Hotel
The Hotel Windsor
Heritage-listed grand hotel on Spring Street, completed in 1884 opposite Parliament House, with 180 rooms and suites and a well-known afternoon tea.
YHA Melbourne Central
Youth hostel on Flinders Street near Southern Cross Station, with private and shared rooms, 24-hour reception, a rooftop, bar and self-catering kitchen.
At a glance
- Type
- Youth hostel
- Area
- Melbourne CBD, Melbourne, Australia
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- yha.com.au
Good to know
- 24-hour reception
- Rooftop
- Self-catering kitchen
- Bar and cafe
- BBQ
- Free Wi-Fi
Why we recommend it
YHA Melbourne Central is a youth hostel at 562 Flinders Street, at the western end of the city centre, run by YHA Australia. It offers private rooms and co-living (shared) rooms, and is a straightforward budget base for solo travellers, backpackers and families on a tight budget.
Private rooms include linen, towels, a bed light, free Wi-Fi, lockers, a fan and heater, and access to the shared kitchen, barbecue, rooftop and balcony. Extras such as a TV, hairdryer, fridge and continental breakfast are available in some rooms or for an additional charge. Co-living rooms include linen, an individual bed light, Wi-Fi and lockers, and are for guests aged 18 and over. Under-18s can stay only in private rooms with a parent or guardian over 21.
The shared spaces are where hostel life happens. There is a social balcony area, a self-catering kitchen, a communal dining area, a TV lounge, a bar and cafe, a rooftop and a barbecue. Reception is staffed 24 hours a day, and the property is entirely smoke-free, including vapes. It is also cashless, accepting MasterCard and Visa.
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out by 10am. There is no on-site parking, though on-street and multi-storey car parks are nearby, so it is better suited to travellers arriving by public transport. From Southern Cross Station, which serves regional and interstate trains and Greyhound coaches, turn right on Spencer Street and left on Flinders Street, and the hostel is on your left. From Melbourne Airport, 28 kilometres away, the Skybus runs to the city, and the hostel can arrange door-to-door transfers if booked in advance.
The hostel lists Melbourne Skydeck, Federation Square, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Yarra River, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Queen Victoria Market among the sights within reach, and the free City Circle tram is nearby for getting around the centre.
YHA Melbourne Central suits solo travellers who want to meet people, budget-conscious couples who book a private room, and families with older children. For bookings, call (03) 9621 2523 or email [email protected], and check accessibility details directly with the hostel, as they are not set out on its web page.
YHA Melbourne Central FAQs
Where is YHA Melbourne Central?
At 562 Flinders Street, Melbourne, a short walk from Southern Cross Station.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am. Reception is open 24 hours.
What room types are available?
Private rooms and co-living (shared) rooms. Co-living rooms are for guests aged 18 and over.
Can children stay?
Under-18s can stay only in private rooms with a parent or guardian over 21.
Is there a kitchen?
Yes. There is a self-catering kitchen, communal dining area and barbecue.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking; on-street and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Does the hostel accept cash?
No. It is a cashless property that accepts MasterCard and Visa.
How do I get there from the airport?
Take the Skybus to the city and walk, or pre-book a door-to-door transfer through the hostel.