3 reviewed party hostels · from €21.52/night · Hostelworld rated
Surfers Paradise isn’t just about the beach: it’s where the Gold Coast’s nightlife kicks off after dark. Cavill Avenue is the main drag, packed with bars, clubs, and backpackers spilling out of hostels like Bunk and Tequila Sunrise. The hostel scene here is built for meeting people: most places have their own bars, organise bar crawls, and sit within a five-minute walk of the sand. If you’re travelling solo, you’ll end up with a group by midnight.
The party doesn’t stop at the hostel door. Wicked Club Crawl runs every Saturday, hitting four or five venues in one night, and the crowd is mostly backpackers in their early 20s. Expect cheap drinks, queue jumps, and a mix of EDM, hip-hop, and throwback pop. If you prefer something smaller, the bars along Orchid Avenue do happy hours from 4 pm to 7 pm: try the $8 cocktails at The Island Rooftop.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Since 1986, this legendary party paradise has been the Gold Coast's ultimate party playground. With its fully licensed bar pumping daily happy hours, professional party reps organizing wild nights out, and exclusive nightclub passes, it's party central. The poolside transforms into a buzzing social hub where international party-seekers mix and mingle before hitting Surfers Paradise's famous clubs.
Queensland's most awarded party hostel brings the heat with its boutique party vibes. The legendary sundeck and hot tub area is perfect for pre-drinks, while the prime location puts you stumbling distance from Surfers Paradise's hottest clubs. With regular social events and a vibrant international crowd, BUNK delivers the perfect blend of style and wild nights out.
This futuristic party paradise proves you can party hard and sleep well. Famous for its legendary pub crawls and karaoke nights, Capsuleaccom's massive social spaces transform into buzzing party hubs nightly. Their packed entertainment schedule, from interactive tournaments to free food nights that turn into proper parties, keeps the good times rolling.
Organised nights out with a local guide
Australia’s biggest pub crawl visits 4–5 venues, including The Bedroom and Sin City. The ticket includes free entry, queue jumps, and drink deals. The crawl starts at 8 pm outside Surfers Paradise Beer Garden on Cavill Avenue and runs until late.
A smaller crawl with party games and a focus on meeting people. Visits 4 leading venues, with free shots at the first stop. The crawl starts at 7:30 pm and includes a hostel pick-up option for guests staying at Bunk or Tequila Sunrise.
How Surfers Paradise's nightlife zones break down
The epicentre of Gold Coast nightlife, Cavill Avenue is where you’ll find most hostels, bars, and clubs. The street is pedestrian-only after 7 pm, packed with backpackers, street performers, and pop-up drink stalls. It’s loud, busy, and the best place to meet people.
A 10-minute tram ride south of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach is more relaxed but still has a solid bar scene. The Star Gold Coast casino is here, along with quieter pubs like The Loose Moose’s sister location. It’s a good option if you want a break from the Cavill Avenue crowds.
North of Surfers Paradise, Main Beach is where the Gold Coast’s wealthier crowd hangs out. The bars are pricier, but the beach is quieter, and there are a few hidden gems like The Island Rooftop’s sister bar. It’s a 15-minute tram ride from Cavill Avenue.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
The biggest bar crawl on the Gold Coast, running every Saturday night. You’ll hit 4–5 venues, including The Bedroom and Sin City, with free entry and drink deals. The crawl starts at 8 pm outside Surfers Paradise Beer Garden on Cavill Avenue. Crowd is mostly backpackers, music ranges from EDM to hip-hop.
Rooftop bar with ocean views and $8 cocktails during happy hour (4 pm–7 pm). Gets busy from 6 pm onwards, especially on Fridays. Music is commercial: think Top 40 and throwback pop. Dress code is smart casual; no thongs or singlets.
Nightclub with three floors: main room for EDM, upstairs for R&B, and a rooftop for hip-hop. Entry is $15–$20, but hostels often have guest-list spots for $10. Doors open at 9 pm, but the crowd peaks after midnight.
One of the Gold Coast’s oldest clubs, known for its neon lights and late-night crowd. Music is a mix of techno, house, and commercial. Entry is $15–$25, but pub crawls often include it for free. Open until 5 am on weekends.
Outdoor pub with live music and cheap drinks. Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 6 pm, with $6 beers and $8 cocktails. The crowd is a mix of backpackers and locals, and it’s a common meeting spot for pub crawls.
Bar and live-music venue with a grungy, indie vibe. Hosts bands most nights, covering rock, punk, and metal. Entry is usually free before 10 pm, $10 after. Drinks are $8–$12, and the crowd is older than the typical backpacker scene.
Canadian-themed bar with poutine, $6 beers, and a rowdy crowd. Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 6 pm, and it’s a popular pre-drinks spot for backpackers. Open until 3 am on weekends, with DJs playing commercial hits.
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