Backpackers By The Bay

I had the best nights sleep of my LIFE at this hostel. Seriously never slept better! Super clean kitchens and bathrooms, plenty of space to chill. Really useful to be able to use the bathroom / kitchen facilities after check out too before a night bus. And perfect location for the bus + the marina.

My favourite hostel in Australia so far. This is what a hostel should be like. A lot of places try to create this atmosphere artificially but it’s places like Backpackers by the Bay that still have the magic. An abundance of board games and cockatoos, lots of catan enthusiasts. You will come here and make friends to enjoy the area with. On top of this, the kitchen is well stocked and despite other reviews, very clean. The bedrooms are very well air conditioned, you will sleep soundly.

Avoid and book hotel or Airbnb. Rooms seem to never be cleaned. Air con mouldy. Mixed gender bathrooms. No aircon in communal spaces. Kitchen is ok, very basic. Staff are friendly but not helpful. Lots of long stay residents. Really crap and run down. Not looked after at all. Pool is nice, gym is crap. No curtains on top bunks. Got ill from this place. Would never ever stay again. Really rough, crap, and not worth the money whatsoever. The whole place needs lots of money put into it. Avoid at all costs.

I stayed 2 nights and I liked it. The room was nice and clean. They separated long terms from short stays which was great because long terms have their stuff all over the place. The bed was cute and SO COMFORTABLE! I really loved the mattress. And they have curtains which I always appreciate. When they cleaned the bathrooms they were very clean, but I think they should be cleaned more often because they quickly get dirty since many people are using them. The kitchen was ok, but there wasn't enough fridges for putting everyone's stuff. That was a problem. Common area ok, nothing special. Staff smiling and helpful. Recommended

One of my best times spent here in Australia. I spent 4 or 5 months in this hostel for the extension and I absolutely loved it. The staff is great, the rooms are nice and the common areas are perfect for making friends. Everyone is in a good mood and the atmosphere is really friendly. ♡ I made friends for life and had a great time in Airlie Beach.

Absolutely amazing social hostel! Super clean with a great atmosphere, just a short walk to the beach. The staff are incredibly helpful and genuinely lovely, and the nightlife is brilliant — always something fun going on. Couldn’t recommend it more!

I stayed 5 months at this hostel and it truly felt like family. The atmosphere is unique, the location is perfect, and the staff is always helpful and kind. I had amazing encounters here! thank you for everything

Absolutely AWESOME stay. Definitely a party place, very social. Staff are wonderful, other guests are very friendly. Short walk to town and the beach. Only downside was that some of the guests were very messy, kitchen was usually trashed, staff did clean daily but it still got very messy, BUT they let people party as long as they don't bother other people so it works out. Will definitely stay again!