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Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
John Simmons, Pexels
Melbourne offers a vibrant scene for budget-conscious travelers, with numerous hostels and guesthouses providing excellent opportunities to connect with others and experience the city's lively social atmosphere.
1. Nomads St Kilda
Type: Hostel
Located near the beach in lively St Kilda, this hostel has a strong party atmosphere. The on-site Red Eye Bar hosts nightly events like trivia and silent discos, making it easy to meet fellow travelers and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. I found the energy here contagious, perfect for those looking to socialize and have a memorable time.
2. Flinders Backpackers Melbourne
Type: Hostel
Right in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, this hostel is incredibly central and offers great value. It's a fantastic spot for solo travelers to connect, with a shared kitchen and a bar on-site where I often saw guests mingling. The atmosphere is welcoming, and its central location puts you within walking distance of many attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring and making new friends.
3. The Nunnery
Type: Guesthouse/Hostel
Nestled in the bohemian Fitzroy neighborhood, The Nunnery offers a unique, charming stay in a historic building. It feels like a home away from home with its inviting common areas and a lovely courtyard, perfect for relaxing and chatting with other guests. The staff are known for organizing social events, and being in Fitzroy means you're surrounded by quirky cafes, bars, and live music venues, providing plenty of opportunities to explore with new acquaintances.
4. YHA Melbourne Central
Type: Hostel
Situated conveniently near Southern Cross and Flinders Street Stations, YHA Melbourne Central provides a comfortable and clean environment. I particularly enjoyed the rooftop area, which is a great spot to relax, work, or socialise with other travelers while enjoying city views. The communal kitchen is well-designed, encouraging interaction as everyone prepares meals, fostering a friendly and connected atmosphere.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.