Backpackers By The Bay

The bedrooms are nicely air conditioned, so you can sleep soundly, and the kitchen was well stocked and very clean, despite what some other reviews say. There are board games everywhere and cockatoos about, plus plenty of catan enthusiasts. You’ll find people to explore the area with. Backpackers by the Bay still has that hostel magic; this is my favourite hostel in Australia so far, and what a hostel should feel like.

We’d not stayed in a hostel for ages, and this one felt cosy, clean and full of friendly, honest people. A few days later we realised we’d left a laptop in the room. They found it quickly and sent it on to us. Such sweet people 🤠

We ended up extending our stay by quite a few nights because of a storm, and Aména, the manager, was so kind and understanding. She arranged for us to stay in the same room, which meant a lot. The hostel is well located, the bathrooms are clean and the rooms are decent. The kitchen didn’t have an oven*

It’s been more than six years since I last stayed here, and I still think about it some nights when I can’t sleep, like tonight. I’ve got so many memories of this place, and sometimes wonder what makes it feel so special. It feels like somewhere I belong. 💗 You can lie in the hammocks and watch the night sky, or run along the long road and feel like nothing can stop you. The cute little birds sing cool songs, and the whole place smells of lemongrass. Until we meet again!