Backpackers by the Bay, Airlie Beach

By Bobbi-Jo // 12 May 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: Benny, Hostels

It was Saturday night.

Hostel plans had fallen through.

I was in Airlie Beach and my boat for the Whitsunday Islands didn’t leave until Monday morning.

The only person I could really depend on was Benny, and while he gave me shelter as best he could, I longed for a real bed.

And a shower.

Enter: Backpackers by the Bay and general manager Nick.

Dear Nick,

You are a hero.

Cheers,

BoJo.

Seriously, there are a ton of backpacker resorts in Airlie Beach. The city serves as the gateway for the Whitsundays, so on any given night the place is crawling with backpackers stumbling their way from Beaches to Mama Africa’s in search of another backpacker to grope.

I didn’t want any of that - I just wanted to change into clean clothes and have a safe place to park Benny for a few days.

So into Backpackers by the Bay I went, they are a VIP Hostel so I figured that there was a reasonable chance they’d be OK with Benny sitting outside under a semi-watchful eye while I was sailing around the reef.

What I didn’t expect was to be taken in like the lost puppy I was, pointed to a shower and a real bed and taken out to see Airlie Beach within seconds of introducing myself to Nick.

Backpackers by the Bay is a little off the beaten path from the rest of the backpackers in Airlie, but that’s what makes it special. Only a 5 minute walk from all the action, you get a great atmosphere and relaxing environment and can still take part in all of the fun. Air-conditioned rooms are a major plus and friendly staff pushes it to the very top of hostel accommodation.

What’s even better is the active interest that the staff makes in making sure that people are having a great time. Most nights there is a meet and greet with the other backpackers, and there’s also a trivia night that could see you winning a free bottle of champagne.

If you don’t have a Canadian on your team that thinks that Japan is in the Southern Hemisphere, that is.

Sorry, the wound is still fresh.

Even the bunk beds are a step up from other hostels. Made of wood and void of those horrible white sheets that you grow accustomed to as you travel, they give each room a less artificial, hospital-y feel.

If you haven’t booked your trip out to the Whitsundays, you can check on last minute standby deals in the lobby, there are always tons there and Nick can help you pick out the best boat with the best crew. Honestly, my stay in Airlie might have been a bit of a bust had it not been for Backpackers by the Bay. Airlie Beach is a weird little town, but you can definitely feel at home at this cute little backpackers nestled up on the hill.

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Many special thanks to VIP Backpackers for being our gracious hosts throughout this trip! You can also receive amazing discounts the activities mentioned in this post with VIP Membership!