Backpackers By The Bay

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.

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!

One of my favorite hostels I have ever been to!! From the moment we arrived we felt an incredibly homely atmosphere. This hostel is only 10 minutes walk to Airlie’s waterfront. All of the staff are absolutely wonderful and keep up with regular maintenance / cleaning and when they’re not, they’re socialising with the guests, making everyone feel welcome. We really liked this hostel as it’s super welcoming and easy to make friends, and when you want some alone time there are tonnes of spaces to go and unwind. Loved the board game nights!! We stayed in our van here and the facilities and price was super affordable. Would stay again!!!

I lived in this amazing hostel 6 months and I could never dreamed with a better experience, the friends that I made there and the experiences were absolutely out of this world. Amena the manager did an incredible job running the place, completely dedicated to her job and you could notice that she loved doing it, this and the rest of the team made the place feel like a home and family. I am extremely grateful with everything regarding the hostel. The rooms were in comfortable, kitchen and common area were cleaned three times per day and reception always with a smile willing to help. Love this place deeply and will always consider it a second home. A thanks is not enough for everything Backpackers by the Bay did for me.