i Backpacking South Africa: Sunshine Coast Backpackers Hostel Directory
The easiest way to choose your Sunshine Coast hostel. Use our unique 3D map to filter surf-vibe and beach backpackers by safety, setups, and value.

Search Sunshine Coast Backpacker Hostels

Filter backpackers hostels by digital nomad suitability, solo female traveller friendliness, safety, surfing, camping, value for money, party atmosphere, african culture experiences, adventure activities and nature experiences.

Interactive backpacker hostel map of South Africa's Sunshine Coast showing hostels that can be filtered by travel style, safety, digital nomad suitability, surfing, camping and budget travel preferences.

Where To Go, What To See and How Much It'll Cost

Use our wizard to plan your trip, based on what you want to see and do, and your budget. Costs calculated according to 2026 prices.

Welcome to our backpacking guide of the Sunshine Coast!

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Sunshine Coast Backpackers Hostels

Hostels listed on Booking.com and Hostelworld

Booking.com HOSTELWORLD

All Hostels

Full contact details are included in case you want to book direct, plus useful info such as Safety Ratings and Value For Money, Solo Female Friendliness, and Digital Nomad scorecards.

Every listing below is independently researched and unsponsored. We review them all the same way -
the hostels do not pay us for advertising.

Did we miss a hostel? Email us at and we'll add it.

JEFFREYS BAY / ST FRANCIS BAY

GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH)

KENTON-ON-SEA

ADDO

PORT ALFRED

HAMBURG

EAST LONDON / CHINTSA

SEALS BACKPACKERS

AREA: CAPE ST FRANCIS — Cape St Francis Resort

STREET ADDRESS: 116 Da Gama Road, Cape St. Francis, 6312, Eastern Cape

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 76 962 5595

WHATSAPP: 27 76 962 5595

EMAIL: sealsbackpackers@gmail.com

WEBSITE: N/A

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Self-catering units including a standalone cottage (Full Stop Cottage, 3 bedrooms), chalets with loft double beds, kitchenettes, private bathrooms and garden views. Part of the Cape St Francis Resort complex, with access to the Joe Fish Restaurant, Hibiscus Spa, pool and convenience shop.

PRICE RANGE: Budget to mid-range. Self-catering chalets from ~R350–R550 per person; cottage pricing varies with group size.

ST FRANCIS BAY BACKPACKERS

AREA: ST FRANCIS BAY — Beachfront / Town Centre

STREET ADDRESS: 3 Assissi Drive, St Francis Bay, 6312, Eastern Cape

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 72 344 6451

WHATSAPP: +27 72 344 6451

EMAIL: stfrancisbackpackers@gmail.com

WEBSITE: N/A

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Private Double Room, Private Twin Room, Female Dormitory (dedicated female-only dorm), Mixed Dormitories — all with private en-suite bathroom and private veranda. Communal kitchen and lounge. Located on the first floor of the Tennant Centre.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from ~R200–R280; Private rooms from ~R550–R750.

ISLAND VIBE BACKPACKERS

AREA: JEFFREYS BAY

STREET ADDRESS: 10 Dageraad Street, Jeffreys Bay, 6330

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 42 293 1625

WHATSAPP: +27 76 195 2445

EMAIL: jbay@islandvibe.co.za

WEBSITE: islandvibe.co.za

SOCIAL: Facebook

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Single, double, triple and family en-suite rooms with private balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean; standard dorms; private wooden garden cabins (shared communal bathrooms); camping. All rooms and dorms have sea views. Bar/restaurant on site.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Camping from ~R120; Dorm beds from ~R180–R260; Private rooms from ~R550–R1,100.

JEFFREYS BAY BACKPACKERS

AREA: JEFFREYS BAY — Town Centre

STREET ADDRESS: 12 Jeffrey Street, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, 6330

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 42 293 1379

WHATSAPP: +27 42 293 1379

EMAIL: backpac@netactive.co.za

WEBSITE: N/A

See Photos & Reviews on:

HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Dormitories, single rooms, double rooms, "wooden love shack" private garden chalets. Swimming pool in the courtyard. Shared bathrooms. Self-catering kitchen.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from ~R160–R240; Private rooms from ~R420–R650.

