The Best Backpacker Hostels in Perth, Australia

Perhaps the least forgettable hostel name in the world, the Witch’s Hat, built in 1897, is easily spotted, thanks to its distinctive tiled turret roof. The hotel in Northbridge, just a short walk from the CBD (Central Business District), has private and shared rooms, large personal lockers, complimentary breakfast, tea and coffee, as well as barbecue dinners. There’s also a dartboard, DVDs and cable TV to enjoy in the communal areas.

If beachside is the only place for you to be, this fantastically located hostel, right on the Cottesloe Beach coastline, is an obvious choice. There are five room options, from single to mixed or female-only dorms, and you might even get an ocean view if you’re really lucky. The hostel also has a games room, an internet cafe, 24-hour security and reception, bicycle hire and, of course, free surfboards, so you can be out of bed and riding the waves in moments.

No prizes for guessing where this popular Fremantle hostel is located. Just 200 meters (656ft) from the train station, this former fire station prides itself on offering more than just a place to sleep. The doubles and mixed and female-only dorms are packed with character and decorated with artist’s murals, but it’s the extra activities and facilities that keep guests returning. Think a popular jukebox, an outdoor cinema, an open-mic night, a fairy-lit backyard and a legendary monthly Ping-Pong tournament that has been running for over nine years.

Stay within strolling distance of the best attractions in Perth by checking in at this welcoming hostel close to Hay Street Mall’s shops and cafes. If you don’t feel like walking, there’s a free bus service right outside the door that brings you straight to everywhere you’ll need to be in Perth. Onsite, there’s a swimming pool, 24-hour check-in, a guest lounge with cable TV and a mix of male or female dorms as well as private rooms, some with their own ensuite.

Not just for backpackers, this hip hostel welcomes everyone from business travellers to families looking for affordable accommodation. The design is more boutique hotel than budget overnighter, with a cool co-working space, a deli, city tours, plenty of board games and a screening room. Rooms are equally appealing, with private and shared spaces available, plus a female-only dorm sleeping four that comes with hairdryers, toiletries and even sweets thrown in.

We know what you’re thinking, but bear with us: though the name may not scream holiday hangout, this former prison-turned-modern-hostel is a treat to stay in for backpackers, with cinema and games rooms, a barbecue area, a kitchen and laundry facilities. Built in the 1850s, the prison housed convicts between 1855 and 1991. Intrepid travellers can now stay in the actual cells – or immaculately preserved Victorian-style guards’ cottages if that sounds more appealing.

Expect a serious bang for your buck at this clean, modern hostel, just a 5-minute walk from the CBD. The hostel is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and bars and features a fully equipped kitchen, work desks, a book exchange library and both private rooms and dorms that are mixed and female-only. Feeling hungry? Head right next door to Cafe Crown, which offers cut-price meals for hostel guests.

This smart hostel in the Northbridge district close to Chinatown Paifang has recently been renovated and now has a brand-new communal kitchen and shared lounging areas. There’s an outdoor area, in-house laundry, luggage and personal food storage, while rooms include singles, doubles, twins and both mixed and female-only dorms. All have air conditioning, storage and power sockets, while breakfast is free for everyone. When you want to head out, Perth train station and the outlet shopping mall are within walking distance.

This award-winning hostel feels more like a resort hotel than a backpacker’s bargain, thanks to the stylish palm-lined pool, tasteful decor and free breakfasts. Better still, all rooms, including the dorms, have their own ensuite bathroom, and some have balconies, making them ideal for long-term stays in the city. There’s still a friendly hostel atmosphere, too, with cheap sociable meals served every evening at the onsite restaurant to encourage travellers to mingle.

No one will be lonely at the Coolibah Lodge, just 5 minutes from the centre of Northbridge. The hostel offers a mix of private and dorm rooms but also goes out of its way to make everyone feel at home, with complimentary tea and coffee, city maps, two big-screen movie rooms, a tour desk and even free passes to local nightclubs. There’s a fully licensed onsite bar to help meet like-minded guests, and the hostel hosts a range of fun activities, from hiking to party nights.