A guide to Perth’s best hostels

Known as an urban oasis, Perth is a veritable playground for travellers. Sure, we might be a little biased, but between the breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a year-round calendar of epic events, there’s something here for everyone. 

That said, seeing everything the city – and WA at large – has to offer can get a little pricey. With that in mind, you might be seeking cheap accommodation to help you offset your travel costs. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with one of the most affordable accommodation options on the market: hostels.

Let’s take a look at some of Perth’s top hostels and everything you can expect from these budget-friendly stays. 

Words by Rebecca MacFarlane.

Billabong Backpackers Resort

Despite being located in the heart of Highgate, you’ll swear you’ve stepped into a remote, tropical paradise when you check into Billabong Backpackers Resort. 

Its facilities are second to none, including discounted parking spaces for residents, free breakfast every morning, and ensuite bathrooms in every room. But without a doubt, Billabong’s main attraction is its gorgeous pool, surrounded by lush greenery and shade-supplying palm trees. Cool down with a dip or soak up the sun in one of the lounge chairs  – there’s no wrong way to enjoy this stunning sanctuary. 

Nightly and weekly rates are available; six-bed rooms start at $38 per night or $241 per week, while four-bed rooms will set you back $41 per night or $265 per week. Private rooms start at $110 per night.

381 Beaufort Street, Highgate

Hive Hostel

Designed with backpackers in mind, Hive Hostel is a centrally located accommodation that welcomes travellers from around the globe. Whether you’re in a private or shared room – which come in various configurations, from four to 24 beds per room – you’re bound to meet interesting people from backgrounds of all kinds. Even better, you and your new mates will have plenty of amenities to enjoy together, including a communal kitchen, TVs with Netflix access, and a pool table.

That said, even if you’re not an expat, you’re still more than welcome to enjoy all the hostel has to offer, chief among them its low prices, which start at $45.90 per night.

55/63 Stirling Street, Perth

Hostel G

Hip and trendy, Hostel G is as cool as it is comfortable and convenient. In addition to its modern design, it’s got everything you need to not only survive but thrive on your travels. Aircon in every room? Check. In-room lockers to protect your belongings? Check. High-speed Wi-Fi and coworking spaces? Check. 

Plus, thanks to its central location, you’re a stone’s throw away from some of Perth’s best bars, restaurants, galleries, and museums, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Nostalgia Box. 

Private and shared rooms (including female-only dorms) are available, with prices starting at $129 and $59 per night, respectively.

80 Stirling Street, Perth

Old Fire Station Backpackers

You might’ve guessed from the name, but this hostel is situated inside a converted – drum roll, please – fire station. 

While the building has maintained much of its original charm, including the classic fire station doors and red brick walls, its interiors now boast a bright, edgy flair. Not to mention, its top-tier amenities – such as the outdoor cinema, PlayStation, jukebox, foosball table, and ping pong table – mean you’ll never want to leave. 

Nightly and weekly rates are available, with prices ranging from $22 per night in a 14-bed dorm to $71 per night for a double room with aircon. 

18 Phillimore Street, Fremantle

Spinner’s Hostel

Another central gem, Spinner’s is known as Perth’s “most chilled hostel”, paying homage to the quintessential Aussie way of life. Whether you’re keen to Netflix and chill in the common area, host an arvo barbecue, or sip on a coffee in the garden, Spinner’s has several spaces designed to help you unwind. 

Spinner’s has both private and shared rooms. Private rooms – which can hold up to three people – will set you back roughly $133.20 per night. Shared rooms – which come in four-bed (female only), six-bed, and eight-bed configurations – start at $49.50 per night. 

342 Newcastle Street, Perth

YHA Fremantle Prison

A budget stay with a historical twist? Count us in! 

Built in the 1850s, YHA Fremantle Prison is one of a kind, providing guests with the opportunity to sleep in actual prison cells. Not only that but it’s the only accommodation in Western Australia with UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Whether you’re keen to bunk with mates or prefer have your own space, there are rooms to suit you. Pricing starts at $118 per night for private rooms and $49.80 per night for shared rooms. 

Luckily, unlike past residents, you’re free to come and go as you please – and you couldn’t ask for a better location to explore. Walk five minutes and you’ll find yourself at Freo.Social, the region’s premier live performance venue showcasing local and international artists. Further up the road are the Fremantle Markets, which have been in operation for over 125 years. Here you can interact with local stallholders, dine on diverse cuisines, and grab assorted goodies, from handmade jewellery to stunning homewares. 

6A The Terrace, Fremantle

Header image: Billabong Backpackers Resort