AFRICAN UBUNTU BACKPACKERS

AREA: JEFFREYS BAY — Wavecrest (beachfront, Supertubes area)

STREET ADDRESS: 8 Cherry Street, Wavecrest, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, 6330

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PHONE: +27 42 296 0376

WHATSAPP: +27 76 154 5313

EMAIL: info@jaybay.co.za

WEBSITE: ubuntusurflodge.co.za

SOCIAL: Facebook

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: 2 private double rooms, 1 sea-view double room, 1 six-bed mini-dorm, 1 ten-bed dorm, 1 self-catering flatlet (4-person, en-suite, with kitchenette, lounge and sea view). All linen included. Capacity of approximately 30 guests. Top-floor entertainment lounge with ocean views.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from ~R180–R260; Private rooms from ~R480–R750; Flatlet from ~R900–R1,200.

THE LITTLE HOUSE ON SUPERS AT SUPERTUBES

AREA: JEFFREYS BAY — Pepper Street / Supertubes

STREET ADDRESS: 14 Pepper Street, Jeffreys Bay, 6330

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WHATSAPP: +27 82 855 0341

EMAIL: info@stayinjbay.co.za

WEBSITE: littlehouseonsupers.co.za

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Two separate self-catering accommodation options: (1) The Main House — a full wrap-around deck property with direct full-view of Supertubes, sleeping up to 6; (2) The Cottage — overlooks Pepper Street, private garden. Both are self-catering, fully equipped, and geared for couples, groups, and surf trip crews rather than solo travellers. Not a traditional dormitory hostel.

PRICE RANGE: Budget to mid-range. From ~R400–R600 per person per night (whole-property bookings, minimum 2 people; whole-house bookings for groups significantly more cost-effective per head).

IKHAYALAM LODGE AND TOURS

AREA: GQEBERHA — Humewood (beachfront suburb)

STREET ADDRESS: 25 Windermere Road, Humewood, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, 6001

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 41 582 5098

WHATSAPP: +27 83 270 4968

EMAIL: lesterbarendse@gmail.com

WEBSITE: ikhayalamlodgeandtours.co.za

SOCIAL: N/A

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Single, double, twin, quad and dormitory rooms in a home-like environment. Shared and private bathrooms. Breakfast available on request. Garden and shared lounge. The distinctive feature: furniture built from railway sleepers, which management describes as ensuring a reliable night's rest.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorms from ~R200; Private rooms from ~R440.

LUNGILE BACKPACKERS

AREA: GQEBERHA — Humewood (beachfront / Marine Drive)

STREET ADDRESS: 12 La Roche Drive, Humewood, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, 6001

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 41 582 2042

WHATSAPP: +27 72 237 0612

EMAIL: stay@lungilebackpackers.co.za

WEBSITE: lungilebackpackers.co.za

SOCIAL: Facebook

See Photos & Reviews on:

HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Dormitories, private rooms (standard and en-suite), camping area, family rooms. Communal kitchen, lounge, pool area, free Wi-Fi, secure parking. Some rooms have sea views.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Camping from ~R120; Dorm beds from ~R180–R260; Private rooms from ~R450–R750.

JIKELEZA LODGE BACKPACKERS HOSTEL

AREA: GQEBERHA — Central (CBD / Donkin Heritage Trail)

STREET ADDRESS: 44 Cuyler Street, Central, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, 6000

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 41 586 3721

MOBILE / WHATSAPP: +27 82 734 8764

EMAIL: info@jikelezalodge.co.za

WEBSITE: jikelezalodge.co.za

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Single, double, twin, family/group rooms (3, 4, 5-bed), dormitories and camping. Two fully equipped communal kitchens, two TV lounges, large cathedral-shaded garden with braai facilities, bar area. One of the older established backpackers buildings in Central PE — gleaming wood interior, atmospheric colonial architecture. In-house travel desk.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Camping from ~R80; Dorm beds from ~R140–R200; Private rooms from ~R350–R600.

