Southern Cross Tourist Retreat: summer camp for big kids

By Bobbi Lee Hitchon // 17 May 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: agnes waters, captain cook, Hostels, town of 1770

From the moment Bobbi-Jo and I drove under the Southern Cross sign into the tourist retreat in Agnes Water, I felt like I was at summer camp. We parked the car at the first spot we found and walked up a dusty path past some cabins, a convertible SUV straight out of the swinging 60s and mirror-like lake.

All I needed was Patrick Swayze to come come out and dance with me for this place to be heaven.

The friendly staff made us new campers feel comfortable and excited for upcoming activities. We stayed in one of their four-bed cabins, which are named after different countries. While I was a bit apprehensive about their no key and lock system, I actually felt more at ease with it by the end, like this was a place I didn't have to worry about all the little things travelers usually have to worry about.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon.

To add to the happy camper vibe, the boys from Reef 2 Beach Surf School in Agnes water hosted a bon fire and barbecue the first night of our stay. They even brought marshmallows for roasting by the fire and held a wax-on, wax-off competition after dinner.

However, unlike the summer camps of my youth, this camp included shuttle service to Agnes Water Tavern, the local bar, and didn't force me out of bed at the crack of dawn. Most of the events around the area don't start before noon, allowing guests to sleep in (but not too late if they want to catch free breakfast). In their down time, guests can walk around the property to look at its horses and wild life as well as lounge in its numerous hammocks or by the pool.

A year-long summer camp for backpackers and travelers alike, Southern Cross Tourist Retreat in Agnes Water is a good place to stay and check out Town of 1770 and a great place to relax on a long trip up the east coast.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon.

Location

Proximity is not really an issue in Agnes Water and Town of 1770. There is a town center, but there's not much there other than a few shops and restaurants. Plus, Bustard Bay, where Captain James Cook first landed in Queensland, Australia in May of , you guessed it, 1770, is just one historical monument on the beach.

Hostels are located in the town center that, good or bad, are just hostels. Southern Cross is a clean and affordable retreat off the tourist trail. People don't go to be close to other things, they go to be there. The retreat is a beautiful place to stay by any standards, but a unique place to find on backpacker market.

Guests will even find local tour operators hanging out there and transportation is never a problem as they offer shuttles to various spots throughout the day.

Staff

Remember how quickly you bonded with counselors and fellow campers at summer camp and how sad it was to leave them, even if it was only a week?

That's how Southern Cross is.

All the staff members were kind and easy to get along with. Since the hostel is a bit secluded, guests will probably spend more time actually at this hostel than they usually do at others, which allows them to become better acquainted with the staff and other guests on the property.

Everyone from the owners to fellow backpackers taking a break to work, were fun to be around and hard to leave behind.

Vibe

Everything about this place is designed to make people feel relaxed. From the swinging hammocks posted under shaded areas to the quiet and clean pool stationed under the sun to the cinema room that's stacked with futons, the retreat has plenty of options for travelers to unwind. Decorated with wooden, smiling Buddha statues, you'll leave the place with a similar expression.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon.

Price

Four-bed dorm rooms, which include an ensuite cost $A28 per person, per night. Private double rooms, which include a TV, ensuite and more costs $A70 per night. While beds and bathing facilities in their four-bedroom dorms are just average, the facilities featured on the property, like a pool, lounge areas, affordable internet and barbecue pit, make the retreat worth every penny.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon.

Overall

Just like camp, I didn't want to leave this place. Just like camp, I look forward to returning next year.