Perched along Australia’s northeastern coast is Townsville, home to several heritage-listed sites, a major military base, and spectacular tropical scenery. While a trip to Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, as well as Reef Headquarters Aquarium, is a must in the city, a hike up Castle Hill is an utterly satisfying experience in itself. Else, dive into the underwater trenches of the Great Barrier Reef at SS Yongala on Alva Beach. Additionally, Townsville enjoys good connectivity via air, train, and road. Townsville International Airport is serviced by flights to and from Cairns, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, and several other major cities, else there are train services from Brisbane and Cairns too. All said, there’s pretty much lots to do here. Experience the magic of this Australian gem for yourself, and scroll over for the top backpacker hostels in Townsville, Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 26, 2024.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Civic Guesthouse (from USD 22)
Well-equipped kitchen, close to supermarkets, free chilled water fountain, social activities organized
Affordable rates, good value for money, free shuttle service to ferry and bus stop
Convenient location near Woolworths, close to supermarkets, easy access to downtown, and tourist attractions
Well-equipped kitchen, comfortable rooms, communal lounge spaces, pool, free shuttle service
Those staying at Civic Guesthouse will enjoy being within walking distance to the beach. This hostel is a great place worth considering as it offers a dormitory as well as private room accommodation. Guests have the option of staying in a dormitory with access to a shared washroom or a private one. There is also a females-only dormitory available. Plus, children are welcome too. Guests can enjoy access to complimentary WiFi, and they can make use of the games room for on-site entertainment. Bicycles are available for hires at Civic Guesthouse, allowing guests to explore the area. Location-wise, Reef Headquarters Aquarium is about a 20-minute walk away, and the international airport is about 10 minutes’ drive away.
Civic Guesthouse
Address: 262 Walker Street
2. Reef Lodge Backpackers (from USD 24)
Well-equipped kitchen with plenty of cutlery and crockery, free cocktail, and a nearby selection of restaurants, cafes, and dining options.
Great value for money with affordable rates and budget-friendly options.
Ideal location within walking distance of Greyhound drop off, ferry terminal for Magnetic Island, city bus stops, shops, beach, and nightlife precinct.
Comfortable and clean rooms, well-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, spacious outdoor seating areas, and a relaxed, tropical vibe.
Right across the road from Reef Headquarters Aquarium is the adults-only Reef Lodge Backpackers hostel, offering dormitory as well as economy private room accommodations. Guests staying at the hostel can make use of the barbecue and laundry facilities. It is even equipped with an on-site fitness centre and a games room for those who want to pass the time. Additionally, a shared kitchen, a picnic area, and a terrace are available here.
Reef Lodge Backpackers
Address: 4 Wickham Street. Townsville Queensland
3. Enjoy this gem of a destination
Townsville offers so many things for those who seek adventure or relaxation. Since it has many attractions and must-visit sites, choosing a budget-friendly accommodation allows tourists to explore the area without worrying about breaking their bank. So, to enjoy the ultimate adventure, pick one of these best backpacker hostels in Townsville, Australia.
Adventurers Backpackers (from USD 18)
Located along Townsville’s Palmer Street, Adventurers Backpackers enjoys an excellent location near several eateries and shopping haunts. In addition to the well-appointed dormitory and private rooms, Adventurers Backpackers offers family rooms, equipped with one double bed and two bunk beds to accommodate up to four guests. The hostel also boasts a rooftop swimming pool, barbecue facilities, a laundry unit, and a games room. Free parking on site is available for guests with private vehicles. Location-wise, The Strand beach is about 850 m (2,790 ft) away from here, which is an easy 20-minute distance on foot.
Adventurers Backpackers
Address: 79 Palmer Street
Townsville Tour Guide
Adrenalin Dive
We are Townsville’s most experienced diving and snorkelling provider operating a full-service dive centre with day trips and liveaboards. We visit the Great Barrier Reef, the globally renowned Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) and the SS Yongala Wreck departing from Townsville (and Magnetic Island for day trips). Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive also run a wide range of PADI courses. We are committed t... Read more
Tours by Adrenalin dive
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data