Double Room
- 1 Double bed
Hostel · Melbourne · Victoria
Melbourne City Backpackers
A sociable, budget-focused hostel two blocks from Southern Cross Station, with free breakfast and nightly activities.
- 300m from Southern Cross Station
- Free breakfast and social events
- Adults-only, secure key card access
7.8
Very good
1508 reviews
Booking.com 7.8 · 1508 reviews
About
Melbourne City Backpackers
Melbourne City Backpackers sits on King Street, a 300-metre walk from Southern Cross Station. The hostel is adults-only and provides free Wi-Fi in public areas, a shared kitchen, laundry, and a lounge with board games.
Guests gather for included breakfast, pancake Sundays, pasta nights, and cheese and wine evenings. The property is rated 7.8 from over 1,500 reviews, with staff scoring 8.9 and location consistently praised.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- No pets allowed
- Security
- Adults only
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
3 reasons to book- Prime city location — A 300-metre walk from Southern Cross Station puts trams, trains, and the CBD within easy reach. Guests repeatedly call it ideal for exploring Melbourne on foot or catching an early flight.
- Friendly, helpful staff — Staff score 8.9, the highest category rating, and reviews consistently describe the team as welcoming and attentive without being overbearing.
- Free breakfast and social events — Breakfast is included, with pancakes on Sundays, plus pasta nights and cheese and wine evenings that help guests connect. These are called out repeatedly as highlights.
–
Worth weighing
3 to weigh- Basic facilities — The lowest category score is Facilities at 6.2. Expect shared bathrooms, a simple breakfast spread, and communal areas that are functional rather than polished.
- Comfort can be hit or miss — Comfort scores 6.8, and one review mentions cleanliness issues and a lack of charging plugs. Dorm air conditioning is praised when it works, but don't expect hotel-grade amenities.
- Adults-only policy — While some reviews mention families, the property enforces an adults-only rule, so it's not suitable for travellers with children.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Triple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
Shared Bathroom Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
Private Shared Bathroom Double Room
- 1 Double bed
Private Shared Bathroom Triple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Essentials
- Wi-Fi in public areas
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Locker room
- Key card access
Food & Drink
- Shared kitchen
- Vending machines
Services
- Laundry
- Luggage storage
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour security
Entertainment
- Leisure/TV room
- Board games
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.8/10 from 1,508 reviews
Booking.com · 7.8 · 1508 reviews
7.8Verified guest“The location was perfect for exploring the CBD, and the daily activities made it easy to meet people. Rooms were cleaned daily, and for the price, it was a comfortable and sociable stay.”
7.8Verified guest“Exceeded my expectations. The location was outstanding, staff were helpful, and the kitchen was well-equipped for cooking my own meals. Laundry facilities were a bonus.”
7.8Verified guest“Great location near supermarkets and the train station. The free breakfast, especially Sunday pancakes, was a treat. Friendly staff and free Wi-Fi were appreciated. Some cleanliness issues and limited charging plugs, but overall a good pick.”
7.8Verified guest“Great value with attention to detail. A 300m walk to Southern Cross Station, daily room cleaning, friendly staff, and included breakfast made it ideal for exploring.”
7.8Verified guest“Perfect location in the heart of the city, close to the train station. Staff were friendly and attentive. The included breakfast was a fantastic start to the day, and the 24-hour music video channel was a nice touch.”
7.8Verified guest“Best aspects were the location near Southern Cross Station and cafes, plus friendly staff. Dorms were spacious with good air conditioning and plenty of plugs. Lockers and a lounge area were available.”
04 — Location
Getting around Melbourne
The property sits in Melbourne.
Getting Around: Southern Cross Station is a 300-metre walk, making it simple to reach the airport via SkyBus or explore further afield by train.
Food & Drink: King Street is lined with cafes and restaurants, and the hostel runs its own pasta and pancake nights for a budget-friendly dinner.
City Sights: The CBD is on the doorstep, with landmarks like Eureka Skydeck about 1.4 km away — an easy walk or short tram ride.
197-199 King Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
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 14:00-23:00
- Check-out
- By 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
- 151 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:00, and check-out is by 10:00.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Yes, breakfast is included, with pancakes offered on Sundays according to guest reviews.
Are pets allowed at Melbourne City Backpackers?
No, pets are not allowed on the property.
Is there parking available?
The property does not list parking, so guests should plan to use public transport or nearby paid parking.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the hostel is adults-only, so it is not suitable for children.
What room types are available?
There are private double and triple rooms, plus mixed and female-only dorms in 4-bed, 6-bed, and larger configurations. All rooms share bathroom facilities.
The bottom line
Melbourne City Backpackers is a dependable, sociable budget base for solo travellers and friends who want to be in the middle of the action. The location and staff earn consistent praise, but come with modest expectations around facilities and shared spaces.
7.8Best for budget-conscious travellers who prioritise location and community over frills.
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