This isn’t just word of mouth – these guys have won awards and everything!
BUNK Backpackers located in Brisbane in the Fortitude Valley area of the city offers great accommodation and facilities for all. Free WiFi, free breakfast, free transfers, a pool and hot tub, 24 hour self-catering kitchen and Birdees – the hostel’s very own bar right next door. There are also a variety of room types to suit any budget: Loft Dorm Accommodation starts at $28 p/n – 2 storey New York Apartment style dorms with fabulous views or you can book your own apartment for $190 – these are 2 bedroom apartments (sleeping up to 6 people) with self-contained kitchen, great views, lounge and are the only rooms in which you can have your own alcohol onsite! There is also Budget Twin rooms available from $85 p/n – twin rooms with en-suite ($95) or shared facilities, Deluxe Dorms – 8 share from $27, 6 share from $29 or 4 share from $31, all with ensuite and finally Short Stay Budget Dorms – 20 share from $24, 10 share from $26 and 8 share from $27 – so plenty of choice with options to suit all. With a dedicated Travel Desk to help with planning and information and luxuries like the heated pool & spa, BUNK was voted by TNT Downunder readers as the place to stay not just in Queensland but in Australia itself at this year’s GBAs.
credit: BUNK Backpackers
And if you’re laying head down in New Zealand, then the place to do that is Pacific Coast Lodge on the stunning shoreline of Mount Maunganui Beach, close to the Bay Park Stadium and just minutes from downtown Mt Maunganui. Prices start at $29 for a spot in a 10 bed dorm to $86 for a twin or double room with standard freebies such as internet and parking, Pacific Coast Lodge also offer guests free use of the bicycles, long surf boards, short surf boards and boogie boards to make the most of your beachside stay!
credit: Pacific Coast Lodge
Regional winners for Best Accommodation are below:
Base Backpackers Sydney (NSW) – Base pretty much have Australia & New Zealand covered with hostels found at Sydney, Melbourne – St Kilda, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, Hobart, Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns, Misson Beach, Noosa, Byron Bay, Agnes Water 1770, Emu Park, Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay, Surfers Paradise and Coffs Harbour in Oz and Auckland, Bay of Islands – Paihia, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Queenstown, Wanaka, Christchurch, Dunedin and Nelson in NZ.
Base Backpackers Sydney is located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD just a couple of minutes from Darling Harbour. With facilities such as 24 hour reception, fully equipped communal kitchen, TV lounge, Travel Desk, a Job Desk and the all important ‘bar next door’ – the Scary Canary, Base offers the perfect home from home for travellers. Prices start at $31 for a 10 bed dorm and peak at $135 for a private double with ensuite – however deals are available like the 2 nights + 1 meal + 1 drink + Sydney Attraction ticket for $85.
credit: stayatbase.com
Melaleuca On Mitchell (NT) – Located in the centre of Darwin, Melaleuca On Mitchell has everything you would expect in a top notch hostel and more! With a full-on rooftop bar, two pools and a waterfall spa it’s no wonder this hostel has been a past winner in the GBAs. 6 bed mixed or female only dorms start at $27 p/n with standard private double or twin rooms with ensuite coming in at $65.
Port Lincoln YHA (SA) – Perfectly located on the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln YHA not only offers outstanding facilities onsite and accommodation options for those wanting private rooms or the cheaper multi-share options, but on top of that are the outstanding activities also available, from shark cage diving to 4WD tours. Dorms start at $30.60 for a mixed dorm ($31.50 single sex) to $90 for a double room with private bathroom with special package deals available for week long stays.
The Pickled Frog (TAS) – Hobart based The Pickled Frog offers visitors ‘cheap, clean and comfortable’ accommodation with a whole host of free stuff to boot. Free WiFi, free parking, free locker hire & luggage storage, free movie hire, free bedding and free trips to Mount Wellington, MONA and the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary! With extras such as a well stocked bar full of lots of local beers and ciders, delicious locally roasted coffee, pool table, foosball table, library room, huge common areas, laundry facilities,well kept kitchen and much more 1 night simply won’t be enough…
credit: The Pickled Frog
Greenhouse Backpackers (VIC) – Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s café & arts scene at the Greenhouse Backpackers in Flinders Lane. With an Activities Coordinator onsite, not only will you feel comfortably at home at the hostel but within Melbourne itself. The usual freebies are available (WiFi, breakfast, BBQ, communal kitchen) plus some nice extra touches like a pasta or BBQ dinner on Tuesdays, the Mega Walking Tour on Mondays and a weekly pub crawl. Dormitory accommodation starts from $31 p/n
Billabong Backpackers Resort (WA) – ‘Luxury backpacking on Perth’s best cafe strip’ is how Billabong Backpackers Resort describes itself on the website – and they’re not exaggerating! With an ensuite and balcony as standard in every room, free WiFi, free breakfast and free parking, dorm prices start at $28 for a 8 bed dorm and go to $90 for a private deluxe double room. All rooms have A/C as we all know Perth can get very hot!
credit: Billabong Backpackers
