The Best Hostels on the East Coast of Australia
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Having recently just completed my trip up and down the East Coast I felt that it would be beneficial to have an entire blog post dedicated to some of the best hostels in this part of Australia.
Hostels haven't always been for me, hence why most of our trip down the East Coast was spent camping.
My first experience of a hostel was in a 5 bed mixed dorm in the Gold Coast. Travelling as a couple meant that mixed dorm was our best option but that came with a lot of compromises. A dorm meant sharing a bathroom with strangers and your roommates coming in at all hours of the morning; which is the last thing you want when your getting up at early hours of the morning to start your tours. It wasn't my cup of tea but I can see why it suits big groups of friends or those solo travellers. It's a much cheaper alternative and by sharing a room with other people you get to make friends and socialise a lot more.
Myself and Peter from then on decided that our own private double room with shared bathroom was more our kinda thing. It has definitely worked out a lot more expensive but sometimes when you're so far from home little comforts such as your own private space mean a great deal. We aren't really the party type either we prefer to explore during the day and have a good nights sleep to make the most of the next day. A lot of backpacker hostels are heavily focused on backpacker nights out, drinking games and activities. However throughout my time travelling up and down the East Coast I have came across some really great hostels that have a nice balance of both, a great atmosphere and that little piece of serenity when you need it most.
1.) Coffs Harbour - Aussitel Backpackers
Situated near the Coffs Harbour Jetty, near bars, restaurants and 7 minutes to the beach, it is perfect for backpackers that have no form of transport as everything is in walking distance.
Another plus for backpackers is that it is BYO alcohol. No need to spend $5 or $6 on a single beer like a lot of other licensed hostels. Split the cost of a crate of beer with your friends and you're onto a cheap night.
The kitchen and bathrooms are a great size and also reasonably clean. Our room was very basic but it did the job, it was somewhere to put your head down. The staff were super friendly and informative. There is no parking, just on-street parking but it was free and right outside the hostel.
Dorms start from $27 a night and private rooms are a little more expensive at $65.
Overall score - 7/10
2.) Hervey Bay - Flashpackers Hervey Bay
This hostel is located in a great spot. It's about a 5 to 10 minute walk to the beautiful Hervey Bay esplanade which plays host to a range of cafes, bars, shops and restaurants.
The social area of this hostel is great. It's a nice place to relax and cook and meet other backpackers. The double doors lead out to a huge pool area which is well needed after a hot day in the Aussie sun. The kitchen is relatively modern and has all the appliances and essentials you need from pots and pans, to cups and cutlery. We had a double room which we were really impressed by. We had our own bathroom and the room was spacious and clean. The staff are friendly and are able to book all your tours.
It also has it's own cinema room which is pretty cool and perfect for something to do on those dreary rainy days.
Dorms start from $26 a night and private rooms from $80.
Overall score: 9/10
3.) Airlie Beach - Magnums Backpackers
Magnum's is a really popular choice for backpackers visiting Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. It offers cheap accommodation, a party atmosphere and a great town centre location.
The rooms are basic but there is so much going on in Airlie Beach that you won't spend much time here. You get what you pay for at the end of the day and for a dorm room for as little at $24 a night and a private room for as little at £53 it's a chance to save some serious bucks.
It also has it's own bar and cafe on-site which offers great cheap backpacker meal deals. $5 beers and $10 meals, it's a backpackers haven.
There is also free parking for Magnum guests at a nearby location and free wifi.
Overall score - 7/10
4.) Townsville - Rambutan
Described as 'Australia's New Hottest Hostel in Paradise' the Rambutan in Townsville is quite a treat.
The newest hostel on the block has hotel and backpacker accommodation available. It offers an experience like no other, a backpacker hostel at backpacker prices that leaves you feeling like you've spent a few days at a high end resort. The outdoor pool and bar area is beautiful, you could easily spend a few days of your trip here just chilling out by the pool.
The rooms are minimalistic but clean and fresh. There is also parking available at a fee of $5 per day. The location of this hostel is also very good; just a few minutes walk from the Strand.
Dorms start at $25.
Overall score: 9/10
5.) Cairns - Calypso Inn Backpackers Resort
Cairns is backpacker central which is why it offers such a variety of accommodation for these kind of travellers. It can be hard to choose between them all. I had heard a lot about Gilligans before coming to Cairns but everyone I had spoke to and every blog I had read had recommended not staying there unless you wanted a mad one. After a lot of researching I came across Calypso.
Rated 4 stars out of 5 on TripAdvisor it looked like a good option and it turned out to be pretty great!
The staff were friendly and are more than willing to advise you on things to see and do in the area. The reception area has free wifi and is quite a nice place to chill out. The pool is of good size and the 'Zanzibar' had cheap drink deals and games and activities on every night of the week. The music from the bar does go on till around 12am so do be wary of that if you're expecting an early night.
The rooms are pretty basic but Calypso makes up for it in the nice warm environment that it offers. The hostel also has an added bonus of two kitchens which means no fighting over who's next to use the hob.
Dorm rooms start from $25 per night and private rooms $50.
Overall score - 8/10
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