Cool Bananas Backpackers

Everyone is lovely, and you’re greeted by dancing bananas when you arrive. The community here is amazing, and people from anywhere can make new friends. The rooms cover all the basics, with a suitable kitchen and communal area, plus there’s a hostel dog. The owner joins in with activities, which adds to the experience, and the staff are lovely too. This is the best independent hostel I’ve been to so far. I’d definitely come back, especially if exploring a less stereotypical route along Australia’s east coast.

We took a surfing course and even got to fly a small plane ourselves. The owner, Lorenzo, is the flight instructor and a really great guy. He took lots of photos and videos of the flight, and it was unforgettable. This hostel has a great, relaxed atmosphere and some cool activities. I highly recommend it.

I’ve just spent a month at this hostel and had the best time. The guests make it fun and friendly, the staff are welcoming, and the owner is incredibly generous. The beach is a quick walk away, and the whole town has that relaxed small-coastal feel. It’s a perfect spot for a chilled-out getaway if you’re backpacking, want to unwind, meet good people and enjoy a laid-back beach life. Highly recommend! 🌞🏄‍♀️✨

I stayed here for two months and should have left on day two. The owner, Scot, is verbally abusive to employees and guests. He demands things without saying please, thank you, sorry to bother you or excuse me, and just yells and threatens. He also has a creepy obsession with employing only German women aged 20 or younger. He’s one of the most unpleasant people I’ve ever had the misfortune of meeting. The volunteers aren’t much better. If you politely ask for something while they’re washing dishes, they’ll shout, “No! Go away!” Then they act like the victim if you show them the same respect they give guests. Staff are also intolerant of autistic people and people who are socially awkward or have social anxiety. If you do your own thing and keep to yourself, expect side eyes, disgust and judgmental looks. Of the roughly 15 volunteers, only two are nice and know how to talk to guests. The rooms are unbelievably hot day and night, with no air circulation. I was accused of being naked for wearing running shorts without having abs. The bathrooms are filthy, with sand and dead bugs everywhere. There are no ovens or air fryers in the kitchen, and you should expect volunteers to steal your food. My mental health improved hugely within days of getting out of such a toxic environment.