Billabong Backpackers Resort

The kitchen was packed, with bags overflowing from the fridges and cupboards. And the refund setup left us $95 out of pocket: after we booked a night and found free accommodation, we were told there were no refunds, only vouchers we could try to sell to another backpacker. Nobody wanted to buy ours, even though the hostel sold the beds again for $95. It would have been less frustrating if they’d simply said no refund from the start. Our dates were wrong when we arrived, but the staff kindly rearranged things so we had somewhere to stay. They were accommodating, and the place was clean with friendly staff. It was an okay stay, though there are nicer hostels nearby if you have the budget.

I left after one night and went back to Hostel G, where I had a great experience. I wouldn't recommend this place. The hostel was very dirty and poorly maintained, especially the filthy kitchen, and the overall quality was terrible. Around 2am, my roommate attacked me when I came into the room. She was aggressive and racist, saying it was her country and warning me to be more careful because she wasn't afraid. I went to reception for help. One staff member, a young bald man wearing hippie-style decorations, was dismissive and basically said these things happen in a shared room. Another gentleman was kind, attentive, and supportive, and was the only one who treated me well.

Please get a better internet plan. With 200 people on one network, one person downloading something can wipe out the bandwidth. The lag is worse than I thought possible.

The rooms are disgusting, with stained pillows and mattresses, old beds that feel unstable, and no support bars on the top bunks. Everything seems old and falling apart. We booked one night but lasted less than four hours because there was no water anywhere in the building, toilets included. The desk man told people to shower at petrol stations, in the park, or even at the pool, saying, “the pool is clean enough.” I get that they may not be able to prevent a water problem, but guests weren't notified and no compensation was offered. That made it even more frustrating for us as two young female backpackers. Don't waste your travel money here.