Backpackers Inn on the Beach

Our review

The veteran. Backpackers Inn is a long-running hostel on Shirley Street. Direct beach path through the dunes means you're in the surf in three minutes from the dorm door. Free bikes, free shuttle bus, snorkel gear loaners, beach volleyball court, table tennis, a properly working communal kitchen. Vibe is surf-first social rather than party-first.

A note for WHV holders: we could not confirm a current job board or work placement service here. Hospitality work in Byron Bay (postcode 2481) does not count as specified work for a second or third working holiday visa (417 or 462), because Home Affairs only counts tourism and hospitality work in Northern Australia or remote and very remote areas. See our find-work guide for the work that can count.

Who it suits: surfers (the closest dorm bed to the beach in Byron — fight us); backpackers who want classic east-coast hostel social without big-party-hostel intensity; travellers in their 20s-30s wanting affordability and beach access in the same package; first-time backpackers who want hostel-comfort levels but also surf access.

Who it doesn't suit: travellers prioritising design or new-build aesthetic (this is an older property, refreshed but not renovated to Drifter standards); the party-only crowd (Aquarius beats this for nightly events); the absolute boutique tier (Surf House wins).

The long history shows up in small things — bike racks where you'd want them, the snorkel gear in a labelled cupboard, the shuttle running on a sensible schedule, the kitchen having enough cooktops at dinner time. Less polish than the new builds, but everything works.

Byron Bay Surf School (teaching since 1996) used to run its Surf Camp packages from here, but its surf camp is now based at Aquarius, so book lessons separately.

Practicalities: outdoor pool, terrace with evening entertainment (mellower than Aquarius), free shuttle bus on a town-area route, free bike hire with helmets + locks, communal kitchen with multiple cooktops, shared lounge with TV, table tennis and beach volleyball on the property, snorkel gear loaners, free WiFi (decent), free parking (rare and valuable for road-trippers), laundry on-site. Direct beach-path access through the dunes — a 2-3 minute walk.

Dorms are mixed and female-only, generally 4-8 bed configurations. Privates available for couples. Lockers in every dorm. AC in some rooms (older buildings have fans only — verify when booking if AC matters to you). The buildings show their age but they're clean — multi-times-daily housekeeping in common areas, daily in dorms.

Pricing: we could not find current published rates, so check directly before you go. Single-night stays sometimes refused in peak season — minimum 2 nights is common in summer. Ask reception about long-stay weekly rates.

If we wanted nightlife + beach access in one property, this is the answer (Aquarius is louder but further from the actual sand).

Written by the Byron Bay Backpackers editorial team. Independent. No paid placement.