Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

Hostel · Melbourne · Victoria

Flinders Backpackers

A central Melbourne hostel with a lively social scene, free breakfast, and easy access to trains, trams, and the city's top attractions.

  • Free breakfast and Thursday night dinner
  • Rooftop bar with city views
  • 24-hour reception for flexible arrivals
8.1 Great 2289 reviews Booking.com 8.1 · 2289 reviews

About

Flinders Backpackers

Flinders Backpackers sits on Elizabeth Street in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, a 12-minute walk from ACMI and a short stroll to the Yarra River and Federation Square. The hostel occupies a multi-level building with 111 rooms, a nightclub, and billiards, blending the convenience of a central location with the energy of a social backpacker hub.

The property offers a mix of private rooms and shared dorms, many with air conditioning and heating. Common areas include a shared kitchen, a lounge with flat-screen TV, and a bar on the top floor where guests can take in skyline views. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and a 24-hour reception add to the practicality.

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Lift

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Central location right in the CBD — Flinders Backpackers is on Elizabeth Street, moments from Flinders Street Station and free tram zones, making it easy to get around the city.
  • Free breakfast and social extras — Guests consistently highlight the complimentary breakfast, and several mention a free Thursday night dinner, along with other perks like free pasta and rice.
  • Friendly, helpful staff — Staff are described as lovely, attentive, and proactive with recommendations and assistance, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Clean, comfortable rooms — Guests note that rooms and shared bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with some private rooms offering en-suite facilities.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Check-out is early — Check-out runs from 01:00 to 10:00, which may feel early for guests wanting a lazy morning after a night at the bar.
  • No pets allowed — Travellers with animals won't be able to bring them along, as the hostel does not permit pets.
  • Limited smoking areas — The property is no-smoking on site, so smokers will need to step outside the building – and possibly away from the entrance.
  • Dorms can be large — Some dormitories sleep up to 12 people, which might not suit light sleepers or those seeking a quieter stay.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Budget Shared Bathroom Room

  • 1 Bunk bed

Standard Shared Bathroom Double Room

  • 1 Double bed

Private Bathroom Double Room

  • 1 Double bed,2 Single beds

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Budget Triple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
  • Shower
  • Heating

Basic Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Air conditioning

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Air conditioning

Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Air conditioning

12 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • 24-hour reception
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Security
  • Key card access

Food & Drink

  • Bar/Lounge area
  • Shared kitchen
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Electric kettle

Entertainment

  • Billiard tables
  • Flat-screen TV

Services

  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • ATM/Cash machine

Safety

  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.1
Great 2289 reviews

Guest-rated 8.1/10 from 2,289 reviews

Booking.com · 8.1 · 2289 reviews
8.1Verified guest

“Stayed a few nights — perfect spot right next to Flinders Street Station. Staff were lovely and made it feel homey. Rooms were bright, bathrooms clean, and the view over the city was great. The pancakes at breakfast were the best I've had. Free pasta and rice were a nice extra. Reception guys were always helpful with tips.”

8.1Verified guest

“Christmas stay in the city centre — the price was the best part, left me with more to spend on holiday fun. Location was great for public transport and attractions. The on-site bar was lively and a good place to meet people during the holidays.”

8.1Verified guest

“Right in the middle of the CBD — ideal for getting to the best restaurants and shops. Common room was spacious, showers were clean, and our triple room was tidy and comfortable. Staff were friendly and easy to talk to. Overall, perfect for us.”

8.1Verified guest

“Fantastic five-night stay in a twin room with private bathroom. Room was generous in size and clean, with TV, bar fridge, and tea/coffee. Tiffany at check-in was attentive. Lockers and baskets for each guest were useful. Free dinner and breakfast were a bonus, and the central location was perfect. Beds were comfy with two pillows each, and 24-hour reception helped with our late arrival.”

8.1Verified guest

“Staff were cute and gave great bar recommendations. Room was clean, spacious, and had a view of the skyscrapers. Central location made exploring easy, and the price was fair. Generous breakfast and a well-equipped kitchen. Highly recommend for a convenient stay.”

8.1Verified guest

“Great location for exploring — trams and trains nearby. Large, comfortable private room with en-suite. Bathroom was clean and newly renovated. Helpful reception staff and good shared cooking facilities.”

04 — Location

Getting around Melbourne

The property sits in Melbourne.

Getting Around: The hostel is next to Flinders Street Station, the city's main transport hub, and within the free tram zone, making it easy to hop on a tram to the Queen Victoria Market or the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Food & Drink: The CBD is packed with dining options, from Chinatown's laneway eateries to the cafes of Degraves Street. A Coles supermarket is just across the road for self-catering supplies.

Culture & Sights: ACMI and Federation Square are within a 12-minute walk, and the National Gallery of Victoria is a short tram ride away. The rooftop bar itself offers views over the city skyline.

35 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-23:30
Check-out
By 01:00-10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
108 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:30, and check-out is from 01:00 to 10:00. The 24-hour reception can assist with early/late arrivals within these windows.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, guests consistently mention that free breakfast is provided, and some also note a free Thursday dinner and other complimentary meals like pasta and rice.

Are pets allowed?

No, the hostel does not allow pets on the property.

Is there parking available?

The information provided does not specify on-site parking. Given the central CBD location, guests typically rely on public transport or nearby commercial car parks.

Do the rooms have air conditioning?

Many of the dormitory rooms listed include air conditioning, along with heating. Some budget rooms have only heating and a shower, so it's worth checking the specific room type when booking.

Is there a shared kitchen?

Yes, the hostel has a shared kitchen equipped with an electric kettle and other facilities, and guests mention it is well-equipped for cooking meals.

The bottom line

Flinders Backpackers is a solid choice for budget travellers who want to be in the thick of Melbourne's action. The free breakfast, friendly staff, and rooftop bar make it easy to meet people, while the range of private rooms offers a step up from basic dorms.

8.1Best for backpackers and city explorers who prioritise location and social atmosphere.

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