Meet the finalists for Australia’s ‘Best Backpacker Night’ at this year’s Golden Backpack Awards…

 

Base Full Moon Down Under

Igniting the steamy sands of Magnetic Island each month with the promise of ‘peace, love and party for all’, Base Full Moon Down Under promises a party unlike any other Australia has seen. A shuttle bus service transports revellers from the ferry terminal to Base where all the magic happens. So paint yourself from head to toe, grab a bucket, and let your body lose control at what has become one of Australia’s most iconic monthly outdoor parties…

 

Birdees

Named after a scene from the movie The Party, Birdees has become a home away from home for backpackers and students alike since 2003. Open seven days a week until late in the heart of Queensland’s Fortitude Valley, it offers three bars, dining and a function space, meaning there’s always something to suit everyone.  Themed events encourage travellers to get creative, while karaoke and DJ battle nights cater for the music lovers.

 

Cheeky Monkeys

Nestled close to Byron Bay for night-time paddles, Cheeky Monkeys promises ‘the best fun you can have with your clothes on’. Every night is themed, with motifs including jungle, beach bikini and TGI Friday. It’s a backpacker’s bonanza, full of wet T-shirt competitions, impressive shore views and a nightly prize pool, and it’s open until the early hours of the morning.

 

Down Under Bar – Airlie Beach

Base Airlie Beach has garnered a reputation for its stylish rooms and social atmosphere. The Down Under Bar is a recent addition to the accommodation, open seven days a week for evening frolics. It’s also home to the AU$10 meal and drink deal combo, nom.

 

Down Under Bar – Brisbane

Located in the heart of the Brisbane action, the Down Under Bar is situated downstairs in the central Base hostel accommodation, which offers everything a backpacker could possibly want. It’s where to head to for when you want to go full on, flat out, and is a great spot for dancing the night away, as well as coming away with some pretty neat prizes.

 

Gilligans

Centrally located between Sheridan and Grafton streets in the midst of Cairns city centre, Gilligan’s is the ideal base from which to explore the beautiful and tropical north. The hostel is renowned for its party atmosphere – it even has its own nightclub and hosts regular themed nights, while there’s a lovely pool to lounge around in to ease the hangover.

 

Lucky Coq

Opening in April 2006, Lucky Coq has grown into a local favourite. Each night offers something different, from a free pool table, BBQ, live bands, DJs and movie nights. A continually changing tap beer list gives you a huge range of drinks from around the world, with the team also conjuring up cocktails to suit all taste buds. It’s also a relaxed affair outside in the rooftop terrace where comfy sofas are dotted around.

 

Mustang Bar

With a distinct American feel, The Mustang Bar has a major focus on both sport and quality live entertainment. More than 50 bottled and draught beers from the USA line the bar’s shelves – best enjoyed with a fine Cuban or Dominican cigar located near the back bar. Smack bang in the heart of Perth, the bar is also a favourite spot for sports fans, thanks to its numerous TVs showing Fox Sports, ESPN, Fuel, Euro Sport and Setanta.

 

Neighbours Night

Combining Melbourne-based TV show Neighbours with a trivia night for backpackers, Neighbours Night is a must-do for die-hard fans of Ramsay Street. Established in 1997, the night takes place on Monday nights in the British-themed The Elephant and Wheelbarrow pub in Melbourne’s favourite backpacker suburb, St Kilda. As well as having the opportunity to test your Neighbours knowledge, some of the cast from the show, such as Dr Karl Kennedy, sometimes drop in to say hi. 

 

Scary Canary

The ultimate backpacker experience is up for grabs at Scary Canary, which offers cheap drinks, quality food and an interactive introduction to Sydney’s cultural melting pot. Every night greets you with a series of activities, from wet T-shirt competitions to goldfish racing, karaoke and male strippers. There’s also a ton of party bar games to get the evening going.

 

The Woolshed

For more than 19 years, The Woolshed has offered backpackers an evening experience that won’t be forgotten in a hurry. Home to a chargrill and saloon bar, it’s famous for its table dancing where everyone bangs on the tin roof, as well as its delicious food. Themed nights, such as wet T-shirts, beach and frat parties, help loosen the mood, with cheap drinks and prizes on offer seven days a week.