Youth Shack

It’s the perfect spot for backpackers looking for a laid-back, social atmosphere. The staff were super friendly and always happy to help with anything. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the air conditioning is a lifesaver in the Darwin heat. The location couldn’t be better—right in the middle of the city, walking distance to shops, bars, and the waterfront. If you’re in Darwin and looking for a fun, affordable, and social place to stay, Youth Shack is a great choice!

2025: They'd moved the private rooms to next to the pool. Deafening through the non-insulated windows, which have gaps. You can hear a phone conversation as if it's in your room. Pool music starts at 1pm, and then DJs are so deafening from 2pm (Thurs-Sun) that the place clears OUT because you can't converse ("sorry? NVM I don't understand you"). They ignored feedback I gave at the desk, said they can't do anything and just pretended to write something down. To meet people everyone had to go to the other hostel MOM where they could hear each other (surely the DJs saw this?). ||||This was my last trip due to cancer and I barely got any sleep or definitely no offer of a refund (yes I gave feedback to the desk) and was very disappointed with my inability to socialise. They used to bring everyone to Discovery but Discovery is now dead because Youth Shack makes no attempt to bring people there and everyone has left anyway because the DJs, who maybe don't know how loud it is or just don't care about appealing to the crowd, literally make everyone leave the bar/common area. So there is also no friendship-making now at Youth Shack. Pool party didn't happen. I have a much longer review on Google Reviews.

Cannot recommend to stay there, although the location is top. The rooms are on the simpler side, the floors are a little dirty. But the worst part is that there are multiple signs of people which should not be allowed back in the building (My understanding is that this is linked to the broken fridges) which made me feel unsafe. The music is not loud in the rooms per se. But I have to add that the employees are so very nice and helpful.

Great place to stay! Staff were super helpful and have a lot of local tips. The location is perfect, close to all the main attractions. It’s a great spot to meet people and make new friends. Highly recommend for solo travelers!

The vibes are 10/10, I came solo and met lots of friends just chilling around the pool and during the free dinners/ fun night activities. It’s not a luxury hostel but it’s got a real family feel, the staff will get you sorted and make you feel welcomed. Also the location is super convenient, next to the bars and close walk to everything. Will stay again when I’m back in Darwin.

decent hostel to stay, very loud bcause next to pub. but that's ok my room was far enough, its soundproof room. arrived in Darwin at 12.30AM,request late check in but replied me "subject to availability",which is weird. you should leave a box outside and put the key inside envelope or anything with my name,room number, floor level etc in it,then you could send me the box code through the booking app/website, it will be so much easier for late check in. fyi, many flights arrive at midnight,there should be a proper way. fix your management!!

This is unacceptable. For an accommodation that hosts over 400 people, having only three working gas stoves—and often without any gas at all—is simply not okay. It’s impossible to cook, and there’s constantly a queue or nothing available. A basic kitchen setup is the minimum you expect from a hostel. Very disappointing.

The real kicker is the staff here are incredibly rude. They had no patience with me when I was checking out. They should seriously look into getting new staff. The rooms are small. Beds are conformable enough with good AC and a curtain for your bunk. Also a sink in your room which is great. Everyone there is pretty sociable. The location right by all the bars is nice for the weekend but if you are not going out for the night the constant loud base and music sucks.