Aquarius Backpacker Resort

The common room was nice and the kitchen had plenty of space. I liked the hostel overall, and it was a short walk to the beach, shops and cafes. There were events during the week, so it seemed quite social, and I’d recommend staying here. Our dorm had an en-suite, which was handy, though it was really dirty. The beds were comfortable, but there were no curtains, and my bed didn’t have a plug socket I could reach. We put our names and checkout date on a shopping bag, but because we didn’t attach a label, all our things were thrown out. Definitely use a label. We stayed three nights in a dorm.

The only thing that bothered me was the bathroom situation. There was one for ten people, so when I needed to go at night and someone was using it, I had to walk over to reception. The rest worked well for me. The dorms and bathrooms are spacious, and there’s a nice spot outside the rooms to sit and get to know your dorm mates. I liked the kitchen too, although figuring out how to turn on the stoves was a bit confusing the first time. The rooftop gym was a highlight, with dumbbells up to 20 kg and a pull-up bar. The location is great, about 10 minutes from the bus stop and just a few minutes from the beach.

I’d recommend this hostel whether you’re staying a few days or a few weeks. The staff were so friendly and always willing to help with questions or whatever you need. When I first arrived in Australia, I stayed here and found it clean, tidy, spacious and comfortable. I tried both a six-bed women-only room and a mixed room for ten, and both had plenty of space and a good atmosphere with the other guests.

I’ve visited Byron more than five times in the past few years and stayed at Aquarius each time, so it’s sad to see how much it has changed since my first budget-hostel stay in 2023. I miss the place I used to treat as my spot to relax, meet people and make good friendships. Back then, there was free dinner and plenty of room to socialise outside and on the balcony. Over time, the bar, restaurant and outdoor area have gradually disappeared, and now the pool is a club that costs $20 to enter. It feels less social and more focused on money each year. The bunk rooms still have the classic layout, lots of space and a balcony, which I love. But the whole place seems to be shifting towards a more luxurious hostel to compete with drifter, surf house and wake up, without offering the accommodations I’d expect to go with that. Aquarius was meant to give backpackers somewhere to extend their stay, socialise, meet people, party, enjoy the pool and beach, or relax in a hammock on the balcony and listen to the birds. With Byron gentrifying, it’s a shame to see that changing too. Without Aquarius, there’s no local budget hostel and hardly anywhere in Byron for backpackers to socialise. I personally miss the old Aquarius and don’t think anything else can take its place.