Kalgoorlie Backpackers

If you can’t speak French, don’t like arrogant, smelly roommates, or want to sleep, I’d steer clear. It felt like 95% of the hostel was French, seemingly to keep them separate from the other hostel, Gold Dust. People were taking drugs and drinking or partying every day.

The biggest issue for me was the atmosphere and feeling of safety. Most of the guests seemed to be miners or labourers rather than travellers, and the attitudes and manners reflected that. As a woman travelling alone, I wouldn’t have felt safe here. I moved to the Kalgoorlie Caravan Park after two nights. It was about 5 bucks more per night, but the atmosphere and safety were much better. The place was grimy and poorly kept. The kitchen sinks were overflowing and smelled, and there was rancid food in the fridges. There was only one person working reception while also managing the whole hostel, so when they weren’t at the desk, anyone could walk in and out. Dorm doors couldn’t be shut or locked either.

The rooms were alright, though they could have used a proper vacuum and the rubbish needed taking out. Cleanliness elsewhere was a problem, with rats running near the kitchen and dining area. I’d booked a few days ahead and was quoted $40 a night. During my stay, the guy at the service desk was charging everyone else $30, and I later learned that was the actual price. I was there four nights, so I paid $40 extra. Honestly disappointed with the quality and cleanliness.

I lived here for five months, and the guys staying there felt like one big community. The manager is really nice too. Rooms are good, there’s a swimming pool, and the toilets and bathrooms are separate. It’s a nice place, though Wi-Fi doesn’t reach everywhere.