Wickham Retreat Backpackers

I’d still recommend Wickham Retreat, and I’m sure you’ll have a good time there. It’s a lovely small hostel with a family feel, great for staying a while, and there’s a free section plus lots of activities being planned. It’s one of the best hostels I’ve stayed in. I do have to take off a star for an outburst by the owner that I witnessed one day. I hope he takes this review as a chance to learn from it.

I’ve been living and working here for a month now, and couldn’t be happier. Charlie is such a kind, friendly, helpful, and relaxed owner. Wickham Retreat Backpackers is smaller than other hostels, which is what makes it special. It feels like a big shared flat, with people from all over the world spending days and evenings together and going out for fun. I’m excited to meet more people in the coming weeks and welcome you into our Wickham Family. Thanks, guys, for making this such a fun time. Cheers, Isi

This hostel could be really nice without the two managers, and I’d only suggest a stay of a few days, up to one week. One manager looks at the girls in a weird way. The other can be really nice if you pay a lot in cash for a long stay, but afterward they may try different ways to kick you out without refunding your money. They don’t seem to like long stays. They may offer you work for the manager’s sister, though the job is really boring and as a backpacker you feel you can’t say no. It was $80 for three hours, but you might only get $50. Then, if you need to extend after being paid, they’ll ask you to pay cash.

The hostel was very clean, including the house and bathrooms, and the breakfast was really yummy. It’s not far from the city, and I met lots of people from all over the world during my week there. I liked it a lot and would definitely stay again.