Hostel Review: Next Backpackers, Hervey Bay

By Bobbi-Jo // 20 May 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: hervey bay, Hostels, Review

The first thing that you notice about Next Backpackers (BOOK Next) in Hervey Bay is that it is bustling.

The ground floor is home to the travel desk, reception, kitchen, dining area, cinema room (a proper one) and the bar; this layout is reminiscent of a hostel nestled into an urban area, yet Hervey Bay is anything but that.

The charm of the hostel, and its staff, is overwhelming. Because everything is so close together on the ground floor - there are only a handful of rooms on this floor, which are pushed further to the back of the building - you’re never too far from a fellow backpacker or staff member who is looking out for you. Although small, the kitchen is one of the best I’ve seen in a hostel, just be prepared to stand in a short queue to access one of the burners on the stove. But a large container of boiling water, not just a small self-heating kettle, ensures that tea is only seconds away, and that you can cut down on some of your waiting time by putting already boiling water in your pot.

On to the rooms, shall we? I may or may not have clapped my hands and jumped around a bit when we walked into our rooms and found A/C and a private bathroom. I hadn’t seen air conditioning in a dorm room since Sydney, and the heat during the day was pretty oppressive in Hervey Bay, so this was a completely welcome surprise. Next boasts clean rooms and a quiet atmosphere on the first floor - all the action is going on down below, so it’s not too far to walk to a party, but that party is also not happening right outside your door.

If you’re looking for something to do in the area, for one, don’t listen to the locals about the Shark Museum. We made that mistake so that you don’t have to. But do go see Jumpers, he’ll sort you out with advice, activities and a smile that seems to know no end.

On cleanliness of rooms, proximity to bars and restaurants and access to and assistance from a knowledgeable travel desk, I give Next Backpackers an A. On enjoyableness of stay and experience with staff: solid A+.

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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!