THE HIPPO BACKPACKERS

AREA: GQEBERHA — Richmond Hill (trendy inner suburb)

STREET ADDRESS: 14 Glen Street, Richmond Hill, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, 6001

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 41 585 6350

WHATSAPP: +27 72 752 0952

EMAIL: fun@thehippo.co.za

WEBSITE: thehippo.co.za

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Dormitories, private double rooms, single rooms, camping. Large "hippo-sized" swimming pool. Communal kitchen, lounge, bar/pool table. Garden setting. Rooms serviced daily. Meals available.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from ~R150–R220; Private rooms from ~R420–R650.

RIVERFRONT BACKPACKERS

AREA: GQEBERHA REGION — Redhouse (riverside, 19km north of central Gqeberha)

STREET ADDRESS: 18 Carden Street (or 28 Towpath), Redhouse Village, Gqeberha, 6201

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 72 344 1941

WHATSAPP: +27 72 344 1941

EMAIL: 28towpath@gmail.com

WEBSITE: 28towpath.com

SOCIAL: Facebook

HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Two dormitories and 2 private guest rooms. Shared kitchen, bathrooms, and common areas. Directly on the Redhouse tidal saltwater estuary — the Swartkops River mouth. Breakfast and dinner available at additional cost. Off-grid feel; some load-shedding resilience noted in reviews.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from ~R150–R200; Private rooms from ~R380–R550.

WOODLANDS COTTAGES & BACKPACKERS

AREA: KENTON-ON-SEA — Bushman's River (between Gqeberha and East London)

STREET ADDRESS: R343 Grahamstown Road, Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape (less than 2km from the Kenton crossroads)

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 82 808 5976 / +27 46 648 2867

WHATSAPP: +27 82 808 5976

EMAIL: info@woodlandscottages.co.za

WEBSITE: woodlandscottages.co.za

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: 8 self-catering cottages (1–2 bedroom, most with private en-suite bathrooms and private boma bath), 3 guest house rooms in the main house, backpacker rooms, bush camping (6 pitches). On-site restaurant and bar "The Goat Shed." Swimming pool, games room, large lounge. 12-acre indigenous garden on the Bushman's River banks. Capacity for up to 54 guests. Pet-friendly.

PRICE RANGE: Budget to mid-range. Backpacker rooms from ~R220–R320 per person; Self-catering cottages from ~R650–R1,800 per unit; Camping from ~R120 per person.

ORANGE ELEPHANT BACKPACKERS

AREA: ADDO

STREET ADDRESS: R335 Main Road, Addo, Eastern Cape, 6105

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 42 233 0023

WHATSAPP: +27 74 179 6715

EMAIL: info@addobackpackers.com

WEBSITE: addobackpackers.com

SOCIAL: Facebook

See Photos & Reviews on:

HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: 4-bed dormitory, double and twin rooms (shared bathrooms), en-suite double rooms, family rooms, camping.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from ~R180-R280 (approximately €9-€14); private rooms from ~R550-R950 (approximately €27-€48). Camping from ~R100 per person (approximately €5).

WILD WOODY CAPE BACKPACKERS

AREA: ALEXANDRIA — Addo Elephant National Park (Woody Cape section), between Gqeberha and Kenton-on-Sea

STREET ADDRESS: Woody Cape Beach, Alexandria, Eastern Cape, 6185 (Portion 1 of the Farm Midfor No. 327 — off-grid, 20 min on gravel from Alexandria town)

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 76 929 7184

WHATSAPP: +27 82 893 2852 / +27 76 929 7184

EMAIL: bookings@wildwoodycape.com

WEBSITE: wildwoodycape.com

SOCIAL: Facebook

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Camping and caravanning, dormitory rooms, private rooms (shared bathroom), self-catering 1 and 2-bedroom chalets with private bathrooms and braai patios. Two swimming pools (adult and children's). Bar and restaurant on site (home-cooked meals, takeaways). Solar-powered. Off-grid character. 5 min walk to the beach.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Camping from ~R100; Dorm beds from ~R160–R220; Private rooms from ~R400–R700; Self-catering chalets from ~R900–R1,800.

