Hotel comfort at a backpacker's budget: Emus Beach Resort

By Bobbi Lee Hitchon // 18 May 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: emu park, Hostels, relax, Review

When I first walked into my private quad room at Emus Beach Resort on Pattison Street in Emu Park, my jaw dropped and I paused in awh and appreciation. I couldn't believe my eyes, four big comfy beds that weren't bunked, an immaculate private bathroom and closets-glorious closets with hangars. 

I wanted to walk around and see the rest of the hostel as well as the towns, but there was a mattress and duvet next to the balcony screaming my name. I snuggled under the covers, turned on the TV and felt a sense of relief. I was staying in hotel-like accommodation priced as low as $25 per night.

Sure, the closest attraction may be lawn bowling grounds and most of the town residents live there to retire. That didn't matter, between the cleanliness of the hostel, caliber of its facilities and friendly people on staff, Emus Beach Resort was well worth the stop. 

Location

It's only a ten minute walk into Emu Park's charming town center. This isn't a place backpackers can go to drink their nights away. It's a quiet close-knit community with one butcher shop, a pub and small cafe. 

That said, there is plenty to see and do around the area that the resort can help backpackers reach, such as Great Keppel Island, Koorana Crocodile Farm and Restaurant and Capricorn caves. Public buses pick up at a stop in front of the hostel, taking people to a grocery store and more.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Staff

They're on point and extremely friendly. They kept all the facilities extremely clean, but still found time to meet and greet with guests. Owners Paul and Mandy are almost always on site and happy to share the community with travelers passing through. 

This family-run business makes visitors feel like they're apart of something more than a hostel. Every Saturday, Paul and Mandy welcome guests, family and friends to a barbecue in the pool and bar area at the resort.  For only $A8, guests can feast on all-you-can-eat fresh black king fish, steak, sausages, homemade pasta dishes and salad. 

It's by far the best "barbie" I've had in Australia and the company made it even better.

Vibe

It's organized, yet relaxed. A lot of hostels that go for the "chilled out" mood seem to neglect cleanliness and order. Emus Beach Resort is a hostel that succeeds at both. 

People can lay by the pool or on the deck. They can watch movies in the common area and relax on the resort's massive couch. There's even a dining room for backpackers that want to eat their Ramen noodles in class. This is all if guests can bring themselves to actually get out of their blissful beds. 

A new hostel in Queensland, owners and staff seem to like having people around and even welcome those booked on the night bus to Airlie Beach, which heaps of people do, to stick around and use resort facilities while they wait.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Price

All the rooms are comfortable and affordable, but people in groups will get the most for their money. 

A bed in the resort's beach house dorm with shared bathroom facilities costs $A24 per person, per night; a bed in the resort dorm with private bathroom facilities costs $A27 per person, per night; a private single or double room with private bathroom facilities costs $75 per night; a private triple room with private bathroom facilities costs $A90 per night and a private quad room with private bathroom facilities costs $100 per night.

Those traveling solo can sleep in a great dorm bed at an affordable price, but those traveling in groups of four can stay in a sawnky suite for only $A25 ($A1 more than a dorm bed). 

Start looking for people to room with in Agnes Waters.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Overall

Rockhampton, about 30 minutes from Emu Park, is a common stop for transfers, etc. en route to Airlie Beach. Some may choose to stay in town, only to pay more for less. Emus Beach Resort is luxury-living for backpackers and there's enough to do in the area to make it an official stop on travelers' east coast trip in Australia.

Become a fan of THE WORD!

And also keep an eye on YouTube and Flickr!

Many special thanks to VIP Backpackers and All Seasons for being our gracious hosts throughout this trip!