Our Story

Drifter was born out of a simple idea: that travel should be as much about the people you meet as the places you go.  

Launched in 2024, Drifter is a new generation of hotel-hostels designed for the free-spirited. We bring together the amenity of a boutique hotel with the vibrant energy of shared social spaces, to seamless blend comfort and connection. 

With properties across Australia and New Zealand—including Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Cairns, and Christchurch—Drifter is designed to inspire both rest and play. Whether you’re unwinding in a premium private room or sharing stories in our elevated suites, every stay is a chance to connect, create, and discover something new. 

Our communal spaces are at the heart of what we do. From wellness studios and coworking lounges to cinema rooms, social bars, and quiet libraries, each space is thoughtfully curated to bring people together and spark new stories. Here, friendships form, ideas flow, and memories linger long after checkout. 

And we’re only just getting started. With new Drifter locations opening soon in Byron Bay, Auckland, and Wellington— Drifter is continuing to grow a community of wanderers, creators, and explorers. 

Drifter is for the young and the young at heart. For those who seek not just a bed for the night, but an experience to carry with them. For those who believe travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you feel when you’re there. 

So come drift with us. Somewhere, forever.