|---|---|
| St Kilda | Beach, cafes, a backpacker community | Tram, about 25 to 30 minutes to the CBD |
| CBD | Job hunting, sights, nightlife | Walk, plus the free tram zone |
| North Melbourne and Fitzroy | A local feel, cafes, live music | Tram, 10 to 15 minutes to the CBD |
Dorm beds in Melbourne usually cost about $35 to $65 a night, a little cheaper than Sydney. Ask about weekly rates once you have a job. For more on costs, see our living costs guide.
Staying longer in Melbourne
Most working holiday makers stay in a hostel for a week or two, then move into a share house once they have work. While you look, browse TAW jobs, read about hiring in Melbourne, and get a TAW Mailbox so your bank card and letters have a fixed address while you move around.
Starting in Sydney instead? See the best hostels in Sydney. Still packing? Use our working holiday packing list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hostel in Melbourne?
Our pick is Nomads St Kilda. It is close to the beach and Acland Street, has trams to the city, an on-site bar and a busy events list, and it is one of the best rated hostels in Melbourne on Hostelworld.
Is it better to stay in St Kilda or the CBD?
St Kilda if you want the beach and a backpacker community. The CBD if you are job hunting in the city or want to walk everywhere. The tram between them takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
How much is a hostel in Melbourne?
A dorm bed is usually around $35 to $65 a night, depending on the season and the room size. Many hostels offer weekly rates.
How do I get from Melbourne Airport to St Kilda?
Take the SkyBus to Southern Cross Station, then a tram to St Kilda. Allow about an hour.
Are trams free in Melbourne?
Only inside the Free Tram Zone in the CBD. Everywhere else you need a myki card or to tap on with a bank card, depending on the current system.
Can I find work while staying in a Melbourne hostel?
Yes. Hospitality, retail, events and construction labour jobs are common in Melbourne, and many hostels have job boards. Build your CV on TAW before you land.
Should I book my Melbourne hostel before I arrive?
Yes, book your first few nights, especially in summer and during big events like the Australian Open in January and the Grand Prix.
Sources: Nomads World: Nomads St Kilda, Hostelworld: hostels in Melbourne.