KOWIE BACKPACKERS

AREA: PORT ALFRED — Town (near Kowie River)

STREET ADDRESS: 13 Van Riebeeck Street, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, 6170

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 71 266 8899

EMAIL: kowiebackpackers@gmail.com

WEBSITE: kowiebackpackers.thinklocal.co.za

SOCIAL: Facebook

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Three dormitories (8 beds each), private rooms, cabin option. Two bathrooms. Well-established garden. Self-catering. Sleeps approximately 35 guests. Close to Kowie River and town centre.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Camping from ~R100; Dorm beds from ~R220; Private rooms from ~R440–R600. Security deposit of R100 per day required on arrival.

HAMBURG BACKPACKERS

AREA: HAMBURG — Keiskamma River Mouth (between Port Alfred and East London, 14km off the R72)

STREET ADDRESS: 279 Main Road, Hamburg, 5641

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 72 874 4927

WHATSAPP: +27 82 783 1288

EMAIL: hamburgbackpackers@gmail.com

WEBSITE: N/A

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Three private rooms (one double, two triple/three-bed) with private bathrooms. Shared self-catering kitchen. Small-scale, owner-run. Sleeps approximately 8–10 guests. Garden, braai area. Not listed on major booking platforms — direct booking recommended. Cash only.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. R600 per room (private rooms only — no dorms). Note: bring cash — no card facilities, no ATM in Hamburg.

BUFFALO BACKPACKERS

AREA: EAST LONDON — Quigney (beachfront suburb)

STREET ADDRESS: 79 Moore Street, Quigney, East London, Eastern Cape, 5201

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 43 781 1122

WHATSAPP: +27 83 401 4833

EMAIL: buffalobackpackers@gmail.com

WEBSITE: buffalobackpackers.yolasite.com

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Dormitories, private rooms, private en-suite doubles. All rooms open onto a large courtyard. Spacious reception/lounge area, bar, pool table, self-catering kitchen. Secure off-street parking. Purpose-built property designed specifically for backpackers.

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from ~R150–R220; Private rooms from ~R380–R600.

SUGAR SHACK BACKPACKERS

AREA: EAST LONDON — Eastern Beach (sand dune, beachfront)

STREET ADDRESS: Eastern Esplanade Rd, Eastern Beach, Quigney, East London, 5201

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 43 722 8240

WHATSAPP: +27 74 890 8405

EMAIL: sugarshack@iafrica.com

WEBSITE: sugarshack.co.za

See Photos & Reviews on:

HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Dormitories, single and double rooms, wooden beach shacks (individual cabins scattered outside in beach vegetation), camping. Self-catering kitchen, DStv lounge, lookout tower, sun deck. In the original lifesavers' building on a sand dune above Eastern Beach. Owned by the same operator as Coffee Shack (Coffee Bay) and Away With The Fairies (Hogsback).

PRICE RANGE: Budget. Camping from ~R100; Dorm beds from ~R150–R220; Wooden shack/private from ~R280–R450.

BUCCANEERS LODGE & BACKPACKERS

AREA: CHINTSA (40KM NORTH OF EAST LONDON)

STREET ADDRESS: 1 David Way, Chintsa West, 5275

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE: +27 43 734 3012

WHATSAPP: +27 66 317 2858

EMAIL: buccaneers@cintsa.com

WEBSITE: buccaneerschintsa.com

SOCIAL: Facebook

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Dormitories, private rooms, self-catering chalets, camping.

PRICE RANGE: Budget to mid-range. Dorm beds from approximately R230–R340.

Where Do You Want To Go Next?

GQEBERHA (Port Elizabeth) - NELSON MANDELA STADIUM - Photo: N. Grund Wikimedia Commons