Adelaide

Adelaide is South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital… try saying that a couple of times after a few bevs! If you’re into fun facts you’ll enjoy this – more than 75% of the South Australian population calls Adelaide home, making it the most centralised population of any state within Australia, kind of cool right?

In terms of what to expect from Adelaide hostels, you’ll find a mixture of private and dorm room options, which means any sort of backpacking trip is possible. Youth hostels in Adelaide really soak up the typical relaxed Aussie culture, with fun social events and cheap happy hours to help you get boozy on a budget. Most have AC, which is a godsend in that sizzling southern sun. You’ll find some with buzzing bars and party vibes, and others that are much more chilled.

You will find the majority of Adelaide hostels right in the heart of the city. Combined with Adelaide’s excellent public transportation, the hostels being located in Adelaide’s CBD allows you to be where the action is, but also gives you the freedom to escape and explore. There are two hostels located further out towards to coast if being in the hustle and bustle of a city doesn’t sound like your kind of thing.

A backpacker’s dream, you’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do in Adelaide. For adventures among nature, explore Adelaide’s botanic gardens or tackle some of Adelaide’s walks and hikes like Mount Lofty – the highest point in the southern Mount Lofty ranges is located just 15km from the city centre. While you’re in town be sure to stop by the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, located only 20 minutes from the city, you’ll find 30 bottlenose dolphins who call the inlet home. For a true Aussie experience, try and catch a footy game at Adelaide Oval. A word of advice, start prepping your body for gallons of beer now, should you plan on attending.

In terms of transport, Adelaide has a generous choice of public transport available with trains, trams and buses running throughout the city and outer suburbs. If you’re wanting to explore Kangaroo Islands, a SeaLink ferry takes less than 2 hours from Adelaide and takes you right across to the Island. Like most other Australian cities, Adelaide hosts a free city loop-bus which is a great (and wallet-friendly) way to get to know the city and find your bearings when you first arrive. Talking about free, you can also hop on a tram through the city’s centre which is also, you guessed it, free. For an eco-friendlier option pick up a FREE bike from one of the 20 points in the city.